MLP G5 Sunset: IDW Comic Story

Chapters

Issue 2:
Issue 3:
Issue 5:
Issue 6:
Issue 7:
Issue 8:
Issue 9:
Issue 10:
Issue 1:
Issue 4.

Issue 2:

Issue 2:

A while later, Zipp, Sunny and Pipp are still searching for the Crystal Thief in the skys. Pipp is beginning to grow tired while Zipp and Sunny are not, but Zipp is starting to grow bored from all this searching.

“I spy, with my pony eye…Another leafy tree.” Zipp said, while passing the borning time by playing ‘I Spy’.

Sunny picks up a leaf as she inspects it. “Ooh, they’re already beginning to shed. That’s going to increase the effectiveness of pollination and help them flower.” She explains the circle of plant growth that the leaves will do once they start to shed.

“If I fall right now, it’s not because of my magic glitched out. It’s because you’re putting me to sleep.” Pipp said tiredly to the two ponies, that all this searching and boredom is really putting Pipp energy down as she yawns.

“The trees are way too thick for the Crystal Thief to have gotten this far away.” Zipp pointed out that no way the thief would have gotten that far with the trees too thick like this.

Sunny then thinks of a plan. “We should regroup with the others. See if they found anything.” She suggested to see if the others have any better luck. The three ponies flew back to the spot where they spread out, while they flew, they saw Hitch and Cloudpuff in front of the cave.

“Down here!” Hitch called out to them from the ground.

“Hitch!” Sunny called out to her childhood friend as she, Zipp and Pipp flew down and landed on the ground. “Where’s Izzy and Sunset?” She asks that two of their friends are not here.

“I’ve been calling out to them. They should be here soon.” Hitch answered Sunny that he’s been calling to them for a while and might have guessed they heard him and might be on their way.

Zipp then notices Cloudpuff is pointing to the cave. “What’s got into you, bud?” She asks, wondering what is wrong with Cloudpuff.

Hitch answered as he got close to the cave. “As soon as you left, Cloudpuff raced off. I thought he was running towards something but turns out he was running away…” He then moved the vines as he showed the group. “...From this!” He finished as he and the others looked at what’s inside the cave. It was the Canterlot gates that were open, as Sunny gasps in shock while Pipp is disgusted from the mud in the cave while Zipp looks at the gate. “The door’s open. Bet we’ll find the Crystal Thief through here! How’s that for detective work?” He said while asking the last question to Zipp about her detective thing but ignored it as she looked at the gate.

Sunny looked at the gates in amazement as she covered her mouth with her hooves and she got sparkles in her eyes. “The sacred Gates of The Anicents!” She squeals in excitment as she grabs Hitch and shakes him like crazy, “My Dad used to read me stories. Back when Canterlot became home to the Royal Princesses, this gate was built to welcome travelers!” She continues to shake Hitch as she continues to speak. “Behind these gates is the most magical place on Earth! The very place Twilight Sparkle was coronated and became the Ruler of Equestria and was the home where Sunset Shimmer used to live… I’ve dreamed of coming here my whole life.” Sunny explains her life long dream of finding the place Twilight used to rule Equestria in as she stops shaking Hitch, who looks dizzy from all the shaking while Cloudpuff looks at them strangely. Sunny didn’t notice as she looked at the gate with a proud and exciting smile as a tear dropped from her eyes as they sparkled. “I made it Dad.” She said to herself, knowing that her Dad was right that she will find Canterlot one day.

Sunny and the other three ponies, and Cloudpuff, enter the gates as they see the ruins of Canterlot. Sunny look at Canterlot with excitments as the three ponies looked around while Cloudpuff sniffs the ground for any clues.

Pipp picks up what's left of the Canterlot banner as she cringes in disgust. “Yikes. You dreamed of cominger here? No offenese, but if the thief needed enough money to move out of this ghost town, maybe we should let him keep the crystal.” She pointed out, thinking the thief might need the crystal for money to get out of a ghost town.

Sunny turned to Pipp with a smile. “Nopony’s lived in Canterlot for a while.” She pointed out that nopony has been in Canterlot for a long while, I mean long, since the ponies were divided. “But I promise you’ll be able to feel the magic once we start exploring!” She said in excitement on wanting to explore the former ancient capital of Equestria. The four ponies look around the ruins of Canterlot as Zipp and Pipp look through a window as Sunny looks at the old buildings while waving her hoof in excitement. “Every one of these shops is a relic from the past, the Canterlot Culture lived here! Sunset used to live here when she was Celestia’s star student!” She explains to them while also remembering that Sunset told them that she used to live in Canterlot and was Celestia’s former student before she moved to the human world, having told stories from Sunset herself.

Hitch looked around. “Uh… Shouldn’t we wait for Izzy and Sunset?” He reminded them that they should wait for Sunset and Izzy, not wanting to leave them behind. Just then, they heard loud noises from inside the run-down building of Joe’s Donut Shop, which startled the ponies. Hitch gets in front of Sunny and shields her with his hooves. “The Crystal Thief!” He called out, thinking the crystal thief might be inside. The ponies come close to Hitch as he explains a plan to them. “The trick with these things is always to take the thief by surprise. So keep quiet and follow my lead.” He whispers to them the plan as he takes the lead as Sunny the others follow, they duck behind the walls as they duck under the windows so the thief won’t see them coming. Hitch then got close to the door as he gently opened it, and then burst it open as Sunny went into Alicorn mode and used her magic from her horn as she and Zipp came next to Hitch as they burst the door open. “You’ve been caught red-hoofed, Crystal Thief! Give us back the Pegasus Crystal!” He yelled out to whoever was in the shop, but it was a false alarm as they realized somepony, or should we say someponies.

“You made it!” Izzy cheered as she and Sunny were being leviated from Sunny’s magic while donuts were floating around them as Izzy was holding a tray of them before being levitated by Sunny.

“Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.” Sunset replied with a smirk while still floating in the levitation spell that Sunny cast.

“Izzy? Sunset?” Sunny said in surprise while also embarrassed that she traps two of her best friends in her magic. Sunny released them from her magic as Sunset and Izzy were put back on the ground, while the donuts fell into the floor. “How long have you two been here? Why didn’t you call us?” She asks them, wondering how long they’ve been in the ruins of Canterlot and why they didn’t come to them sooner as she deactivated her Alicorn maigc.

“We tried, but you flew too far away. So we came here to look for the thief ourselves. And I spent the last few minutes trying to calm Sunset down after she was crying her eyes out a short while ago.” Izzy answered while spinning the donut that is on her horn.

Sunny looked at Sunset with a quizzable expression. “You were crying, Sunset?” She asks the alicorn.

“Don’t give me that look.” Sunset replied. “How would you like it if you see your old home that you once knew in ruins after being away for so long.” She said while giving Sunny a look, telling her not to judge her if she was crying to see her old home in ruins.

Sunny thought what Sunset said while thinking of what she would feel to see Maretime Bay in ruins. She then took a deep breath and spoke. “Okay, I see your point.” She admittedly said to Sunset, finding her words fair.

Izzy then pointed the horn with the dohnut on it at Pipp while holding on in her hoof. “We’ve gotta try these donuts, They’ve been aged, like, a hundred years, which means they’re really fancy!” She said to them while holding the donut.

Sunset rolled her eyes at this. “Izzy. We came into this shop because I wanted to show you that this is where Twilight and her friends would hang out after their first night at Canterlot Gala and after the final battle with the Legion of Doom. And those donuts have been here for a really long time that they are no good.” She explained to the unicorn that Twilight told her that this was the place where Twilight and her friends used to go after Canterlot Gala and after the final battle with Cozy Glow, Tirek and Chrystalis, while also pointing out that those donuts are way past their expiration date.

Pipp cringe in disgust while the donut spins some gunk off from Izzy’s horn. “Sunset’s right. It’s not like cheese, Izzy. If you eat that, you’ll be sick for days.” She pointed out that if Izzy ate those donuts, she would be sick for a while.

Zipp then came headed for the door. “Well, we’re not going to find our Crystal Thief here. Looks like we’ll have to do some exploring after all.” She pointed out that they might have to search Canterlot to find the Crystal Thief.

“Yes!” Sunny cheered to herself that they will really explore the ancient ruins of the former capital of Equestria.

“Luckly, you guys have me.” Sunset called out. “I know Canterlot very well, like the back of my hoof. Remember, I used to live here. So I can show you around while searching for the Crystal Thief.” She pointed out to them that since she used to live in Canterlot, she knows the place inside out and knows where to go.

“Great call, Sunset! You can show us around as we search! I bet you are glad to see your old home again!” Sunny cheered for Sunset, happy to have her with them since she know’s Twilight and the other Guardians of Frienship while also knowing Canterlot very well.

Sunset wasn’t as happy as Sunny thinks, she is still upset to see her home like this. “Yeah. Glad you have me, Sunny. And you could say that.” Sunset said to her with a little sad tone as she walked out of the donut shop, taking the lead to guide her friends through the former capital of Equestria.

Sunny saw this and was a little worried to hear Sunset say that, but after hearing from Izzy that Sunset was crying after seeing what’s left of her old home, she starts to understand why as she walks out to follow the others, Hitch follows after.

Pipp sees what they are doing, still tired from all the searching, she grabs the donut on Izzy’s horn as she gives a nervous smile. “I actually will have this donut.” She said nervously to Izzy, thinking that if she eats this donut and gets sick, she doesn’t have to search with the. But before she could eat it, Izzy grabbed her and dragged her out the shop. “Hey!” Pipp cried out as she dropped the donut, now having to endure searching the ruins of Canterlot with her friends.

A while later, the Mane 6 are looking around the ruins of Canterlot as they search for the Crystal Thief. Sunset took the lead, knowing Canterlot very well, she knew her way around. Sunset was a little sad at seeing what’s left of her home in ruins, wondering who or how could’ve caused all this.

Sunny looked at the ruins of Canterlot, a little excited but a little down as well. “I can’t believe I’m here…” She said outloud, still not believing that she is actually standing on ancient Equestrian soil of her lifelong idols of Twilight and the Guardians of Friendship.

Izzy then came next to Sunny with a smirk. “I think you can believe it, and that’s sorta the problem.” She said to Sunny.

Sunset turned to Sunny, understanding what she meant. “Still shocked to see Canterlot before your eyes, Sunny?” She asks Sunny.

“Yeah.” Sunny answered to both Izzy and Sunset. “But seeing Canterlot like this…” She pointed out that she didn’t picture Canterlot to be in ruins like this.

“That’s what you wanted to create in Maretime Bay.” Izzy pointed out to Sunny, reminding her that she wanted the same thing to be created in Maretime Bay, but not fully understand what Sunny mean by it.

Sunny continues. “I always saw Canterlot as the perfect beacon of friendship. A place where Unicorns, Earth Ponies and Pegasi lived in harmony and no pony ever felt left behind.” She told them about her vision of what Canterlot would be, but seeing it in ruins wasn’t one of them. Sunny looks down the streat of the ruins of the once beautiful capital of Equestria and the place where Twilight and the Guardians of Friendship used to be. “...Makes me question how hard it would be to keep it that way.” She finished, wondering and hoping they would keep the harmony and not repeat whatever happened to Canterlot would not happen again.

“We are keeping the peace this time, Sunny.” Sunset’s voice spoke out as Sunny and Izzy turned to her and saw that Sunset had a determined expression. “We are going to keep the magic of friendship going and keep the peace this time. We have too. Twilight worked hard to unite the creatures of Equestria, and we also worked hard to keep the magic of friendship and harmony going while rebuilding her legacy. And we will get that Pegasus Crystal back and keep the magic going!” She yelled out as she looked at the ruins of Canterlot with a little sad look but kept determined. “We’re not going to let Twilight’s legacy be destroyed again, and I don’t want what happened to Canterlot or my Old Equestria happening again to the rest of New Equestria. And I’m not gonna let that happen again.” She said as she turned and continued to take the lead, still feeling the conflict inside her to see her old home like this and not wanting to let what happened to old Equestria happen again in the new era of it.

Sunny and Izzy looked at Sunset, feeling inspired by her woods and also felt sympathy for her that Sunset is seeing her old home in ruins and that her old friend Twilight’s legacy was broken, they understand how Sunset is feeling, and they would do anything to help her keep Twilight’s legacy going.

“Hey ponies!” Zipp called out to them from a distance, the ponies ran to her as Zipp pointed to a familiar place that Sunset knows too well. “Listen up, according to new evidence that’s just come to light, if we want to find the Crystal Thief, I believe we need to head to the Royal Castle.” She called out to them while pointing to the Royal Canterlot Castle, which surprisingly is still standing and has seen better days for sure unlike the rest of Canterlot.

Sunny was so fanmared out that she got hearts in her eyes as she squealed in excitement at seeing the ancient Royal Castle of Equestria that Twilight onced resided in. “The Royal Castle!” She squealed as she came to Zipp’s face and squished her cheeks in excitement. “You’re a genius, Zipp! You know the thief must be somepony with a power complex who would be drawn to the castle. They would also have the best view from up there to spot incoming threats!” Sunny called out the possibility that the thief would use the castle to see incoming threats.

Sunny let go of Zipp as the Pegasus rubs her cheeks from the squishing as she gave off an embarrassing smile. “Yeah…Of couse I realized all that…” She then pointed to the entrance of the castle that is open. “...And also, I might have seen the door being opened.” She pointed out the obvious question of the reason the thief might be in the castle.

The others looked on with a smile, while Sunny is lost in her little fanmare world as she smile and cry with tears of joy with magic dust over her head while Izzy is holding Sunny with a smile to keep her balance while Sunset patted Sunny’s head with a smile to calm her down a bit, knowing that Sunny is totally fangirling out that she is seeing the Royal Canterlot Castle before her eyes.

Sunset spoke after a moment of silence as she patted Sunny’s head with a smile. “You are really a fan of Twilight and the others by pure heart and you are so much like Twilight in so many ways, Sunny. You know that?” She teasingly said to Sunny, who just nodded her head in response while still lost in her dream come true world. “C’mon. The thief would be in the Canterlot Castle alright. Knowing that place it is the beacon of all of Equestria to see and overlook out in the open.” She said to them as she took the lead for the others to follow since she knows the castle better than anypony, the other smiled as Hitch spoke up.

“Get into formation around Sunset, everypony. We’ve got a thief to catch!” Hitch declared as the others followed Sunset into the castle.

A few minutes later, Sunset led her friends through the castle. Knowing the structure of the castle since she used to be Celestia’s star student, and with it having been redsign from the passing of time with new looks and new structures around from what Twilight send to her to see the redsign of the castle, the castle was just as Sunset remembers, more or less but the structure remain the same, just with new looks.

“This sure brings back memories of this place.” Sunset spoke out. Remembering the times she had while in the castle, from the first day when she was Celestia’s pupil all the way up to redeeming her friendship with Celestia during the whole memory stone incident. “I’m surprised the castle is still in one piece. Even after all these years. Glad to see some things are still in one piece.” She added, having fond memories of her time in the Canterlot Castle.

Sunny came next to Sunset with a smile. “You must’ve had good times for you, huh Sunset?” She asks her.

Sunset couldn’t help but smile. “It sure brings back memories of me learning about magic and how to make friends from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, Sunny. I’m just glad the Castle is surprisingly in one piece after all these years. This is one of the relics left of Twilight and my friends back in the day.” She said to Sunny, glad that the Canterlot Castle is still in one piece after all these generations unlike the rest of Canterlot, and the Castle was one of the connections she has left of Twilight as well.

Sunny smiles back at Sunset. “I’m sure it does. Even I’m surprised this castle is still in one piece unlike the rest of Canterlot. But I wonder what else there is that this Castle might show like Twilight and the Guardians of Friendship!” She squeals in excitement, wondering what else Canterlot Castle might reveal for Sunny of anything in the history of Ancient Equestria of Twilight and her friends.

Sunset just smiled at Sunny’s enthusiasm. “Well, I’m glad you love ancient histories of Equestria and my time, Sunny. And you and the others are gonna be even more happy and amazed to a place where I’m leading you guys, and hopefully to our crystal thief.” She then leads them to a familiar door down the hall that she knows all too well, and that it has Celestia’s old Cutie Mark on it. “We open this door, and we will see if the crystal thief is inside. If not, I can show you something that might give you guys an interest to see.” She said to them as the group wondered what Sunset means and what’s behind this door.

“I’ve got the door!” Izzy cheered as she jumped infront of the door and concentrated her magic from her horn. “Come on, little horn-horn. You can do it!” Izzy strains as she tries to use her magic to open the door, but then her horn stops glowing. “Magic’s gone again.” She said in disappointment that her magic has faded again from the glitch.

“I still have my magic coursing through me. I can get this door open.” Sunset said to them, stating that her magic is not glitching and she can still use it. She step infront of the door and focus her magic into her horn. With a little effort, she got the door wide open, revealing the Canterlot Throne Room, which is still in one piece, stained glass of past events and all, maybe a little cobwebs and dusts and vines around and banners tattered from years of no pony to fix them, but still the throne room is in one piece. Sunset smiled as the others stared in amazement, while Hitch is still focused on the tasks of finding the crystal thief. “Welcome to the Canterlot Throne Room.” Sunset announced to them with a smile, glad that the throne room is still in one piece, as it has seen better days, that’s for sure.

Zipp and Cloudpuff flew around the throne room, seeing it in amazement while Pipp was looking around with teary eyes, she brought up her dead phone. “Click.” She said, still sad she can’t capture an ancient ruin of Equestrian history to her Pippsqueaks and still sad she still can’t use her phone since the battery is dead while Izzy looked around with a ‘ooohhh’ expression.

Sunny on the other hoof, is the most exciting mare in most of the group. Because she is seeing the very room that Twilight onced sat in while ruling Equestria as she gave up teary eyes, sparkles above her head while smiling with joy. “Princess Celestia, Luna and Twilight Sparkle all stepped hooves exactly where I’m stepping! EEE!” She squeals in excitement, very joyfull that she is stepping on the very room that the Princesses of Eqestria once stepped hoof in. Sunny then ran to Sunset and hugged her around her neck. “Thank you! Thank you, Sunset! You really made my day even more happy than it already has by showing me the Throne Room Princess Twilight onced sat in!” She squeals with joy at seeing the very room that Twilight once sat while ruling Equestria.

Sunset chuckles a bit before hugging Sunny back. “You’re welcome, Sunny. I figure you will be like this, since you know the history of Twilight and the others as well as know the true history of old Equestria. And I’m just glad the throne room is still in one piece. I’m surprised it survived all this time, including the tapestries stained glass as well. Unlike the ones back in Zephyr Heights’ station.” She pointed out as she and Sunny let go of the hug, glad that the tapestries stained glass windows are still in one piece as she looks at the picture where Twilight once became an Alicorn with her friends around her, she gave off a sad smile, still missing Twilight but knowing that she is always be with her and the new generation as her spirit lives on and her legacy still thriving.

As Sunset looks at the tapestries, Sunny is fan maring out as she twirls around the throne room while having sparkles in her eyes in amazement as she is close to throne chairs with Hitch behind her. “History has been made in this Throne Room a thousand times over…And it’s still standing!” She excitedly said about the throne room still standing. “Even after all the attacks from Queen Chrystalis, the Storm King and King Sombra. Can you believe it!?” She asks her friends in amazement while going through the records she and her father read on how many dangers and history has been made in the throne room.

Hitch then spoke out to her while waving his hoof. “Sunny! Now is not the time for fanponying.” He said to her that it’s not the time to be fanponying over ancient history, he’s amazed about this himself but onto the more pressing matter at hoof. “The Crystal Thief was clearly calling us here, so we can assume this is a trap. We need to stay vigilant.” He stated that this might be a trap if the thief drags them into the throne room. Sunny then went to the tapestry of Twilight that Sunset is looking at as Izzy looked on in amazement, Zipp is petting Cloudpuff while Pipp is still sad about her phone as Hitch looks around the throne room. “Look for any signs of movement. In front of you, behind you.” He instructs them as he looks around, but not noticing that the girls and Cloudpuff all fell to the trap doors on the floors that they are standing on as they fell through them as Hitch continues. “We need to be completely aware of our surroundings. Because if we’re not paying attention…” He then turned his head around to face the others. “...We could be in big…” He stops as he looks in shock that friends are gone and the trap doors below are open. “...Trouble.” He finished, right before he fell into the trap door that opens as well, she cried out in shock as he fell through the trap.

Hitch falls through the trap as he screams a bit before he falls right on a chair that cushions his landing, leaving him dizzy from the fall and a little shaken.

It then reveals that the Mane 6 who are a little frazzled and shocked from the fall, except for Izzy who is smiling, are sitting on what looks like a dinner table with snacks on it.

“How cute is this?!” Izzy cheered in excitement, finding it cute to see a dinner table and the snacks set up right before them as she grabbed some of them. “Somepony invited us to a Tea Party! And these donuts look delicious! Maybe not as fine a vintage as the ones earlier, but C’est La Vie---” She was cut off when Zipp spoke up.

“I think this is more of a filly-napping than a party invitation, Izzy.” Zipp pointed out while sweating nervously, wondering who kidnapped them.

Izzy then picks up a card with her name on it. “Would a Filly-Napper have made us homemade place cards?” She questioned Zipp that the Filly-Napper wouldn’t have put in place cards that show where they sit and have their name on it.

Sunset was getting a strange vibe from all this. “Why do I get the feeling I heard about this type of thing before?” She questioned herself, finding a familiar sense that Twilight showed and telling her about this, thinking she heard of this familiar thing before.

“Reginald Fursome is the one who made those place cards.” A voice called out to the group.

The Mane 6 are all surprised by the sudden voice as they turn, and they see an Opossum on the floor with a card around his neck. “Meep.” It said to the group, before justuring behind him on who really spoke to them.

And they saw from a cave entrance, a hoof came out as the Opossum ran to its owner. “He’s an annoyingly needy kind of creature…” And then, surprisingly, the one who is walking out of the cave turned out to be none other than Discord, the Lord of Chaos himself, friend from Twilight and the Guardians of Friendship and a deep friend to Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness he deeply cared about with animals like a bunny, squirrel, and a raccoon behind him.

Discord is really old from how much time has passed since Twilight once ruled Equestria. His hair, beardchin and tail hair are all white and long, his wings looked tattered up, his ears looked a little bit tear up, and his left horn on his head is broken, with the top part broken out over time.

“...And will ‘Meep’ at the top of his lungs whe he eats berries on the carpet, even though I tell him that juice is hard to scrub out.” Discord continues his sentence on Fursome as the Opossum smiles. “But unfortunately, he also has a very creative eye.” He added. “My old friend Fluttershy used to say all opossums do. And what I’ve learned is that if you’re not paying attention to Fluttershy, you’re not paying attention to what really matters.” He finished with a lesson that Fluttershy taught him all those years again, and still remembers it too.

Sunny then gasps in shock at who she is seeing as she pointed a hoof at Discord. “Your DISCORD!” She cried out in amazement. “The Discord! The lord of chaos, who was friends with Fluttershy, who helped Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Thorax to save everypony from the Changelings!” She squeals in excitment, reading about the history from her father’s notes.

Sunset couldn’t believe her eyes at what she was seeing. She is really seeing Discord, the lord of chaos for the first time. She had read about him before during her time with Celestia and from the notes and pictures Twilight showed her about Discord and the troubles and a little friendship times she and her friends had with him. And she thought she was the only pony left who knows Twilight and the rest of the Mane 6 and their influences left, but seeing Discord made her happy that she is not the only one after all, but a little weary since she heard about Discord and how he deals with chaos and all.

Discord came closer to Sunny as he spoke to them as Sunny is covering her mouth with her hooves while having stars in her eyes at seeing Discord herself while the others, except for Izzy who is eating a donut, looks suspicious about him. “And you are Sunny, Hitch, Pipp, Izzy, Zipp and…” He then looks at a certain Alicorn besides Sunny. He gave off a smile once she saw Sunset. “Sunset. So glad you finally returned to Equestria after all these years.” He said to her, giving off a smile.

Sunset was a little shocked by this. “You know who we are?” She asks Discord, wondering how he knows them when they haven’t met before until now.

“Of course I do. I am the lord of chaos, I know reality like it’s the back of my paw, that’s how I know everypony. And Twilight spoke very highly of you from the times she spent with you.” Discord answered Sunset’s question, which Sunset brought a smile on her face that Twilight spoke very highly of her to her friends when she was away as Discord continues. “There’s nopony who comes to Canterlot without me knowing about it, and… usually there’s nopony who comes…” He then stands up straight with a cheerly smile to the group. “...But today’s an exception. I’m so delighted you could all make it to my little soiree!” He cheered happily, glad that he finally saw ponies after all these years to hang out with.

“Woof!” Couldpuff barked at Discord, while the others, except for Izzy, were unsure about this.

Izzy then leaned her head closer to Zipp while still eating the donut. “You see. It was an invitation.” She said to Zipp who gave her a look, still not buying what Discord said.

Discord then grabs a teacup and takes a bite out of it. As he chewed the piece of it, Sunny spoke up, barely keeping her excitement in check. “Mr. Discord, I have so many questions to ask you---Like, so many.” She said to him, wanting to ask so many questions about him right now, but gone straight to the point. “One of the Unity Crystals was stolen. And we followed the thief here to Canterlot. Sunset showed us around since she used to live here, but we still can’t seem to find the thief. You wouldn’t happen to have seen the thief around here, would you?” She asks while holding her chin with her hooves as she looks at Discord with a nervous smile and sparkles over her head and on her eyes, really excited to see another ancient pony, or creature, who knows Twilight so well like Sunset.

Zipp and Pipp both place their hooves on their heads, finding not the right time for Sunny to fan out and for giving that information to Discord. “Smooth.” Pipp said to Sunny as she twirled her phone around.

Discord placed the broken teacup down as he spoke with a smile. “The thief is exactly why we’re having this soiree! There is so much to tell, and it all begins with a dramatic story.” He said to Sunny as he placed his talon arm up and snapped his fingers, but nothing happened. “There goes my magic glitching out again. Standby!” He said to the others, that his chaos magic is glitching out as well. He cracks his hands while he stretch as Fursome came over him with a rope. Discord pulled the rope down, and then suddenly a stage appeared as the tarps cleared out and Discord was somehow on stage as he strikes a pose.

The Mane 6 stares in confusion, except for Sunny (since knowing Discord’s magic from her notes), Izzy and Sunset (since having heard of Discord from Twilight and how he does), wondering how he did that.

Hitch holds up a pamphlet about Discord that suddenly appears in his hooves. “Has that stage been there the whole time?” He asks, a little shocked and wondering how that stage is here.

“Twilight told me that Discord is known to be the lord of chaos.” Sunset answered Hitch. “His magic can make the impossible possible. He can do the strangest things from time to time, kinda like how Pinkie Pie can do the impossible and gives out questionable outcomes that can never be questioned.” She added, knowing the details about Discord and his magic from Twilight.

Pipp then spoke. “Well, that lightning is completely oversaturating him. It’s very unflattering.” Pipp pointed out the details about the stage, finding it unflattering for Discord.

Izzy then grabs some popcorn from out of knowhere as she munches some. “Anypony want popcorn?” She asks her friends but gets no answer as they watch Discord on the stage.

Discord then spoke out as Fursome plays the music and a scroll appeared infront of Discord as he reads it outloud. “While age has been exceedingly kind to this handsome Lord of Chaos, many moons ago, when I was but a spry draconequus, I was part of a high-flying group.” He said as flashbacks then appeared.

Flashback (Discord Point of View).

Discord then had a vision of the Original Mane 6, the Elements of Harmony back in the day in the 30 years after the final battle with the Leigon of Doom. He pictures them like it was only yesterday as he remembers his dear friends.

“It was Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and me fighting the good fight.” Discord told them while adding himself, sure he might cause some mess-up mistakes but his friends, and mostly Fluttershy, still cared about him back in the day. “Our fans called us the Mane-Ificent 7.” He said, while boasting him to be part of the group, even though it’s not true but he wanted to be in the picture as well.

Hold Flashback (Discord Point of View).

Sunny then whispered to Hitch and Sunset next to her with a smug look.

“The history books might have a few corrections on that one.” Sunny whispered to them as Sunset nodded her head in agreement as Hitch listened carefully, finding Discord’s backstory to not be 100% true since Twilight and the others are called the Mane 6, and Discord wasn’t always part of the group.

Fursome then came to Sunny with a sign that saids ‘Save your comments until the end, Sunny.’ on it. Sunny looks at the sign and is bewildered at it.

“Did you juse have that sign ready to go?” Sunny questioned Fursome, who then turned the sign around that now read ‘Yes. We did, Sunny.’ on it as Sunny gave a pout, now have to stay quiet until the stage thing is over.

Sunset patted Sunny’s back. “Let’s just go with it until the stage thing is over, Sunny.” She assures Sunny that she will make comments after the stage is over, Fursome picked up another sign that said ‘Listen to Sunset. She knew the rules.’ to which Sunny nodded her head in saying okay, but still pouted that she can’t speak for the rest of the show.

Flashback Continues (Discord Point of View).

Discord continues his story as he revealed more scenes of the Mane 6 when they got older as Twilight shoots a rainbow magic out from her horn. “We were quite the heroic little team, but truth is, when Twilight first took over as Ruler of Equestria, there wasn’t much for us to do.” He pointed out that since Twilight took charge as Princess of Equestria, there wasn’t much the rest of the Mane 6 would do after their final battle. “Twilight made sure everypony in Equestria felt respected and cared for, and we all lived in---what’s the opposite of chaos? Ah. Yes---.”

Discord then gives his hands the ‘An I quote’ gesture. “--Harmony.” He finished, not liking saying the opposite of chaos since he is practically chaos himself, but has to say for Fluttershy’s lessons she taught him to behave as he continues his story.

“During those quiet years, Fluttershy and I created an animal sanctuary and took a few proteges under our wings.” Discord said while showing him and Fluttershy taking care of the animals in the sanctuary while teaching a few ponies about them so Fluttershy shared her kindness to others. “We taught them to care for all the creatures of the Everfree Forest. It was pure and utter bliss.” He said that everything turned out great as peace and harmony has been great in Equestria for years.

And then he showed a vision of a pony mare with a long horn on her head as well as pointy ears and a sinister look. “Until a wicked pony came along…” He said in the low tone of that pony. “...One who caused pandemonium with her false ideas of a Perfect Equestria.” He said, hinting that this pony must have done something with her false ideas. Discord then shows a vision of the pony skipping in front of Fluttershy and the pony next to her when they are about to buy some flowers. “Those who listened to her started believing some races of pony were better than others simply because of the magical abilities they possessed.” He said as Fluttershy and the pony gave the line cutter a little glare.

“So sorry, but you need to wait your turn like everypony else.” Fluttershy retorted softly to the line cutter.

The line cutter pony stared back at Fluttershy. “Unicorns have better things to do than wait in line.” She retorted back at her with a mean look. And the next thing she did was shove Fluttershy to the ground with her flowers on the floor, ruined as the line cutter walked away. Leaving the ponies around her shocked at what she did to Fluttershy as she was about to cry. But thankfully Discord showed up to comfort her.

“It’s okay.” Discord said, comforting Fluttershy as she was about to cry,

“But it was far from okay.” Discord keeps telling as he showed them that the ponies around Ponyville are now arguing and are complaining about each tribe. “One instance led to another, and soon Ponykind found themselves divided.” He told them that the ponies are now dividing themselves about their differences.

“Sorry, young fella, but we only allow Earth Ponies inside.” The baker stallion said to the Unicorn foal as he showed the no unicorns sign.

Another unicorn and an earth pony next to them glare at each other.

A Pegasus was flying by over the couple earth ponies. “Watch where you’re flying!” The Earth Pony stallion yelled out.

“These Pegasi are absolute hazards.” The Earth Pony mare added.

And then came to the scene at the sanctuary where Discord and Fluttershy found out they’ve lost their proteges. “Our filly proteges stopped attending our sessions…” Discord said in a sad tone.

“My parents say there’s nothing for me to learn from a lowly Pegasus who can’t even leviatate and apple.” The Earth Pony Filly said in sadness that her parent’s can’t let her attend Fluttershy and Discord’s lessons anymore, leaving Discord and Fluttershy hurt.

“It was all very upsetting, but I knew I had it together for Fluttershy.” Discord boast, but he made that up as he is wailing his tears out as Fluttershy tries to comfort him.

“She didn’t really mean it, Discord.” Fluttershy said to Discord is a soft voice. “Her parents are just scared, that’s all.” She tries to reason with him as he continues to cry.

And then it showed Discord and Fluttershy, along with a couple of ponies, trying to out run or fly from a dark thundering cloud that is attacking Equestria. “Then truly terrible things happened. Much which is far too frightful to describe. Things in Equestria became even more divided.” Discord pointed out with Equestria even more divided than before, darkness and trouble happened in Equestria that it was too awful for him to describe what kind of trouble.

And then turned to Twilight and her friends. Twilight used a magic spell from a book that she used to create the three Unity Crystals that are seen on this day. “To make sure magic never again pitted Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies against one another, Twilight gathered all the world’s magic and placed it in three crystals.” Discord revealed that Twilight and her friends were the ones who created these crystals so that it will keep the tribes and all the creatures together.

And then turned to Ponyville where Ponykind forgave one another and apologized for their complaints to each other while Pinkie Pie and her son Lil’ Cheese are about to use their new cannon named ‘Glitter Blast 3000’ to all the ponies in Ponyville. “As long as these three crystals were protected, and all Ponykind lived in harmony, magic would be kept alive and well in Equestria.” Discord finished his story.

End of Flashback (Discord Point of View).

Once Discord finished his story, he sat on the stage as he began to tear up from telling them about his past, missing his friends and missing his Fluttershy as well. Fursome holds up a sign that said ‘Applause’, telling them to applause to Discord for telling his story. Pipp and Zipp applauded, Zipp and Hitch looked at each other strangely, while the others just looked at Discord.

Sunny and Sunset came to the front stage as they came up in front of Discord. Sunny spoke first. “So it was Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy who created the crystals…” Sunny stated, now knowing where the crystals come from and who made them from what Discord told them.

“And they were created because Ponykind was fighting one another and it nearly caused chaos and nearly caused the destruction of Equestria.” Sunset added, Discord nodded his head in saying yes to both of them. And then a realization hit’s Sunset. “Wait, you also mentioned that Twilight took all the world’s magic into the crystals. Right?” She asks as Discord nodded his head in confirmation. “But by the time I came back to Equestira, my magic was still with me even when I enterned a time when nopony else had their magic. Maybe because since I was out of Equestria for many moons, my magic is not connected to the crystals to begin with! That’s why I didn't feel any magic glitches when the glitch started and why I still have my magic when I return home, because my magic is not connected to the crystals!” She stated that since she was out of Equestria at the time before Twilight created the Unity Crystals, her magic is not connected to the crystals unlike the rest of Equestria and every magical creature in it.

Zipp then thought of what Sunset said and then gasped. “You're right, Sunset. You were in the human world before the magic of Equestria was stored in the crystals. That explains why your magic is still with you when we first met you and why you haven’t felt any magic glitches, which makes you immune to the crystal's effects.” She said, while also detailing how Sunset still had her magic when she returned home and why the glitch hasn’t affected her.

Sunny then turned to Sunset with a smile. “At least that’s one good thing about being away from home for so long, Sunset. At least your magic is not connected to the crystals and since then, you helped us alot.” She said the times when Sunset helped them when they restored the magic and brought the tribes together, Sunset has helped out quite alot. Sunset smiled at what Sunny said before Sunny turned back to Discord with a worried look. “Discord, you need to help us get that missing crystal back so we can keep magic alive and protect their legacy.” She told Discord that they need to get the crystal back to keep magic going and keep the Guardians of Friendship legacy alive.

“She’s right, Discord. We can’t let Twilight and the girls' legacy die in vain. We need your help to get the crystal back and keep their legacy going.” Sunset added, wanting to keep Twilight’s legacy and hard work alive.

Discord then gave them a look. “My dears, Sunset and Sunny, that’s not what I wanted you two to take from my story.” He said to them that’s not what he wanted after hearing the story. “I told it to you both so you might question if society without magic might actually be a more peaceful one.” He said the reason for the story.

Sunset and Sunny then realizes what Discord said, while putting two pieces together. “Wait.” Sunny said, now realizing what Discord means. “You stole the Pegasus Crystal.” She called out while pointing a hoof at Discord.

Sunset thought the same thing. “You were the one who stole the crystal from Sunny’s home, and been causing all this magic glitch that is affecting everypony who’s magic is connected to the crystals. It's been you all along!” She glared at Discord, now realizing how he stole the crystal and how he escaped them so easily in the woods, since magic returned, so has his Chaos magic, which gives him the advantage he needs to take the crystal and escape them pretty easily.

Discord then confesses his actions. “When you reunited the crystals and magic was restored, I panicked. I didn’t want Ponykind to turn against one another again, so I just… took it.” He explains his reason for taking the Pegasus Crystal, since he thinks magic was the problem, he thought by getting rid of it, he doesn’t have to see Ponykind fighting against each other again.

Hitch was not happy about this as he gave off a mean look as his veins on his forehead appeared. “Stole it.” He repeated the word Discord said in a mean tone.

Pipp saw this and placed a hoof on Hitch to stop him from doing something he might regret. “Don’t anger him.” She advised him not to make things worse.

Zipp the spoke up. “And what exactly are you planning on doing with the crystal now?” She asks Discord what he's gonna do to the crystal now that he got it.

Discord then spoke out to them. “I’m not sure… That’s why you’re all here!” He cried out to them the reason he brought them here, not really thinking things through now that he got the crystal but doesn’t know what to do with it. “It’s too big a decision for one Lord of Chaos to make his own.” He said his reason to them.

Sunny spoke out to Discord. “The answer is easy. Accepting what makes ponies unique and sparkle is what creates unity. We need to embrace each pony’s magic, not strip it away from them.” She gives Discord the wisdom of the right choice that he needs to make.

“Discord, magic isn’t the problem of all this. It’s the ponies themselves.” Sunset pointed out. “From what you just told us, the ponies were arguing with one another because of somepony that is a stranger to all, even you. All that arguing causes us to not embrace other pony differences which cause the magic to be out of balance. Like the Windigos.” She added the reason to the divided reason of the ponies. “Maybe the magic was out of whack because the ponies couldn't settle their differences back then, but we learned to embrace things and get along with each other. And we can’t have the magic strip away from them, they have to embrace the magic to keep harmony going.” She told him with her wisdom of magic and harmony that ponies can get along if they learn to embrace each other and the magic as well to keep magic going and keep the peace.

“Agreed.” Hitch agrees to Sunny and Sunset words.

“Same here.” Pipp agrees as well.

“You got it, Sunny and Sunset!” Zipp cheered to the two ponies, agreeing with them as well.

Discord came down to the stage and looked at Izzy. “And what about you? You’ve been quiet, and I would very much like to hear what you think of all this.” He said, wanting to hear what Izzy thinks of this.

Izzy then speaks. “I agree with Sunny and Sunset. Everypone should get their magic back.” She said to Discord.

Discord notices that Izzy is not all that excited to have the magic back from her expression. “You don’t seem so sure about it though. And I can’t help but wonder if it has something to do with you and Sunset’s arrival in Canterlot. I’ve noticed that you two came in on your own and I can tell that you feel off about this, Izzy.” He said to the unicorn,

Izzy then gives a sheepish smile. “Oh, well that’s because we split up so Sunny, Zipp and Pipp could use their magic to fly above the trees and Hitch could use his magic with the forest critters while Sunset kept me company.” She told him the reason why she and Sunset came into Canterlot on their own.

“And you were about to get left behind if Sunset didn’t stay with you.” Discord added up that if Sunset didn’t stay behind with Izzy, she would’ve been alone.

“It wasn’t exactly like that…” Izzy tries to reason with Discord that it wasn't like that, but feels like it.

Discord gives Izzy a sympathy look. “I see so much of Fluttershy in you Izzy…” He said in a sad tone that he sees Fluttershy in Izzy after nearly being left behind. “...During those years, she also made excuses for others. But I could see how much it really hurt her. Just like I can see how much it hurts you.” He said to Izzy as it must’ve hurt her of almost being left behind. “It’s hard to feel left behind because of the magic you don’t possess.” He said, while also feeling that pain when Discord lost Fluttershy from the ravages of time, he may be the Lord of Chaos that can bend reality, but there are some things that he can’t control. And one of them is losing someone he cared for so much.

Sunset sees Discord expression as she remembers what Twilight told her about him through her journal. Discord was really attached to Fluttershy because of how kind she was and was Discord’s only real friend he first made. After learning how well Fluttershy and Discord get along, they always care for each other and their friendship. So with her gone, Discord feels left behind in Equestria once more, with no friends to support him, which makes Sunset feel pity for Discord for being alone after all these years.

Discord expression changes as he clenches his claw hand. “But I’m going to fix it for you, Izzy.” He then found his new reason as he opened his claw hand and magically brought the Pegasus Crystal in his hand with a determined expression. “To truly rid of division magic creates, it now seems there is only one answer.” He said as the Mane 6 listened to him. “No more mutants.” He said which earned strange looks from the Mane 6 before he continued. “I kid. I kid.” He joked before he got serious. “I must destroy the crystal and get rid of magic once and for all.” He declared, earning shock expression from the Mane 6, especially Izzy since Discord is doing this for her now.

The rest of the Mane 6 gave off determined expressions. “That’s not going to happen on our watch.” Sunny declared as she summons her Alicorn magic as it takes form.

“There’s no way we let you destroy the one thing Twilight worked hard to create and the thing we worked hard to restore.” Sunset declared. Seeing that Discord lost his mind from being alone for many moons and thinking magic was the reason that the ponies were divided. And there’s no way they would let him destroy the magic by destroying the crystal.

Sunny spoke out again. “Come on, ponies. Let's make sure this number’s a real showstopper.” Sunny declared to her friends as they stood ready and flew straight to Discord to get the Pegasus Crystal back.

Sunset then remembered what else Discord could do. She turned to Sunny who is about to attack the Lord of Chaos. “Sunny! Wait!” She cried out to her but Sunny is too determined to get the crystal back.

Discord turned to Sunny with a smug grin. “You love Canterlot History that Sunset told you about, Sunny. Let me teach you about chaos magic!” He called out as he snapped his fingers, using his chaos magic.

Sunny was about to use her magic as she flew, but then she reappears on the stage. With her hooves tied to strings like puppets, leaving Sunny shocked at this.

“Sunny!” Hitch called out to Sunny from what Discord just did to her.

Sunset came to Sunny and tries to untie her. “Didn’t I tell you earlier that Discord can bend reality with his chaos magic! It’s impossible to face off somepony like him!” She reminded Sunny and the others that it’s impossible to go face to face against the Lord of Chaos that can bend reality to his will with chaos magic.

Izzy then gave off a determined look as she used her magic to levitate the snacks from the table. “You let Sunny go, Discord.” Izzy demanded Discord to release Sunny or she will toss the snacks at him. But then her magic glitch out again, releasing the snacks from their magic grip. “Uh-oh.” Izzy muttered from this as the snacks fell to the ground, and got some on the Mane 6 and Cloudpuff as well, except Sunset since she uses her shield to protect herself from the snacks, but the others weren’t so lucky.

Pipp glares at Izzy. “I’m sticky again. Why does this keep happening to me?” She called out to Izzy retorically while Izzy rubbed her arm in embarrassment for her miss up and from the glitch again.

Sunset then tries to grab the Pegasus Crystal from Discord’s paw, but he moved it out of her view, making her miss as she landed in front of him and blasts him with magic, Discord yawns as he lifted his hand and snapped the magic blasts away, clearly bored from this.

“Enough of this.” Discord said as he snapped his fingers again, trapping the Mane 6 and Cloudpuff in robes, keeping them secure from attacking him.

“Discord! You can’t do this! This is not how you make harmony and peace!” Sunset yelled out to him, trying to reason with him that destroying magic isn’t gonna make peace.

“It doesn’t hurt but try, Sunset. Even you would know how it feels like to lose those you cared for.” Discord replied to Sunset. Sunset looked at Discord, his words struck her as she realizes he is right, she lost her old home and all her friends and family in Equestria are gone, Twilight and the others included. But she learned to embrace the change and keep their legacy alive and keep the magic going.

Sunset gives a look back to Discord. “Even if they are gone, Discord. Their legacies still strive, we must embrace things on how they are, not strip it away from them! And there’s no way destroying magic would help keep Ponykind together, it will only driff them further apart!” She tries to reason with them, but Discord was still thinking it was the only way.

Sunny then gave off her words to Discord. “And even if you destroy the crystal, Twilight’s magic is too powerful. There’s no way to break her protective spell.” She called out, and recently learned that Twilight casted a protection spell on the crystals, making sure they are never harmed or break apart so that the magic can be safely stored, which is why they are still in one piece after all these years.

Discord then spoke up. “No way that we know of yet. But Twilight taught me the power of a little research. I’m sure I’ll figure something out.” He said to them, learning from Twilight to do a little research on something to figure out the solution, and it will pay off if he finds a way to get past the protection spell that it even blocks off his chaos magic from harming the crystals, which is why he didn’t destroy it yet. “The theather can be an emotional experience for everypony. You’ve been a wonderful---if not rowdy---audience.” He said to them before turning to Sunset. “And it’s been nice meeting you, Sunset Shimmer. So glad to meet somepony else who knows Twilight and the girls better than anypony here.” He said to her as Sunset growled at him before Discord snapped his fingers, disappearing from them but not before saying one last thing to them. “I hope we reunite for another tea party during more peaceful times.” He echoed out to them before it faded.

The Mane 6 looked dreadful at what Discord is planning while Cloudpuff is biting the ropes off them, he first started with Sunny as she gave off a dreadful look at the stage.

Sunset spoke first. “We have to stop Discord from destroying the crystal before he finds a way past the protection spell.” She said that if Discord finds the right spell, the Pegasus Crystal is finished.

Sunny then spoke next as she gave off a dreadful tone. “Sunset’s right. He’s going to figure out how to destroy the crystal, and if we don’t stop him in time… We’ll lose our magic forever.” She said to them that the magic will be gone forever if the Crystal is destroyed.

Behind Sunny and Sunset, Izzy picked up a sign that Fursome dropped earlier and showed it to the readers that said ‘To Be Continued…’ on it. Sunset looked at Izzy, a little weird by this. “Izzy, where did you get that sign?” She asks but doesn't get an answer as Izzy and the rest of them need to find a way to stop Discord before they lose their magic.

End of Issue 2.

Issue 3:

Issue 3:

Back at the Lighthouse, a few days later, the Mane 6 regroup back home in Maretime Bay after that tricked Discord pulled back in the ruins of Canterlot and took the Pegasus Crystal away to find a way to get past the protection spell to destroy it to be rid of all magic forever.

The Mane 6 are in the living room to think of a way to track down Discord and get the crystal back. But that’s easier said than done, consider Discord is the Lord of Chaos and can practically hide anywhere.

“How are we going to stop Discord in time if we don’t know where he could be?” Sunny asks the group, wondering what they should do and how to find Discord.

“I cloud ask my Pippsqueaks if they’ve seen him.” Pipp said with a smile, glad to have her phone recharge and a suggestion to let her Pippsqueaks know about Discord and if they’ve seen him.

“No, Pipp. We can’t let your Pippsqueaks know.” Sunset replied to Pipp’s idea. “Who would believe us if we tell them a certain Lord of Chaos from ancient Equestrian History is back and has taken the Pegasus Crystal and is gonna destroy it. They would either not believe us or it might cause an even more panic even more than it already is from your last livestream.” She said, while reminding that the last livestream Pipp posted caused a panic in Maretime Bay before they left and calm the public down when they got back, while also adding that since it took forever for everypony to believe Sunset is from ancient Equestria, it will be even tougher to tell them about Discord, since he’s from ancient Equestria as well, and they don’t have time for either.

“Sunset’s right, guys.” Zipp said, agreeing with Sunset’s words. “We don’t want to panic everypony. There’s gotta be a better way.” She said, trying to think of another way to handle this outcome.

“It’s tricky. Discord is the Lord of Chaos and can easily hide anywhere in Equestria.” Sunset started out, remembering the history of Discord from Celestia and from what Twilight told her about him. “But after what we saw, being alone in the caverns and the ruins of Canterlot for an awfully long time may have Discord a little rusty in his magic when all of the magic has disappeared before.” She added, stating that since the magic in Equestria has faded before, Discord may be rusty to use his chaos magic when all of magic has returned during his time in Canterlot when he was alone. “But even still, with the new layouts of the Equestra today, it’s gonna be tough to find Discord. He must’ve spent centuries in the caverns and possibly been watching Equestria changes over the years. He could be anywhere.” She finished, that since Discord had been around longest in the new age of Equestria while in hiding, he might have known the new layouts of Equestria of today. Which makes it easy for him to hide himself.

Izzy then spoke up with sparkle eyes and a rainbow at the back of her head. “Too bad we can’t track his luminescence. It was totally glitterific. Like a super shiny rainbow.” She said in excitement while also loving the glitter part, but also stating when they saw Discord use his magic, some luminescence was left beind as a result.

Zipp then placed a hoof on her chin as she thought of what Izzy just said. “True, but you might be onto something, Izzy.” She said as Izzy might have given them an idea. “We can try---” She was cut off when her phone started to ring. Zipp brought out her phone and see’s the contact name that her mother was calling. “Mom?” She asks when she answers the call.

“Zipp, sweetheart, where are you? It’s almost time for me to leave.” Queen Haven answered through the phone, asking Zipp where she was since she’s about to leave soon.

“Leave?” Zipp questioned, wondering what her mother was talking about.

In Zephyr Heights Castle, Queen Haven is doing her mane while talking to her daughter on speaker from her phone.

“For my Unity Summit, Dear!” Queen Haven said. “You’re supposed to be dog-sitting Cloudpuff while I’m away.” She reminded the reason why Zipp should be here, because she needs her daughter to look after Cloudpuff while she has her royal duites, which is the reason why Cloudpuff hangs out with the Mane 6 from time to time.

“Tha’t today?” Zipp asks through the phone, while completely forgetting about her promise to look after Cloudpuff. “But, Mom, we have bigger things to worry about!” She cried out, trying to tell her mother that they have bigger things to handle, but couldn’t tell her the true reason since they can’t start a panic or she would believe them about Discord.

“Bigger than my darling Cloudpuff? I doubt it!” Queen Haven cheered out, thinking that whatever they are doing can’t be that big, since she doesn’t know about Discord.

“I’ll see you soon, dear! Toodles!” Queen Haven said to her daughter as she hung up.

Zipp sighs as she drops her wings since this outcome can’t be avoided. “So much for investigating.” She said to herself as she turned to her friends. “Mom is putting me on Royal Dog Duty. I want to help you ponies sleuth this out, not pander a prized pooch.” She told them the reason, while wanting to help them find Discord, not babysitting Cloudpuff at this time.

“That’s okay. This means you can look for leads in Zephyr Heights!” Sunny said while stating this is a good thing. Meaning that Zipp could look for any leads of Discord in Zephyr Heights since the old station was there, maybe there could be any clues on where Discord could be. “We’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone.” She assured Zipp that they will hold things here while she’s gone and see if there’s any leads of Discord here as well.

Sunset then spoke up. “Sunny’s right, Zipp. We can find any clues on where Discord is if we cover more grounds.” She added, saying that if they split up, they can cover more grounds to find Discord quickly. “We will stay in Maretime Bay to think of a way to find Discord while also guarding the two remaining Unity Crystals we have.” She said that they will continue to seach for Discord while also standing guard to protect the two remaining crystals that they still have, just in case Discord tries to steal them next.

Zipp sighs as she speaks. “Okay. I see your point. I guess it will help to find more clues in Zeyphr Heights.” She considers the idea of finding more clues if they split up.

Hitch then spoke up. “Go fulfill your Royal Duties, Princess. We’ve got this.” Hitch assures Zipp that they can handle things here while she’s gone, while giving a teasing remark on the word ‘Princess’ since Zipp is a princess.

Some time later, Zipp arrives in Zephyr Heights in time while Queen Haven, with Thunder and Zoom behind her while carrying her bags for the summit, is giving her daughter a list of things to take care of Cloudpuff while also giving some boxes that hold the things she need as well, and a ball on top for when Cloudpuff wants to play catch.

“...And if he hasn’t had his bath and paw message by eight, he gets grumpy, so make sure you’re on time.” Queen Haven listed out the last thing she told her daughter to do when taking care of Cloudpuff, just to make sure she remembers what to do.

“Yes, mom.” Zipp answered, getting every detail her mother just said.

Queen Haven then gives Cloudpuff one last nuzzle. “You be good, all right? I’ll be back tomorrow morning.” She said to Cloudpuff that she will be back tomorrow and hope Cloudpuff will be on his best behavior. She then placed Cloudpuff on Zipp’s head as she trotted off with a smile. “Have fun, you two!” She cheered to her two beloved as she headed out the castle.

Back in Maretime Bay, Sunset is looking at the two remaining crystals on the table as she keeps a close eye on them. She worried that Discord might take the other two just so he can make sure he has the others. If they get the Pegasus Crystal back from him, he will still have the other two crystals as backup to complete his plan to rid magic everywhere.

“Sunset?” Sunny’s voice called out as Sunset turned and saw Sunny coming in. “Are you doing okay?” She asks, wondering how Sunset’s feeling after the finding of Canterlot and Discord and his plan.

“To be honest with you, Sunny, not so much.” Sunset said, saying that she is not doing okay for the moment. “After the rediscovery of Canterlot, Discord appearing and his plan to get rid of magic, I’m having a hard time processing what we are dealing with. Especially since Discord is back.” She said while stating what they’ve experienced on their search for the Pegasus Crystal and how Discord is planning to destroy it to rid it of magic everywhere. “And not just that, I sorta feel sorry for Discord.” She said, which caught Sunny by surprise.

“You feel sorry for Discord?” Sunny repeated, wanting to make sure she heard her right. “Why would you feel sorry for him?” She asks, wanting to know why Sunset feels sorry for Discord.

“Sunny. Do you know who you're talking to?” Sunset asks, while pointing at herself. “A pony who was from ancient Equestria wanting to visit a long time friend, only to find out how much her home has changed and to realize all the friends she knew and cared for are gone. Does that ring a bell?” She asks retoricallly, while reminding Sunny on who pony they are talking about and that the earth pony was looking at her.

Sunny then widens her eyes in realization of what Sunset is getting at and what she means. “Oh. Right.” She then chuckled nervously. “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have asked that since you can relate to him.” She apologized to Sunset for asking that kind of question.

“That’s okay. No offence taken. But what Discord is going through is much worse for me when I return.” Sunset pointed as she turned her back to Sunny while looking at the crystals. “Discord is an immortal draconequus who lived for a long time since he’s the Lord of Chaos as he lived in Equestria much longer than anypony had before he became an ally and friend to Twilight and the others, but mostly Fluttershy considering how kind she was and was the first real friend Discord have ever made in his life.” She said while telling Sunny more about Discord. “My guess is that when the magic in Equestria faded and ponykind then came divided, Discord thinks that magic was the sort of problem that caused all this when ponykind fought one another, which is why he wants to get rid of the magic.” She stated the reason for Discord’s intentions for doing this. “And him outliving the ponies he onced cared for, with nopony or Fluttershy to comfort him of the pain he feels and what terrible things he sees in his time, Discord had nopony to help him and he was alone all these years.” She added the part where Discord feels alone with nopony to comfort him or help him with his pain, she feels sorry for the draconequus for being alone when all his friends are gone. “I may feel the same way Discord has felt, but I didn’t experience what he experienced. Since I just came back to Equestria and made new friends while rebuilding Twilight’s legacy, Discord has suffered worse than what I've been through since he has spent centuries in Equestria, and watching his loved ones come and go as he was left alone.” She said while seeing Discord pain and why he is doing this as Sunset turned back to Sunny as she continued. “Discord’s heart is in the right place, but he has taken the wrong path. And from what Twilight told me about him, Discord being so alone for so long and seeing something causing a problem and wanting to get rid of it anyway he can, Discord has lost reason to listen and think things through without the comfort of the onces he cared for. And since all of his friends are gone, he had nopony to turn to for comfort or advice.” She finished while seeing why Discord is doing this.

Sunny then looked at Sunset and processed the words she just said. And then lower her head down in sympathy. “Wow. I see what you mean. Now I feel bad for Discord going through something like that.” She said, while feeling bad for Discord.

Sunset sighs at this. “Discord means well, well sorta from what Twilight told me.” She said while recalling what Twilight told her about Discord that he can be troublesome from time to time. “But the point is, Discord wanted what’s best for Equestria, but his way is not right.” She said that what Discord is doing is wrong. “And we must find him and get that crystal back before he destroys it, and maybe we should help him.” She stated, while going to get the crystal back while also wanting to help Discord.

Sunny then looked in shock at what Sunset just said. “Help him? Are you sure?” She asks, wanting to know what she means.

“Sunny. Discord needs a friend. He’s been alone for generations from what you told me, and doesn’t have someone to comfort him.” Sunset told her that Discord needs help. “If you and the others haven’t helped me, I wouldn’t have embraced the changes of the new era of Equestria that I’m in and made new friends.” She said with a smile while looking at Sunny. “You helped me embrace the changes and have friends around, so we could do the same to Discord when we can.” She said that if Sunny and the others helped her, then why not do the same for Discord.

Sunny then thought for a second before speaking. “Okay. Good point. I see what you mean.” She said, getting what Sunset ment.

Sunset nodded her head in approval. “We will find Discord and get the crystal back and help him, but until then, we protect the two remaining crystals we still have. As long as one crystal is still intact, there is still hope for Equestria and its magic.” She said to the plan while looking at the crystals, saying that as long as one of them is still intact, there is still a chance. “But Discord will find the counter spell to break through the crystal protection spell. We must not haste until we find him the crystal before it is too late.” She determenly said, going to do whatever it takes to stop Discord’s plan and get the crystal back.

Sunny nodded her head with a determined smile, feeling inspired by Sunset’s words. “We won’t fail this, Sunset. Not now or ever.” She said as she walked towards Sunset.

Once Sunny is close to Sunset, the two ponies grab each other's hooves, making the promise of their mission determined and won’t stop until they stop Discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back.

Back in Zephyr Heights, Zipp is going through the list while Cloudpuff is on his bed.

“All right, Cloudpuff. I don’t have time for your whole routine today, so we’re going to have to compromise.” Zipp said that she has to make this quick to find clues about Discord so she has to be quick. “I couldn’t find ‘Fresh water from a crystal waterfall,’ but there was bottled water in the kitchen.” She said while giving Cloudpuff his bowl filled with regular water, as the dog just gives a boring expression, as Zipp continues reading the list. “And I may not be able to take you for an ‘Evening stroll around the promenade,” buuuut ....” She then placed a ball next to Cloudpuff, whose expression hasn’t changed one bit. “.... You can play with this while I’m gone!” She said to her pet as she walked off to the door. “I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.” She assured to Cloudpuff that she will be back when she can. She went out to the door as Cloudpuff still had the same expression.

Sometime later, Zipp is walking through Zephyr Heights to find any clues on Discord, which is hard to find.

‘How do I find a rogue draconequus with no leads?’ Zipp thought to herself on how she could find Discord without any leads to follow. She then sees a tail that looks like Discord’s tail. “AHA!” She called out as she thought she found Discord. She gave chase to the tail. “STOP RIGHT THERE!” She yelled out but once she saw the whole body, it was not discord.

“Uh, princess?” A Pegasus Pony in a dragon costume asks to know what is wrong.

“Horsefeathers, of course he’s not here.” Zipp muttered to herself while feeling embarrassed for chasing after somepony that is not discord. She turned to the pony. “Have you seen anything… extra weird lately?” She asks the pony, for anything weirder than him in a dragon suit, the dragon suit pony shook his head no before Zipp took to the sky. “Thanks anyway!” She called out to him as she flew away. Zipp then looks from the sky as she needs to find a lead. “Come on, weird chaos magic, where are you….” She asks herself while searching for anything with weird chaos magic to find Discord as she continues her search for clues.

Zipp then searches for any clues about Discord or anything related to him and his magic all day, from showing ponies the drawings of his body parts to see if they’ve seen anything like them, but to no results as the ponies have never seen them before.

Back at the castle, Zipp is carring a tray of dog food for Cloudpuff, while also feeling down as she hasn’t gotten any leads to find Discord all day.

“This is impossible, Cloudpuff,” Zipp sighs while Cloudpuff is covered in his blanket on his bed. “We just got our magic back. I don’t want to lose it all again.” She said while pointing out while putting Cloudpuff’s food infront of his bed. “I guess it doesn’t matter to you. You’ll always be spoiledm magic or not.” She said that Cloudpuff doesn’t need magic to be spoiled as she walks out the room. “Goodnight, Cloudpuff. Enjoy your dinner.” She said to Cloudpuff as she turned in for the night.

The next morning as the sun came up, the light shines in Zipp’s room as she gets up and yawns as she stretches her hooves.

Zipp got out of her bed as she flew to where Cloudpuff is as she rubs her eyes tiredly. “Hey, Cloudpuff. Not too long until…” She stops as she lets out a yawn. “...Mom gets back.” She said to Cloudpuff that her mother will be back soon. “How about you join me today for---huh?” She stops in midsection as she sees Cloudpuff dinner plates haven’t been eaten, not a simple bite out of place as it starts to smell. “Why didn’t you eat your dinner, little guy?” She asks Cloudpuff, but gets no response from him, which makes Zipp worried a little. “Cloudpuff?” She asks out, wondering if he is up or not and wondering if he’s okay. Zipp gets the blanket out and gasps in shock as she sees not Cloudpuff, but a beach ball with four taped up caps for the legs, with a face drawn in it, two triangle cardboards on the top with a piece of white hair in the middle.

Zipp got into panic mode as she searched the room for Cloudpuff, first she checked out the window for a sign of him and then check under the furinitures if he is hiding under but no sign of Cloudpuff. “Cloudpuff! Cloudpuff! Come on out, buddy!” She called out to him, but not even a bark from him. Zipp then sat on her flank as she covered her hooves in despair and worried. “This is bad! If mom can’t trust me with pet duty, how will she trust me with the whole kingdom?!” She cried out in panic, even though she doesn’t want to be queen of the kingdom, since she still has to find her own way with the whole detective thing. Her mother would never forgive her or trust to be in charge of things if she didn’t look after Cloudpuff. Zipp took a deep breath as she calmed down. “No time to freak out. I just have to get him back before mom get’s home.” She said to herself, going to stay calm so she can find Cloudpuff before her mother gets home today, but since it will be tough to find him, she needs help. Zipp took out her phone as she was going to make a call. “I just need a little help…” She said, going to call the one pony who can help her find Cloudpuff.

Back in Maretime Bay, Hitch then stopped an Earth Pony Stallion with glasses as he gave a strict look at him, while doing his sheriff time while also looking for any leads of Discord.

“Now, Sir, were you aware you were galloping in a trot-only zone?” Hitch told the stallion with a strict tone, before anything else could happen, Hitch’s phone started ringing. Hitch turns around and gives a cheery expression as he answers his phone. “Pardon me. Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer, at your service.” He said to the phone as the earth pony behind him just watched.

“Sheriff, I need some backup. We have a critter caper on our hooves.” Zipp called out through the phone as she needs Hitch’s animal experience to help her find Cloudpuff.

Hitch then gives a determined look, knowing what Zipp means. “...On my way.” He said to her as he will be there right away. Hitch hung up as he faced the stallion he was talking to earlier. “You’re free to go… this time.” He strictly said to him as he gave a ‘I got my eye on you’ look while pointing his hoove between his eyes and the stallion’s to prove his point.

A little bit later, Hitch made his way to Zephyr Heights as Zipp filled him in about Cloudpuff’s disappearance and needed his help.

Hitch gives out a smirk at Zipp while holding the Cloudpuff dummy. “What did you call me in for? I thought Detective Zipp would want to handle this case on her own.” He teasly said, finding it funny from what Zipp said to them before the search of the crystal, that she would use her detective skills to solve the case, but now she needed help to find Cloudpuff.

Zipp smirked back as she spoke. “I have a couple of ideas, but I was hoping our local animal psychic might be able to help narrow it down. Besides, every good detective has a sidekick.” She said, while stating that a detective needs a sidekick to help them solve the case and playing around from what Hitch just said.

Hitch put the dummy down as he placed a hoof on his chest. “I’m not Psychic. Animals just speak to me. I’m also not a sidekick.” He pointed out that as he is an animal talker, he doesn’t read minds and doesn’t like being a sidekick to anypony. He then gestures to the untouch dinner that Cloudpuff left. “Look--- if he missed his dinner, I bet he’d try to get food somewhere else.” He suggested, guessing that Cloudpuff went to get food somewhere if he missed dinner.

Zipp then got a ‘lightbulb’ expression with a smile after hearing it. “You’re right! Cloudpuff is a picky eater, so…” She said as she and Hitch ran or flew out the room. “...He’d go somewhere with good food! I know just the place.” She took the lead of a play in Zephyr Heights that served good food that Cloudpuff might like.

A little bit later, Hitch and Zipp arrived in a place called ‘Chez Pedigree’, it’s the best place in all of Zephyr Heights to have a good meal as this would be the place Cloudpuff would go to. They talk to the pegasus stallion named Mr. Platter who works there if he has seen Cloudpuff.

“Cloudpuff? Yes. ‘E has a standing reservation with us. Came by just last night.” Mr. Platter said that he saw him and he was here just last night.

“Really?” Zipp asks with a hopeful smile before she recompose herself. “I mean-- Do you know where he went?” She asks, wanting to know where Cloudpuff went next.

“Hm…” Mr. Platter said, thinking about where Cloudpuff would go next as he thought for a moment before he spoke. “Ah! I do not know for certain, but ‘e and Queen Haven often head to the shops for redeo after lunch.” He said what Cloudpuff would do when he’s with Queen Haven, giving Zipp and Hitch a lead.

“Of course! Thank you, Mr. Platter.” Zipp said as she flapped her wings cheerfully as she got a lead to find Cloudpuff.

Zipp and Hitch began to walk off to their next lead as Hitch turned back one last time. “You’ve been a great help, sir.” He thanks Mr. Platter for the help.

Mr. Platter nodded his head in gratitude before calling out. “Good luck, Princess.” He called Zipp and her friend as they continue their search for Cloudpuff.

While searching around, Zipp and Hitch look at the bunch of shops around them if there are any signs of Cloudpuff as they walk through the street as ponies walk past them.

“See anything?” Hitch asks Zipp.

“Nope.” Zipp answered before she saw something. “Wait, maybe.” She said as she flew straight to a store that has a poster of Cloudpuff winking as it saids ‘Cloudpuff Approved!’ on it. “Well, that’s new.” Zipp commented as this is new to see, while having a feeling which store Cloudpuff went to. She entered the store as the bell on top of the door rang.

The shop owner saw Zipp come in as she waved to her. “Princess, how can I help you? Would you like to try our new oat mask?” She asks Zipp, wondering if she is here to try out the new products.

“No, thank you.” Zipp answered as makeup was never her thing and she doesn’t have time for it as Hitch gives a smile. “We’re actually looking for Cloudpuff. Have you seen him?” She asks the shop owner if she's seen Cloudpuff.

The shop owner then brought out a cardboard cut-out of Cloudpuff. “Why, yes, that sweet pup modeled for my new line last night.” She said what Cloudpuff did while he was here. “It’s a real bonus to have the Royal Pooch promoting my products, ya know.” She said how sweet Cloudpuff is to help promote her products to her customers when he’s part of the royal family. She then looked at the two ponies in confusion. “Did he not go back to the palace? I sent him off with one of my patented personal pampering packages.” She said as she thought Cloudpuff was back at the palace with some of her pampering packages she gave the pup as a gift for helping her.

“No. He didn’t.” Zipp sighs as she answers, seeing that Cloudpuff would’ve returned after going to this store but hasn’t.

“Did you know which way he went?” Hitch asks the shop owner, hoping that she sees which way Cloudpuff went.

The shop owner shook her head no, as she didn’t know which way Cloudpuff went as she brought out some of her products. “The city guard must have seen him on his way out, but I’m afraid I can’t help.” She said as she gave them a lead but she can’t help them as much as she already had. “Care to try some Mane Oil before you go?” She asks them if they want to try out her product.

After heading out of the store, Hitch and Zipp are trying to think of a way to find Cloudpuff faster, since asking the guard of many will take too long.

“We could ask the guards, but we’re running out of time. Mom will be home soon and we don’t know who was even here when Cloudpuff left.” Zipp sighs as she feels down and worried since Cloudpuff is still missing and her mother will be back soon. “It could have been anypony.” She said to Hitch as it could be anypony who saw Cloudpuff but it will be like finding a needle in a bunch of haystacks.

Hitch then turned his head as he saw a bunny waving at him, trying to get his attention as Hitch smirked. “Maybe we don’t need to find any pony.” Hitch suggested as he came closer to the bunny as it spoke to him. Zipp gives a confused look as she has no idea what it’s saying since Hitch is the only pony who can understand him. After speaking to him, Hitch then smiled as he gallops off while turning to Zipp. “Come on. I know how to find our missing pup!” He called out to Zipp as she started following him while flying.

Zipp followed Hitch who is following the bunny as they went to a ledge where more bunnies are around Hitch with the one he chatted on his back.

“These little guys say they know where Cloudpuff is.” Hitch translated to Zipp as the bunnies know where Cloudpuff is after having a little chat with them.

Zipp then gives a smirk to Hitch. “Good sleuthing, Hitch.” She congrats Hitch with his way of animals.

Hitch gave a proud expression as he spoke. “Hey, I’m a sheriff for a reason.” He spoke proudly about himself. “Now, let’s go get your dog back.” He declared as he pointed down the trench while looking at the bunnies. “All right, lead on, little buds!” He announced as the bunnies slid down the trench, with Hitch sliding down as well with Zipp following by flight as they followed the bunnies lead.

Once they’ve made it down the trench, the bunnies lead the two ponies to a wall.

“Are you sure they know where we’re going? This is a dead end.” Zipp asks Hitch in wondering if the bunnies know where they are going as they hope they didn’t drag them into a wall for nothing, and is still worried for Cloudpuff.

Hitch then got on his rear legs as he stood and about to touch the wall. “They say this is it. Something about it being a matter of---” Just as he was about to touch the wall, his hooves went right through it as he fell to the floor. “OOF!” He yelled out from the fall, having not expected that.

“Perspective!” Zipp cheered as she waved her hoof through the wall. “From pony height it looks like a solid wall, but for a critter like Cloudpuff it’s clear as day.” She said that while ponies are blind to this kind of thing, critters like Cloudpuff can see through it.

Hitch got up from the floor as he rubs his head. “Yeah. I definitely knew that.” He said, while trying to save himself the embarrassment of falling into the ground as Zipp went into the cave first as Hitch went in next. “So where is---” He was cut off midsentece when Zipp spoke up.

“Hitch, look.” Zipp said in an awed expression as she can’t believe her eyes on what she is seeing. She sees not only Cloudpuff, who has kiwis on his eyes while laying on a blanket, but they are in a cave with a waterfall in it as it gives off beautiful sparkles and looks that is a sight for a pony to see this beauty. “Whoa.” It was all that Zipp could say as she never seen anything this amazing before, but then regain her focus on she sees Cloudpuff relaxing near the falls. “Cloudpuff, what are you doing here? How long have you known about this place?” She asks her dog as Cloudpuff lifts the kiwi off his eyes.

“Hmph.” Cloudpuff simply huffed and looked away from her with his arms crossed.

Zipp then realizes why Cloudpuff is like this, because she didn’t take care of him while she was out finding a lead on Discord, and that hurt his feelings. Zipp came close to Cloudpuff as she sat next to him. “I’m sorry I didn’t take very good care of you, Cloudpuff. I promise to do better next time.” She apologized for not taking care of Cloudpuff yesterday while feeling guilty. “But mom will be home soon and she’s going to be worried if we aren’t there.” She reasoned with him, saying that if Queen Haven finds out that her daughter and her dog are gone, she’s gonna be really worried about them if they don’t return soon. “Come back with us, please?” She pleaded with Cloudpuff to come home.

Cloudpuff turned to Zipp as he smiled. “Bark bark.” He barked at her.

Hitch then translated for Cloudpuff so Zipp could get what he’s saying. “He says he'll come home as long as we don’t tell anypony about this place.” He translated, meanign that Cloudpuff sacred place must remain a secret so that he can have his own time for himself.

Zipp then gives Cloudpuff a hug as she smiles at him. “I won’t tell you if you don’t.” She gives a smirk and promise to Cloudpuff, as long as Cloudpuff doesn't mention him running off and Zipp losing him, she and Hitch will keep a secret of his sanctuary.

“Bark!” Cloudpuff barked, meaning that he promised to not tell Queen Haven of what happened and for Zipp to keep her promise as well.

Back at the Zephyr Heights Castle, Queen Haven returned, with glasses on and her time at the Unity Summit was fun, as she walked through the halfway with Thunder and Zoom behind her.

“Zipp, Cloudpuff! I’m home!” Queen Haven cheerfully called out to her two beloveds with a cheery smile.

Just then, Zipp, who is holding Cloudpuff, and Hitch came bursting through the doors, startling Zoom and Thunder as they came in as Hitch took a breath.

“Phew, we made it.” Zipp sighs in relief, but then they see her mother there as they give out nervous smiles. “I mean… Mom! You’re back! How wonderful.” She announced to her mother to stay calm. “We were just---” She was trying to make a cover story, but Hitch helped her out as he spoke.

“Getting some fresh air!” Hitch called out with a sheepish smile, finishing the covered story.

“Yup!” Zipp said in agreement, playing along to what Hitch just said.

Cloudpuff jumped out of Zipp’s hooves as he ran towards Queen Haven. “Bark Bark!” He barked at her as he jumped into Queen Haven’s hooves and gave her a lick on the cheek.

“Awww, Darling! I’ve missed you too.” Queen Haven said to Cloudpuff as she giggles at his licks. Queen Haven placed Cloudpuff down a bit in her hooves as she gave her daughter a smile. “Sweetheart, thank you so much for watching him. I hope he didn’t give you any trouble.” She said to Zipp, thanking her for looking after Cloudpuff but hopes he didn’t give her any trouble while she was gone.

Zipp gives her mother a smile. “Trouble? No trouble at all.” Zipp answered, while keeping her promise to Cloudpuff, as she looked at Cloudpuff with a smile.

Cloudpuff gives Zipp a smile back as he winks at her, keeping his promise as well while making sure to never tell any of this incident to Queen Haven as Zipp just keeps smiling at Cloudpuff, finding him the best dog she could ever have.

Back at the Lighthouse, Sunny and Sunset are standing around while Pipp and Izzy are playing cards to pass the time.

Sunny was then the first to speak. “Has anypony heard from Hitch? He was going to help me and Sunset follow up on a possible Discord sighting, But I haven’t seen him all day.” She asks her friends, wondering where Hitch is, since he didn’t have time to tell his friends on where he went, and they need his help to find any signs of finding Discord to get the Pegasus Crystal back.

“Yeah. It’s not like Hitch to not show. Especially since Discord is running amok with him trying to find a way to destroy the crystal to get rid of the magic.” Sunset adds, while stating that they need to find Discord to get the Pegasus Crystal back and they need Hitch’s help since he is good at sighting in Maretime Bay since he’s the sheriff, but didn’t know where he went when they were trying to find Discord.

Izzy then spoke up as she gave a card to Pipp. “Maybe Zipp will know! She’s supposed to be back soon, right?” She suggested that Zipp might know where Hitch went and is coming back soon after a whole day of watching over Cloudpuff.

Just then as Izzy said that, the door opened as Zipp and Hitch came in. “Was somepony asking about me?” She asks with a playful smirk after hearing what Izzy just said.

“Woo, called it!” Izzy cheered with her hoof raised in the air, totally predicted this as the ponies smiled at their two friends.

“Zipp! Hitch!” Sunny cheered to see two of her friends arrive. “What were you two up to?” She asks, wondering what the two ponies were up.

“Yeah. Hitch, we were waiting for you to help us find Discord? What were you two doing?” Sunset asks, wondering this herself as well.

“Oh, you know. Drama, adventure, mystery!” Hitch cheered while saying the topic of what they did today.

“Normal Dog-Sitting stuff.” Zipp finished what they did.

This caused the rest of the Mane 6 to laugh, finding this funny and true since Zipp was looking after Cloudpuff, which makes them think that Zipp called in Hitch for a little help since he’s had a thing with critters.

Unknowingly to them, Zipp and Hitch wink at each other, not going to tell them what they've been through while also keeping Cloudpuff’s secret place a secret. But right now, they have important matters to handle, like finding Discord, getting the Pegasus Crystal back, keeping the magic stable from fading as they have a mission to do.

End of Issue 3.

Issue 5:

Issue 5:

It is a dark stormy night the five of the Mane 6, Sunset, Sunny, Izzy, Zipp and Pipp, are in their raincoats while looking for Discord to get the Pegasus Crystal back, Hitch is not with them since he will keep searching in Maretime Bay so they can cover more grounds, but they are in a rough storm at night while walking towards a lighthouse for shelter, while Pipp is recording on her phone, with a mini umbrella over it to keep it from getting soaked in the rain.

“Pippsqueaks, our search for Discord has brought us way out to the coast. If I don’t check in soon or…” Pipp paused with a sheepish smile, not wanting to say the next part. “Heh. Anything weird happens, you know where to find me. I hope!” She said nervously on her phone to her followers.

Sunset then snatched Pipp’s phone while giving the pegasus a look. “Pipp. You gotta give your live streaming thing a break. We are on a mission to find Discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back to keep magic alive. And we need to stay focused.” She said while giving Pipp back her phone by putting it in her coat pocket.

“Yeah, Pipp.” Zipp said to her sister, in total agreement with Sunset. “You might wanna add a PSA* for your followers.” She suggested. “If you get a message inviting you to the scariest abandoned town you’ve ever seen for info on a missing draconequus… Say you're busy at night.” She advises her sister, stating that they are following what the message that Pipp receive earlier for a clue about Discord said after revealing to everypony about how she felt when everypony learned Pipp can’t fly, and Pipp thought it will be the best lead to find Discord after reading it when she told her friends.

“It’s fine. C’mon, follow me.” Pipp said with an assuring smile as she led her friends to the lighthouse the message led them to.

The girls made it to the lighthouse as they stopped at the front door. “Somepony needs to knock.” Sunny suggested, not wanting to knock since they don’t know if they are friendly or not.

“We don’t know if they are friendly.” Sunset pointed out, not trusting that sudden message Pipp received one bit.

“I’m freezing my flanks off.” Izzy called out that it’s cold out and the rain is making it colder. “Detective Zipp?” She asked Zipp to knock.

“I’m in observation mode.” Zipp countered, wanting to see how it goes since this is suspicious. “Pipp? This was your idea.” She said to her sister, seeing that this was Pipp’s idea to come here, she would knock.

“For hoofness sake--” Pipp groans at her friends not wanting to knock, but before she would continued or knock on the door, the lighthouse door opened, startling the girls as a earth pony stallion, who doat is light blue while wearing glasses and a raincoat came in view.

“Well now!” The stallion called out sternly before showing a smile. “Come on inside. Take your boots off an’ leave ‘em in the dooryard.” He said to them with a smile, inviting them inside and away from the storm.

Sometime later after coming into the lighthouse, the stallion gave the girls some hot chocolate as they sat in the living room with a fireplace in it to keep them warm with the stallion, now wearing a boat cap and scarf as his cutie mark is like a compass in the ocean. And inside the lighthouse, it has many boat theme decorations as Zipp looked around, suspicious about this guy and finding his place a little weird.

“Thanks for letting us in, mister.” Sunset thanked the stallion as she sipped her hot chocolate.

“No problem, Ms. Shimmer.” The stallion answered as he leaned next to his fireplace with a smile to the girls. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to haul hoof all the way here…” He said to them as the girls nodded their heads in ‘yes’, wanting to know why they were here. “Truth is, I don’t know how anypony uses those gizmos. Took me ages to write that message to ya, Pipp.” He revealed, saying that he’s not good with technology yet and is one of Pipp’s followers who has read her messages and videos about Discord as well.

Pipp brought out her phone as she read the message he sent. “Thanks for sending it--Wait!” She cried out after double checking the message. “You never told us your name!” She pointed out as the message said, ‘Have some information on the whereabouts of a certain lord of chaos. Meet me. Signed, A Friend.’ That’s all it said as it never said the name on the messenger.

“I’m Lightning Rod.” The stallion named Lightning Rod revealed. “And this here’s the whispering beacon, the oldest lighthouse in Equestria.” He guestered to his lighthouse home. “Most everypony has forgotten we’re out here.” He added, stating that ponies have forgotten about this lighthouse a long time ago. “Ayup, everything here is long in withers, including me.” He admittedly said, saying how old he is while living in his lighthouse for so long.

“Wow. That must’ve been a really long time for you to be here.” Sunset politely said to him of being in his lighthouse for so long.

“It sure has, missy.” Lightning Rod said as he continued. “But being around a long time means you hear things.” He started with a smile

“Things about Discord?” Sunny asked with a hopeful expression if Lightning Rod has heard any leads on Discord as the girls looked at him, soome are amaze like Pipp and Izzy, Pipp is still sipping her hot chocolate ass Izzy got some on her messy muzzle, while the others are suspicious about him, that is Sunset and Zipp, not sure if they could trust him yet.

Lightning Rod then gave the five mares a serious expression. “Hard tellin’ not knowin’, but maybe, just maybe, I know a legend that can guide your ship to port, so to speak.” He said to them, adding boat metaphors themes since he is a sailor as the five mares listen. “Tell me… What do you know about chaos magic?” He asked them, wanting them to know about chaos magic to see if that will help them find any clues about Discord if they knew more about his magic as he brought out his phone and looked at the internet of Chaos Magic and its history. “According to this Wikiponia, chaos magic was the enemy of the elements of harmony, and--” He started out but was cut off when Pipp spoke up.

“--Wait, I could’ve read this at home and saved my mane from salt water damage.” Pipp pointed out with a suspicious look while waving her hooves to prove a point that she would’ve just asked Sunset or searched the web instead of going out in the tough rain. “I wanna know what you know about chaos magic.” She said to Lightning Rod, wanting to know what he knows about chaos magic instead of what it said on the web.

“Yeah. I’m with Pipp. Tell us what you know about chao magic Mr. Rod.” Sunset said with a raised eyebrow, finding that part of the internet true about the Elements of Harmony being the enemy of chaos magic, aka Discord, but she searched the web earlier and find that it was mixed up and didn’t find that part on the web since it was ancient Equestria time with Twilight and her friends, so she is being suspicious and cautious about this.

Lightning Rod lifted his pike to his mouth as he spoke on his chair. “Have you two ever heard about the Mirror of Mayhem?” He asked them. “Don’t botha lookin’ ‘em up on your phones, won’t be nothin’ there.” He said as he got up and stood next to his broken mirror as the girls were listening as Lightning Rod kept going. “You sure you’ve never heard about the bad luck it brings? About the town it destroyed?” He asked them about that kind of tale of what that mirror can do.

“I don’t think so…” Pipp said while turning to her friends, all of them are surprised at this and they are confused since they haven’t heard of that tale.

“Can’t say I have…” Sunset added, since she hadn't heard that tale before either so she thinks it was after Twilight’s time.

Lightning Rod then went to his bookshelf as he brought out a book. “Someponies say it’s just a legend, others say the mirror is cursed, some say it can contact spirits--” He stated but as Izzy interrupted.

“Like Bloody Marey?!” Izzy asks in excitement, having heard tales of Bloody Marey and is interested to see her if that mirror really can contact spirits.

“Don’t believe in that nonsense.” Lightning Rod pointed out to Izzy since Bloody Marey is just a scary story. “But I do think…” He said while thinking that it might be possible.

Sunset raised her hoof as she spoke. “Could it also happen to contact ancient Equestrian spirits of the past of old friends and family?” She asked, interested in that mirror's ability to contact spirits, wanting to talk to Twilight and her friends and family again if that mirror can contact the deceased spirits.

“I believe so, Ms. Shimmer.” Lightning Rod answered to Sunset as he opened up his book as he searched for the right page.

“Scary story time!” Zipp cried out in excitement, since she loves scary stories as her friends huddled close to listen to Lightning Rod’s story.

“What do you think, Lightning Rod?” Sunny asked. “What’s behind the Mirror of Mayhem?” She added, wanting to know what’s behind that mirror.

“Yeah. We like to know as well.” Sunset added, wanting to know what’s really behind that mirror.

Lightning Rod then gave a serious expression to the girls. “I’m pretty sure it’s a certain Lord of Chaos.” He said, which got the girls attention as they know that this must’ve involved Discord as they listen to his story that is titled ‘Lightning Rod and the Mirror of Mayhem’.

Lightning Rod’s Story Telling.

“As it goes, the Mirror of Mayhem made its way here by sea.” Lightning narrated as he tells a scene of the title named ‘Ye Olde Curse’ as it showed a map that showed part of Equestria and how the mirror was brought there when it moved by sea.

The next scene showed a family of Earth Ponies docking their boat to the docks as they lowered their ramp. “Nopony knows where it came from, but when the ship picked up the cargo holding the mirror…” Lightning Rod stated that the earth ponies picked up the mirror while getting the cargo from the dock, they didn’t expect what was brought with them.

“Things dot stove-up real bad” Lightning Rod added when the next scene showed the family being attacked by a group of Earth Ponies pirates as the family screamed in fright as the pirates attacked and their boat was burning from the attack.

The next page showed a blue Earth Pony Mare with a captain’s pirate hat setting the mirror. “They say a pirate by the name of Captain Cannon Bone kept the mirror for herself.” Lightning Rod stated as Captain Cannon Bone looked at the mirror as she admired her reflection, looking good, but then the next scene then showed the captain mare as a skeleton who kept smiling creepy at the bottom of the ocean. “Ayup, didn’t turn out so good for her either.” Lightning Rod pointed out as even Captain Cannon Bone didn’t have the best of luck with the mirror herself.

The next scene, which is titled ‘More Curses’, showed a pony in a diving suit finding a chest at the bottom of the ocean. “Well, the darn thing didn’t want to stay at the bottom of the drink, so it turned up again.” Lightning Rod narrated as the diving Pony opened the chest, which revealed the mirror as it floated up from the water, not before the pony looked at it, freezing him in place as a shark came behind him. “And you could say more bad things happened.” Lightning Rod said, not wanting to say what happened next.

The next one showed being sold on a stand at a coast docks with an Earth Pony stallion selling some sea stuff that his stand is titled ‘Sea Junk’. “The mirror resurfaced a bit later, finally having made its way to dry land.” Lightning said as the Earth Pony mare looked at the mirror, she’s in some kind of trance as she admittedly paid for the mirror. “Yessah, that ghastly glass sure had a way about it.” Lightning started as the mare with the mirror mindlessly walked to the edge of the docks as she fell into the water, except for the mirror that flew out of her saddle bag and into the dock’s floor. “Seemed to bring trouble to everypony it came in contact with. ‘Cept one.” Lightning said as the mirror was being picked up by somepony who is a blue earth pony stallion with a suit and glasses as he looked at the mirror with a mischievous smirk. “...Fet Lockland. Used to be one of the Wealthiest Ponies in these parts. Opened his shop right over in Candlerbright Cove.” Lightning started as Fet's shop is shown. “Lotsa Yarns about Lockland, Yessah. They said all his bits came from Chaos Magic.” Lightning stated.

And then Fet then gave the mirror that is wrapped to an Earth Pony Mare. “But he did earn quite a bit selling the mirror.” Lightning listed as the next scene showed the mare, who is all bandaged up and traumatized, returning the mirror as it was slightly opened as Fet smirked, having planned this to get more bits.

And then the mirror was taking again and again by other ponies, one was a earth pony stallion, who was covered in cactus, to a unicorn mare, who is covered in honey with bees around her and is scared, and then to a pony who has a giant fish on his/her head. “...He sold it a few times.” Lightning pointed out as then another pony that is smokey weakly lifted the mirror to Fet, who is evilly smiling at this outcome, making easy money.

The next scene, that is titled ‘Ye Olde Legends’, showed Fet cheering as bits were raining down on him. “Where everypony had nothing but rotten luck, Lockland downright Flourished.” Lightning explained as Fet’s shop showed ponies waiting in line. “‘Starting Charging’ to see the Mirror of Mayhem, as he called it.” Lightning stated what else Fet planned to do with the mirror.

“He said…” Lightning started explaining what Fet just said to the mare as he pulled the cover off the mirror. “Ayup, just look into the mirror, see what you’re upta in the future.” Lockland said to the mare who looked at the mirror, who was seeing herself in a beautiful wedding dress as she smiled in amazement. “Even though the curse seemed dormant… The mirror still manages to cause grief.” Lightning pointed out as the mare turned to her fiance, who has a scolding look as he lifted up his hoof to reveal the same bracelet the mare has, and in the mirror it’s not there as the mare grew nervous as there will be talking later for her.

And then Lockland is on his desk as he is counting the bits he bribed off the ponies. “And made Lockland very rich.” Lightning stated.

And then by night, Lockland closed his shop as he put up a sign that said ‘Gone Fishing’, as a way to let ponies know he is out as he’s about to do something bad.

Which is why everypony thought it was so odd that his shop just closed one day.” Lightning narrated as now there are three Earth Ponies mares walking to Lockland’s shop as they peek through the window. And what they saw scared them as they saw Lockland's face start to decay and his eyes became completely white as his hooves were grabbed by the spirit of Discord from the mirror with candles in front of it, and started grabbing Lockland. “But Lockland hadn’t gone anywhere. At least, nowhere has anyone gone before.” Lightning started as the three mares rushed off in complete freight after seeing something bad in that shop. “And wherever that was, it scared folks from something awful.” Lightning added, not knowing what has happened in there, and prefer to keep it unknown.

Lightning Rod’s story stops here.

Back to reality, the girls are still listening to Lightning Rod as he keeps going.

“Well--” Lightning continued, about to finish but then that word got Zipp’s attention as she widened her eyes so wide, you can see her pupils shrink a bit.

“Well?!” Zipp cried out as she chugged her entire cup of hot chocolate quickly as she dropped it on the ground. “You can’t just leave us hanging here!” She cried out, really wanted to as she went to Sunny’s side who turned to look at her, but didn’t see that Zipp dranked Sunny’s hot chocolate as well so quickly. Zipp then grabbed Sunset’s cup, who was wide-eyed at Zipp’s sugar rush, as Zipp spoke. “Where did he go?” She asked as she grabbed Izzy by the face after drinking Sunset’s cup. “Why isn’t Candlebright Cove still around?” She asked again as she flew around Izzy, drinking her cup as well, as she grabs Pipp’s hot chocolate next, who is wide eyed as her sister is so hype about this. “Was Fet Lockland even real?” She asked again as she then flew straight to Lightning Rod and grabbed his shoulders, who is wide eyed as well at how hype Zipp is. “What does this have to do with Discord?!” She cried out, and then she lifted the empty cup in her hooves as she stared at it with wide eyes as she began to shake in such a sugar rush. “And may I please have some more hot chocolate?!” She hyply asked, clearly in a state of a sugar rush of this outcome.

Pipp chuckled sheepishly as she should’ve guessed what would happen if her sister had too much sister as she grabbed Hype Zipp from her hind hooves. “Somepony can’t hold their suuuugar…” She sang sheepishly at Zipp’s sugar rush.

Sunset then looked on strangely at this. “And I thought Pinkie was the master of the sugar rush and I thought Twilight was the master of wanting to find an answer.” She said to herself, never seen this side of Zipp before, and finding it funny when Zipp goes into a sugar rush and how obsessive Zipp is when wanting to solve a mystery.

A little bit later, Lightning Rod made a fresh back of hot chocolates as the girls are enjoying their refills as Lightning Rod gave a fresh cup to Zipp, who is embarrassed of showing her sugar rush side to the others.

“Figured I’d answer the easy question first.” Lightning Rod spoke with a smile. “Especially considering you were buzzin’ around here like a bee in a mitten.” He joked about Zipp’s sugar rush and asked a lot of questions about the story and how it’s connected to Discord and any clues to find him.

Zipp smiled sheepishly as she grabbed the cup as she spoke with a chuckle. “Ha. I’m sort of a detective, and when I can’t crack a case, I just get a little…” She started, but then was cut off when Izzy got in front of her on her hind legs as she waved her hooves in a cheerful tone.

“Tell me who, tell me where, tell me NOOOW!” Izzy was intimidated on how Zipp just reacted as she got on all four hooves as the four girls laughed at this as Zipp crossed her hooves in annoyance.

“Sorry, Zipp! But you sorta asked for it. Remind me to never let you eat too much sugar.” Sunset said through her laugh, going to limit Zipp’s sugar time if she is that obsessive in her detective work.

“Oh, for hoofness sake! Okay, okay, I’ll chill.” Zipp said in an annoying expression, promising to calm down when something interesting popped up as she pointed at Lightning Rod. “But we still need to know about Discord!” She said to Lightning, wanting to know more about Discord.

Lightning Rod smirks as he responds. “As I was saying…” He started where he left off as he grabbed another book from a shelf. “This is where things get complicated.” He said to the girls.

“Things get more complicated?” Sunny asked, wondering what he meant by that.

“Ayup.” Lightning Rod answered.

“And this has something to do with the history of Discord?” Sunset added, seeing the connection to it and knowing so little since she only heard about Discord from Twilight and old Equestrian history but not much about him.

“It sure is.” Lightning Rod answered again as he told them the rest of the story.

Lightning Rod’s story continues.

And then the glass tapestry shows how Celestia and Luna defeated Discord the first time. “Even though Celestia and Luna imprisoned him, Discord found a way around it.” Lightning explained, and then Discord, in his youth, growled as he was defeated. “He’s always been a clever one.” Lightning Rod added as Discord now smirked at the janitor pony and the mirror behind him as he rubs his chin with a smirk, having a plan. “Too clever, maybe.” Lightning Rod added as Discord then appeared in the mirror the janitor was washing.

And then sometime later, the janitor stallion was hypnotized by Discord, who got the mirror on his saddle bag as he walked upfront a unicorn mare with a bread cart.

“I reckon that Discord found a way to travel using Glass. And the poor folks who got in his paths.” Lightning Rod theories on how Discord get around so easily while being trap in stone for a thousand years, with the scene showing the janitor getting hit by the cart with a bucket on his head while in dizziness as the unicorn mare trotted off, with the mirror on her cart without knowing.

“Used them how?” Sunny asked Lightning Rod.

“Yeah. How did he use them?” Sunset asked as well, never heard how Discord traveled through glass to get around.

“That nasty fellow draws his energy from the havoc he creates.” Lightning Rod explained while there is a scene of Discord laughing in the mirror. “While his spirit hides somewhere safe, he spreads trouble. And with that escape, he was on his way to become unstoppable.” Lightning added.

And then overtime, other ponies who have found the mirror fallen under Discord’s trance while passing it down to one pony to another while traveling around Equestria as a unicorn mare put it in a box. “He made his way here.” Lightning said after many ponies, he made his way to the pirates and to where they are now.

The mirror laid on Captain Cannon Bone’s desk as it showed a little swirl on one side of it. “Maybe he sensed Fet’s magic…” Lightning stated how Discord senses Lockland’s magic.

And then Fet Lockland’s clothes and glasses are on the floor as smoke was coming out of it. “...And took those powers for himself.” Lightning said the fate of Lockland and what Discord did to him.

And then the ponies start cleaning out Lockland’s shop as they are moving boxes and taking out the sign, with Lockland gone, there’s nopony to run the business now. “Eventually, the shop was cleaned out, and folks went on with their lives.” Lightning said, and then in one of the boxes is Discord’s talon claw coming out with a smoke as Discord in the mirror smiled evilly. “But Discord was still waiting…for some naive fool to come along.” Lightning finished the story of how Discord traveled around in the mirror.

Lighting Rod’s story ends here.

Lightning Rod then looked at the broken mirror with a look of regret and guilt. “And a fool surely did come along.” He said.

“What do you mean?” Pipp asked in confusion as she and the rest of the girls were confused on what he meant.

“Let’s go up top.” Lightning Rod said as he led the girls upstairs to the top of the Lighthouse.

At the top of the Lighthouse, Lightning Rod turns on the Lighthouse light signals as he points it to one direction as the group looks in the direction.

“See that?” Lightning Rod asked the girls at the sight they were seeing.

Sunny then answered. “I think… I sorta… Kinda..” She said as she tries to see clearly, but can’t make out what she is seeing. “No, I absolutely don’t.” She honestly said.

“What are we looking at right now?” Sunset asked Lightning Rod, not sure if she is getting at what they are seeing.

“That used to be Candlebright Cove.” Lightning Rod revealed to the girls, saying that spot right there with the square spots and barren wasteland used to be Candlebright Cove, a long time ago.

The girls are shocked at this as they see the barren remains of what used to be Candlebright Cove as Zipp flew in the air. “What happened to it?” She asked, wanting to know how this happened to a town like this.

Lightning Rod then closed his eyes as he grabbed his hat and lowered it to his chest, and revealed that he is a Unicorn, but his horn is cut in half. “Me.” He revealed, saying that he is the cause of this once town.

The girls are shocked at this, both shocked at Lightning Rod being a unicorn and thought he was an earth pony and saw his horn cut in half and how he just said that he was the one responsible for what happened to Candlebright Cove.

Zipp regained her composure as she spoke in a serious tone. “We’re going to need more hot chocolate for this. And maybe some snacks.” She said, stating that this will be another story to tell and for her detective side as well, while adding snacks to it as well.

“Follow me.” Lightning Rod said to them as they followed him back downstairs to tell the rest of the story.

In the kitchen in the Lighthouse, the girls are sitting on the table as they listen to Lightning Rod from the side of it.

“I knew when I sent that email that I was ready to come clean, but--” Lightning Rod started explaining right before Zipp came to his side with an eager look on her face as she pointed to the cabinets.

“Do you mind if I just… Y’know.” Zipp said to Lightning Rod with a smirk, eager to grab some snacks.

“I’m all mug up from the hot cocoa, but help yourself.” Lightning Rod answered to Zipp his permission as she zipp to the cabinets as she dug through them for snacks as Lightning Rod brought out his photo album. “These photos are from just before… Well, see for yourselves.” He said as he brought the album to the girls as they saw pictures of what Candlebright Cove used to be, one picture with a seapony statue fountain, the second one with Lightning Rod, in his youth with his horn not cut while taking a picture of himself and his Lighthouse, and the third one with him waving to the crowd in some parade. “Candlebright Cove was a real nice town. I had good friends, did an important job, and felt like part of the community. Back then, bein’ a keeper was a big deal. But things changed. Things always change.” He said as he spoke in a little sad tone, getting to the part where his life changed forever.

“Except Zipp.” Izzy pointed out with a smile as the girls see Zipp bringing in snacks while in flight, cookies and some snack bags she is carrying in her hooves with a donut in her mouth with a smile as the girls chuckled a little at Zipp.

“Sometimes, I just keep getting surprised that Zipp even has a sweet tooth.” Sunset said with a chuckle, finding it funny that Zipp is showing her sweet tooth.

Pipp smirked at her sister as she started recording Zipp with her phone. “The Pippsqueaks are going to love this, especially if she drops it!” She teased, wanting to see if Zipp drops the snack if she loses her balance.

Lightning Rod then gave a serious expression as he looked at the girls. “You ready for one last scary story?” He asked the girls, a little scared to hear it but needs to know his backstory of that mirror.

Lightning Rod’s Backstory.

In the past, young Lightning Rod shook an old stallion’s, that used to work in the Lighthouse, hoof as they smiled to each other. “I came to Candlebright Cove because they didn’t mind magic, unlike some other places.” Lightning stated, meaning that unlike the other three tribes hometown in Equestria, Maretime Bay, Bridlewood, and Zephyr Heights, Candlebright Cove was one of the few places left in Equestria that allow everypony, unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies, to come together even if they are different.

The next scene showed Lightning Rod looking at the view of the ocean at the top of the Lighthouse as he saw a boat in the distance as he shined the light to help guide it back to safety from the rough waves. “The harbor used to be the main port, yessah. Led lots of boats to shore, helped a lot of folks. Over the years, Candlebright Cove grew. Got more modern.” Lightning stated.

And then the next scene showed Lightning Rod walking out of the Lighthouse as he sees ponies using their phones. “Technology meant boats were guided differently, they didn’t need an old Lighthouse anymore.” Lightning explained that since technology is now around, the Lighthouse was obsolete since the phones can help guide them.

“Or the keeper.” Lightning added as it showed his young self packing his things that it was time to move from the Lighthouse since it wasn’t needed anymore. “I decided it was time to move down the road apiece. Didn’t want to stick around to watch myself become obsolete.” Lightning added, not wanting to become obsolete like the Lighthouse so he decided to move on from it.

“And then…” Lightning then started as his younger self started opening up a chest and saw the mirror in it, and once he picked it up, he saw Discord in it as he was shocked to see the legendary Lord of Chaos he heard from the old stories. “...I’d had the thing for years, nothing bad had ever happened. Until that day in my Lighthouse.” Lightning stated.

“Yesss, your Lighthouse…” Discord smirked evilly to the viewer, somehow knowing that Lightning Rod is telling his backstory.

“He said he’d make sure the town will always need me, that I’d always have a home.” Lightning stated as his past self got grabbed by a smoke claw version of Discord’s claw as he grabbed him by the head with Lightning freaking out. “What he wanted in exchange though…” Lightning stops for a moment as a scene of boats crashing into shore in a tremendous wave in a dangerous storm. “Imagine the chaos of just a few boats running up shore, he said.” Lightning narrowed down so that he doesn't have to say something that is hurt to just say it as Discord then surrounds him in fog form as Lightning Rod lower his head. “I should just use my powers, he said. They’d help me free him. Sure there must be another way, I asked him.” Lightning told what he and Discord said to each other in a conversation as he looked at the view of Candlebright Cove with Discord, in the mirror, next to him. “If it was my powers he wanted, well, I was gonna make sure he got ‘em.” Lightning said as his young self got in front of Discord, who was ‘eeing’ excitedly for Lightning to do it, as Lightning blasted the mirror with a powerful magic from his horn as it broke the mirror apart. “I should just use my powers, he said. They’d help free him.” Lightning repeated.

Once he was done, his horn had broken off from the overpowered magic as it smoked, as he looked in despair at what he’s done. “It was like the town had never existed. I’ve never meant--I thought I’d just destroyed the mirror.” Lightning said in a sad tone, stating that he was planning to destroyed the mirror to prevent Discord from messing with other ponies, but somehow, not only did he destroyed the mirror, he destroyed the entire town of Candlebright Cove as Discord magic smoke breeze off from the spot it was blasted as Lightning Rod looked on in despair at the damaged he done with the broken mirror Discord once imprisoned next to him. “What was left of it shows some things, but with that piece broken…Well, Discord was gone.” Lightning Rod finished his backstory of how Candlebright Cove was gone and what had happened to the mirror.

End of Lightning Rod’s backstory.

“That’s my story.” Lightning Rod said to the girls with a sad look at the consequences of his actions. “And that’s why I asked you out here.” He said his reason for bringing the girls out here was for a clue for Discord and to tell them what had happened to his home.

The girls feel bad for Lightning Rod and the fate he was in and for the destruction of the town, while Sunset feels suspicious on that since Discord wasn’t always trap after he was freed the second time from Twilight and the others, he shouldn’t have used the mirror to get around as Sunny then gives Lightning a comforting smile. “That was very brave of you. It must’ve been hard.” She said to Lightning of what he has done, having lived in a lighthouse herself.

Lightning Rod then gives a small smile to Sunny. “What woulda been brave was letting the town grow, letting things change.” He states what could have been for the town, but then gives a sad look again. “Instead I held on to the past and ended up alone--But at least the mirror isn’t hurting anypony anymore.” He said, looking at the bright side of things, that now the mirror is broken, it shouldn’t hurt anypony anymore.

Sunset placed a wing on Lightning Rod as she spoke. “I know that feeling. I want things to go back to the way they were before. I wanted to see my old home as it was and see my old friends again. But that time has passed and those times are long gone. All I can do is embrace the changes and learn to adapt to the times. Even if everypony I know and loved is gone, they will always be with me as long as I remember them, and have new friends by my side to help me embrace the changes so I wouldn’t have to be alone anymore.” She said, sharing how she felt when she came home to Equestria to find so much has changed and how all the ponies she knew and loved, her friends and family, are gone, but she knows they will always be with her in spirit. Understanding how Lightning is feeling while facing the same feeling in a different way.

Lightning Rod smiled at Sunset for her comforting words of wisdom. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. All I can do is remember the ponies I once knew and embrace the changes.” He said, keeping Sunset’s words by heart.

Pipp gasped at what Sunset and Lightning just said, having an idea. “Change! That’s it! Discord doesn’t want anything to change. I bet he still uses the same hideout he did back then!” She said aloud, saying that Discord could be in the same hideout he was hiding underneath Canterlot since he doesn’t want things to change, and the caves below Canterlot goes around for miles, making it the perfect hiding place. “We can just look in the mirror--’ She suggested using the mirror to find Discord, but then realized something as they walked out of the kitchen. “I forgot, it’s broken. You really can’t see where he’s at, Lightning Rod?” She asked the old Unicorn.

Lightning Rod smiled in response as they walked to the mirror over the fireplace. “No, no, you can’t see there from here with it broken. But…” He adjusted it a bit. “The other piece is out where the town used to be, probably buried under the rumble.” He said what happened to the other piece of the mirror after he broke it.

Sunset then spoke while placing a hoof on her chin. “From what I learned, and knowing my history and experience of lost Equestrian artifacts, magic doesn’t just disappear from the artifacts, it just lays dormant until the artifacts become whole again.” She said, having learned from her experience and research during her time and from the Unity Crystals as well, that magic doesn’t just get destroyed, just sent elsewhere or lays dormant until its release. “So maybe if we find that piece of the mirror and place it back together to restore its magic…” Sunset started off with a wide smile as she thought of a plan.

Pipp smiled as she was catching on to what Sunset was saying as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. “We can really find him with this can we? We can still save magic.” She said with a hopeful smile, seeing that they have a chance to find Discord if they find the other piece of the mirror and bind them back together to restore it’s magic.

The next day, the girls are ready to start their search again with the broken mirror in Pipp’s saddle bag as they say their goodbye to Lightning Rod as Sunset is shaking hooves with him.

“Thanks for letting us have the Mirror of Mayhem, Lightning Rod. Because of you, we have a chance to find Discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back.” Sunset thanks Lightning Rod for his help and a lead to find Discord and letting them have the mirror to help them once they find the other piece of it to restore its magic.

“It was my pleasure, Ms. Shimmer.” Lightning Rod replied with a smile, glad to be of some help to them.

Pipp then spoke with an uncertain look. “You’ve been keeping this safe for so long, as I do the math, an exceptionally long time. Are you gonna be okay without it?” She asked Lightning Rod if it’s okay for them to have the mirror since he spent all this time guarding it.

Lightning Rod smiled in reassurance. “Oh, I think it’s well past time for me to find a new hobby. Maybe I’ll try blogging like you.” He said, maybe start blogging like Pipp as a hobby since his time guarding the mirror is over.

Pipp then smiled as she brought out her phone. “Thanks for reminding me! Can we get a selfie--Y’know, for my next update.” She said, wanting her and her friends to take a selfie with Lightning Rod to remember him for his help and something to let her Pippsqueaks to know.

Lightning Rod smiled in agreement as the girls huddled around him as Pipp took a picture of him and his Lighthouse, with Zipp having a suspicious look at Lightning Rod as she flew close to him.

“When exactly did all of this start?” Zipp asked when this all happened after hearing Lightning Rod’s story. “It does seem like you’ve been here a really, really, reeeeally long time… Something isn’t adding up.” She pointed out how old Lightning Rod is right now if he was around for that long as Lightning Rod gives a smirk in response.

Sunny grabbed Zipp by her leg as she gave a scolding look. “Zipp! You said you’d chill!” She lectured, not wanting Zipp to sound rude to how old Lighting Rod really is of how long ago his story was. Sunset however, gives a strange look, finding Zipp’s question suspicious as well, after hearing Lightning Rod’s story, he would be really, and I mean really old, to have lived that long to tell that story, something isn’t right.

And then a few moments later, the girls continue on their journey as Lightning Rod waved bye to them. “Thank you all. For listening. For helping me put things right.” Lightning Rod called out to them as he thanked them for helping redeemed himself and setting things right.

Pipp waved back at him with a smile as she and the others continued their way. “We’ll let you know how it goes.” She said to him, going to let him know how things will turn out once they complete their mission to find Discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back as she turned to her friends with a wide smile. “Wow, I mean wow! Can you believe that?” She asked her friends cheerfully as Lightning Rod helped a lot and they finally have a lead to find Discord.

“Not really, no.” Zipp is the first to answer as she has a lot of thoughts in her head. “I believe the story but I have so many questions.” She added.

“I agree with Zipp. Things don't add up.” Sunset said. “Like Discord using the mirror to get around, that’s not what I know from Twilight told me. If he was still, he would’ve still been a statue, but Twilight and the girls set him free some time after his second defeat.” She said, from what Twilight told her, Discord never really mentioned mirrors of any kind when Discord was friends with Twilight and the girls, and he definitely would’ve told Fluttershy about it during those days.

“And not only that.” Zipp spoke again. “How does he get cell service out here? Where does he go grocery shopping? This place is desolated!” She pointed out, question on how Lightning Rod got cell service sent that text and where did he get all the food that she and her friends ate during that time if this place is desolated for miles. Zipp stopped as she gestured to where they were without looking. “Why didn’t he just give us the mirror to begin with? Why tell us--” She asked again as Pipp spoke up with an assuring smile.

“Zipp, if I’ve learned anything from streaming… Lightning Rod is a natural content creator.” Pipp stated what she learned from being a streamer. “Everypony loves a story. Everypony loves a little story.” She said that anypony would love to hear a story before going straight to the point.

Sunset and Sunny turned their heads to say something, but then gave a shock look at what they just saw. “Uhh…” Sunny started as Sunset continued.

“Girls. Where did Lightning Rod’s Lighthouse go?” Sunset stared in shock with wide eyes as the rest of the girls turned and looked at what she and Sunny were seeing as they were shocked as they saw Lightning Rod’s Lighthouse gone, as if it was never to begin with.

“Did somepony request a mystery?” Sunny asked in shock at this.

Pipp turned to her friends, with a wide eye at this. “I said a little!” she cried out, surprise that Lightning Rod and his Lighthouse is gone.

“It’s another mystery that needs to be solved.” Sunset added with wide eyes, seeing that this is another story that if the Lighthouse is gone, along with Lightning Rod, to begin with, then how did they see or see him and his home, it felt and looked so real to begin with and they were actually there. This is a mystery that needs to be solved while finding Discord as well.

End of Issue 5.

Issue 6:

Issue 6:

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny is looking at something as she begins to have a breakdown while sweating.

“The nights and days blend together in an endless vortex that I now think signals the end of time itself.” Sunny said as she began to tear up. “I can’t take it anymore!” She cried out as she flopped her head to the table, can’t take much more of this as Sunset rubs Sunny’s back to calm her down a bit.

As it turns out, the Mane 6 are looking at a computer monitor that has multiple cameras that showed the many rooms of the Canterlot Castle in Canterlot that the Mane 6 set up when they head back to Canterlot, thanks to Sunset’s memory of the castle of all it’s rooms and hallways and setting up a camera up in the caverns they were in, they got the whole castle wired so that they can find Discord. But most of them, mostly Pipp, Hitch, Sunset and obviously Sunny, are tired out from looking at the screens for so long.

“Calm down!” Zipp called out, not tired one bit, neither was Izzy as well, as she pointed to the monitor. “Since we can’t figure out where Discord’s going, the only way to find him is to go back to where he’s already been.” She pointed out that if they retrace Discord’s steps on where he was already, they might have a way to find him, and Canterlot is the only place they last saw him as Zipp took a close eye at the screen. “We need to make sure we keep an eye on every inch of the castle. So if you need to blink, make sure it’s a fast one.” She said to Sunny, who is too tired from all the watch as she groans from Zipp’s suggestions.

Izzy smiled while watching the screen as she crossed her eyes. “Ooh, if you cross your eyes, the colors miiix together.” She said as she tilted her head with a smile, keeping her eyes’ crossed together.

Sunset then spoke. “Zipp. Discord is the lord of chaos, he can do anything to reality, how do we know if he does something to the cameras?” She pointed out, seeing how Zipp is so determined to find Discord, even though they need to find him and get the Pegasus Crystal back to keep magic alive, even they have their limits.

“Which is why we need to keep close eyes on the monitors, Sunset. Not one bit.” Zipp said, still watching the monitor so she might see a slight change so they can find a lead where Discord is.

“I’m more surprised that we connected the cameras all over the castle in Canterlot.” Sunset pointed out in surprise that modern technology can connect to the old Canterlot Castle. “And you guys are lucky I led you around the place to put the cameras on every corner of the castle, even in the caverns Discord is in.” She added that she led them around the castle to put the cameras in place to make sure every inch of the castle was being watched.

“And we thank you for that, Sunset.” Zipp said, still hasn't took her eyes away from the monitor one bit.

“But still, Zipp, we’ve been at this for so long, we haven’t caught our eyes a break one bit, and Sunny is already at her limit here.” Sunset pointed out, while still rubbing Sunny’s back to calm her down.

Sunny turned her head to where Pipp. I don’t think my eyes even move anymore.” She dramatically said with her eyes closed, too tired to even move her eyelids.

Pipp lifted one of Sunny’s eyelids, which shows her tired eye. “You know, you have a real flair for the dramatic, Sunny.” She said to Sunny.

“That’s a lot coming from you, Miss-My-Livestream-Is-My-Life Princess.” Sunset pointed out while giving Pipp a look that she calls Sunny drama queen when she’s a drama queen herself when she complains on not doing any live streams for her Pippsqueaks and her populatority online.

Pipp realizes that Sunset is right. “Okay, good point, Sunset.” She said sheepishly as she turned to Zipp, who was still looking at the screen while Izzy still got her eyes crossed. “But Zipp, you’re about to be outshined because I have a new song to perform.” She said with a smirk to her sister.

“Can it wait?” Zipp asked her sister while still watching the screens. “We’ve really gotta concentrate over here.” She pointed out the mission they have.

Pipp kept smirking as she placed her hooves on her sister to get her attention. “I think listening might help direct your focus.” She said,

Zipp nudges her sister off her as she keeps her focus on the monitor. “Turning away from these screens for even a second could mean missing a vital clue.” She retorted, saying that if she kept her eyes off the screens for even a second, she might miss something that might help them find Discord since anything could happen from his chaos magic.

“But perhaps my song is just in tune with your search.” Pipp tried again as she kept smirking, but Zipp kept her focus on the screens. Pipp then gave a bored expression as her sister won’t budge as she got behind Zipp and yelled at her. “How obvious do I have to be for you to realize I’ve discovered something in the footage?!” She called out, which made Zipp finally flinch from her little sister’s outburst.

“You found something?” The rest of the Mane 6 all asked in unison as they turned and looked at Pipp in surprises at what she said, while Izzy eyes are still crossed from watching the screens with her eyes like that for so long while Sunny lifted one of her eyelids’ to look at Pipp in surprise.

Pipp huffed after her outburst as she turned away from their looks with a bored expression. “Embarrassingly obvious is the answer.” She said how they didn’t realize what she was saying.

“Like we know what you say, Pipp. All you kept saying from time to time is your livestreams and your Pippsqueaks have the time.” Sunset answered while giving Pipp a look, not their fault they couldn’t tell from what Pipp is saying as she usually on her phone 24/7.

“Good point.” Pipp said to Sunset, finding that fair as she grabbed a remote as she pointed to one of the camera’s screens. “Take a closer look at Discord’s cave. Five minutes ago, this was actual footage of the cave, but now…” She then fast forward to the live channel of the cave, which is a poor description then what it was five minutes ago.

“Is that a drawing?” Sunny asked her friends, seeing that the cave they are seeing now is a drawing.

“It sure is!” Izzy answered as she placed a hoof on her chin. “And it looks like the photorealist artistic crayon stylings of one Reginald Fursome.” She added, knowing the description of the drawings from a certain creature Discord have.

“Something, or rather someone, aka Discord, must’ve put him in the caverns to grab some things and use a drawing in front of the camera in his old cave to throw us off track.” Sunset suggested, since Discord always has crazy ideas to stay hidden and do something crazy.

“If he’s using a drawing to cover the camera lens, he must be there right now.” Hitch said, stating that Reginald must be there now if he is covering the camera’s sight.

“Then we have no time to lose. We must catch Reginald before he escapes.” Sunset said in determination, going to catch Reginald if he knows where Discord is before he gets ahead of them if they are ever going to get the Pegasus Crystal back.

Sunny then turned as she pointed her hoof straight with a determined smile and expression. “Time to head back to Canterlot!” Sunny announced, going back to where they first met Discord as her friends smiled back at Sunny.

Pipp however, wasn’t as determined as the others were. “And ruin another impeccable hooficure…” She complained while looking at her hoof with a down expression. Zipp then gave her little sister a look at what she just said, knowing that now’s not the time to complain about her hooficure. Pipp saw her big sister’s look as she gave a sheepish smile. “...For a noble cause, of course.” She said sheepishly with a little sweat, now knowing that now isn’t the time since they have a crystal to rectrive and the lord of chaos to catch.

“Good save, Pipp. Now let's go before he gets away.” Sunset called out as the Mane 6 raced out the door to find Reginald as they raced back to where Canterlot is.

Sometime later, the Mane 6 made it back to Canterlot as they are now inside Canterlot Castle. In the throne room, the Mane 6 went to one of the spots the trap doors are as Hitch pried one of them open, breaking the door apart to open it up as they formed a line to climb down the slide they fell to when they first met Discord.

Zipp, Hitch, Sunny and Sunset made it to the opening as they held onto the side of the walls around them to stay in the tunnel as they saw Reginald packing some things in a suitcase as the critter was struggling to put a giant hat in it.

“Anypony else think that hat is too big for Reginald?” Sunny asked her friends in confusion.

“He’s packing for Discord.” Zipp answered for Sunny, seeing that the critter is packing Discord things now that the cavern he was in was discovered by the Mane 6 when he first invited them in, this will be the first place they will look. Knowing he can’t go back to get his stuff, worried that the Mane 6 will be waiting for him, he sent Reginald to grab his things. “If we follow Reginald, I bet he’ll lead us straight to Discord and the crystal.” She added, planning to follow Reginald to where Discord is hiding with the Pegasus Crystal.

“Great plan, Zipp. Then we will get the jump on him, grab the Pegasus Crystal, get out and stabilize the magic.” Sunset said, saying the rest of the plan.

Then Reginald then heard something, which made the four ponies flinched as they realizes he heard them as they went back into the tunnel, not wanting Reginald to know they are there as the critter looked at the entrance the four ponies were hiding as he sent a glare at it, thinking that he thought he heard something as he climb up the tunnel with the suitcase in tow on his tail.

Reginald then pokes his head out of the trapdoor as he looks around in the throne room, seeing that no one is around. Seeing that the close is clear, Reginald gets out of the trapdoor as he drags the suitcase as he makes his way out of the throne room.

What he didn’t know is that the Mane 6 are above him as Sunny, in her alicorn form, and Sunset are holding their friends with all their strength as the others hold on in a straight line, Pipp and Zipp are also holding on as well.

“What a time for our magic to glitch out!” Zipp cried out quietly as she held onto her sister, stating that the magic is glitching out again, which means Pipp and Zipp can’t fly to hide themselves in the air.

“Ouch!” Pipp cried out quietly from the tug her sister is giving her while holding her hooves so they can’t fall. “Can you loosen your grip? You're giving me blisters on top of blisters down there.” She whisperly complained that Zipp is holding her hoof too tight.

“Can you two argue another time? We need to stay quiet until Reginald doesn’t notice us.” Sunset pointed out as her friends are so heavy, she’s beginning to sweat as Sunny was on top of her, helping her with the weight as Reginald went out the door of the throne room.

Sunny then saw that her magic is now beginning to glitch out as well. “That’s never a good sign.” She said in worried as her alicorn form disappeared as she fell on top of Sunset, which made Sunset and the others drop to the floor as they fell with a thud.

The Mane 6 got up while feeling dazed from the fall they had as some dust cleared out from impact, though more painful for Zipp and Pipp as the two sisters landed on each other from the fall.

“Ugh.” Pipp groans while feeling dazed as her sister is on top of her.

“That’s loose enough?” Zipp rhetorically said to her sister in a daze look from the fall as well.

Sunset got back up and cracked her back a bit as she turned to Sunny. “Sunny, your alicorn magic is glitching now too.” She said in worried.

“Yeah. I think the more magic is glitching out, the stronger it gets.” Sunny said in a worried tone as she looked at herself. “Now my magic is starting to glitch out as well.” She said, seeing how much stronger the glitching is becoming now that her Alicorn magic is now glitching.

“Meaning that we’re running out of time. If your alicorn magic is glitching out now, it means that we need to hurry.” Sunset said, seeing that they are at a time limit if Sunny’s magic is now glitching.

Hitch got up as he rubbed his head as he turned to the others. “There will be time to count bruises and worry about the glitches getting stronger later. Right now, we’ve got a possum to follow.” He reminded the others of the mission they were in as they ran out the door of Canterlot Castle.

Hours later, the Mane 6 are still following Reginald as they stay hidden behind the trees with a river next to them as kept walking as he plays a kazoo to pass the time.

“Okay. We’re clear. Let’s go.” Zipp said to the others as they quietly followed Reginald.

Pipp has been live streaming the whole thing on her phone as she aims it at Reginald. “If you’re just tuning in now, Pippsqueaks, we’re in the middle of a life-or-no-magic stealth mission as we follow Reginald Fursome towards Discord’s hideout.” She said to her followers.

Izzy then waved to Pipp as she called out with a smile. “Pipp, Pipp, Hi! Do you mind if I interrupt with a quick question?” She asked.

“I do. But It’s too late now.” Pipp said with a rolled eye, too late for the interrupted part since Izzy just did it.

Izzy then got next to Pipp as she spoke. “I just think maybe we shouldn’t be live streaming this secret stealth mission.” She said, feeling uneasy that Pipp is live streaming their stealth mission.

“I kinda agree with Izzy on this one, Pipp. What if Discord finds out?” Sunset said in concern, worrying that Discord must be watching the live stream.

“Oh, it’s not like Reginald’s going to see it. He doesn’t follow me on socials. And Discord doesn't even know today’s technology like my phone.” Pipp pointed out to both Sunset and Izzy, saying that Reginald and Discord don’t even have phones or follow the media. “Their loss.” She added.

“I meant that we shouldn’t be filming Reginald without his permission.” Izzy pointed, feeling uneasy of recording Reginald without the critter’s permission.

“You know, Izzy’s right.” Zipp said, seeing the point. “This following thing is a total bore. I think it’s time we let Reginald know we’re here.” She said, feeling that following Reginald is boring after a while.

“You want to confront him?” Sunny asked the two ponies, wanting to know what they were saying.

“I think it would be better if we approached Reginald as a friend.” Izzy tries to reason as she shakes her hooves to reason with her friends. “Hitch could use his magic to talk to him, and I could give him a flower crown.” She said, making a plan. “Then we’d be best friends forever, and he’d tell us where Discord is because best friends tell each other all their secrets.” She finished, saying that if they get Reginald on their side, he would help them find Discord faster.

Sunset saw what Izzy was trying to say, remembering their talk back at the caves where the Canterlot entrance is, she had a feeling that Izzy was still hurting that her friends were leaving her behind as she gave the unicorn a sympathetic look.

“Reginald is 100 percent loyal to Discord.” Hitch called out, seeing the flaw in Izzy’s plan. “There’s no way he’d give us his location.” He added.

Zipp then smirked as she flared her wings up while pointing at where Reginald was. “So we agree. Confrontation is the only way to get Reginald to talk. Sunny, Sunset, Pipp and I can fly down from those trees over there and take Reginald by surprise.” She said, liking this plan to confront Reginald.

Izzy however, does not like that plan one bit. “You can’t do that to my new best friend! You’ll scare him!” Izzy cried out in sadness and a little mad at their plans.

Apparently, Reginald heard Izzy’s outburst as he turned and looked in shock as he saw the Mane 6 behind him. He then panicked and ran off at high speed, leaving Zipp, Sunny and Sunset looking on in shock at this while Hitch gave Izzy a glare at blowing their cover.

“Too late for that.” Pipp said to Izzy with a natural look while holding her phone while Izzy gave a sigh as she hung her head in guilt.

“That critter sure moves fast.” Sunset commented as she and Sunny were looking around to see where Reginald went.

“Did anypony see which direction he was headed?” Sunny asked her friends if they saw which direction Reginald went.

“No, but Pipp was live streaming the whole thing.” Hitch pointed to Pipp, who is tapping on her phone to post 'Hashtag Oopsies’ on her media.

“I wasn’t filming Reginald. I was filming Izzy.” Pipp answered, which earned angry glares from her friends, sin Izzy, for not live streaming for something important, meaning that they have no way to track Reginald.

“Pipp! Seriously!?” Sunset scolded, seeing that Pipp wasn’t filming where Reginald went.

“There’s only one rule in live streaming, and it’s that no matter what, you always follow the drama.” Pipp defended herself. “And that was Izzy. Did you see how mad she was?” She asked her friends how mad Izzy was earlier.

“Not the point, Pipp!” Sunset shouted as she glared at Pipp, who flinched at that. “Because of your careless media rules, we have lost Reginald’s trail that would lead us to Discord!” She said with a facehoof, saying that if they lost the trail, they can’t find Discord to get the Pegasus Crystal back.

Pipp gave a sheepish smile at Sunset and the others as she chuckled a bit. “Uh. Oops.” She said sheepishly, seeing that they are not in a mood for media rules.

“I wasn’t mad. Or I didn’t mean to be…” Izzy said, didn’t realize she saw that mad as Pipp came next to her with a smile.

“You were golden.” Pipp said with a smile. “It was a perfect applewood melodrama. I mean, look at this.” She said as she brought her phone next to her and Izzy.

The phone played the video part where Izzy was screaming. “Y---... G---... S---...!” Video Izzy yelled out but the words were not complete when some other noise in the video was so loud that Izzy’s yelling couldn't be heard.

“I can’t hear anything Izzy is saying.” Hitch answered as he looked at the video with his hoof on his chin.

Pipp looked at her phone in shock that they can’t hear Izzy on the video. “What in Zephyr Heights is going on?” She asked in shock, wanting to know why they can’t hear the video.

Zipp grew annoyed as she pointed to the lake next to them. “It’s that stream over there. It’s so loud that it’s the only thing the mic was able to pick up.” She pointed out, while Sunset rolled her eyes while Sunny groaned a bit, seeing that they are getting off track when they have a mission.

Pipp panic then starts to grow as she begins to shake in panic. “Oh no, no, no, nooooo…” She said as she searched through her phone as she realized something. “It’s not just Izzy’s voice. Everything I’ve filmed for the last two hours has been drowned out by the stream!” She cried out, saying that her entire film she recorded was sounded out by the stream as she came to the edge of the stream and glared at it. “So rude!” She yelled out angrily at the stream for ruining her film.

Zipp however, sees this as a good thing. “Actually, it’s great news.” She said with a smile.

“Huh?” Izzy asked, wanting to know what Zipp is saying.

“Yeah. Can you fill us in, Zipp?” Sunset asked.

Zipp then grabbed Pipp’s phone, which pointed the camera at her irritated face, as Zipp spoke. “If your phone was picking up the stream for the past two hours, it must mean Reginald’s been following it this whole time.” She pointed out, saying that Reginald’s been following the stream the whole time, meaning that they have a lead.

“Hey, you’re right. The stream was there the whole time while we were following Reginald, so we must be on the right track.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing Zipp’s idea true.

Sunset then smiled as she spoke next. “If we want to find Reginald and Discord, all we need to do is continue following the stream. You’re a genius, Zipp.” She said to Zipp with a smile.

“Let’s head out, team!” Hitch called out with a determined smile as he pointed at the direction the stream was going.

Zipp then places a hoof on Pipp’s back, with her sitter still irritated, as Zipp smirked. “Cheer up. I’m sure some of what you filmed was still fun to watch.” She said to her sister.

“It was completely incomprehensible.” Pipp said with a dry tone. “I might as well have live streamed Mom discussing the health benefits of dragon fire tea.” She added with a dry tone.

Zipp let go of her sister as she gave her an annoying look. “Now that was rude.” She said to her sister.

Pipp turned to her sister with a glare. “You’re right. Let me call and apologize. Oh wait she won’t be able to hear me over that stupid stream!” She sarcastically complained.

“Enough!” Sunset called out as the two sisters flinched at that. “Now is not the time to argue over your films, Pipp. We got a mission and Discord to find, and we won’t find him if you just complain about your film! So let’s get going!” She called out.

Which made the rest of the Mane 6 move out, with Sunset, Sunny and Izzy behind as Izzy was walking slower than the others, which is so unlike her, which didn’t go unnoticed to Sunny and Sunset.

“Are you feeling okay, Izzy?” Sunset asked the unicorn.

Izzy turned to them as they speaked. “You know, I’ve always said a moment together is one you’re more likely to remember.” She said, reminding them of what they said about staying together.

“I was trying to give you some space.” Sunny reasoned to Izzy.

“It’s my breath, isn’t it?” Izzy asked as she smelled her own breath from her hoof. “I know sugar doesn’t make the best toothpaste, but it tastes so much better!” She pointed out.

“It’s not that.” Sunny said, assuring her that it’s not Izzy’s breath.

“But by the way, sugar isn’t suitable when brushing teeth, Izzy.” Sunset pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

“Anyway, you’ve been distant ever since our run-in with Discord.” Sunny said, saying how much distant Izzy is after their first encounter with Discord. “I know he mentioned you felt left behind in Canterlot when we split up.” She added to what happened before they met Discord.

“And I know I was there to keep you company, but you still seem distant, Izzy.” Sunset added, seeing how down Izzy is lately.

“I hope you know flying off without you wasn’t personal.” Sunny apologized to Izzy, who lowered her head a bit. “If you could fly, we obviously would have invited you, too.” She added.

“Oh yeah…” Izzy said, still a little sad. “Abso-lutel-lutely…” She finished.

Sunset saw that expression and knows that Izzy is still mad that she was left behind in most activities. Even if she stayed with Izzy, the unicorn is still sad. Before she could speak to Izzy, Hitch called out to them from behind the trees.

“I think we’ve made it!” Hitch called out to the others with a smile as the girls followed the sheriff and gasped at what they were seeing.

The Mane 6 are seeing Fluttershy’s old cottage home she used to live in with her animal friends as she lived close to the Everfree Forest, and it seems to be in perfect condition as well, aside from the overgrown plantations that overgrew without somepony keeping them in check.

The girls then gasped in amazement at what they saw, with Sunset gasping more in shock and amazement at this. “Oh my Celestia…” Sunset said in shock, having only seen Fluttershy’s old home from her journal of the pictures Twilight sent her to see her friends' homes if she ever wanted to visit them someday, and seeing Fluttershy’s old home brought shock to her the most.

“Whao! What is this place?” Pipp asked in amazement at seeing Fluttershy’s old cottage as she recorded the whole thing on her phone.

Sunny became most excited at seeing the cottage as she spoke. “It looks like the animal sanctuary Discord told us about. The one built with Fluttershy to care for the creatures of the Everfree Forest!” She said in excitement of seeing the Element of Kindness home right in front of her. First Canterlot now Fluttershy’s home, what will she see next?

“This was Fluttershy’s cottage before it became a full fledged animal sanctuary!” Sunset said as the Mane 6 walked close to Fluttershy’s old home, having heard this from Twilight in the past. “Her home is usually close to Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. Ponyville must be close by if Fluttershy’s home is here!” She said in excitement, thinking that if Fluttershy’s old cottage home is here, Ponyville must be close by.

“Slow down, Sunset.” Sunny chuckled at Sunset. “We have a mission, remember? Maybe when we have time, we’ll find Ponyville.” She assured her mentor/sister-figure, excited herself in wanting to see Ponyville as well, but they are on a mission.

Sunset calmed down a bit. “You’re right. Mission comes first, and then explore.” She said to Sunny, keeping her priorities straight.

“Are you sure this is the place?” Izzy asked the others, getting back on topic. “It looks pretty empty for a sanctuary.” She pointed out, seeing that Fluttershy’s cottage is abandoned.

“Reginald must have given Discord and the other creatures the heads-up we were coming.” Hitch suggested, seeing that Reginald must’ve beat them here.

Zipp groans at this. “Nothing can ever be easy, can it?” She rhetorically asked the others, seeing that they are not having much luck.

Hitch then turned an eye and saw a familiar squirrel, who was angry, imagining fire around him while holding a couple of acorns, glaring at them as Hitch had an idea. “Maybe not, but I’ll take a lucky break when it comes along.” He said with a smirk as he turned to the squirrel with a cheery smile. “Hi, you might remember us from Discord’s little tea party. I don’t want to brag, but we were his VIP guests of the day. And maybe the last ten years…” He lied the last part, while the squirrel calmed down while still fuming at him. “...Anyways, we’re looking for our friend Discord. Do you know where he is?” He asked the squirrel.

Zipp raised an eyebrow at Hitch from that act as the others watched. “He won’t be teaching a class on the Art of Subtlety anytime soon.” She sarcastically said, seeing Hitch’s play a little weird.

“I agree with you there, Zipp.” Sunset said with a bored expression, seeing this as well.

“Quaa, kuk-kuk!” The squirrel squeaked at Hitch.

“Oh no!” Hitch cried out, understanding what the squirrel was saying. “That’s horrible news!” He cried in shock.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Sunny asked in worried as the girls gave worried looks, worried to know what Hitch knows.

“Come on, Hitch! Spill the beans!” Sunset cried out in worry.

Pipp places her hooves over her mouth as she begins to panic while sweating nervously. “Has Discord found a way to destroy the crystal and turn us back into miserable, meaningless, magicless ponies?” She asked nervously, thinking that they might be too late to stop Discord.

Hitch turned to them as he answered them. “Oh, I don’t know about any of that. But this little guy says his friend hid all his acorns from him, and he’s been searching for them for the past two hours.” He translated what the squirrel just said, which earned annoyance from Sunny, Sunset and Pipp if that’s what Hitch was worried about.

Izzy got down to the ground as she gave the squirrel a sympathetic expression. “That doesn’t sound like a very nice friend. You must be so hungry.” She said to the squirrel, so is tearing up with a down expression, telling her that he is. Izzy got up as she focused her magic on her horn. “Let’s hope this works.” She said, hoping that her magic is working now as she put so much strain to concentrate as she uses her magic to bring out a lot of acorns from the trees as they fall to the ground.

The squirrel squealed in happiness with sparkles in his eyes as he got his acorns back, before he could catch the one closest that was falling to him, Izzy caught it with her hoof as she gave a smirk to the squirrel, who was looking at her in confusion.

“Not so fast!” Izzy called out with a smirk to the squirrel. “While normally I’d let you take these for free, we’re in a time crunch to find Discord, so I’m going to need some information first.” She explained to the squirrel, going to use the acorns as a bargaining chip to get some information on where Discord is.

Sometime later, the squirrel agreed with Izzy’s deal as he leads them into Fluttershy’s old home, while the outside seems okay, the inside is a complete mess as some dust, cobwebs and some old furniture are all scattered around on the floor.

“Wow. It looked a lot better from the outside and from the pictures Twilight showed me.” Sunset commented as she looked around Fluttershy’s old home. “So this is what generations without Fluttershy looked like in her old home. Gotta admit, she sure knows how to keep clean.” She said, admiring how Fluttershy stays neat and tidy when she’s around, pony or human. “If Fluttershy’s home is this bad compared to how Canterlot is now, I’m afraid to see what Ponyville or Twilight’s Castle look like now after generations of being abandoned.” She said, having second thoughts of what Ponyville and Twilight’s Castle is now since she saw how rundown Canterlot and Fluttershy’s house is now.

“You said it, Sunset.” Sunny said, having the same feeling as well after seeing Canterlot and now Flutershy’s cottage.

“Ku-Kuka-Qua!” The squirrel squeaked at the group as he led the way.

“He says Discord’s been using this place for research.” Hitch translated to the group.

“Figures.” Sunset sighs from that. “Even generations later, Discord still can’t seem to leave what’s left of Fluttershy behind. I know how he feels.” She muttered, understanding how Discord feels, she would do the same if she was in his paws, or talons or something, if she experienced what he has.

“He must have cleared it out when he found out we were coming.” Sunny said while looking around.

The squirrel then starts tapping on a trapdoor on the floor. “Qui-Ah.” The squirrel squeaked at them again.

“Sounds like Discord made one last trip down here before he took off.” Hitch guessed.

“Oh great, another musty underground lair.” Pipp groans, really doesn't like messy places.

“Can’t say he isn’t consistent.” Zipp added with a raised eyebrow, not sure if Discord does this often.

“Must be a habit while being underground for generations.” Sunset said, guessing that the generations Discord lived underground while in the caverns beneath Canterlot, must be old habits die hard.

The Mane 6 opened the trapped door as Izzy looked closer to it.

Pipp gave her sister a mischievous smirk.“Go on, Zipp. Crawling into the pits of despair is one of your favorite pastimes.” She joked at her sister.

Zipp raised an eyebrow at Pipp from that. “You sure gave me a run for my money at the thought of ruining your hooficure.” She sarcastically said to her sister that she is doing this as payback for running her hooficures during something like this.

“It’s okay. I’ll go first!” Izzy volunteered as she went down the stairwell as she saw that it was a basement, a messy basement at that. Izzy keeps walking as she begins to get scared. “Remember to breathe, Izzy. Nothing can scare you if you’re prepared…” She cut off when she saw something growing at the other side of the basement. “Ah, there’s something moving. Intruder, INTRUDER!” She called out as she lit up her horn in a panic and shot at what she saw.

The rest of the Mane 6 came down to the basement after hearing Izzy, but then stopped once they and Izzy realized that it was just a crystal that is glowing bright that is lighting the basement.

“Think it was just your reflection.” Zipp said to Izzy sheepishly, while said Unicorn is looking at the crystal in awed.

“Also, if anypony’s the intruder here, it’s us.” Hitch pointed out the obvious.

“Hitch. Judging by this cottage, whether it was used as a hideout for Discord or not, I doubt anypony has been here for generations.” Sunset rolled her eyes at Hitch, keep thinking about laws when now's not the time.

Hitch then chuckled sheepishly at Sunset when she said that. “Good point.” He said, seeing the point.

“This is the prettiest crystal I’ve ever seen!” Pipp said in awed while looking at the crystal closely while next to Izzy. “And I once saw a crystal whose name was Pretty.” She added. And then, the crystal then made Izzy’s reflection frizzed out, which startled the unicorn as she backed away a bit. “I think your magic broke the crystal, Izzy!” She called out while looking at the crystal.

Sunset however sees something forming in the crystal. “I don’t think Izzy broke it, Pipp. It looks like it’s forming something.” She said as she saw something taking form in the crystal.

And then, once the crystal finished forming something, it has formed somepony Sunset knows way too well. “Hello, is this thing working?” It was Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness and one of Twilight Sparkle’s best friends, while older than Sunset remembered from the pictures, talking through the crystals.

Sunset was shocked to see Fluttershy from the crystal while Sunny then got so excited, she jumped right in front of the crystal while Pipp and Izzy moved aside from the overly excited Earth Pony. “That’s Fluttershy. Is she speaking to us…?” She asked, excited to see the Element of Kindness before her eyes in the crystals while wondering if Fluttershy really is talking.

“I don’t think Fluttershy’s really speaking to us, Sunny.” Sunset said, seeing that Fluttershy isn’t really talking to us.

“I think it’s a memory.” Izzy said as she placed a hoof over her chin. “My Mom used to tell me this Bridlewood legend about crystals being able to hold messages from the past, Ones that you could only see if you used magic.” She explained, remembering that legend that her mother told her about these ancient crystals.

“Looks like your magic unlocked it.” Hitch pointed out, seeing that Izzy’s startled magic unlocked the crystal.

“Quiet, everypony! Listen.” Sunset called out as the Mane 6 stayed quiet as they listened to Fluttershy’s message as Pipp brought out her phone to record it.

“Discord… Listen closely, because this is something you need to hear…” Fluttershy started, stating that this message was meant for Discord, if he has ever seen it.

Flashback.

Long ago, back when everything was great for Twilight and her friends, Fluttershy was trotting happily through her home as she hummed a song to herself.

But then, she saw a sign that said ‘Danger! Construction, Do not enter!’ which made Fluttershy shocked at this. “Discord!” Fluttershy called out, having a guess on who did this as she turned and saw Discord, riding a Bulldozer while wearing a construction hat as he tore through some dirt and trees.

Discord saw Fluttershy as he took off his hat and waved at her happily. “Top to the morning to you, Fluttershy! Don’t you just love the expression? It’s so hopeful, like everything bad that’s happened before is just a distant memory.” He said, reminding her of what happened when ponies were fighting each other and how magic was going wild before Twilight and the others created the Unity Crystals to help bring balance when they stored all of Equestrian’s magic in it.

Fluttershy was not happy because she knew what Discord was trying to do. “A little construction is not going to stop me from talking to Water Lilly.” She said, but before she could get any further, Discord summoned more warning and stop signs in front of Fluttershy, which startled her from the sudden appearance.

“If I can just talk to her, I know I can convince her that being a Pegasu doesn’t change who I am or what I can teach her.” Fluttershy tried to reason with Discord as the Lord of Chaos appeared right in front of her.

“That would involve her listening to reason.” Discord said, while giving an unconvincing expression. “She wasn’t prepared to do that the other day.” He reminded Fluttershy of what happened when they tried to reason with Water Lily.

‘My parents say there’s nothing for me to learn from a lowly Pegasus who can’t even levitate an apple.’ The words of Water Lily still echoed through Discord and Fluttershy’s minds as that really hurt them that day.

“We did everything to help Water Lily and all the other ponies.” Discord pointed out. “And then they just abandoned us because our magic is a little different than theirs?” He added, saying that this is the thanks they get for helping ponies because they find each other magics different from one another.

Fluttershy then spoke again. “I know it’s hurtful, but what’s important to remember is that our magic separates us…” She tried to get Discord to understand but was cut off.

“It can destroy us.” Discord finished as he gave an angry look while flames formed around him, thinking that magic is the source of the problem as he poofed away.

Fluttershy then gave a sad expression as she sat on her haunches as she lowered her head. “I was going to say it can also bring us together…” She finished, seeing that Discord is too hurt to even listen.

Sometime later, Fluttershy then brought out a crystal with Angel next to her as she tapped the crystal a bit.

“Hello, is this thing on?” Fluttershy asked herself, wanting to make sure the crystal was working as she spoke closely to it. “Discord… Listen closely, because this is something you need to hear…” She started as she then gave an irritated look. “And stop rolling your eyes at me like that! I know you are because I know you better than anypony else.” She called out, knowing Discord well enough if he does that, just to be sure if he does as Fluttershy gave a sympathetic look at the crystal as she continued. “Which is why I can tell how hard it’s been for you to let go of the pain caused by these magical divides. I’m creating this message for you in the hopes that every time you feel overwhelmed, you can listen and remind yourself why anger is not the answer.” She said to the crystals, a little something to remind Discord if he ever forgot the lessons he learned.

End of Flashback.

“Our magic does make us different…” Fluttershy continued her message as the Mane 6 listened to what she just recorded while Pipp was still recording the message. “...And that’s something we should embrace…” She said to the message.

What the Mane 6 didn’t know is that while listening to Fluttershy’s message, the squirrel is sneakily grabbing a ‘Daring Do’ book as he then ran up back upstairs while the Mane 6 are still watching the message.

“Lead with your heart, Discord. It will always show you the way.” Fluttershy finished the message while the Mane 6 are having some mixed thoughts about this whole thing.

Izzy gave a sad look after watching the message. “Poor Discord.” She said, feeling sorry for Discord for what he is going through.

“Poor Discord?” Zipp asked incredibly to Izzy from what she just said. “He’s trying to get rid of all magic!” She pointed out, reminding Izzy what he is trying to do.

“But Discord is hurting, Zipp.” Sunset called out while giving a look to Zipp, who flinched a bit from that. “He’s been through so much that he still has been hurting after what has happened from what he told us about that magic divide thing. While I do see what Discord is doing wrong, I still feel sorry for him. He’s been alone while hurting himself of something that still hurts his feelings to this day.” She added, now fully understanding why Discord is doing this and why he still sees magic as the problem. “And I know that feeling of losing something, or rather someone, way too well.” She said, reminding them of how Sunset felt the same way when she returned to Equestria to find out so much has changed and everypony she knew was gone.

Zipp sighs as she gets the point. “Okay. I guess you’re right, Sunset. I guess I do feel a little bad for Discord, but I still don’t like what he is doing.” She said, still not fond of Discord’s actions right now.

“I understand, Zipp.” Sunset said with a nod in understanding.

“And we still have no clue where he is.” Hitch pointed out, still having no lead on where Discord is now.

“Back to square one.” Pipp sighs at this. “It’s really starting to feel like home these days.” She added.

“We must not give up. As we are getting closer than we thought.” Sunset pointed out, seeing how far they are if they are at Fluttershy’s cottage.

Sunny then gets a determined look as she raises her hoof in the air. “Sunset’s right. We made it all the way here, and we’ll figure out where Discord is too.” She said, agreeing with Sunset. “From this point on, nothing slips past us.” She added.

When the Mane 6 don’t realize that something did slip past them without any of them knowing.

Sometime later, in a place not too far away, Discord, while wearing his travel hat with Reginald next him, gave the squirrel a clap with a smile once it gave him the book.

“Thank Canterlot!” Discord thanked ‘Canterlot’ with a smile as the squirrel smiled at Discord before giving him the book as he gave a glare at Reginald, who was scared at Discord’s look. “It’s one thing to lead our rivals straight to our sanctuary, but then to leave a vital key to our plan behind?” He rhetorically asked Reignald as he held up the Daring Do book, which is titled ‘Daring Do and the Curse of the Basaltic Caves’. “If they'd found this book, we’d be failures, castaways, garbage left to rot in a world with magic for the rest of eternity. But with it, we can finally--” He was about to finish but was interrupted.

‘Canterlot’ jumped onto Discord’s left arm as he squeaked at him. “Squee-eee-eaa-sque!” He squeaked.

“No, not destroy everypony in Equestria.” Discord said to ‘Canterlot’ with an annoying expression, having learned from Fluttershy how to speak from animals during his time with him, as he will not do something that will destroy lives, that’s not him. “Have you been paying any attention to our plan?” He asked ‘Canterlot’ as he then gave a serious expression as he looked on straight as he continued where he left off. “With this book, we can finally create peace by ridding Equestria of magic once and for all. Now let’s get moving. We have a crystal to destroy.” He said seriously to animal friends, thinking he is doing the right thing to bring peace to Equestria by ridding the magic as they set off to their next plan.

End of Issue 6.

Issue 7:

Issue 7:

It is a nice morning in Maretime Bay as the sun is shining and ponies are having a good time and ponies going on about their day, while magic is still going for now since Discord still has the Pegasus Crystal with him, as ponies are now having a calm time for now.

In the Police Station, Hitch is sleeping in his bed as he snored in his sleep. And then his alarm clock goes off as it rings and makes Hitch wake up as he stops his clock as he gives off a yawn.

Hitch got up as he smiled. “It’s a beautiful morning.” He said as he got out of bed and looked at his calendar. “And the first day of Autumn.” He said with a smile as he checked the 8’th day of the month that says ‘Harvest Day’ on it. “Which means it’s time for the Harvest Day Celebration!” He announced happily, seeing that he loves celebrations.

A little bit later, Hitch is in the shower as he washes his mane with some soap as he sings happily.

“Do you recall? The first day of fall? The leaves were changin’ the minds of all, while chasin’ the clouds away.” Hitch sang happily while washing his mane.

A little bit after the shower, Hitch got his strap and badge on as he looked at Kenneth and his bird friend with a smile.

“As Sheriff of Maretime Bay, my duties of helping others bring me so much joy, but today I get to help others by helping them get their groove on.” Hitch explained to the birds with a smile.

A moment after that, Hitch got a wheel cart stack with some crates and a box of dj discs records with McSnips watching from behind him.

“DJ Hitch is ready to get on the ones and twos.” Hitch said happily as he stacked his dj music discs on top of the crake as a squirrel came to him while holding out Hitch’s headphones to him with a smile. “Thank you!” He happily said as he grabbed his headphones and placed them around his neck as he got the cart strap on him. “I can’t get hooves in the air without these.” He added as he walked out the door with a smile. “This is going to be a blast.” He added happily with a smile, and then somepony went past him as he twirls around. “WHAO!” He cried out in startled as his dj player discs flew off.

Hitch grabs his discs as quickly as he can so they won’t break on the ground while catching one with his teeth as he puts them all back in the box as he sees the pony who rushed past him, and it was Sunny who was wearing her roller skating gear as she gave a happy smile.

“I am so excited!” Sunny cheered excitedly. “Can you believe today is the Harvest Day Celebration?” She asked Hitch happily, really loving this special day.

Hitch gave a small smile to Sunny, knowing how excited she gets when she loves special events. “Well, good morning to you too, Sunny.” He said with a smile.

Sunny gave Hitch a sheepish smile after she realized what she just did in her excitement. “Whoops! Sorry, Hitch. I’m just really stirred up about today’s activities for the celebration.” She apologizes about her behavior. “Hayrides, straw bale mazes, scarepony-making contest, apple-pie-baking… Gosh, I could go on.” She listed out the fun activities of the celebration with a smile.

“I can tell.” Hitch said with a smile as he looked around and noticed one pony not with Sunny. “Hey, where’s Sunset anyway? Usually she is with you sometimes.” He pointed out, knowing how Sunset always is there for Sunny whenever she goes somewhere.

“Oh, I told Sunset about this holiday as she is helping some ponies across Maretime Bay setting up for the activities to start. So she will be busy for some time.” Sunny explained, having told Sunset about Harvest’s Day Celebration and is helping other ponies set up the activities. “Thank you again for agreeing to DJ.” She said to Hitch with a smile.

“It’s no problem at all.” Hitch answered with a smile as he placed his disc box in the cart. “Helping others is my calling, especially my friends. Sunset seemed good doing it as well.” He said, while adding how Sunset is helping right now with other ponies. “I can’t wait to remind the good ponies of Maretime Bay how to feel the rhythm for the new season.” He added, love doing that part really well.

Sunny smiled at Hitch with sparkles in her eyes as she tapped her hooves together as she spoke. “You are great when it comes to helping others!” She said cheerfully. “That’s why I’m here. I need a small favor. Nothing you can’t handle, of course!” She cheerfully added.

Hitch smiled as he rolled his eyes playfully at Sunny. “Sure. Although I do really need to get all my equipment set up.” He said, knowing he needs to set up his equipment for the DJ thing later as he is thinking through as he spoke with a smile. “I guess I can make a quick pitstop.” He said with a smile.

After hearing that, Sunny placed a hoof over Hitch as she smiled at him. “Great! Izzy asked me to get extra rings for The Unicorn Ring Toss Booth. You think you can stop over at Neighborhood Sporting Goods?” She asked Hitch after explaining what he needed to do.

“I’m just your pony to get the job done.” Hitch answered with a smile.

Sunny's smile grew bigger as she faced Hitch. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She said happily.

“No problem at all, Sunny.” Hitch said with a smile. “My duty as Sheriff of Maretime Bay is to help all ponies and critters alike.” He added, while not only does he help ponies, but he also helps critters out.

Sunny then skated off as she turned her head to Hitch again with a smile. “Bye, Hitch! See you later! I have a Tug-Of-War Game to set up!” She called out, while stating her part of the activities that she needs to set up.

Hitch smiled as he watched Sunny go. Once she was out of sight, he turned and saw Kenneth giving Hitch a ‘seriously’ expression from that with narrowed eyebrows. “Hey, don’t look at me like that.” He told Kenneth as he gave a determined look with a smile. “I can help Sunny and set my stuff up.” He added.

A little bit later, Hitch is walking across Maretime Bay with a smile as he sees two ponies, an Earth Pony stallion on a stool ladder and a Pegasus mare, setting up the ‘Harvest Day’ sign.

“The start of a new season gives me hope that we can find Discord.” Hitch said with a smile, knowing that they will find Discord soon and get the Pegasus Crystal back, because they have hope, and celebrating festivities can help clear their heads before continuing the search.

A moment later, Hitch arrives at the ‘Neighborhood Sporting Goods’, and apparently it’s a big store with so much sporting equipment.

“This place is massive.” Hitch commented as he entered the store and saw many sports equipment all around as he searched for the allies. “All right. Now where do they keep the rings?” He asked himself as he searched for the items Sunny told him about.

After searching a bit, he found a stack of rings he’s been looking for as they are in front of him.

“Found ‘em!” Hitch said happily as he grabbed the rings and put them on his cart as he went to the cashier to pay for them. After giving the cashier the bits, he went out the door as he went to where the festival is.

At the Harvest Day Festival, Hitch is walking by the festivity as he gives a smile at how much the festival is set up. While walking, he saw Sunset setting up a booth nearby.

Hitch smiled as he walked to Sunset. “Happy Harvest Day, Sunset!” He greeted Sunset with a smile.

Sunset heard Hitch as she turned with a smile. “Happy Harvest Day to you too, Hitch. How are you doing?” She asked.

“Doing great! I got the rings for Sunny and I was just about to head to my stand to set up my DJ equipment.” Hitch said with a smile.

“Good to hear. And I’m still surprised that you play a Dj thing, Hitch. Didn’t know you even know DJ records.” Sunset commented, never knowing that Hitch plays DJ stuff, something that reminds her of Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ Pon-3 as others would call her, since she is one for music.

“What can I say? I’m the greatest Sheriff in all of Maretime Bay there is.” Hitch said with a prideful smile.

Sunset gave a chuckle from that. “You’re the only Sheriff in Maretime Bay, but can’t argue with that.” She said playfully, knowing that Hitch is the only Sheriff in Maretime Bay, but just messing with him.

Hitch chuckled at what Sunset said. “Yeah. I know. Need any help?” He asked, wondering if Sunset needs help.

Sunset shook her head. “No thanks. I got this. I managed to rebuild the entire front door part of the school I used to go to in the other world I was living in with my own bare hooves.” She said, recalling after her She-Demon incident, she did spend a long time fixing the front part of CHS with her own bare hands, even though she said hooves, she said it to make more sense for the ponies since they don’t know about hands.

“Really? Impressive.” Hitch commented, seeing how hardworking Sunset is when it comes to things.

“Yep. So don’t worry about me. Worry about your DJ thing. I got it. And it will clear our heads a bit before we continue our search to find Discord.” Sunset added, saying that they are talking a break to clear their heads before they continue their search to find Discord.

“Yeah, that is true.” Hitch agreed as he walked off with a smile. “See ya later, Sunset!” He called out.

“See ya later, Hitch!” Sunset called out as well as he continued her part in setting up the festival.

Hitch continued to walk off as he saw his stand that said ‘DJ Hitch” on it. “BINGO!” He cheered happily.

Before he can continue, Izzy then pops in front of Hitch with a cheery smile. “Hi, Hitch!” She said cheerfully.

“Oh, hey, Izzy.” Hitch greeted with a smile. “Sunny asked me to bring these to you.” He said while gesturing to the rings on his carriage.

“Aw, thank you so much.” Izzy thanked Hitch with a smile after seeing the rings. “Do you mind coming with me to the Unicorn Toss Booth?” She asked.

“Lead the way.” Hitch said with a smile as Izzy led ahead while Hitch followed.

“Isn’t it just wonderful how everypony has come together to bring in the new season? Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi all falling together.” Izzy said with a smile, while adding a pun to the ‘falling’ thing for a season pun.

“Yeah.” Hitch answered with a smile. “I can’t wait to see everypony hoof up the dance floor when I play the Greatest Pony hits.” He added, really excited to do the DJ thing.

“Hey, I was wondering if you could grab some arts and crafts supplies for me?” Izzy asked kindly as they kept walking.

“Well, I need to get my DJ Booth set up.” Hitch said in thought, wanting to set up his booth on time as he and Izzy made it to the ‘Unicorn Toss’ booth as Izzy uses her magic to levitate the rings to an Earth Pony stallion in a jar. “But I guess one more errand won’t hurt.” He said, thinking another errand won’t be that long as he walked off to get the supplies Izzy needed with a smile.

“You’re a lifesaver, Hitch!” Izzy called off cheerfully to Hitch with a smile.

“Anything for my friends.” Hitch called back with a smile as he continued to walk off to get the supplies for Izzy.

Hitch walks by Sunny with a group of ponies on both ends holding a rope over a mud puddle as he watches the contest.

“On my mark.” Sunny called out to the ponies with a smile. “Ready. Set. PULL!” She cried out as she and the ponies were tugging on the rope from both ends with smiles on their faces to practice as Hitch walked off.

Next to Sunny and the other ponies by the mud puddle, Sprout is seen as he pointed at a Pegasus colt happily trotting by him. “Hey! Rein it in! Don’t make me get the Harvest Day Celebration Rule Pamphlet!” He yelled out to the ponies pulling the rope strictly. Apparently since Hitch is doing the DJ thing, Sprout is left in charge of ponies to know the rules of the Harvest Day Festival since he used to be the Deputy.

Sprout turned to his mother, Cloverleaf, next to him as he gave a smile at her. “How am I doing mommy?” He asked his mother with a smirk.

Cloverleaf just gave her son a look at this, she knows he changed a bit and wants to do better by following Hitch’s hoofsteps to make up for what he did, but seeing he is getting a little overboard. “Maybe take it down a notch.” She advises her son to turn down his authority a bit.

And then one side of the rope the ponies were pulling won one side as the other fell into the mud puddle, with some mud flying off as it landed on Sprout, as the former deputy Earth Pony stallion gave an annoying expression as her mother just watched, unsure what to say.

A little bit later, Hitch arrives at the ‘Pasture Arts & Crafts. Please.’ Store to get the supplies for Izzy.

“At least the store is much smaller.” Hitch commented, feeling a bit relieved that this store is smaller and easy to search.

Sometime later, Hitch came out of the store with a small bag of crafting supplies he’s holding with his mouth as Izzy came next to him.

“Oh, Hitch. I am sorry. I found my supplies after you left.” Izzy said cheerfully as she told him that she found her supplies as she gave an apologetic expression to Hitch with a smile as she levitated the bag out of Hitch’s mouth. “I tried to track you down sooner but stopped to watch Sunny’s Tug-Of-War Contest. I left before it got too messy.” She added.

Hitch gave Izzy a reassuring expression. “Don’t worry about it. Now you have extras.” He said with an assured smile.

Izzy happily walked off as she levitated the bag along the way with a smile. “And I need them, too. I just got hit with a stampede of little ones wanting to make acorns with tissue paper.” She said, glad that she has extras for other ponies wanting to craft things. “Thank you for your help!” She called out as she trotted off.

Hitch then gave a look to himself after Izzy left. “I mean, I do enjoy helping. It’s my thing.” He said to himself while thinking in his mind. “But now I may have to rush to set my booth up.” He added, knowing he has to set up his booth quickly.

As Hitch walked off, he stopped when he saw Pipp with two ponies, a unicorn and an earth pony, on a parade float as Pipp was singing while the crowd was cheering her on.

“Oh, great. I need to find a way around this parade.” Hitch said to himself, going to have to find a way around to get to his booth.

Before Hitch had to find another way, Pipp turned her head as she saw Hitch at the side. “HITCH!” She called out happily as she flew to Hitch and surprisingly grabbed him as she flew him on the parade float. “Get up here!” She cheered.

“Whoa! You’re surprisingly super strong.” Hitch commented as he was surprised that Pipp is strong enough to lift up on and onto her parade float.

Once Pipp got Hitch on the stage, she then spoke to him. “You are just the pony I was hoping to see. I need your help.” She explained with a smile.

“Pipp, I really need to get ready for my DJ set tonight.” Hitch pointed out, not wanting to be late.

“I will be quick. I promise.” Pipp assured. “My camera guy is nowhere to be found. And I need somepony to record my performance to post my Social Media Accounts.” She explained, wanting to record her performance but her camera guy went missing, so she needed Hitch to help record it.

Somewhere in a Hay Maze, a blue Earth Pony stallion with a camera, which is apparently the camera guy Pipp mentioned, is in the middle of the Hay Maze with his camera.

“Help!” The Camera Guy called out to anypony who can hear him, apparently having got lost in the maze, which explains why he isn’t at Pipp’s performance.

Back at the parade, Hitch smiled at Pipp, knowing the issue she was having and having to help her.

“Just one song. Okay?” Hitch asked Pipp with a smile.

“Totally!” Pipp answered cheerfully as she gave Hitch her phone so that he could record her performance.

Once Hitch got it ready, Pipp took out her microphone as she began to sing. “A new season has begun. Our summer fun isn’t done. We’re still going up like the sun. It’s time for the Harvest Day Celebration!” She sang to the crowd.

“Celebration!” The two mares, the unicorn and earth pony, sang together with Pipp as the crowd cheered to Pipp while Hitch smiled at this while he recorded the whole thing on Pipp’s phone.

Sometime later after Pipp’s performance, Hitch is walking with his carriage strap on him with one of his critter birds on it as he spoke to the bird while passing by signs that pointed to one direction where Hitch was, ‘Mane St’, while another pointed to a direction to ‘Figgy’s’.

“I really gotta blaze a trail now.” Hitch said to his bird friend as he walked while the bird gave him a narrowed eye expression as Hitch gave him a small smile. “Don’t look at me like that. I know I could have told Pipp no. But I’m Hitch. I always make space for others.” He pointed out as he kept walking while he visioned the girls, Sunny, Pipp and Izzy, with sad expressions, having thought that if he said, knowing that they would be sad. “I don’t want to let my friends down. They depend on me.” He said, thinking that if he says no, he will make his friends upset.

“Hey, Hitch.” Sunset’s voice called out, Hitch turned and saw Sunset coming next to him. “Are you okay?” She asked.

“Hey, Sunset. Just going to my booth to set up for the DJ.” Hitch said to Sunset.

“Wait. You haven’t set up your equipment yet? How come?” Sunset wondered.

“Well, I have to help Sunny get the rings for Izzy’s ring’s toss, I have to get some crafting supplies for Izzy, and I have to help record Pipp’s performance parade for her Social Media. So I’ve been pretty busy not setting up my booth yet.” Hitch explained what he’s been doing all day.

“You did all that while helping Sunny and the others? How come you just didn’t say no to them since you are busy yourself and needed to set up your booth?” Sunset questioned.

“I would. But if I say no, I would let my friends down. I help others, it’s my thing.” Hitch explained while having that thought again.

Sunset placed a comforting wing on Hitch as she spoke. “Hitch. Don’t think of it that way. We know our friends and you know Sunny better than any of us. And they would understand that you are too busy to help them, all you have to do is to say no since you are doing your own things.” She said to Hitch, telling him that their friends won’t think of Hitch like that, they would understand him if he is too busy to help them.

Hitch took a thought to what Sunset is saying, knowing that she’s right, they know their friends better and he knows that they would understand him if he told them that he is too busy to help them out from time to time.

Hitch sighs as he speaks. “Still, I’m not sure, Sunset. I just hope the others would understand even if I did say no.” He said with a concerned expression.

“I’m sure they will, Hitch. Remember, our friends will understand. And the thing is, even though you want to help others, you can’t always help them if you have other things to do.” Sunset said, knowing that even if someone wants to help others, they can’t always do it all the time. “I’ll leave you to your booth, I do have to meet up with Sunny elsewhere.” She said, going to leave Hitch alone while wanting to have some fun time with Sunny and the others, but also having something else in her mind that she will deal with. “See ya, Hitch.” She said as she rushed off to find Sunny.

“See ya, Sunset!” Hitch called out as she saw Sunset out of sight. Thinking about what Sunset spoke to him as he had a lot to think about. “I don’t know if I could say no if I want to.” He muttered to himself, not sure if he even can say no to his friends if he is busy.

And then, Hitch then spotted an obstacle course as he had a feeling of what might come.

“Oh, great. Maybe I can sneak by without anypony seeing me.” Hitch said to himself as he kept walking, hoping he could sneak his way out of this one.

“Hey, Hitch!” Zipp’s voice called out as Hitch looked behind him and saw Zipp in the air behind him.

“Ah, hoof.” Hitch muttered, knowing that he won’t be getting out of this one as well now that he's been seen.

Zipp then flew close to Hitch with a smile. “Wait up! Save some for the obstacle course.” She called out while Hitch turned to Zipp with a confused look at what she meant. “My partner ate too much apple pie. I need your help.” She explained to Hitch.

“Oh, geeze, I’m sorry to hear that, Zipp.” Hitch sincerely said to Zipp, feeling bad that her partner got sick. “But I need to--” He tried to explain to her that he has a booth to set up but was cut off.

Zipp placed her hooves together in a ‘pleading’ expression as she spoke. “Please! I promise it will be fun.” She assured him with a smile.

Hitch gave a ‘sigh’ expression, knowing that he just can’t say no to his friends, while he took Sunset’s words by heart, he just doesn’t have the guts to say no to them as he nodded his head in ‘yes’.

Zipp smiled as she grabbed Hitch and took the air as Hitch looked on in surprise.

“Wow, you and your sister are ridiculously strong.” Hitch commented, really amazed at how strong Zipp and Pipp are to carry him.

Once Zipp put Hitch down on the obstacle course and landed next to him with two earth ponies next to them, a mare and a stallion, the Pegasi coach between them spoke to the contestants.

“First to make it to the finish line is the winner. Play fair. Don’t want a repeat of last year’s incident…” The Pegasi coach called out to them, while also reminding them not to make some incident they had last year.

Hitch grew nervous as his eye’s swirl in dizziness while he gulped nervously at the obstacle course.

Zipp turned to Hitch with a smile on her face. “Don’t worry. This’ll be a piece of cake.” She assured Hitch.

“That’s easy for you to say.” Hitch commented nervously, a little scared to go through with this obstacle course.

Sometime later with the sun setting, Hitch came walking by with his carriage in tow, but with a trophy on it with an apple symbol on top while feeling a little sick to the stomach, meaning that he must’ve won the obstacle course and gotten a little sick in the process.

“Ugh. That obstacle course makes me sick.” Hitch said, feeling tired. “I don’t want to see another apple for the rest of the day.” He said to himself, but as he said that, he saw a pony wearing an apple costume, which made Hitch sick enough to go to a nearby bush and throw up in it.

Once Hitch’s finished, he got his head out of the bush and sighs from that, but once he got his head up, he saw that the sun was setting and it was near dark.

“Oh no, it’s almost time for my set!” Hitch cried out in panic after seeing how late it was. “I gotta get moving!” He cried out as he rushed past the ponies in the festival. “Pardon me!” He called out while losing the trophy in the process, but he didn’t care since he needed to set up his set.

But once Hitch arrives at his booth, he sees that his booth is nearly set up with balloons at both sides of it. “Oh great. Now I’m hallucinating.” Hitch commented, while thinking he’s seeing things after what he's been through today.

“Ahem!” A voice faked cough as Hitch turned and saw the girls and Sprout there, while Izzy is levitating a speaker while Zipp is carrying Hitch’s discs.

“What are you all doing here?” Hitch asked in confusion and surprise.

“Sunset told us what you’ve been doing all day for us.” Sunny is the first to speak with a smile, while also saying that Sunset told the girls what Hitch has been through by helping others, he didn’t have time to set up his booth. “Sometimes you have a hard time putting yourself first.” She said, knowing Hitch very well that he put helping others first before himself.

“And I had a feeling that you’ve been helping your friends all day, you haven’t had time to set up your booth.” Sunset said next, knowing that Hitch hadn't had time to set up his booth. “So I told the girls about your predicament and they wanted to make it up for you.” She added.

“And after what Sunset said to us about what you’ve been through, we felt awful about not being great friends and making sure that you do.” Izzy said with a smile as well, feeling bad for not letting Hitch do his thing before she and the others asked favors from him.

“So we’re here to help you.” Pipp added with a smile too.

“Like you’ve helped us today.” Zipp finished with a smile.

Sprout however, gave a bored expression. “Yeah. Well, he didn’t help me out today.” He commented, since Hitch never really did help Sprout out today, but know that during his time as deputy, Hitch has always tried to help him be better, and Sprout wanted to make things right to Hitch after the ‘chaos’ he did when he was out to find Sunny on their first adventure before reuniting ponykind.

“So we will tag along and help you finish up your booth, Hitch.” Sunset said with a smile, knowing that Hitch deserved it after helping his friends today.

Hitch felt happiness in him as he smiled at his friends. “I don’t know what to say.” He said in happiness to his friends, feeling joy that his friends are helping him out.

“Next time, try the word no.” Izzy suggested with a smile.

“Yeah, you need to practice on saying no sometimes, Hitch.” Sunset commented with a smirk. “Maybe learn a thing or two about it from Zipp since she said no a lot sometimes before she said yes to have fun with us.” She suggested while pointing at Zipp with a smirk.

Zipp gave a sheepish chuckle at what Sunset just said. “Hehe. Well, she’s not wrong there, buddy.” She said with a chuckle.

Hitch chuckled sheepishly at that as well. “I guess I need some practice on that.” He said.

“You sure do.” Izzy commented cheerfully before waving a hoof at Hitch. “Now come on,. Let’s get your DJ Booth Party ready.” She pointed out with a smile.

A little bit later, the rest of the Mane 6, and Sprout, are finishing up Hitch’s booth as they work together to finish it for Hitch.

Zipp and Izzy are setting up the lights on the sign of the booth while Izzy levitates one end while Zipp holds the other end.

“I hope you like the decorations I made with the extra art supplies.” Izzy said to Hitch with a smile, having made the decorations with the extra supplies she got while she and Zipp smiled as they set them up.

In another area of Hitch’s booth, Sprout is instructing two ponies with a board wood as he pointed a hoof to one direction.

“Pick up the pace. A little more horsepower, please.” Sprout called out as the two ponies gave an annoying expression to each other at Sprout’s command as they moved the wood to the direction Sprout pointed too.

In the back of Hitch’s booth, Sunset is setting up the speakers as she connects the cables to Hitch’s player.

“The cables are now connected to the speakers!” Sunset called out with a smile, having been in a band for years, she knows how to set up cables for speakers and players.

In another area, Sunny and Pipp are smiling as they place the pumpkins in place.

“We’re almost done, Hitch!” Pipp called out with a smile while holding a carved out pumpkin with a smiling face.

“Are you ready?” Sunny asked Hitch with a smile.

Hitch looked at his disc player controller as he set the setting as he smiled. “I only have one more thing left to do.” He said as he then placed a pony head mask, which is a big stallion smiling head, that its head was black with a blue mane piece on top and blue hearts in the eyes.

The rest of the Mane 6 smiled at Hitch as he begins to play his DJ music as the ponies around him then starts dancing to the music as the mares smiled as they dance in the part with Sunny, Sunset and Izzy on the floor while Pipp and Zipp holding each others hooves with a smile as they enjoy the music Hitch is playing, having the best night as Hitch play as they dance around his booth while ponies are having fun.

End of Issue 7.

Issue 8:

Issue 8:

In Maretime Bay, it was a little messy, recently they had a pie festival with a sign that said ‘Pie Festival’ on it with streamers and some leftover pies all around the area with some balloons.

Sunset, Sunny and Izzy are walking through the aftermath of the festival as Izzy is looking a little down while Sunset and Sunny look at her in concern. The two ponies looked at each other, knowing they have to say something to Izzy to know what’s wrong with her.

Sunset turned to Izzy as she spoke first. “Hey, Izzy, are you okay?” She asked the unicorn in concern.

“I’m fine, Sunset.” Izzy said in a low tone, lost in thought.

Sunny then got in front of Izzy with a smile as she spoke next. “Sure was a fun festival, huh?” She asked cheerfully as she gave Izzy a boop to her muzzle.

Izzy now smiled as she stopped after the boop to her muzzle. “Huh? Oh, yeah!” She said, now cheerfully again. “It’s so nice seeing everypony come together! There are so many kinds of sparkles between Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies…” She said, but then she gave the worried look again. “It’s just a little hard to focus on everything with Discord still on the loose.” She said in worried, having a hard time to get her mind off of Discord, who is still on the loose and still has the Pegasus Crystal.

Sunset and Sunny gave Izzy a comforting expression as Sunset got close to Izzy as she placed a comforting hoof on Izzy. “It’s okay, Izzy. We’re all worried that Discord is still on the loose and still has the Pegasus Crystal. But don’t let it get to you, it’s only a matter of time until we find him and get that crystal back.” She assured Izzy with a smile.

“I know, but still, I just can’t stop worrying.” Izzy said, still having second thoughts.

“Hey, we get it…” Sunny said with a smile to Izzy. “And we’ll find him. But I think I know what you need right now!” She said cheerfully to Izzy, knowing what Izzy needs to cheer her up.

“Oh?” Izzy asked with curiosity.

“What’s that, Sunny?” Sunset asked, wanting to know as well as they continued walking.

Sometime later at the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunset, Sunny and Izzy are in the kitchen with Sunny setting up a blender and some materials for blending as she smiled at Izzy while Sunset smiled as well, now knowing what Sunny is getting at.

“Remember that smoothie we made together?” Sunny asked the two with a smile.

“Oh yeah!” Izzy cheered with a wide smile.

“How can we forget the…” Sunset started with playful rolled eyes with a smile as all three ponies said it together.

“THE DREAMY CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER STARBON!” All three ponies announced together, though Izzy and Sunny both cheered with wide smiles as they looked at each other while holding each other hooves while Sunset just announced normally as she just gave a smile at the two of how excited they can be together.

“That’s the one.” Sunset said with a chuckle, should’ve guessed that Sunny and Izzy would get this excited when they made their special smoothies together.

Sunny placed some ingredients down with a smile as she spoke to Izzy again. “We know things haven’t been going well with Discord, Izzy, But… This is what the Unity Crystals are all about.” She said with a smile.

“While magic is stable for now, we can still have fun together. And it’s not about the artifacts that make friendship…” Sunset added with a smile.

“It’s about all of us coming together.” Sunny finished as she and Sunset gave Izzy a smile.

Izzy smiled at them, but then she placed her hoof on her chin as she was having a thought. ‘That’s right. I wanted so badly to connect with Sunny and Sunset…’ She thought as she started to remember when everypony in Equestria used their magic when it returned in friendship and harmony as the Mane 6 were together, chatting and laughing with one another. ‘Everypony was so happy when magic was restored to Equestria…Especially Sunny and Sunset.’ She added, knowing how happy everypony is with magic restored and how happy both Sunny and Sunset are for making it happen, with Sunny finally fulfilling her and her father’s dream and Sunset rebuilding Twilight’s legacy and making Equestria back to the way it should be. ‘Seeing all of us together was their dream come true, and it showed.’ She stated, remembering when Sunny in her Alicorn form with Sunset beside her as they smiled and trotted around. ‘Their sparkles were so bright. But I couldn’t say the same thing about mine.’ Izzy thought, giving a down expression while picturing Sunny and Sunset with a group of ponies crowding them as they walked off, with Izzy behind them as she trotted off to catch up with them. ‘My sparkle couldn’t keep up with both Sunny and Sunset.” She said with a down expression, thinking that her sparkle isn’t perfect like Sunny and Sunset.

Flashback.

A while back, sometime after magic returned and ponykind together, Izzy is brushing her mane with a smile as she looks in the mirror.

“Sunny and Sunset’s been galloping all over since we got our magic back and settled in the Crystal Brighthouse.” Izzy said to herself as she remembered their first adventure like it was yesterday. “And everypony knows if you work hard, you gotta play hard!” She announced she then grabbed some art materials and a painting she made with her magic and set them up before she trotted across the room. “So I’m gonna take Sunny and Sunset on a wild crafting adventure!” Izzy cheered as she trotted across the hallway to get Sunny first.

But the minute that Izzy stopped at Sunny’s door, there’s a note that said ‘Out flying with Zipp & Pipp! Back later, -Sunny’ with a smiley face on it.

Izzy took the note out with her magic and read it. “‘Out flying with Zipp and Pipp?’” She read as she smiled as she trotted down the hall. “Oh, eee! That sounds like so much fun! If I hurry, maybe I can catch them---” She said to herself, but then she stopped with a sad expression as she stopped focusing her magic as the note fell as she realized something. “Oh… But I can’t fly.” She sadly said, remembering that she can’t fly. “I bet Sunset is flying around as well.” She said in sadness as she walked out of the Brighthouse.

A little bit later, Izzy is outside the Brighthouse with a sad expression, but that changed once she saw who’s at the garden, and it was Sunset.

Sunset is doing a little gardening in the garden as she is trimming some bushes and uses her magic to grow some flowers as she smiles at her progress.

“SUNSET!” Izzy’s voice was heard as Sunset turned, only to be tackled by Izzy, who was giving her a tight hug.

Sunset chuckled slightly as she smiled at Izzy. “Morning, Izzy.” She managed to say.

“I thought you might be flying with Sunny, Zipp and Pipp when I saw Sunny’s note.” Izzy said happily as she let go of Sunset as she gave a cheerful smile.

“Sunny asked me if I could join them, but I declined.” Sunset answered with a smile. “Because you need somepony around to keep you company, since I was the first pony to join you before meeting Sunny.” She said, going to keep Izzy company so she won’t be alone.

“Aw, thanks, Sunset.” Izzy said with a smile as she looked down a bit with a small frown. “Wish Sunny was here to join us.” She said, wishing that Sunny was here with them as well.

“I’m sure she will be back. Now how about we have some fun, Izzy?” Sunset asked with a smile.

Izzy then smiled again as she trotted around. “Of course Sunny wants to go flying with Zipp and Pipp. They’re so cool and fun!” She cheered while Sunset watched. “And who wouldn’t want to use Pegasus Magic?” She asked cheerfully.

“Well, for those who don’t have wings, not sure.” Sunset honestly said.

Izzy then looks at the leaves, flowers and rocks on the ground as she starts levitating some with her horn. “I mean, our magic isn’t so bad, either.” She said with a smile as she levitated some things in the air. “TA-DA!” She cheered.

Sunset chuckled at Izzy. “Yes, it can be great while using it alright, Izzy.” She said with a chuckle.

Izzy then sat on her haunched in disappointment as she stopped her magic as the things she levitated back to the ground as she gave a sad look. “But I still can’t fly with our friends, Sunset.” She said, still down that she can’t fly like Sunset, Sunny, Zipp and Pipp.

“Come on, Izzy. Don’t be like that.” Sunset said as she placed a wing on Izzy’s back for comfort. “There are many other ways to have fun, you just need to find that without being so hard on yourself and the others.” She assured, wanting to help Izzy find something fun.

Izzy then shook her head like crazy as she then spoke. “You’re right, Sunset. I can’t get too down on myself!” She called out. “C’mon, Izzy. Keep it together!” She said to herself. “Me and you, Sunset, can still have a funtastic day.” She said to Sunset with a smile.

“That’s the spirit, Izzy.” Sunset said with a smile. “Come on, let’s go into Maretime Bay, maybe we can find something fun in town.” She said, going to find something fun herself and Izzy should do.

“Okay!” Izzy cheered as she hopped away with Sunset following her with smiles on their faces.

Sometime later in Maretime Bay, Sunset and Izzy are looking around town for something fun, and then they see two Earth Ponies mares on a bench, one has a yellow coat while the other is purple, as the purple one has a tanning mirror while the yellow one is sweaty from the heat.

“Gosh, I could really use a smoothie right now.” The yellow mare complained, which made Izzy and Sunset stop when they heard her. “Haven’t seen Sunny and Sunset skating or flying around all day!” She added, didn’t notice that Sunset is with Izzy next to them.

“That’s too bad.” The purple mare said while holding her tanning mirror. “Sunny and Sunset’s smoothies are the best.” She added.

Izzy then got an idea as she got behind the bench the two mares were sitting, which got their attention as Izzy smiled down at them. “Oh yea? You know, I’m best friends with Sunny and Sunset, and Sunset’s over there.” She pointed to Sunset, who was waving at them sheepishly as Izzy continued. “I bet Sunset and I could whip up some smoothies until Sunny’s back!” She cheered, going to make some smoothies for them until Sunny got back.

The purple mare raised an eyebrow at Izzy from what she said. “Really? A Unicorn?” She asked, a bit weird that a unicorn would make them smoothies.

“Hey!” Sunset called out to them as the purple mare flinched. “That’s my friend, and I happen to know that whenever Izzy makes something, she does the best! And don’t think Unicorns can’t make the best smoothies just because you didn’t let them get the chance to, and don’t start with that attitude.” She lectured the purple mare.

The purple mare sweat a bit as she gave a sheepish smile. “Right. Sorry. but are you sure you can make smoothies with Sunset, Izzy?” She asked Izzy.

“Yes, even a Unicorn could do that! And why not? Unicorns like smoothies just as much as Earth Ponies!” Izzy proudly said with a smile as the two mares listened, the purple one yawned a bit while the yellow one had some thoughts. “We also like a lot of tea, but still! I could help Sunny and Sunset!” She added.

“It’s true with the tea thing. Alphabittle makes the best ones.” Sunset commented with a smile, knowing that is true since Alphabittle’s teas are great.

Izzy then got a great idea as she gasped loudly with wide eyes as she slammed her hooves down on the bench, which started the two earth ponies mares and Sunset from that sudden outburst as Izzy smiled cheerfully. “I can do a Totally Smoothie Makeover for Sunny!” She cheered very loud with a wave of her hooves as two earth ponies mares shrug each other in confusion before looking at Sunset.

“To be honest, knowing Izzy, I should’ve expected this when an idea popped into her head.” Sunset shrugged, knowing Izzy can get so excited when she comes up with some ideas.

Izzy then pointed excitedly to the ‘World of Crafts!’ store. “It’ll be such a cinch! I just need to make some new banners for her cart. With lots of glitter of course.” She said, while also putting in the glitter thing, since she loved glitter as she then pointed to the ‘Fud King’ grocery store. “Stock up on lots of goodies to make some cool new recipes!” She added.

“And with me helping you out, since this will be fun.” Sunset said with a knowing tone and a smirk.

“Yep!” Izzy answered with a smile as she continued. “And when Sunny comes back, she’ll be so surprised and we can have so much fun making smoothies together!” She finished, while picturing herself with Sunny and Sunset by her side, surrounded by a blender, a couple of smoothies cups and some ingredients for them as she ‘zinged’ off at high speed, leaving the two earth ponies mares and Sunset behind as they looked at where she trotted off.

“Weirdo.” The purple mare said, finding Izzy a little weird.

“That’s my friend, don’t say that.” Sunset lectured, giving a mean glare at the purple mare, who raised her hoof in defense as she nodded quickly in response. “I better catch up to her, to make sure she doesn’t overdo it, like all the other times this happened to us.” She said to herself as she trotted off to catch up to Izzy.

A little bit later, back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunset and Izzy got everything they needed to give Sunny’s smoothie business a ‘makeover’.

Izzy is at her crafting table with Sunset as she blasted some red glitter from her ‘Glitter O-Matic’ blaster that she somehow got as she and Sunset wear protective gear while blasting a purple cloth with red glitter, not sure where Izzy got that blaster but decides not to question it.

After that, Izzy is writing down on her ‘Smoothie Recipes’ book to know what she needs to put in while Sunset is making sure she gets it right. “It’ll be so much fun to fill this recipe book!” Izzy cheered.

“Just make sure you follow them right, Izzy. Don’t want ponies to taste bad smoothies.” Sunset said, reminding Izzy to make sure she gets the recipes right.

“I will!” Izzy cheered.

And then after that, Izzy starts knitting some covers for the smoothies cups with Sunset helping out. “Even smoothies deserve to feel cozy.” Izzy commented.

“Well, that or to make hooves feel comfortable, just saying.” Sunset said, not sure why Izzy thought of this, but again, can’t question it since it’s Izzy.

And then, a little bit later, Izzy is sewing something as she focuses her magic as she levitates a needle and a thread as she focuses while Sunset raises an eyebrow.

Izzy finished as she smiled at her work, which is just a heart sewed on an apron. “Yeah, my magic isn’t so bad, either.” She said with a smirk.

“Easy one to make, I presume.” Sunset said with a little chuckle.

Sometime later, Sunset and Izzy are in the kitchen as Izzy is putting in some fruits in the blender.

“Some bananas, an orange, and a few pieces of watermelon…” Izzy listened with a smile as she placed the fruits in the blender.

Sunset chuckled a bit, and then widened her eyes in startled as Izzy’s about to press the button. “Wait, Izzy! You forgot to…” She cried to call out, but it was too late.

Izzy pressed the start button on the blender, but she forgot to put the lid on top of it as it started blending the fruit as the brown continents spilled out of it from the blending.

“Eek!” Both Sunset and Izzy cried out in startled as the brown continents flew all around the kitchen while getting on Sunset and Izzy in the process.

Izzy turned off the blender as she and Sunset are now covered in brown blends as the kitchen is a complete mess.

“...Put the lid on the top of the blender to secure it.” Sunset finished with a deadpan tone.

Izzy gave a sheepish chuckle to Sunset at her mistake. “Sorry.” She sheepishly said as she turned to her recipe book next to them as she wrote down the recipe with her usual cheery smile. “But, oooh, this recipe would be good for ponies with a vermillion sparkle. It just needs a little peanut butter!” She cheered.

Sunset still has second thoughts about this as she wipes the contents off her face as best she could. “Just make sure you close the lid next time.” She said, while also knowing that she can’t talk Izzy out of this, because once Izzy thought of something, there’s no stopping her, so she has to learn the hard way.

A little bit later, Sunset and Izzy are outside the Brighthouse as Sunset is rolling the smoothie cart, which has a sign that says ‘Sunny & Sunset’s smoothies, outside as Izzy uses her magic to place a sign that says ‘New Sparkle Smoothies’.

Izzy then smiled as she held up a book of stickers as she smiled. “A little of this.” She said as she then placed some stickers on some roller skates. “A little of that.” She said and then placed some on a couple of helmets. “And this.” And then she placed her smoothie cloth covers on the smoothie cups. “And that.” She continued as she then levitated her recipe book and placed some stickers on it. “And this. And some more of that!” She cheered.

Sunset raised an eyebrow from Izzy. “First glitter and now stickers, what’s next for that unicorn?” She asked herself with a chuckle.

Izzy then starts putting some red streamers all over the smoothie cart. “And some more of this!” She cheered.

A couple of minutes later, Izzy, who is covered in stickers and streamers then turned to Sunset with a smile. “I am so excited!” She said excitedly to Sunset.

Sunset chuckled a bit from Izzy’s excitement as she peeled some stickers off her. “I am sure you are, Izzy. Now let’s finish this up.” She said with a smile as she helped Izzy finish it right up.

A few minutes later, Sunset and Izzy finally finished the cart, with a few decorations on it as they stood in front of it.

“Ta-da!” Izzy cheered to the cart with a cheery smile.

“I have to say, Izzy, it actually looks great.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Thank you, Sunset.” Izzy said with a smile as she levitated three aprons with hearts on them as she put one on herself and one on Sunset as they put on the helmets and rollerskates. “Sunny’s going to love it as well!” She cheered.

“I’m sure she will.” Sunset said with a smile. “Now come on, let’s head to town to begin our smoothie sale.” She added as she dragged the cart while Izzy followed as they head to town.

A little bit later, Sunny is flying around Maretime Bay in her Alicorn form cheerfully with a cheerful smile as she descends close to the ground.

Sunny then saw two Earth Ponies fillies next to her, drinking smoothies happily as one of them spoke.

“A Unicorn and Alicorn smoothie! Who would’ve guessed?” The first filly said in amazement.

“The unicorn says it matches my sparkle… Whatever that means!” The second filly said happily as she sipped her smoothie.

“Feels cozy.” The first one commented with a smile, feeling the cloth on the smoothie cup, feeling really cozy.

“Unicorn and Alicorn smoothies?” Sunny asked curious as she turned to her side and what she saw surprised her, as she saw Sunset and Izzy selling smoothies to an Earth Pony mare as Izzy spoke.

“Your sparkle looks fuschia today so you should try this Rasberry Chamomile Smoothie!” Izzy announces with a smile as she is giving said smoothie to the green Earth Pony mare.

“Hey, that… actually sounds kinda good.” The mare said with a smile. “Are you reading my mind?” She asked jokily.

“You know that is way behind us. Right, Izzy?” Sunset asked Izzy with a smile.

“Yeah! Haha!” Izzy laughed a bit. “Unicorns can’t actually do that!” She laughed, but as the mare was about to grab her smoothie, Izzy got close to her face in a strange look. “Or can we? Ooooh…” She said in a spooky tone, which creeped the mare out a bit from that.

“Izzy, don’t. We talk about no spooky tones. You’re scaring the pony.” Sunset lectured as she backed Izzy up a bit from that.

Izzy realizes what she did as she gives a sheepish chuckle. “Heheheh, sorry.” She apologized to the mare, who was walking away with her smoothie while giving Izzy a ‘weirdo’ expression.

Sunny walked close to them as she stopped using her Alicorn magic as Izzy and Sunset saw her.

“Sunny! SURPRISE!” Izzy announced happily.

“Hey, Sunny. You’re finally here. Check out what Izzy just made for us.” Sunset said with a smile.

Izzy then roller skated to Sunny excitedly as Sunset just walked normally to them. “How do you like the makeover? I did everything myself with Sunset’s help!” She said excitedly.

“Wow, Izzy! That’s so… nice!” Sunny said, a little surprised by this as she doesn't know how to say it.

“Izzy did all the designs herself, and she put a lot of effort into it.” Sunset added.

Izzy then pointed to the makeover smoothie cart as she showed it to Sunny. “I put Sunset’s and your names up big and bright! And I thought streamers would be cute here-- Oh, I bet we could add wind chimes, though!” She said excitedly. “Then everypony can hear you two coming!” She added with a smile.

“Oh… Wind Chimes!” Sunny said, while feeling unsure about this.

“Yeah, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Sunset chuckled, not wanting Izzy to overdo it.

Izzy then levitated her smoothie recipe book to Sunny as she opened it up. “And I made a few new recipes with Sunset’s help. We organized them by sparkle color. We can look them over together. It’ll be fun!” She cheered.

“By sparkle?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“Izzy labels the smoothies of the ponies sparkles and color coded them so that we know what kind of smoothies that fit them.” Sunset said. “And I also help her out with the flavors so that she doesn’t mess them up, I was the taste tester to help her.” She added with a small smile, having tasted the new smoothie recipes Izzy made to make sure which ones taste good or that they need some adjustments.

Izzy levitated one of the smoothie cups with the cloth around it to show Sunny. “And look at these smoothie sweaters I knitted! Oh, oh, and finally--” She was going to say the last one until Sunny spoke, feeling a bit overwhelmed by it.

“Izzy, this is really so sweet and all, but I kinda wish you asked me first!” Sunny called out.

“But if I asked first then it wouldn’t be a surprise!” Izzy pointed out cheerfully, but then realized something as she gave a sad look. “Wait… you don’t like it, do you, Sunny?” She asked in sadness as she sadly skated away slowly with her head down.

Sunset then gave Sunny a mad look from that. “Sunny. Izzy worked hard on this for you and me, and now you made Izzy sad because you don’t like it? That’s low, even for you.” She said as she skated off to follow Izzy.

Sunny realizes what she just said as she races off after them with a guilty look. “Izzy! Sunset! Hold on… That’s not what I’m saying.” She called out as she walked beside them.

“Then what are you saying, Sunny?” Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s not that I don’t like the makeover! I think it’s so sweet you did all this for me and Sunset, Izzy!” Sunny explained with a smile. “It’s just a lot to come back to. I’ve been working here for so long, and my Dad and I came up with so many recipes together, and when Sunset came into our lives, it was a dream come true for a Guardian of Harmony to be working right by my side, I just… I’m attached to how things are.” She reasoned, saying that she was so used to how her smoothie business was and how it’s been lately, she likes how it was before.

“Oh… I can understand that.” Izzy said, still feeling down.

Sunset then spoke next. “Sunny, I get why you like how your smoothie business was before, but don't you realize why Izzy did all this? She’s been left out from us in the fun activities, while either we’re in the air or in our own business, that she felt left alone with nopony to hangout with.” She pointed out, which made Sunny widen her eyes from that. “You wanted to know why I didn’t join you, Zipp or Pipp on a flight? Because I wanted to keep Izzy company so that she doesn’t feel left alone. You left without saying anything, and you left a note for her instead of saying it in person. And that hurt Izzy that she can join you girls or if it was me as well since she can’t fly.” She added, telling the main reason why Izzy did all this for Sunny and why Sunset stayed behind to hang out with her.

Sunny then felt more guilty about this as she turned to Izzy. “Is that true, Izzy?” She asked Izzy in concern.

“Yes. It’s all true.” Izzy answered, still feeling down as she took off her helmet and roller skates. “I wanted to surprise you because you and Sunset have been all over the place since magic returned. And I thought we could do something together.” She explained her reason. “It’s not like I could go flying with you two, Pipp and Zipp. Sunset was here to keep me company so that I wouldn’t be alone.” She added as she got up.

Sunny then placed a hoof over Izzy as she gave a smile to her. “Oh, Izzy… I’m sorry for making you feel this way, and I know everypony’s magic is unique, but look at us. We’re all finally together now!” She cheered, trying to cheer up Izzy.

“I know, I know.” Izzy said while still feeling down as Sunny and Sunset listened carefully while feeling sympathy for her. “I just think about that letter I found when I was a little filly.” She said, recalling the letter Sunny and her father sent years ago, before she founded it. “It said I had a friend in Maretime Bay, And I actually got to meet her after meeting Sunset! Magic or no magic… And now I just miss her.” She finished sadly.

“She’s been like this since the day we became alicorns, Sunny.” Sunset answered, while Sunny was surprised by this. “You’ve been too busy with other things with our friends and the excitement of you being an alicorn that you never noticed how Izzy felt left out since then. And up until now, it has to be heard. And the reason why I kept her company half the time.” She finished.

Sunny then feels guilty that Izzy felt this way. “I didn’t realize you feel this way, Izzy…” She said, didn’t know that she made Izzy feel like this.

Izzy then levitated the third apron she had to show Sunny. “Yeah. Well, this was the last part of the surprise.” She said, still feeling down.

Izzy puts the apron on Sunny, who smiled widely at this. “Aww, I love it!” She said happily, loving the apron.

“Now you get it, Sunny? You were so distracted, you didn’t realize how your friends felt.” Sunset spoke as she, Izzy and Sunny gave each other a nuzzle as they smiled at one another.

“I guess in all the excitement of having magic back, I forgot to check in with all my friends.” Sunny admittedly said.

“You really need to work on that, Sunny.” Sunset stated, seeing that Sunny still needs to pay close attention to her friends.

“Yeah, I really do.” Sunny said while chuckling sheepishly before turning to Izzy. “I didn’t realize you felt so left out, Izzy. I’m sorry.” She apologizes to Izzy with a small smile.

“It’s okay, Sunny.” Izzy said as she smiled in forgiveness. “I wish I had said something sooner.” She added.

“Well, now you have, Izzy. It’s okay to talk these things out instead of keeping them in. You have friends to help you out.” Sunset said with a smile, which caused Izzy to smile widely as she felt better now.

Sunny smiled as she spoke next. “Well we’re together now. So let’s sell some smoothies.” She said, going to spend some time with them.

“That’ll be wonderful!” Izzy cheered, back to her old self.

“You’ve read my mind, girls!” Sunset called out with a smile as Sunny was dragging the smoothie cart, strap around her waist with Sunset and Izzy by her side as they smiled cheerfully to each other as Sunny and Sunset roller skated across Maretime Bay with Izzy running beside them.

And then, sometime later, the three ponies are selling smoothies together, Sunny and Sunset gave two ponies their smoothies, while Izzy gave one to a mare, which caused her to tear up from the heat from the smoothie she was drinking, apparently the smoothie she was drinking was too spice for her taste.

After the sale, the three ponies are dragging the cart back to the Brighthouse.

“Looks like we’re all out!” Sunny cheered.

“Those ponies really like the sales.” Sunset commented with a smile.

“And I didn’t get to taste one…” Izzy said in disappointment that she didn’t get to taste those smoothies yet before she smiled. “Hey, let’s head home and make some together.” She happily suggested.

“Sure!” Sunny cheered.

“Sounds good to me.” Sunset said in agreement as they walked back to the Crystal Brighthouse.

Sometime later in the Crystal Brighthouse kitchen, the three ponies are setting up some ingredients as they get some ingredients ready and placing them in the blender as Izzy is using her magic to cut up a banana, Sunset is chopping some other fruits while Sunny is looking at Izzy’s recipe book.

“Wow, you two really were busy with this!” Sunny said in amazement at the recipes Sunset and Izzy put down. “Why a green tea smoothie for a red sparkle?” She asked curiously.

“Asked Izzy, she worked out the details since she knows ponies sparkles.” Sunset said to Sunny, knowing how Izzy can tell ponies sparkles.

“Oh, because it's super calming!” Izzy cheered with a smile. “Especially with ginger, and some oranges, for fun!” She added with a smile.

“What do you suggest for my sparkle, Izzy?” Sunny asked with a smile.

“Or mine?” Sunset asked as well with a smirk.

Izzy then placed her hoof in her chin as she thought with a smile “For you, Sunny… Lots of sweet peaches, and a little mango. And for you, Sunset… Lots of kiwis, with some strawberries.” She said with a smile.

“Ooh, that sounds good.” Sunny said happily.

“And totally fits our sparkles.” Sunset commented with a smile.

“Between the three of us, I like to throw a little mint into my smoothie.” Sunny added while holding a mint in her hoof.

“I like a little grape in mine.” Sunset commented while holding some grapes.

“Really?” Izzy said in surprise. “Me, I love a bit of peanut butter.” She said with a smile while holding some peanut butter.

“Yeah?” Sunny asked with a smile as she thought about it. “Well, let’s go with both!” She cheered.

“Good idea, Sunny!” Sunset announced as the three ponies placed some fruits and their favorite things into the blender.

After putting them in the blender, they close the lid on it as they start blending the smoothie as Sunny spoke with a smile to Sunset and Izzy.

“It feels so good making new recipes with somepony again. Thank you, Izzy and Sunset.” Sunny said to the two ponies with a smile, happy to be making new recipes with somepony after her father, well, departed.

Sunset and Izzy smiled heartfully at Sunny as Izzy spoke. “Aw, Sunny. Anytime you want, we’re here for you.” She said with a smile.

“You can always ask us.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Same here.” Sunny said with a smile. “Hoof to Heart.” She said as they touch each other's hooves before they touch their hearts, keeping the promise.

A little bit later, once their smoothies are done, they place them on three cups, which look a little split between pink and dark color on them.

They each grabbed a cup as they smiled at each other. “Here we go!” Sunny cheered.

“Down the hatch!” Sunset added.

“Bottoms up!” Izzy finished.

They all drink their smoothies, while Sunset and Izzy sip through their cups while Sunny uses her tongue to like it up as they both smile at the taste.

“This is amazing!” Sunset cheered as she kept sipping.

“It’s really sweet and creamy…” Izzy started as she kept sipping through her straw.

“Mm-hmm.” Sunny nodded in agreement. “And definitely peanut buttery! How about we call it…” She thought of a name as the three ponies smiled wide at their smoothies. “...THE DREAMY CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER STARBOW?” She asked with a smile.

“That sounds great!” Izzy cheered while looking at her smoothie with wide eyes and a smile.

“I like that name.” Sunset said in agreement with a smile.

The three ponies then chug on their smoothies really quickly, with Sunny placing the cup on her whole muzzle to drink it all while Sunset and Izzy enjoy the smoothies through their straws.

Izzy then smiled as she licked her lips as she had a thought. “I think we should make this for all our friends.” She suggested.

“I like that idea, Izzy.” Sunset said in agreement, wanting the others to try this smoothie.

Sometime later, Sunny, Sunset and Izzy made enough smoothies for their friends as they were passing each smoothie cup to each of them.

“Here’s your Dreamy Creamy Peanut Butter Starbow!” Izzy announced cheerfully to Zipp, who was looking at the smoothie in excitement with a smile, knowing her sweet tooth.

“There’s enough for all of us.” Sunset added as she gave one to Hitch, who is sipping on his, loving it.

“Just a little something Izzy, Sunset and I whipped up.” Sunny said to Pipp with a smile as Pipp is holding her smoothie and her phone with a smile.

“Adorable!” Pipp said happily. “Oh, I just gotta share this with my Pippsqueaks!” She said excitedly, going to livestream this smoothie to her followers as she turned to Sunny and Sunset. “By the way, Sunny and Sunset, did you both see the pics I posted of our flight? Stunning! Can’t believe how good it feels to fly for real.” She said, really happy that they can fly for real and not fake it as they dreamed of flying their whole lives.

“It really does!” Sunny said in excitement.

“That is what it feels like to fly for real, now that it’s possible since magic has been restored.” Sunset said with a proud smile, happy that everything is returning the way Equestria should be since magic has returned.

Izzy however, starts feeling a little down that she didn’t get to join them, sure she had Sunset with her, but she still felt left out when Sunny, Zipp and Pipp went flying.

“Hah. Wait till I tell you what happened on my wilderness trip!” Hitch called out, wanting to tell the others what happened during his wilderness today.

“Oh, that trip, huh?” Zipp said in a non-surprise tone, knowing what happened with Hitch earlier while Izzy is looking at her friends, lost in thought.

End of Flashback.

Izzy still remembers that day as she remembered seeing her friends chatting and laughing with one another as they enjoyed their smoothies with their sparkles glowing around them as she was lost in thought.

‘In the end, the desire to bring back magic is what brought us all together--not just Equestria but the six of us.’ Izzy thought to herself. ‘Six different ponies, one of them is a Guardian of Harmony, with our own beautiful sparkles, finally becoming friends…’ She thought, knowing how they all came together as friends and been close to each other.

“We’re all different in this world.” Sunny said, snapping Izzy out of her thoughts as she looked at her smoothie while Sunset brought Izzy’s hers and had her own in her hooves. “But when we come together we can make beautiful things happen. Just like how when the Unity Crystals come together, the beauty of magic happens. You see?” She asked Izzy with a smile.

“Yeah… Of course.” Izzy answered with a smile.

“That’s when the magic of friendship comes together, and when they do, nothing can stop us.” Sunset added as she sip on her smoothie while Sunny gulped hers down with her cup on her muzzles.

Izzy was lost in thought again as she gave a worried look. ‘Magic brought us all together, but…’ She then pictured Discord, who is giving an evil look as he is holding the pegasus crystal in his claws. ‘...I wonder if our sparkles can shine through everything?’ She thought to herself, worried if they aren’t strong enough to stop discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back, and if they can’t get it back, they could lose magic forever.

End of Issue 8.

Issue 9:

Issue 9:

Back at Fluttershy’s old home, the Mane 6, except for Zipp who isn’t there with them, are following Pipp as they stop at the front door.

“You need to be prepared for the worst.” Pipp advises her friends, telling them to prepare for something once she opens the door.

The four ponies looked at Pipp as Sunny spoke up. “Discord’s about to destroy a Unity Crystal, ridding Equestria of magic for the rest of eternity. I think our threshold for catastrophe is at an all-time high.” She pointed out, not seeing what could be worse behind that door with their situation with Discord.

“She’s right, Pipp.” Sunset said in agreement. “With what Discord is doing nothing can be worse than that.” She added, finding that true since nothing can be worse than this.

“You brought this on yourselves…” Pipp shrugged as she knocked on the door, which caused it to open up.

And what they saw inside was Zipp, who is looking really exhausted and tired with her Mane a mess and bed eyes with a crazed look, while having some yellow crime-tapes all around the cottage with some numbers on for the crime scenes.

“Hold up!” Zipp cried out when she turned and saw her friends, who were startled, except for Izzy, from her outburst. “This is an active scene. If you touch anything, you’ll contaminate evidence and we’ll never find Discord or save magic in Equestria.” She said as she got close to her friends, who were a little creeped out from her condition. “Which means I’ll never fly again, or achieve my 100-win flyball streak, or perform that air routine Mom asked me to do for the Royal Ball!” She added out while narrowing her eyes at them.

Pipp was not surprised, knowing how her sister was, as she raised a hoof and whispered to the little creeped out Sunny and Sunset. “Zipp stressing over Royal Duties? Okay, it is worse than I thought.” She said, seeing how stressed Zipp is, then the last time she saw her.

“She gets more stressed out than Twilight when she’s late for an assignment or overthinking things when she wants everything to be perfect.” Sunset whispered in surprise, having seen this before from Twilight, sure she wasn’t there for Princess Twilight but had been told from her and if her counterpart, Sci-Twi is the similar, she knows how Twilight can be at times when so worked up about something. “But we see what you mean, Pipp.” She added, now seeing what Pipp ment for preparing for the worst.

“Told you.” Pipp whispered before she gave a calming smile to Zipp as she placed a hoof on her chest. “We just popped in to… say a quick hello.” She lied so that she could calm her sister down.

“Hi…” Sunny said with a nervous smile.

“Hey!” Izzy cheered with a wave of her hoof and a smile.

“Whazzup?” Hitch asked next with a nervous smile as well.

“How are you, Zipp?” Sunset asked with a nervous smile as well.

Zipp huffed as she rubbed her eyes while looking at her friends tirelessly. “I told you I'm fine.” She said to her friends.

Pipp then starts patting her sister's head with a smile. “And obviously, we can see that. You look as peaceful as a Pegasus in a mud bath.” She said, which made Zipp huff a bit.

“Or an orchid in a sun-soaked field.” Izzy said with a nervous smile, playing along.

“Or bear surrounded by honey pots.” Hitch added with a smile.

Sunny and Sunset however gave bored expressions as Sunny spoke. “...Or a pony who hasn’t eaten or slept in several days and is on the brink of collapse.” She said in a bored tone, knowing that’s the truth.

“Or a pony who is overworking herself from seeing straight and has been losing her mind of not finding any answers she needed.” Sunset spoke with the same tone Sunny said, agreeing with Sunny’s words.

The four ponies looked at Sunny and Sunset in surprise and shock at what they just said, while Zipp gave an irritated look at the two for what they just said.

Sunset rolled her eyes from that as she spoke. “Oh, come on. The signs said it all and you guys can’t deny it either.” She said while giving a look at the group.

“Yeah, like we weren’t all thinking about it.” Sunny said in agreement as she turned her head to them with a wave of her hoof. “If Zipp’s going to solve the case, she’s going to need all of us to pitch in.” She added, knowing that they all need to work together if they want to find any leads to Discord and get the Pegasus Crystal back.

“Yeah. And Zipp, at least fill us in instead of doing things yourself, we are all in this together. No way to leave us in the dark.” Sunset said, knowing that Zipp should’ve told them instead of doing things herself as she turned to a bookshelf. “Now, let’s search this place again and see if you missed anything in your tired state.” She said as she and the others began to double check the place where Zipp might have missed in her tired state.

A little bit later, the Mane 6 are searching the cottage to see if Zipp missed something while she was tired as said Pegasus came in, a little well rested after taking a break as she rubbed her head.

“Discord researched how to destroy the crystal in this very room.” Zipp explained what she found in the room to her friends to catch them up to speed. “There’s gotta be something here that can point us to his direction.” She added, trying to remember what else she missed.

Izzy then looked at the rug as she picked something up with her hoof. “I found a claw nail!” She called out to the others while looking at the nail.

Pipp, who was searching through the couch, turned to Izzy with a disgusting look. “Ew. Cutting his claws in the living room has gotta count as suspicious behavior.” She said in disgust that Discord would cut his nails in the living room.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think it does for Discord.” Hitch comments in a bored tone, knowing that’s nothing suspicious for Discord standards, since any creature can do that.

“Stay focus, ponies. There gotta be something for us to find Discord.” Sunset said as she and Sunny were searching through the shelves together.

Sunny then thought of something as she spoke. “If Discord was researching…. Wouldn’t the answer be somewhere on the bookshelf?” She suggested, pointing to the bookshelves filled with books, knowing that if Discord wanted to research, he would study by the book, like what Twilight told him to.

Sunset places a hoof on her chin as she thinks. “Come to think of it, Discord did say that Twilight told him that he would find a solution by doing research, and books are part of it so it’s not that far off.” She said, remembering what Discord told them when he first escaped them with the Pegasus Crystal under the caverns of Canterlot as the two ponies searched through the books.

Zipp came behind them as she spoke up. “I’ve read through every single sentence on every single page of every single book here, and I promise there’s nothing helpful in them.” She pointed out, having read through every book in Fluttershy’s home but found nothing on them, while behind them, Pipp is looking at another shelf, Hitch is searching somewhere while Izzy picked up an animal bed and looked at a piece of hair on her hoof after she picked it up.

Sunny then took a closer look with a hoof on her chin as she noticed something was off. “Maybe it’s not about the book shelf… Maybe it’s about the one book that’s missing.” She said, seeing something missing on the shelf.

“What do you mean by that, Sunny? Found something?” Sunset asked, wanting to know what Sunny found.

“Aha! Sure did, Sunset!” Sunny cheered as she pointed to the stacks of Daring Do books, who are in numbered order, but notice one of them is missing. “Discord has every Signal Daring Do book ever published on this shelf, except for one. Her ninth book. Daring Do and The Curse of Basaltic Caves.” She said, remembering the book since she had collections of them as well that her dad managed to save.

Sunset looked to where Sunny pointed out as she smiled. “Great find, Sunny. It’s a good thing your father saved copies of Daring Do from his research for you to remember it.” She said, really glad Sunny got those copies of the Daring Do book for her to remember them, and something she herself likes to read from time to time.

“And it’s a really good series to read again like Twilight Sparkle and the Guardians of Friendship.” Sunny commented with a smile.

Zipp then came next to them as she looked at the shelf Sunny mentioned. “How did I miss that?” She asked in surprise.

Sunny and Sunset gave Zipp a smirk as Sunny spoke. “Sometimes we’re so busy looking for the inconspicuous, we miss the obvious.” She said to Zipp with a smirk.

“That and you were tired and stressed out to notice something was missing.” Sunset added with a smirk, another reason why Zipp missed it.

Zipp gave an embarrassing smile and chuckle from that. “Good point.” She said sheepishly.

Pipp then looked at her phone to search for said cave that Sunny mentioned. “There’s, like, zero information about the Basaltic Caves online.” She pointed out, finding nothing on the web about the cave.

Sunset rolled her eyes from that. “Pipp, if something from Ancient Equestria was long forgotten, you think they would’ve put that online by now? And even if they did, wouldn’t that be false information since they told you guys that each one of the tribes to each of you ponies would be a fake?” She asked, pointing out the flaw in Pipp’s plan on finding the answer online.

Pipp takes a moment and then realizes that Sunset is right as she gives a sheepish chuckle. “Okay, fair point.” She said with a sheepish smile.

Sunset then places a hoof on her chin as she then has a thought. “Come to think of it, that name of the cave does seem familiar, but what?” She asked herself, trying to remember that cave since she must’ve heard about it before, but can’t remember when or what it does.

“That’s because nopony’s been there in hundreds of years.” Izzy called out with her cheery smile as she raised her hoof.

Her friends turned to her in surprise as Sunset spoke. “Izzy, you know what this cave is?” She asked in surprise that Izzy knows about this cave.

“I sure do.” Izzy answered with a smile as she continued. “According to my Uncle Fizzy, the caves are full of these really dangerous lava creeks that are so hot, they can melt an entire castle, or a ginormous stone sculpture…” She listened, which made the ponies a little nervous, especially Sunset and Sunny as they now realize what this means.

“Or maybe a Unity Crystal…” Sunny spoke in a worried and grim expression with the tone as well.

“Oh yeah, they could definitely destroy a Unity Crystal!” Izzy cheered with her usual smile, confirming Sunny’s question, but then realized what Sunny just said as she gave a grim expression as well. “Oh…” She said in a grim tone, now realizing Discord’s plan as well.

“That’s what Discord is gonna do, he’s gonna use the cave to destroy the Pegasus Crystal!” Sunset called out in worry.

The others are in a state of panic after hearing them, Zipp gives off a worried look, Hitch places his hooves on his face with his head down, and Pipp is behind Hitch while looking worried, with all of them giving grimed expressions.

Sunny turned to them as she saw their expressions as she spoke. “Okay. What we are absolutely not going to do right now is panic.” She to the others, not wanting them to panic now.

Sunset took a breath as she calmed down and spoke. “Sunny’s right, ponies. We need to keep our heads togethers if we want to stop Discord.” She said to the others as they calmed down, knowing this isn’t the time to panic now.

Sunny then spoke again. “We know Discord took the book with him. So it probably has information in it about how to survive the caves.” She stated, saying that if Discord took the book to know its location, it might be something he might need to survive in his journey.

“Yeah. With Discord’s magic glitching as well, he can’t rely on his chaos magic to complete the journey. If he had, he wouldn’t have taken the book with him and would’ve destroyed the crystal by now.” Sunset added, after seeing that Discord’s magic was glitching as well, Discord can rely on it at this point, which explains why he needs the book to survive the journey.

Pipp then looked at her phone again as she gave a confident smirk. “If we need a copy, I can get us a copy!” She said as she trotted out the door to make sure she got a signal and to get the copy of the book they needed.

“Great!” Hitch spoke as he turned to the others after Pipp left, while Zipp fixed up her mane. “And while Pipp’s busy with that, the rest of us should pack up and get ready to head out.” He said to the others, wanting them to be as ready as possible once Pipp got back with the copy of the book.

“He’s right. Once we have a copy, we head out immediately so we can catch Discord in time.” Sunset said in agreement, wanting them to head out if they want to stop Discord before it’s too late.

Izzy then looked at them in surprise. “You mean… You want to go to the cave?” She asked in surprise from their plan.

“We have to, Izzy. It’s the only way if we want to stop Discord from succeeding his goal.” Sunset said, stating that they will have to risk it if they want to stop Discord.

Izzy however feels unsure about this. “My Uncle Fizzy once threw a flying star back to its home solar system using his bare hooves, and even he was too afraid to go to the Basaltic Caves.” She pointed out, while the others are not sure if the flying star thing, but when Izzy said that even her uncle was afraid to go into the caves.

“Daring Do was able to survive the caves.” Sunny pointed out after remembering a piece about that book and about Daring Do. “I’m sure that book will be able to tell us how.” She assured, if Daring Do can do it, then that book will help them get there safely.

“But Daring Do’s a trained explorer…” Zipp said, not sure if Daring Do did it.

“An explorer who goes on adventures and can fight bad guys with just herself and her own bare hooves and survives the deadliest places in all of Equestria.” Sunset countered, having heard from Twilight that Daring Do is real since the author A.K. Yearling is Daring Do when she revealed her secret identity to all of Equestria.

Zipp blinked in surprise from what Sunset just said. “Okay, I'll take that back.” She said, regretting doubting Daring Do.

“If we don’t even try, who’s going to save magic?” Hitch questioned them in worry, since who else will stop Discord and save magic from disappearing forever.

Izzy then looked down, feeling unsure about this as she spoke. “There are worse things than losing magic…” She suddenly said as she spoke up to the others. “We’ve lived without magic before. And losing magic won’t change ponykind coming together or any of the friendships we’ve made.” She said, which made her friends look at her in shock and surprise from what Izzy just said. “Isn’t that what matters?” She asked her friends, who are stunt silent from Izzyh’s answer.

“Izzy…” Sunset said, as she knew how Izzy was feeling this whole time when the Pegasus Crystal was taken, but to see how this conflict made her feel bad for her.

“Discord’s words did stick with you…” Sunny spoke, while having a shock expression.

“I’m not saying I want to get rid of magic. I love magic!” Izzy pointed out, not wanting her friends to misunderstand her as she used her own magic to levitate herself in the air as she hangs upside down. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without magic.” She said as she levitated herself down as she continued. “But even good things like magic can come with some not great things, too. Discord said he wanted to get rid of magic because he didn’t want anypony feeling lesser than because of their powers.” She finished, seeing what Discord is doing wouldn’t change anything since they lived without magic before and their friendship wouldn’t change even if magic was gone.

Zipp then spoke after what Izzy just said. “He also said that’s how you felt when we flew off without you and Sunset near Canterlot.” She said, remembering what Discord said when they first began their search and left Izzy when she and Sunset were alone when the others took off to begin their search.

Izzy then looked down as she gave a sad look. “Maybe I felt that way a tiny, little, atom-sized bit.” She said sadly, which Sunny and Sunset notice.

Sunny then spoke up. “I told you, flying above those trees was about getting a better perspective of the forest.” She reminded them that it was the best way for them to cover more ground.

“But… It didn’t actually help us find the gate of the ancients.” Zipp pointed out, seeing the flaw in Sunny’s plan. “All it did was separate us and leave Izzy, Sunset and Hitch on their own.” She added, now seeing why Izzy feels this way.

“We were fine.” Hitch called out as he spoke. “Don’t you see? This line of thinking is exactly what Discord wants. You can’t let him get in your head.” He pointed out while tapping his hoof on his head, saying that Discord wants them to get this way.

“All Discord wants is to make sure everypony is on equal hoofing.” Zipp argued.

“By getting rid of what makes us special.” Sunny called out, tension grew as Izzy looked down, unsure what to do while feeling conflicted while Sunset looked at her friends, really growing annoyed at this as Sunny continued. “Our magic has already saved us in so many ways.” She pointed out.

“Communicating with animals makes me a better sheriff.” Hitch added, really likes to understand animals and it helps him become a better sheriff to both critters and ponies.

“Izzy’s not saying our powers haven’t helped. But I’m sure magic has made all of us feel left behind at some point.” Zipp argued to them, trying to be reasonable.

“Don’t you wish you could play flyball with everypony, too?” Izzy asked Zipp about the flyball thing she played and what she said earlier in her tired state.

The four ponies continue arguing as Sunset is at her breaking point, seeing that they don’t really get it as she facehooved herself the others kept arguing. Having enough, she stomped her hooves on the ground hard as she yelled out in her Royal Canterlot voice. “Will you ponies just, BE QUIET!!!” She yelled out, which caused the ponies to stop arguing and flinch from Sunset’s yelling as Sunset continued. “We don’t have time for this nonsense! And arguing is not helping! So we can either continue to waste time and let Discord succeed in destroying the Pegasus Crystal or we go after him before he does so that magic could stay?! And I want to know how to argue until then! Got it?! We already discussed this before the last time we were here! Discord isn't a bad guy. Are his methods wrong? Yes. He's an old man with the wrong perception of unity? Totally. Does that mean he's a bad guy? No. He's just misguided. He was alone for not having friends by his side when he outlived them due to his immortality! Maybe none of us can convince him to not destroy the Crystal!” She yelled out, while having an idea in her head while her outburst caused the four ponies to stay silent until Izzy spoke up.

“But is our friendship more important than magic?” Izzy asked again, which caused them to speak out their reasons again as the arguing tensions came back.

Sunset facehooved herself again. “Oh for the love of a pony…!” She yelled out as she can’t take much more of this.

Pipp then came back with the copy of the book they needed with a smile. “Prepare your cheers, everypony! I’ve got--” She was cut off when she saw the others arguing while Sunset stayed quiet as she was growing really annoyed by this. Seeing that they won’t stop, Pipp then yelled out. “HELLOOOOOOOOO! I REQUIRED YOUR DIVIDED ATTENTION BE COMPLETELY UNDIVIDED!” She yelled so loud, it caused the others to flinch from her outburst while Izzy fell on her back from the loudness Pipp just yelled in surprise.

“Seriously?” Zipp questioned her sister from yellowing again while cringing from that outburst.

Sunny recompose herself and then she smiled widely at the book Pipp got. “How in Equestria did you get this so quickly?” She wondered, wanting to know how Pipp got the copy so fast.

Pipp smirked as she gestured to the door. “I had a little help. Say hello to the Pippsqueaks!” She cheered as two mares appear from the door with sparkles in their eyes, one is an Earth Pony has a light tin coat, black hair with a red bow on top while the second one is a Pegasus with a light purple coat and long yellow hair with a plant on top next to her left ear.

Sunny then waved at them as she spoke. “Hi, everypony. I’m--” She was about to introduce herself but the Earth Pony mare came in front of her with her hooves on her cheeks while in fan-mare mode.

“Sunny Starscout! We know who you are!” The Earth Pony mare said excitedly, which made Sunny flinch and smiled uncomfortable of her being this close. “You are all totally our heroes.” She said excitedly while Pipp smirked at this outcome, knowing how fans can be.

“Some ponies talk the talk, but y’all trot the trot.” The Pegasus mare said with a wave of her hoof with a smile as she got between Zipp and Pipp, with a smile and sparkles in her eyes as she placed her hooves around them. “Zipp, the detective who uncovered Discord’s hair in the Crystal Brighthouse.” She started excitedly.

Zipp gave an uncomfortable look at her. “Don’t touch me…” She muttered to the pegasus fan, not one with fans.

The Pegasus mare didn’t hear that as she continued. “Pipp, the incredible documentarian who captured crucial clues on her phone.” She added, which made Pipp blow a kiss at the compliment.

The Earth Pony mare then excitedly came to Izzy and Hitch. “Hitch, the sheriff who followed Cloudpuff straight to the gate of the ancients. Izzy, the optimist who befriended a squirrel and found Fluttershy’s crystal message.” She said excitedly as Izzy smiled at her for the compliment while Hitch gave a look.

And then the two mares came to both Sunny and Sunset, who were giving a little smile at them as the Pegasus mare spoke. “And Sunny and Sunset, the Alicorns who brought you together in the first place…” The pegasus mare said while gesturing her hooves to them.

The Earth Pony mare spoke next with a hoof on Sunny’s back. “And taught ponykind that Equestria is a place where all Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns can live together in harmony and help show the ways of the true history of Ancient Equestria.” She said, still excited.

Sunset gave a small chuckle at the two mares. “You ponies really know our stuff and keep track.” She said with a small smile, didn’t know their fans were that excited.

Sunny gave a small smile at their compliment. “Well we certainly try to make sure everypony feels included.” She commented.

And then the two mares saw Izzy next to them, who was looking down after the argument they had. The Pegasus mare looked at her friend with a knowing look. “Uh-oh, are you sensing tension?” She asked her friend, who is giving the same look.

“I’m sensing tension.” The Earth Pony mare confirmed, having sensed it too.

Sunny flinched when she heard them say that as she gave a nervous smile. “Everything’s fine.” She insisted.

“Maybe there’s a little bit of tension.” Izzy honestly said while feeling a little, which caused both her and Sunny to look at each other in surprise from that as Izzy gave a nervous smile. “Everything’s completely fine.” She quickly said, trying to cover it up.

Sunny then gives a down expression. “Okay. There’s some tension.” She said, seeing no point in this.

Sunset facehooved herself from that again. “This is awkward.” She muttered.

The two mares looked at them from that as the Pegasus mare whispered to her friend. “They can’t even agree on if they’re agreeing or disagreeing.” She whispered to her friend, who nodded in agreement.

Sunny then spoke with a sheepish smile while Izzy turned away to avoid eye contact. “We just had a minor disagreement. But what friends don’t have those? Airing out your issues is healthy!” She said sheepishly, trying to avoid this talk.

The two mares however gave concerning looks. “I don’t think anypony would diagnose this as healthy.” The Pegasus stated.

“Seems like what you all need is to talk it out.” The Earth Pony mare said with a small smile, wanting them to talk things out.

Sunny however, loses her patience as she gives an annoying and angry look. “We don’t have time for that.” She said while shaking her hooves, which made the two mares, and Sunset to flinch from that as she walked out the door. “But there’s truly no need to worry. In a few hours, I promise we’ll be back to the well-oiled, completely in-sync team we’ve always been.” She said as she walked out the door, right before Sunset grabbed her tail with her magic, stopping Sunny from forward in as she turned and glared at the alicorn.

“Yeah, maybe I should stay next to you after seeing your outburst, Sunny. Until you cool down.” Sunset said, while giving Sunny a look that made her flinch out of her previous breakdown.

Sunny sighs as she takes a breath. “Okay. Fine. Let’s just go.” She said as she and the others walked out of Fluttershy’s home and continued their journey to find Discord.

‘I hope these ponies clear their heads along the way after what happened, and I will give them a talk about this whole magic thing and Izzy being left alone. But for now, I have thought of a way to stop Discord’ Sunset thought to herself, going to give Sunny and the others a lecture after the argument they had so that they can understand better, she would talk to them about it now, but they are on a time limit, while looking at Pipp phone, remembering a certain recording she took the first time they were in Fluttershy’s cottage.

A few hours later, the Mane 6 are somewhere on the side of a mountain as they follow Sunny and Sunset, while Sunny is looking at the book to follow the path while the others squeeze through the narrow path.

“Sorry!/Excuse me.” Both Izzy and Zipp both said to each other after bumping into each other.

“Eyes on the road, Sunny.” Hitch in a bored expression since Sunny is focused on the book to focus on the path.

“He’s right, Sunny. You might fall off the cliff of the mountain if you keep your focus on the book and not know where you’re going.” Sunset said in agreement.

"I'm sorry, but these instructions are really confusing." Sunny said with concern, as she kept reading the book.

"You've got time until we reach the Basaltic Caves." Zipp pointed out to her with concern.

"The instructions aren't for the caves." Sunny revealed. "They're for the Boulder Grit Canyon, which we're going to have to pass through first." She explained.

"That doesn't sound like the leisurely scenic route I want to be." Zipp confessed with a cringed expression.

“Yeah, trying to go through a canyon is not always a good thing.” Sunset said, knowing some bad things happened in canyons.

"Don't worry, the canyons aren't dangerous." Sunny assured. "But there are huge boulders that separate the road, so if we go the wrong way, we could get very lost." She pointed out with concern.

"And we're already running out of time." Hitch pointed out with worry, as he watched the sun setting in the horizon.

“Which means we will have to move fast.” Sunset added, knowing that they need to hurry.

"Luckily, Daring Do left us specific instructions for navigating through the boulders." Sunny said with a smile, as she showed a map with some words to the others.

"Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." Izzy sang cheerfully.

"Are you sure it was Boulder Grit Canyon Daring Do was talking about?" Hitch questioned, before pointing at their surroundings in panic. "Because we've been walking though Boulder Grit Canyon for the last half hour, and I can't see any boulders or turns..." He pointed out in concern.

"T-That doesn't make any sense!" Sunny said in panic. "The whole road is supposed to be one big confusing maze..." She pointed out with worry.

"Maybe Daring Do made a mistake." Zipp suggested, as she approached Sunny to take a better look at the book.

“Did you ponies know that Derring Do was during my time in Ancient Equestria? Which were many, many moons again?” Sunset called out, which gained their attention. “Yeah. You ponies forget that this was during ancient times, and generations later the layouts can change with the passage of time. And learned that the hard way when most of Equestria is unfamiliar to me.” She pointed out, since this book was during Ancient Equestria times during Twilight’s and her friends' time, the layouts can change.

“You know, Sunset has a point.” Pipp said, seeing that Sunset’s right.

"Yeah, maybe..." Sunny replied unsure.

Later on, the Mane 6 arrived at an old bridge in the middle of the canyon.

"You decided to warn us about Boulder Grit Canyon but not about the creaky old bridge with the 1000-foot drop?!" Pipp shouted in panic. "The guys are not even here to catch us if we fall!" She pointed out with worry.

"It's perfectly safe." Sunny assured, with her head buried in the book. "Oh, wait! It actually does say there was an incident back in––" She tried to explain with a worried look, but then Sunset snatched the book from her hooves, which surprised her.

“Yeah, maybe you should take a break from that book for now.” Sunset said in a bored expression as she gave it to Hitch.

"Yeah. I agree with Sunset, Sunny. How about we put the book away for now?" Hitch suggested with an annoyed expression, putting the book on his badge while Sunny gave them an annoying look with a huff. "Just follow my lead, and whatever you do... Don't look down." He instructed with a determined look, before carefully walking over the bridge.

“Just keep straight and walk slowly.” Sunset added as she followed after Hitch.

The girls looked at each other uncertainly, but Zipp decided to be the third one to follow after Sunset, then Sunny, then Izzy, and then Pipp.

"Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." Izzy sang to stay as calm as she could, while also trying not to look down. "Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." She sang again.

"Careful. There's a rotting piece of wood here." Hitch instructed the others.

"Copy that." Zipp said, focused on the bridge.

"Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." Izzy kept singing.

"Izzy, we really need to concentrate right now." Sunny told her with a frown.

"I've never been good at concentrating." Izzy confessed. "There're always too many fun things around, and how can you just pick one thing? It's impossible!" She pointed out.

"Well, your singing is making it a bit difficult for the rest of us to concentrate." Sunny scolded.

"But it helps take my mind off the scary bridge." Izzy pointed out with worry.

"Your mind should be on the bridge! Focused." Sunny said in anger.

Sunset then turned after hearing them. “Sunny, can you please leave Izzy alone? She’s already feeling conflicted and nervous about this whole thing as it is. You don’t need to put more fuel on the fire!” She scolded, wanting to end this argument since this was pointless to even argue about it.

“Well we need to focus so why not quit while we’re crossing a bridge over a steep cliff.” Sunny said in anger, really don’t have time for this.

"Can we please stop arguing back––" Hitch tried to beg, but he stepped right on the rotting piece of wood and fell from the bridge. "––THEEEEERE...? THE BOOK!" he shouted as he fell, and the Daring Do book fell from his bag.

"My wings are glitching!" Zipp shouted in panic.

"MINE TOO!" Sunny shouted desperate, wanting to save Hitch, but not being able to since her magic was failing.

"Come on!" Pipp cried out as well.

“Hang on, Hitch!” Sunset cried out, but then she tripped and got her hoof stuck on the broken plank as she struggled to get it out. “Oh come on!” She cried out in frustration.

Suddenly, Hitch was wrapped by a blue aura of magic, and he was being levitated back to the bridge.

"Come on, magic. Do your thing!" Izzy cried out, grunting in effort as she struggled to levitate Hitch back to the bridge, which she was able to do.

"Izzy! You did it!" Hitch cheered with a genuine smile, although he and Izzy seemed anxious after Hitch almost freaking died, and Sunny even wrapped her hooves around Hitch as she hugged him tightly.

"But it looks like our magic is glitching out more by the second." Zipp pointed out with concern.

“Well I don’t feel the glitch, but you ponies are running out of time for your magic.” Sunset added, while since she’s the only magic user in all of Equestria to keep her magic since hers is not connected to the crystals as she got her hoof unstuck from the plank carefully.

"And we kind of lost the Daring Do book..." Hitch added with worry and shame, since he wasn't fast enough to catch the book before it fell.

"So we'll be entering the caves with barely any powers and no road map? That's just great." Sunny complained, separating from Hitch.

Pipp then brings out her phone as she speaks up. “There’s still time to call in the Pippsqueaks for help.” She suggested, but then remembered what Sunny just said to the two mares before they left as she raised an eyebrow at Sunny. “But yeah, no. Why would we need the Pippsqueaks when we’re clearly such a well-oiled, completely in-sync team?” She rhetorically asked.

That remark made Sunny turn her head to Pipp as she glared at her in anger and a huff from that.

Sunset saw this as she flew over and grab Pipp’s phone. “Hey!” Pipp called out from her phone being taken.

“Sorry, Pipp. But that was uncalled for and really not the point. I’ll be holding onto this phone until you learn not to say remarks to your friends.” Sunset lectured as she placed the phone away as she flew ahead, leaving Pipp stunt at that.

“Let’s just keep moving forward.” Zipp said in a little annoyance and worried at the same time, worried that they need to hurry while annoyed at what Pipp just said as they continue their quest, while Pipp looked down a bit that her phone was taken.

Later on, the Mane 6 managed to arrive at their destination.

"The Basaltic Caves! We finally made it!" Sunny cheered with a smile.

“Thank Celestia.” Sunset added with a smile in relief.

The Caves were covered by a giant rock door that had some symbols around and a clock hand.

"Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." Izzy kept singing near a puddle, despite not being in a live or death situation anymore, with Pipp beside her, looking at a couple of bunnies, finding them cute, secretly taking a picture of them with her back-up phone she always carried since Sunset took her other phone.

"We're not the only ones." Zipp pointed out, also pointing at some footprints on the floor.

“Those footprints are very obvious on who is in there.” Sunset said with a serious look.

"Discord..." Hitch said with a frown, before walking to one side of the giant rock blocking the entrance. "Get your hooves in position. It's going to take all of us to move this builder aside" he stated.

"Wait!" Sunny told him. "According to Daring Do, the only way through is to solve some sort of code." Sunny explained with concern.

"Great. What's the code?" Pipp asked in a tired tone.

Sunny gulped and started to sweat nervously. "Well, I didn't make it that far in the book..." She confessed with shame.

"Daring Do's not known for giving away clues." Zipp pointed out. "If it was in the book, it would have been hidden in some sort of riddle." She explained.

"A riddle that has to do with turning this dial." Hitch pointed out as well while pointing to entrance of the cave.

“Knowing the Daring Do series, it’s not easy to figure out her kinds of riddles if she did.” Sunset added, knowing how mysterious Daring Do is when she does this kind of adventure.

"But how many times and in what direction?" Sunny asked in concern.

"Turn right, then left, then right, right, right, left." Izzy sang again.

"Izzy! What did I tell you about singing while we're trying to concentrate?!" Sunny scolded her with a frown, and Izzy flinched at her outburst.

“Sunny! That was not cool!” Sunset lectured, which caused Sunny to flinch as well.

However, Zipp realized something. "No! Wait... keep singing. The directions Izzy's singing were clearly not for Boulder Grit Canyon, but this rock dial also turns right and left." She explained with a smile. "What if what Izzy's singing is the code?" She questioned.

Sunset then realizes that Zipp is right. “She’s right. Izzy’s singing is just the left and right thing, but in a pattern.” She said while turning to Izzy. “Izzy, didn’t your uncle tell you about the caves when you were a filly, from what you told us?” She questioned, while Izzy nodded her head in confirmation. “Didn’t he also sing you a song like the one you are singing now?” She asked again as Izzy nodded again, this time with a smile. “Izzy, what if he was telling you the combination to this dial?” She guessed with a wide smile.

Izzy then realizes what Sunset is saying. “You’re right! While my uncle was too afraid to even go to this cave, he did study it instead of actually going to it!” She said cheerfully.

“And that’s our key to opening this door.” Sunset said with a smile.

"It's worth a shot." Hitch said with a smirk, grabbing the giant clock hand.

"Turn right one, left one..." Both Sunset, Zipp and Hitch repeated, as they both moved the clock hand in said directions.

"Right one, right one, right one..." Sunny kept going.

"And then left!" Izzy sang again.

And just like that, the doors to the Basaltic Caves door opened up, granting access for the Mane 6.

"It worked!" Hitch cheered.

"WOOHOO!" Zipp cheered as well.

"Yes!" Sunny celebrated, as the entire group entered the caves.

"We did it" Izzy cheered too.

"Nice one!" Pipp added with a smile.

“Well done, ponies!” Sunset cheered with a smile.

"That code was a real head-scratcher!" Discord's voice spoke, and everyone looked up to see him, Reginald Fursome and the squirrel that Izzy helped a while ago over some rocks, with the draconequus holding the Pegasus Crystal. "But look at us, able to figure out by working together as a team, and blah blah blah." He added in a mocking tone.

"Discord!" Izzy growled with a frown, while lightning up her horn to get the Crystal away from him.

"GET THAT UNITY CRYSTAL!" Sunny shouted in concern.

“This time, we will stop your goal!” Sunset yelled out with a determined expression as she took to the air, horn flaring with magic to be prepared for anything.

However, Izzy's magic was fading away, and Discord giggled since Izzy's magic tickled him.

"Oh, please, stop! It tickles, it tickles!" Discord pleaded jokely. "You really are all trying your best, aren't you?" He added in a mocking sad tone. "Let me save you the embarrassment.” And so, Discord snapped his fingers, transporting the Mane 6, but for some reason, Sunset isn’t with them, to a cage that hung right in the place where the bridge they crossed before used to be.

Then, Discord himself transported over the cage and looked with a bored expression at Hitch biting the cage with his teeth, and at Sunny glaring daggers at him. "Don't look at me with those woebegone eyes. I'm doing this for you. For all of you!" he pointed out with a smirk. "One day you'll thank me for creating equality among all ponykind. But in the meantime... at least you can indulge in these fleeting moments of magic trapped with the ones you hold dear. You're welcome." He added confidently before he disappeared from them.

“Come back!” Pipp called out desperately.

“Don’t do this!” Sunny desperately called out.

“Somepony help us!” Zipp called out for somepony to help them out.

Sunny then looks around the cage as she realizes somepony is missing. “Wait, where’s Sunset?!” She asked in worried and surprised.

The others looked around the cage when they noticed that Sunset was not with them. “We don’t know! She should be with us!” Zipp called out in worry.

“Where is she?!” Sunny questioned, as she and the others worried for Sunset and wondering what had happened to Sunset, wondering why she isn’t with them.

End of Issue 9.

Author's Note

We are close to the end of this story, one last Issue, Issue 10, and it will finally be complete, because I only wanted to do the 10 issues since Discord was involved in this story, but since Issue 10 is the final part of it, this story will be complete, at least, I think so since issue 11 is coming in as well, maybe I should wait until that’s out and see for myself

Issue 10:

Issue 10:

With the Mane 6, sins Sunset, still in a cage that is dangling over the huge cliff where Discord trapped them with the ropes on each end on top of it as it hangs over the cliffs.

“Anypony have snacks left?” Izzy asked her friends. “If I don’t have sugar every hour, my mood gets wonky, and things are bad enough already.” She said, reminding them of their predicament.

“Don’t look down. And don’t move…” Hitch said to the others in a whisper tone as he curled himself, a little scared of them being hung over a cliff.

Sunny then brings out her Alicorn magic as she floated up before she bucked her hind hooves on the floor of their cage, which earned a thud as the cage shook a bit.

“I said don’t move-AHHH!” Hitch cried out in fright as he held onto the bars when Sunny shook the cage.

Pipp got her head hit by the bar from the shake of the cage as she turned to Sunny. “Okay, ouch.” She said as she rubbed her head.

Sunny landed as she tapped the cage’s floor with her hoof. “With enough momentum, I think I can crack through the bottom of the cage and get us out of here.” She said, thinking that with enough force to the floor, it might crack and a hole for them to be free.

Hitch starts to panic as he starts to sweat. “I almost fell to the bottom of these cliffs back on the bridge.” He said in a panic tone, reminding them of his near death experience from the bridge earlier. “I am not going to risk it happening again! I won’t. I can’t--” He ranted in panic.

Zipp then came to him as she yelled at his face. “Pull it together, Hitch! This seems like our one shot at escaping and getting to Discord.” She pointed out, snapping Hitch out of it as she continued. “Sunset is still out there. I’m sure she will get us out.” She added, since Sunset is not with them at the moment for some reason.

“Well, I don’t know where Sunset is, but in the meantime, let’s keep trying.” Sunny said, while Sunset is MIA right now, it’s up to them to think of something as Sunny places her hooves on the top of the cage again. “If only I could get a bit higher--” She said to herself as she flew up as she pushed on the top of the cage with all her strength as she strained in effort, but then her magic glitched out again as her Alicorn form disappeared. “Ughhh.” She groaned as she fell on her belly on the floor with a thud. “Ooof!” SHe cried out from the fall, which caused the cage to shake a bit as the others held on as the shake stopped while Sunny felt a bit dizzy from the impact.

The others gave Sunny a sympathetic look as Izzy bent down and tapped on the ground next to Sunny. “Oooh, I think that’s a small crack right there.” She said, before she realizes it’s not a crack. “Oh… no. Just some dust.” She sighs.

Sunny then breathed in sadness as she gave a sad expression as Izzy helped her up.

“But a few more tries and I know you can do it. And Sunset will save us.” Izzy said in an optimistic tone as she smiled at Sunny. “We’ll get Pipp to film the whole thing, too, so that when we get back home, you’ll be a Maretime Bay Sensation!” She cheered for Sunny.

Sunny’s expression didn't change as she looked at her hoof. “I don’t see that happening. My magic’s completely gone again, and we don’t know if Sunset is close by or far to help us…” She said in a sad tone as she looked off in the distance as her friends listened. “It wasn’t a great plan, anyway. Maybe Hitch and Sunset are right. Instead of trying to come up with another plan, we should just wait here for Discord to come back and let us out or wait for Sunset to set us free, if she gets here in time.” She said in a sad tone, feeling guilty of getting them into this mess without another plan and for not listening to Sunset or Hitch.

Izzy then placed a hoof on her chin as she gave a thoughtful expression. “Waiting around is still technically a plan. And it’s not a very good one because we don’t know how close or far Sunset is, and if Discord’s coming back to let us out, it means he’s already destroyed the crystal.” She pointed out the flaw in the idea.

Sunny then begins to tear up as she speaks again in a sad tone. “All I wanted to do was bring magic back to Equestria. I thought it would make things right and help Sunset feel like she’s home to someplace familiar again. But all it does is make us fight and argue about everything. That’s why we’re trapped in here and Sunset not with us.” She said in a sad tone as her friends gave her a sympathetic look, feeling sorry that Sunny feels this way.

Izzy looked at her friends and then she looked at Sunny, not liking how she is feeling as she have felt something similar during their whole search for Discord and remembering what Sunset told her about it and how Magic can have it flaws but they can learn from them as she spoke out to her friends as she waved her hooves.

“Having magic around changed everything in Equestria.” Izzy said as she continued. “Everypony’s been so busy figuring it out for ourselves that we haven’t really considered what it means for all of ponykind.” She pointed out as she gave a small smile to her friends as she placed a hoof on her chest. “That’s why it can sometimes feel like our magic is dividing us. And it’s not that it makes me angry or want to fight with anypony. It’s that it scares me…” She admittedly said. “...But what Sunset has taught me from all this, I now know it doesn’t have to be that way. Because if we all come together, nopony will feel left behind, like how Sunset had experienced it when she returned to Equestria to find out all her friends are gone but made new ones, us.” She added as she place her hooves on Sunny’s cheeks, which made the Earth Pony smile a bit. “You’re the one who can bring us together, Sunny. Along with Sunset.” She finished with a smile.

Sunny smiled at Izzy’s words as she felt a little better. “Discord was right. Even with everything that’s happened, you always see the best in others, like how Sunset saw the best in Discord, knowing that he is alone and lost without friends to comfort him.” She said in a calm tone, now seeing what Discord and Sunset met, which gave her an idea as she remembered something from earlier as she gave a confident smile. “That’s it! I know exactly how to get that Crystal back from Discord. But first, we need to get out of this cage.” She said to the others, now having an idea to help them out of this situation.

Hitch raised an eyebrow at Sunny’s sudden enthusiasm. “I hope it involves not looking down and not moving…” He said nervously.

“With our magic glitching out and Sunset missing, none of us are powerful enough to get out on our own.” Sunny started as she looked at Zipp with a smile.

Zipp smiled as she got what Sunny was thinking. “So it’s a good thing we’ve got one another.” She said with a smile as she and Sunny high hoof each other.

At the otherside of the mountain cliff, Sunset is flying as fast as she can to reach the top as she gives a tired sigh.

“Discord really thought this through. Knowing that my magic is not connected to the crystals and not fading, I would’ve helped my friends out in a situation he put them through, therefore, separating me from them to make it easier for him.” Sunset said to herself as she kept flying to the top. “I hope the others are okay. And I hope that we can stop Discord before he succeeds.” She added, hoping she reaches the others in time and stops Discord before it’s too late.

Back where the rest of the Mane 6 are, a pack of bunnies heard a whistle, which got their attention as they turned and looked at the cage that is over the edge, which they ran to as they climbed across one of the ropes holding it as they went to the top of the cage.

“That’s right, over here.” Hitch said to the rabbits as he and his friends waved their attention.

The bunnies are now on top of the cage as they then begin to chew their way through the ropes to cut them.

“They’re breaking!” Pipp called out to her friends.

Sunny then grabbed the bars as she leaned on her back, summoning her alicorn magic. “Get your wings and horns ready!” She called out to the others to get ready for what comes next. The ropes then snap. “NOW!” She yelled out as she used her magic to surround the cage, but it started glitching out as it began to fall, with them and the bunnies in it.

“Aaah!” The rest of the Mane 6 start screaming as they are falling straight to stalagmites at the bottom.

“It’s not working!” Zipp called out in panic, sweating as she flapped her wings really hard.

“Keep trying!” Sunny called out as she used both her wings and horn to try and slow it down while Izzy tried to use her magic, and then Sunny’s Alicorn magic faded as it glitched out again. “No!” She yelled out.

Just before their cage could hit the ground, they suddenly stopped as they shook a bit.

Pipp had her eyes close while tears formed, totally scared from that as she opened one eye to the group. “This silence is either a very good thing or a very bad thing.” She said to the others, wanting to know if they were alive or not, but then saw that they were levitating above the ground that they were about to hit. “Thank Equestria!” She yelled in relief.

“That was quite a ride!” Hitch commented at the experience they went through, before the magic around the cage fell as they hit the floor as Hitch and Zipp busted through the bars. “Which is not me saying I ever want to do it again!” He added irritatedly, not wanting to go through that again.

“Nice idea, Sunny. That really saved us from being a pony pancake.” Pipp said to Sunny.

Sunny then spoke while looking confused. “My magic glitched out before we hit the ground. I didn’t do this.” She honestly said, which made the others surprised by this.

“But if you didn’t, who did?” Izzy asked in confusion.

“That would be me, ponies.” Sunset’s voice called out as the group looked up and saw Sunset flying down towards them with a relieved smile on her face as she landed next to them.

“Sunset!” The rest of the Mane 6 called out as they ran towards Sunset, giving her a hug of relief.

“You’re okay!” Sunny said in relief.

“And you saved us!” Pipp said in joy.

“Just watching over my fellow ponies from harm's way.” Sunset simply said as she returned the hug before they broke apart. “I’m glad that I made it to you guys just in time.” She said in relief.

“What happened to you, Sunset? Why didn’t Discord put you in the cage with the rest of us?” Sunny asked, wanting to know what happened to her.

“Discord knows that I’m the only one with working magic and an expert at it since the glitching never worked on me since I’m not connected to the crystals. So he teleported me across the otherside of the mountain so I wouldn’t be able to help. It was exhausting trying to fly back up here, believe me.” Sunset explained to what happened to her and why she wasn’t with them

“Well, glad you are back, Sunset. But you’re gonna want to keep all that adrenaline pumping…” Zipp started as she looked up. “...Because we’ve gotta get back up there!” She added, need to catch up to Discord before he succeeds as she starts climbing up the rocks. “Okay, the dirt is a bit unstable over--” She started, but didn’t finish as the rock where her hind legs broke off. “--Here!” She yelled out as she began to fall. “Uh-oh!” She cried out, but before she could hit the ground, the bunnies caught her with their paws as Zipp smiled down at them. “Thanks for the save!” She thanked the bunnies, but then they started carrying her to a cave. “...But you can put me down now.” She said to the bunnies, wondering where they were taking her.

“Zipp!” Sunny called out when she saw Zipp being carried away by the bunnies as the others watched in confusion.

“Where are they taking her?” Izzy asked in confusion as she tilted her head.

“Tchit-tchit.” The bunnies spoke in their language, to which only Hitch can understand.

“What are they saying, Hitch?” Sunset asked Hitch in confusion and in need of a translator.

“The bunnies want us to follow them.” Hitch translated to them as they followed the bunnies.

The bunnies then went into a cave as Zipp spoke in the darkness. “Oh no. AHHHHH--!!!” Zipp screamed as she was dropped down to the deep hole.

“Zipp?!” Sunset, Sunny, Hitch and Zipp called out as they looked in shock and worried at what just happened as they looked at the cave.

Pipp then broke the silence as she spoke in a worried tone. “I’m going to go ahead and say this time Zipp’s silence is a very bad thing.” She said in a slight panic tone, not liking the sound of silence if Zipp stopped screaming.

“Come on, we gotta follow them!” Sunset called out as they rushed through the cave to see if Zipp was okay.

But once they entered, they saw a dead end as Zipp and the bunnies suddenly disappeared.

“Where did she go?” Sunny asked in concern, but then they heard rumbling underneath them.

“I think we are standing on a geyser.” Sunset said in worried as the geyser that erupts underneath them.

The surprise ponies then got lifted up in the air as steam came bursting off the ground, which surprised them, but then they saw Zipp and the bunnies on a edge of a path as they landed near or close to it as Zipp grabbed her sister’s hooves to get her close.

“WHOOOOAAA!” Hitch called out in surprise but he balanced himself as he landed on his hind hooves before standing on all four.

“That was unexpected.” Sunset commented about the sudden surprise they just went.

“Shhh!” Zipp shushed her friends to be quiet as she pointed to the end of the tunnel as they saw Discord on the other side of a laval pool with his two critters comrades.

“Discord.” Sunset whispered as she gave a serious look at Discord.

Zipp then looked at Sunny as she whispered to her. “Sunny, back in the cage, you said you knew how to get the crystal back from Discord. What’s the plan?” She asked, wanting to know what the plan Sunny had.

“And give us the highlight reel. Discord’s not wasting any time.” Pipp rhetorically said, need to be quick on the plan since they are on a time limit.

“I do. Sunset, you still have Pipp’s phone?” Sunny asked Sunset.

Sunset looked at Sunny as she gave a smirk as she levitated Pipp’s phone she confiscated earlier as she brought it out Pipp’s phone. “I think I understand where you are going with this.” Sunset said to Sunny with a smirk.

Sunny smirked back as she turned to the group. “Okay, ponies. Here’s the plan.” She started as they huddled together as Sunny whispered out the plan to them.

A little bit later, Discord is admiring the lava at the edge as he spoke to his critter comrades at his side.

“Now’s the time to make things right.” Discord started as he held the Pegasus Crystal. “For Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies to come together in peace, without magic or the belief that any one species is better than the other.” He said as he dangled the crystal on his hand as it dangled over the lava. “I’ll always protect the Equestria you believed in…. Fluttershy.” He said in a slightly sad tone, really missing Fluttershy and wanting to make Equestria to be equals instead of fighting against one another.

But as Discord let go of the Pegasus Crystal, it levitated back over his hand, which made Discord surprise by this as he turned to the other side of the edge he is on, seeing the Mane 6 as Sunny brought out her horn to levitate the Pegasus Crystal to safety.

“Time to give the crystal back.” Sunny said seriously to Discord as she strained herself to even use her horn.

Discord looked at them as he brought out his talons. “IF it’s magic you’ve come for… you’ll have to be part of the show.” He said as he snapped his talons, putting Sunny in a cut-out magician box, which split her in half as his two critters comrades separated her, which surprised her friends.

“Sunny!” Sunset called out when she saw Sunny in that state as she glared at Discord for what he did.

Zipp then glares at Discord next as she points a hoof at him. “We’re not interested in joining your act today, Discord.” She called out, having enough of his antics.

“RAAGH!” Discord yelled out as he extended his arms as he went to grab Zipp and Pipp as Sunset, Izzy, and Hitch, along with the bunnies, took cover.

“Ahhh, Zipp!” Pipp called out in fright as tears began to form.

Zipp then grabbed her sister as she ran off. “I’ve got you!” She said to Pipp. The two sisters didn’t get far as Discord’s talon got them. “Ahhh!” Zipp called out as Discord then pushed them to another section of the cave. “Put us down!” She demanded Discord, who dropped them on a stone as they landed with a thunk, right in the middle of the lava. “I didn’t mean here!” She yelled out as Discord’s talon retracted away from them.

“Where is here?” Pipp said in fright as she looked around at the lava surrounding them, since they can’t fly at the moment, which means they are trapped.

Back to where Discord and the remaining Mane 6 are, Discord retracted his talon as he looked down at Reginald, who is giving him the Pegasus Crystal that he is carrying.

“Thank you, Reginald.” Discord thanked Reginald with a smile as he took back the Pegasus Crystal as bunnies were around him, trying to get the Pegasus Crystal as Discord just gave a sigh, not bothered by it as he looked at Hitch, who was giving a look at the Lord of Chaos. “Oh, to be young and believe you’re invisible…” He started, but then Hitch snapped his fingers at Hitch, which put him and the bunnies in a rock that was floating in the lava. “...It’s a real kick to the ego when reality finally sets in.” He added, knowing from experience that he was once like that and learned the lesson the hard way.

“Hold on!” Hitch yelled out to the bunnies as they huddled close to avoid getting hit by the lava.

“Playtime is over, Discord!” Sunset yelled out as Discord turned to her as she gave a glare at the Lord of Chaos.

Discord just gave a light chuckle as he spoke. “Sunset Shimmer, we meet again. Even after all this, you still seem to hold confidence.” He said with a light chuckle.

“You should know by now that like the others, I don’t give up.” Sunset retorted, since Discord knows what she is saying.

“We may not see each other's point of view, but we can be friends, Sunset. You and I should bring peace and unity to Equestria if we work together when there is no more magic.” Discord said, wanting Sunset to see why he is doing this.

“This is not how unity is, Discord! Magic is a part of Equestria as it is part of you! Magic may show how different and not the same as we are to others, but that just shows how special we are in our own ways.” Sunset pointed out that while Discord does want unity for all Equestria, this is not how this would achieve it.

“Then perhaps Equestria is better off without magic once the Pegasus Crystal is no more.” Discord said as he held out the Pegasus Crystal.

“You are not thinking straight, Discord. All the years of loneliness have got your mind all mixed up and with no friends to turn to once they are gone, leaving you alone with nopony to comfort you.” Sunset said, saying that Discord is not thinking clearly after being alone for generations.

“Being alone has got me thinking that magic is the problem that tears us apart for being so different and not the same.” Discord said with a light glare when Sunset said that to him.

“I was beginning to think, who you were, in that old husk of your former self, which I still know he is in there. The Discord Fluttershy once knew, would never take action like this to give peace and unity to Equestria.” Sunset said, knowing that Discord is tarnishing Fluttershy’s legacy.

Discord then glared at Sunset angrily, mentioning Fluttershy struck a nerve. “All Fluttershy wanted was ponies and creatures to be friends, and that was already tarnished because of magic, so I’m getting rid of it to fix it.” He said in a mean tone.

Sunset closed her eyes as Discord was still not thinking straight as she looked at him again. “Then I’m gonna knock some sense into you until you realize what you’re doing is wrong.” She said in a serious tone.

“You really think you can beat me?” Discord taunted with a challenging smirk.

Sunset was silent for a moment before she lit up her horn. “Let’s find out.” She finished.

The two Ancient Equestrian beings glared down at each other before Sunset made her move as she flew towards Discord. The Lord of Chaos was about to snap his fingers, but Sunset uses her magic to stop his talon, which gave Sunset the chance to magically blast him straight to the wall.

Discord grunted as he uses his tail to swipe at the incoming Alicorn as Sunset hits the ground. Before Discord could react, Sunset quickly recovers as she kicked Discord in the head, knocking him back as she charged at him, which Discord manage to catch Sunset with her hooves as the two glared down at each other as Sunset pushed back as she dodges a swipe from Discord’s swords that he just summoned as the two Ancient Equestrian beings clashed at each other while Sunset prevented Discord from snapping his fingers so he doesn't trap her or worse.

Sunny and Izzy watched the whole thing as they were amazed at Sunset clashing out with the Lord of Chaos.

“Sunset is amazing.” Izzy said in awed at the fighting.

“Yeah. I gotta ask her to teach me how to do those moves.” Sunny said, even though she was split in half, what she is seeing is amazing that her mentor/sister-figure is clashing it out with the Lord of Chaos on equal terms, seeing the two creatures from Ancient Equestria fighting each other.

Sunset and Discord kept fighting as they are somehow on even ground, while Sunset is at her prime again thanks to becoming an Alicorn, Discord is no as spry as he used to be in his old age and was a bit rusty on his chaos magic and that it is glitching, as she dodge a rock that Discord tried to hit her with as she did an air kick on Discord to the face as the two then gave each other magic blasts at each other, which pushed them back a few feet.

Sunset recomposed as she then flew at high speed at Discord with a battle cry as she magically blasted him with her horn, knocking Discord to the floor as Sunset pushed him back, but before she could do anything else, Discord quickly kicked her back, which caused Sunset to hit the ground as she got up.

“You can’t win, Discord!” Sunset yelled out.

“I am doing this for the sake of Equestria! For what Fluttershy would’ve wanted!” Discord retorted as he swiped his talon claw at Sunset’s face.

Sunset recovered as she dodged another swipe from Discord as she bucked him in the face, knocking him back a bit.

Sunset and Discord then circled each other with a glare before they charged at each other as they tackled each other to the ground, rolling across the floor as they tumbled across the cave before they hit a wall, with Sunset being the one to hit the wall as she groaned.

Before Sunset could do anything, Discord finally snapped his fingers, which caused Sunset to be trapped on stones that strapped on her wings, hooves and her horns, preventing her from escaping or using her magic as she struggled to break free.

Discord got up as he caught his breath as he looked at Sunset. “I told you, I am the Lord of Chaos. Nothing can be an equal match to face me. Sorry, Sunset. But you will understand once magic is gone.” He said as he went and picked up the Pegasus Crystal and walked out from her.

“You can’t do this, Discord! This isn’t the answer!” Sunset yelled out to him in reason.

“To me, it is. You will see.” Discord said as he walked towards Sunny as he gave a small smirk to the split in half Earth Pony as Sunny glared at Discord. “Sorry for that, but at least it was quite a show, and the best fight I had in years. But surely you would have known your failing magic and Sunset facing me never best mine.” He taunted Sunny as he twirls the Pegasus Crystal in his finger.

“It was never meant to.” Sunny said, which made Discord confused.

“This whole ambush and the fighting was just a diversion to buy Izzy some time.” Sunset called out with a smirk.

“Now, Izzy!” Both Sunny and Sunset yelled out to their Unicorn friend.

Izzy then appeared as she levitated Pipp’s phone with a smirk as she tossed it to Discord. “You got a voicemail.” She said to Discord with a smirk.

Discord was surprise as the phone went up to his face, but once he looked at it, he saw a recording with somepony on it that he hasn’t seen for a long, long time, and it was Fluttershy when she left her message on the crystal they found in her basement, which Pipp recorded the whole thing.

The recording starts playing as Fluttershy spoke. “Hello, is this thing working? Discord… Listen closely because this is something you need to hear….” The recording started.

Discord shook his head at the sight of seeing Fluttershy’s recording as he turned his head away from the phone. “I can’t see this again. I can’t see her. Please don’t make me watch.” He pleaded with Izzy to not make him see the pony he hadn't seen in many moons, since he missed her deeply.

“And stop rolling your eyes at me like that! I know you are because I know you better than anypony else.” The recording continues.

“You need to hear it.” Izzy said with a sympathy expression, knowing that Discord has to hear this.

“Please, Discord. Just listen to this last recording of Fluttershy. She wanted you to hear this, even after she was gone, to get you to open your eyes and clear your head again.” Sunset stated, giving a sympathy expression to Discord as well, knowing that he has to hear this.

Discord listened to them as he turned and looked at the phone with teary eyes as the recording continued.

“Which is why I can tell you how hard it’s been for you to let go of the pain caused by these magical divides. I’m creating this message for you in the hopes that every time you feel overwhelmed, you can listen back and remind yourself why anger is not the answer.” Fluttershy explained as the recording continued.

Discord then held the phone close to him as he listened deeply to what Fluttershy was saying, having not heard her voice for many moons. “Our magic does make us different… and that’s something we should embrace… Both in ourselves and in others. Our powers let us be the best versions of ourselves. I mean, who would Rainbow Dash be if she couldn’t fly?” The recording continues as Discord suddenly feels Fluttershy’s spirit giving him a warm smile and a hug on the head, feeling like she is always with him as the recording continues. “And yes, our powers might threaten some ponies, but if we’re able to use what makes us special in unity, I know we can create the Equestria we always dreamed of. Lead with your heart, Discord. It will always show you the way.” The recording finished.

Discord looked at Fluttershy, after what she just said, he is having second thoughts. “That was a long time ago. Fluttershy hadn’t even experienced the worst of it when she recorded that message.” He said, knowing that Fluttershy wasn’t around when Discord experienced the worst of what he had been through when the magic was lost and ponies and creatures were divided.

Izzy then managed to get Sunset free with her magic as they walked towards the sad draconequus.

“Discord, Fluttershy may not experience what you have, but at least she understands when ponies are being divided.” Sunset started in a sympathy tone.

“But she would say the same thing if she were here right now.” Izzy said next as she continued. “I’m not saying I’ve never felt left behind. But mistakes happen. My friends showed up for me today when I really counted. And we got all the way here because we know that what makes us special alone makes us even more powerful together.” She said, wanting Discord to know that they may be different because of their magic, but they are stronger and are the same when they are together.

“Please see reason, Discord. I felt the same way when I went back home to visit Twilight, but I found out that so much time has passed in Equestria, that magic was gone, ponies were divided and Twilight legacy was destroyed.” Sunset said next, knowing that she went through something similar to Discord. “Look, I know I wasn’t there when Equestria changed, and I know what it is like to be alone and out of place in a world that is no longer the same, with all your friends and family gone. But once I met Sunny and the others, they made me feel like I was home, that I am no longer alone in this new era of Equestria. There are times that I wish to go back and revisit my friends and family, but I can’t live in the past forever, I have to live for tomorrow. And when magic returns and Equestria returns to the way it should be and Twilight’s legacy being rebuilt, this feels like the way it should have been before the division.” She explained to Discord of her experience of something similar to Discord, but she got it easy for only a couple of days or so while Discord went through it for many moons. “So please answer this, Discord. Is this what Fluttershy would have wanted? For magic to be gone forever and destroy her hard work that she, Twilight and the others worked hard to build, or keep their legacy alive so that they can be remembered?” She questioned Discord calmly, wanting him to make a choice.

Discord thought carefully at what Sunset and Izzy just said as he looked at the Pegasus Crystal, wondering what Fluttershy would think about his idea of unity if she was still here. After a moment of thought, he is taking Fluttershy’s words by heart as he made his choice, giving the Pegasus Crystal to Sunset and Izzy.

“Take it.” Discord said, giving the Pegasus Crystal back, making things right.

Sunset and Izzy are surprised by Discord’s choice as Izzy took the crystal back in her hoof as they smiled at Discord.

“Thank you.” Izzy thanked with a smile as she placed a hoof on Discord’s arm as Reginald and the squirrel gave Discord a comforting touch. “We promise you we’ll honor Fluttershy and create the Equestria you always wanted it to be.” She said to Discord with a small smile.

“One where everypony and draconequus belongs!” Sunny cheered while her lower half kicked in joy, even when she was still split in half.

Sunset then placed a comforting hoof on Discord as she gave him a small smile. “You won’t be alone anymore, Discord. You have us to be friends with you now.” She said, which surprised Discord that she said that they were friends, even after all they went through because of him. “You and I are all that’s left of Twilight and her friends’ legacies, and we are all that is left of our old Ancient Equestria home. And I promise, we will keep that legacy alive, and we’ll always have each other's backs. Looking out for one another and staying together, because that’s what friends are for.” She said with a calm smile.

Discord sighs happily to himself, taking those words by heart, going to honor Fluttershy’s memory the right way.

“And by the way, now that is settled… can you put Sunny back together and get our friends out of the lava so we can put the Unity Crystal back together?” Sunset asked Discord, who pointed to Sunny, who is still in half.

Discord chuckled at this as he forgot about that. “Don’t worry. It will be fixed in a snap.” He joked as she snapped his fingers to fix the mess he made to the Mane 6.

A little bit later, after regrouping and Discord fixing them, the Mane 6 returned to the Brighthouse, with Cloudpuff with them, as they were at the top where the Unity Crystals should go as the Mane 6, except Sunny, stomped their hooves.

“We’ve got the drumrolls going, so it must be time.” Sunny said with a smile as she held up the Pegasus Crystal.

“It’s time to reunite the crystals. Sunny, if you would do the honors.” Sunset said with a smile at Sunny, wanting her to put the crystals back together.

Sunny nodded as she placed the three crystals back together, reuniting the Unity Crystals as it gave a big glow before it shot a rainbow up into the sky, recreating the same reaction when magic returns the first time as magic is being restored.

The five ponies, except Sunset, felt their magic returned as Hitch hooves glowed, Pipp and Zipp wings glowed as Pipp took fight as she recorded the whole thing on her phone with a wide smile, Izzy horned glowed and Sunny’s alicorn magic has returned and back to its full strength as she took flight between Zipp and Hitch as Cloudpuff barked happily on Hitch’s hooves.

“Look at all the bright, shiny colors!” Izzy cheered as her horn glowed.

“Just like when magic first returned.” Sunset said with a smile in pride that the magic is now stabilized and the Unity Crystals reunited once again.

In Maretime Bay, the ponies felt their magic returning as well as the rainbow shining all over Equestria as the ponies are now enjoying their magic that has returned.

“The sky is once again the limit!” The red pegasus stallion said happily as he flew to the air.

“Race you there!” The pink pegasus mare cheered to her friend as they flew through the air.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you, my silky, smooth mane.” The Unicorn stallion said happily as he used his magic to restore his mane.

Sometime later, Sunny is now placing a new photo frame with a picture of her and her friends, along with Discord with them, at the ruins of Canterlot with the sign that says ‘Welcome to Canterlot’ now restored as they stood together for the group photo on the wall on top of the picture of her and her father.

Sunny stood back as she felt her father’s present behind her as they looked at the picture together as Argyle speaks.

“And so long as you make sure Earth Pony, Pegasus, or Unicorns ever feels lesser than because of who they are, CAnterlot will always be your home.” Argyle’s voice echoed through Sunny as she gave a smile at her father’s words.

“I did it, Dad. I made it to Canterlot.” Sunny said with a smile as she touched the picture of her and her father.

Sunset came in as she placed a hoof on Sunny’s back as she gave a small smile. “Your dream did come true, Sunny. You did make it to Canterlot.” She said, which Sunny gave a smile in return to Sunset as they looked at the picture together.

Izzy then appeared next to them as she ate a snack piece that fell out from the frame. “Reginald did a great job with the frame! And now you can always grab a snack on your way out the door.” She said happily.

Sunset chuckled from that. “There is that, Izzy.” She said to Izzy with a smile.

Sunny then gave a guilt expression as she looked at Sunset and Izzy as she spoke. “I owe you an apology, Izzy. You and Sunset were right. When magic came back, I was so excited about my powers that I let it get in the way of our friendship. THat wasn’t fair to you and I should’ve listened to Sunset when I got carried away.” She apologized to them when she wasn’t giving Izzy enough attention when magic returned and when Izzy felt left out from it while Sunset kept her from being lonely from time to time. “I know it will take time, but I hope one day I can earn your trust back.” She added, thinking Izzy might not trust her after what happened.

“You can’t.” Izzy suddenly said as she gave Sunny a hug as she smiled with tears of joy coming out. “Because you never lost it.” She finished as Sunny smiled and returned the hug.

“We all make mistakes, Sunny. But we learn from them and make up for them. Because that's what friends do.” Sunset added with a smile as the three ponies smiled to one another.

And then Zipp then appeared through a window as she spoke out to them. “If you’re done chatting in there, we’ve got a game to play!” She called out with a smile to the three ponies as Sunny, Sunset and Izzy smiled at Zipp.

A little bit later, the three ponies walked up to where Zipp wanted them to be, with Discord joining them now that he has friends to hang around with.

Sunset then spoke to Discord as she turned to him. “Now, Discord, I know that you finally found a place in Maretime Bay near the woods, but if you ever wanted to hang with us, just come by. And if we ever wanted to contact you, here’s a little something as a gift for a friend.” She said as she held out an amulet to Discord.

Discord gratefully accepted the amulet as he gave Sunset a confused look. “What’s this, Sunset?” He asked the Alicorn.

“It’s a communication amulet that I whip up.” Sunset answered with a smile. “I have the other one. They are sync so we can keep in touch with each other, and you can come by if you want, but just when you are not available, just give us a call and we can chat to one another.” She added, wanting to keep in touch with Discord now that they are friends.

Discord looked at the amulet with a smile as he gracefully put it around his neck. “Thank you deeply, Sunset. Now I have something to keep in touch with my friends if I am not around from time to time, from when I can see you is like Twilight. And somepony who is from Ancient Equestria as well who remembered what it was truly like, like me.” He said with a happy smile, now having friends again and that he and Sunset had much in common while being in a new age of Equestria.

Sunset chuckled. “Ancient creatures gotta stick together, right?” She joked happily, knowing that is true as she and Discord shared a chuckle while Izzy and Sunny watched them, really glad that they are not alone in this new age of Equestria and that they are now friends who shared the same experiences and memories of the Guardians of Harmony.

As the four made it to the spot where Zipp wanted them to, Pipp, Hitch and Discord’s two critters comrades are presented as Zipp spoke up with a board and two ballnets on a field in front of them.

“The rules of power-pass are simple. There are two teams and two next.” Zipp explained the rules. “The goal is for each team to get the ball through the other team’s next.” She added.

A little bit later, the Mane 6, Discord and his critter’s comrades are playing the game together, Izzy is levitating the ball over Sunny as she hopped along while Zipp saw this as she tried to catch it, Discord then appeared through a portal as he snatched the ball from Izzy, giving her a playful expression as the third picture showed him disappeared through another portal as Zipp tried to catch him, but appeared on the ground as he ran out with a smile as he tossed the ball to Reginald, who then passed to the squirrel as Izzy rushed passed to catch the ball as Hitch and his bunnies are at the next to block the ball as he got ready and raised his ball to try and catch it.

“All magic is allowed on the field…” Zipp narrated as she kept speaking the instructions. “...But you’ve got to pass to each player on your team before getting the ball in the net. If not, your goal doesn’t count.” She finished.

The squirrel kicked the ball into the net, which Hitch tried to catch as he jumped up, but failed as it hit the net.

“AW!” Hitch groaned that he or his bunnies didn’t catch the ball.

Pipp then looked at Zipp next to her with a smile as she was livestreaming the whole thing on her phone. “The score’s ten to five now. Noway we’re winning this.” Pipp said to her sister with a playful smile, seeing that they are behind and Discord is winning.

Zipp gave a confident smirk as she leaned back to her sister while looking at her hoof. “They might win the game, but we all know who pulled the best trick today.” She said with a smirk.

“You saw my double air kick?” Pipp asked her sister with a smile.

“I was talking about me. I came up with this ingenious game.” Zipp pointed out playfully.

“If you two are done chatting, come help your teammates! We can’t let Discord beat us, we need to beat the score!” Sunset called out to them as she pointed at Discord, who had the ball as he cheered while Izzy smiled playfully at him.

Zipp nodded to Sunset as she flew straight to Discord to try and get the ball from him with a challenging smile.

Pipp kept livestreaming as she looked at her phone and recorded the whole thing as she gave a playful smirk at what her sister just said. “You heard it here first. Zipp’s ego is now ten times as big as it was when this whole thing started. And that’s not the only thing that’s changed in Equestria. It’s definitely been an adventure for the books.” She said to her followers of all that has happened when Discord first took the Pegasus Crystal, and after that adventure, things returned to normal but with a slight change, with Discord now being their friends and now embracing the New Equestria Era with new friends and a pony who understands him as they continue playing as Pipp gave a smile to her followers on her phone. “Thanks for coming along for the ride, Pippsqueaks. Until next time. Pipp, Pipp, hooray!” She cheered as she ended her livestream, that said ‘#The End’ on it as she continues the play with her friends and Discord.

The End of Issue 10.

Issue 1:

Author's Note

Just to inform everyone that this is a IDW comic base story, so this takes place after MYM and between TYT, and since this is G5 and the issues takes time to publish and so long to write, just be patient and I'll get them done when I can okay. And this might spoil those who haven't read the first G5 MLP IDW issue 1 comic yet, so for those of you haven't read the comic yet, don't read it, but for those who have read the comic, enjoy.

Issue 1:

Issue 1:

Years ago, it was a beautiful day in Maretime Bay as Filly Sunny was looking through her telescope at the top as she was looking for something while writing on a piece of paper while her father came in.

“Anything to report, explorer?” Argyle Starshine asked her daughter with a smile.

“I thought I saw the Royal Castle, but it was just a stack of oranges at the market.” Sunny answered her father as she thought she saw a castle but it was a false alarm.

Argyle then came to his daughter as he spoke to her. “Canterlot might be a bit too far for us to see from here.” He explained to her that finding the ancient capital of Equestria, Canterlot during the Gaurdians of Friendship time, might be a bit too far for them to see from their own home. “But you’ll find it one day.” Argyle assures Sunny with a smile that one day she will find Canterlot.

“You think so?” Sunny asks her father with a hopeful smile.

“Twilight Sparkle built The Gates of Ancients to welcome those who believed and trusted in the Magic of Friendship to Canterlot.” Argyle explains to his daughter with a smile as they both start to have a vision of Princess Twilight showing her fellow ponies to the door of ancients to Canterlot back in the day when she and the other guardians of friendship were still around. Argyle then holds Sunny close to him as they both look straight through the glass of the lighthouse, looking at the view of Maretime Bay. “You lead with love, Sunny.” Argyle said to her daughter with a smile. “And so long as you make sure no Earth Pony, Pegasus or Unicorn ever feels lesser than because of who they are, Canterlot will always be your home.” Argyle gave her daughter some wisdom as Sunny then smiled as she’s inspired by her father’s words as they both looked on at the view of Maretime Bay.

In the present inside the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny was tilting the picture of her and her dad next to the door as she gave a smile to it.

“Nothing new to report, Dad.” Sunny said to the picture of her father. “But not every week can be as beautiful as reuniting the Unity Crystals and restoring magic to all ponykind.” She said to the photo as she felt close to her father as she gave out the lessons she’s been learning. “And to top it all, it’s nice to have a Guaridan of Friendship to look after me and my friends. Sunset has been a good mentor and sister figure to me ever since she came into our lives. And she’s been teaching me and the others more about friendship and some more stories about Twilight and her friends, and been teaching me and Izzy more about magic since she’s the only known unicorn who knows magic.” She said with a smile, ever since Sunset came into their lives, things have been quite interesting even more so since having a Guardian of Friendship by her side really feels like a dream come true and to know more about friendship and the magic. “Do you think Twilight would be proud of me?” Sunny asks her father with a smile, she would know that her father would say that Twilight would be proud of her for bringing back the magic and bringing the ponies together again and knowing that Sunset is there for them.

And then from out of nowhere, Pipp came zooming by and placed a hoof over Sunny, bringing her into a side hug as she answered with a smile. “Of course she would be!” Pipp answered Sunny’s question with a smile as she turned to a certain Alicorn. “Isn’t that right, Sunset?” She asked Sunset who was walking towards them with a smile.

Sunset chuckled a bit before she answered Pipp’s question. “I believe you're right, Pipp.” She answered before turning to Sunny. “Knowing Twilight, she would be proud of how much you accomplish in bringing back the magic and reuniting the three pony tribes, Sunny.” She added with a smile as she knew that Twilight would be proud of Sunny for rebuilding her legacy and bringing back the magic of friendship. “I am also proud of you for bringing back the magic and the friendship Twilight worked hard to create.” She finished with a proud smile, happy that the magic of equestria has returned and the three tribes are together again.

“Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me.” Sunny replied with a smile of joy to two of her best friends.

Pipp then took out her phone as she smiled at the proud comments her Pippsqueaks are posting on livestream. “And the Pippsqueaks even agree. Say hi!” Pipp added with a smile to Sunny as she smiled at her livestream as Sunny smiled at Pipp’s livestreaming to her Pippsqueaks.

Sunny and Sunset both chuckled at Pipp’s love of her Pippsqueaks as they walked out the door, where Zipp is waiting for them in the air.

“If you’re done livestreaming, we’ve got a game of flyball to play!” Zipp called out to her friends as she set her board diagram down as Sunset, Sunny and Pipp looked at the rules she wrote down as Sunny activated her Alicorn form so that she could take flight to play. “The rules are simple. Get the ball in the net five times, and you win. But there’s tons of strategy to this game as well.” She explained to them how the game works.

And then Izzy suddenly came from behind the board as she gave a cheerful smile at her friends. “Ooh, are we playing a game? Is this a pie-eating contest? A cake-eating contest? A cookie-eating contest?” She asks her friends many questions about if it’s an eating contest. Before Sunny could answer, Izzy came and covered Sunny’s mouth as she continued. “No need to twist my hoof, I’m in! Point me on the field.” She said, meaning that she will join the game.

Sunny, Sunset and the others looked at her nervously as Sunset answered. “Izzy, it’s not an eating contest if that’s what you are wondering. And I don’t think you can play this game.” Sunset tries to explain it to her calmly to Izzy.

Sunny continued for Sunset. “Because, it’s up near that cloud over there…” She pointed to the nearby cloud in the sky, since Zipp and Pipp are Pegasus and Sunny and Sunset are Alicorns, they can fly into the sky to play the game, but Izzy’s a unicorn, so she can’t fly or play with them.

Izzy looked a little down at what they said to her, knowing that she can’t play if she can’t fly. She put in a forced smile. “Oh! Well, I always say it’s just as much fun cheering on your friends as it is playing with them…” She said to them, getting that it’s no big deal, she can just cheer for them in the sidelines.

Sunset then put a hoof on Izzy’s shoulder. “We’ll play a different game that is on the ground once we’re done in the sky, Izzy. I promise.” Sunset assures the unicorn that they will play a game on the ground to cheer Izzy up so she can play along.

Then the four ponies took flight into the sky as Sunny turned to Izzy as she waved to her. “See you later, Izzy!” She called out as she took flight.

Izzy waved back as she secretly drew a sad face on the back of the board with a pen, sad that she is unable to play with her friends in the sky.

“Over here!” Izzy heard Hitch’s voice called out as she turned and saw Hitch leading a family of Earth Ponies into the forest. Izzy takes interest in wanting to see what they are looking for as she catches up to Hitch’s and the earth pony family in the forest. “These critters say we’re getting closer.” Hitch said to the earth pony family as he is translating what the animals just said to them.

“I can feel it.” The earth pony stallion said to his wife and son with a smile, feeling that they may be closer to what they are looking for.

Hitch lookd at the ground, looking for any tracks or a clue of somekind as Izzy came down to his level, Hitch knows Izzy is there and don’t really mind. “What are we looking for?” Izzy asked Hitch, wondering what they were looking in the woods.

Hitch and Izzy brought their heads up when Hitch answered her question. “A family of butterflies. But they scare so easily so we’ve got to keep very quiet.” He explained to Izzy what they are looking for. “So no speaking.”

“Veeerrry quiet.” Izzy said in a whispered tone. But it didn't last long as she turned to the earth pony family. “HE SAID NO SPEAKING. YOU HEAR THAT, EVERYPONY?!” She yelled out to them, which startled Hitch as his mane got all frizz out from Izzy’s yell.

And then it just got worse, the butterflies they were looking for started flying away, startled from Izzy’s yelling that they flew out of the bushes. The critters, earth ponies family, Izzy and Hitch saw the butterflies flying away. The Earth Pony parents start glaring at Izzy for ruining their chance of seeing the butterflies as their son was about to break down into tears, the critters flop onto the ground as Izzy ruins the butterfly thing, Hitch was tearing up when the butterflies flew away.

Izzy looked at them with a sheepishly and embarrassing expression as she placed a hoof over her mouth. “Guess even the butterflies heard that.” She said, feeling bad for ruining their chance of seeing the butterflies.

A little while later, Izzy was walking through Maretime Bay with a sad expression, feeling left out as her friends were having fun. Izzy then came up to a smoothie stand while at the side were a unicorn levitating a statue of the three pony tribes together with a Pegasus and an Earth Pony showing her where to put it on the statue stand.

“A rainbow swirl. And make it a double.” Izzy requested a smoothie with a down expression as the earth pony stallion poured the smoothie into the cup. Izzy looks up and sees Sunset, Sunny, Zipp and Pipp in the sky, Pipp is livestreaming the whole game while Sunny and Sunset try to beat Zipp.

“She swerves, and she scores!” Zipp cheers as she shoots the ball into the net, getting a score as Sunset and Sunny tries to block her but fails.

Izzy looks on, still sad as she paid for the smoothie and slurps it as she is so left out that she can’t join her friends. And then, something behind her happens as the ponies are setting up the statue.

“Hold it steady.” The earth pony said to the unicorn to hold the statue.

But for some reason, the unicorn is having trouble carrying the statue in her magic. “It’s my magic. It’s--” She strained before the magic from her horn went out and caused the statue to fall, and it was about to fall right on top of her. The unicorn screamed as she was about to get flatten.

But then Izzy came to the rescue as she saw this as she trotted and lit up her horn. “I gotchu, I gotchu!” She called out as she used her magic to levitate the statue before it flattened the unicorn, the unicorn got up as the earth pony comforted her from that scary experience as Izzy put the statue down.

“HELP!” Izzy heard Pipp’s voice as she turned and looked at the sky, seeing Pipp falling. “Sompony help me!” Pipp cried out as Sunset, Sunny and Zipp saw Pipp falling, they freaked out, especially Zipp, worried for her little sister.

“I’m coming!” Zipp cried out to her sister as she, Sunny and Sunset flew down if one of them could catch Pipp before she could hit the ground. But Zipp’s wings suddenly stops working as it sparkled a bit. “What the--” Zipp said to herself as she is now free falling in the sky, as she can’t fly for somereason.

Sunny saw this and used her alicorn magic to levitate Zipp. “I’ve got you.” She assures Zipp.

Zipp was not calm as she looked down. “But… Pipp!” She cried out as Pipp was still falling as she curled herself in fright with tears in her eyes.

“I got her!” Sunset cries out as she tries to fly close to Pipp to save her, but a random Pegasus hits her, knocking her off course as she crashes into the building. “I don’t got her.” Sunset groans as she is unable to fly back in time to save Pipp.

Izzy then tries to save Pipp with her magic, but for some reason, her’s starts to frizz out as well. “Come on, come on!” Izzy said in frustration as she tries to use her magic, but fails as the ponies around watch in worry as Pipp continues to fall and gets closer to the ground. “Believe you can fly, and you will!” Izzy cried out to Pipp with an idea.

“That’s your Plan B?!” Pipp cried out as she fell, thinking Izzy’s idea of a plan B is all she can come up with.

“Okay…” Izzy said with an even more worried expression as she placed her hooves on her face. “Moving onto Plan C.” She said as she tries to think fast before Pipp becomes a Pony on a sidewalk, she looks around as she see’s the smoothie stand from earlier as a earth pony mare and stallion looked in shock at Pipp as the mare continues to slurp as the stallion kepts pouring the smoothie. Izzy smiled as she got an idea. “BINGO!” She cried out.

Izzy then zoomed to the smoothie stand, pushed the earth pony stallion aside, tilted the stand to the ground, opened up the smoothie compartment, and then sprayed out the smoothies to make a pile, that results in Pipp landed on the pile of smoothies that soften her landing.

Everypony in Maretime Bay is relieved that Pipp is alright as Sunset and Sunny, who is levitation Zipp, flew to the ground, Cloudpuff and Hitch come into the scene as Cloudpuff barks. Hitch then translates for him with a rhetorical tone. “What’s that, Cloudpuff? You want me to know Pipp’s no longer falling through the air and in imminent danger?” He translated, but cleared seeing that as he saw it with his own eyes.

Pipp popped her head out of the smoothie as she looked at Izzy with a look, clearly not liking that now she got sticky smoothie all over her. “Wish you could have figured out a way that wasn’t so sticky.” Pipp said to Izzy, she is grateful that Izzy saved her, but could she not think of something that is not messy.

“Sticky… or delicious?” Izzy asked with a smile, finding the smoothie delicious even if it's a little sticky.

The others came to Pipp as she was rinsing the smoothie out of her coat and mane. “Are you okay, Pipp?” Sunset asks in concern.

“I’m okay, Sunset.” Pipp answered. “It was so freaky. One second, my wings were totally fine, and the next my magic started glitching out.” She pointed out in a worried tone, that were magic was glitching, which resulted in her falling.

“The same thing happened to me.” Zipp added, experiencing the same thing as well with a hoof on her chin.

“And me.” Izzy added, experiencing that as well with her horn glitching out.

“Same here.” Sunny said, experiencing her alicorn magic starts glitching out.

Hitch then looks around and sees that other ponies are having the same glitches, the Pegasi are having trouble flying, the Unicorns magic are glitching out and the Earth Ponies can’t seem to tap into their Earth Pony magic. “And everypony else in Maretime Bay.” He pointedd out to the rest of the ponies near them having the same problem.

“Except you two, Sunny and Sunset. Your wings worked the whole time.” Zipp pointed out to the two ponies as Sunset and Sunny’s wings worked fine, the only reason Sunset crashed was because a Pegasus bumped into her and making her crash.

“I could still feel my magic glitching. But it seems better now.” Sunny pointed out that even with her wings working as she flaps them to prove her point, she still felt the glitch, just not that much as Cloudpuff is behind her, biting his wings. Sunny then turned to Sunset. “What about you, Sunset?” She asked the alicorn next to her.

Sunset then uses her magic and wings for a bit before speaking. “Nope. I didn’t feel the glitch.” She answered them, which surprised the group. “What? I really didn’t feel the glitch at all when it happened.” She pointed out, meaning she didn’t feel the slightest glitch in her magic the whole time.

“Oh, look, my magic is coming back, too!” Izzy cheered as she felt her magic return as her horn started to glow. “Looks like this topsy-turvy magical crisis has been averted.” She added thinking everything is gonna be okay now.

Hitch however, wasn’t convinced that it was over that earlier. “Just because our magic’s back doesn’t mean it's back back. If it fizzled away once, the same thing could happen again.” He poitned out that it might happen again sooner or later.

Pipp then crossed her hooves with an irritated expression as Cloudpuff licked her ears to lick out the extra smoothies she had on her. “And next time we might not have a smoothie machine at the ready.” She retorically pointed out.

“None of this makes any sense.” Zipp said as she finds this weird on why it is happening. “So long there’s been unity between our species, the crystals are supposed to keep our magic stable.” She pointed out that there hasn't been disharmony lately and the crystals are stable. “Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies have never been tighter. If anything, our magic should be stronger.” She finished.

“You’re right.” Sunny said to Zipp. “So if our magic, except for Sunset, is going haywire, it can’t be about friendships---” Sunny stopped midsection as she might know what is wrong with a worried expression.. “Oh, no.” She said in a worried tone.

Izzy pops her head next to Sunny with a worried look as well. “Do we think that’s a good ‘Oh no’ or…” She said, hoping that it’s not that bad.

Sunset knows what Sunny is thinking as she too gives out a worried expression. “Sunny, don’t tell me that something happened to…” She stopped in midsection when Sunny started running.

“And we’re running.” Hitch stated as he and the others ran to catch up with Sunny.

Zipp has to drag Pipp at the start of their running. “Get your hooves moving, Pipp!” She told her sister.

“Haven’t I’ve been throug enough trauma for one day?” Pipp complained about not wanting to deal with any trauma.

“Get it together, Pipp! Something must be wrong with the crystals!” Sunset cried out. “Now, come on!” She cried out as she, along with their friends, and Cloudpuff, followed Sunny to the Brighthouse.

Back at the Brighthouse, the Mane 6 burst the door open as Sunny was the first to run up the steps, then Sunset, Zipp, Hitch, Izzy and then Pipp as they ran up to the top of the lighthouse with Cloudpuff behind.

Once they made it to the top, Sunny and Sunset were the first to stop as Sunny placed her hoof to the side to stop Zipp as the others followed.

“Oof!” Zipp said with a grunt from being blocked by Sunny’s hoof.

Sunny, Sunset and the others gasp in shock on what they are seeing, they are seeing the crystals but something was really bad when they saw it.

“Sompony’s taken one of the unity crystals!” Sunny cries out in shock, as she and the others are seeing the Unicorn and Earth Pony Crystals, but the Pegasus Crystal is on mission as the two crystals are separated from each other.

“Oh no!” Izzy cried out in worry and shock as Sunny picked up the earth pony and unicorn crystals as she looked at them with a grim expression.

“The Unicorn and Earth Pony Crystals are still here, but somepony have stolen the Pegasus Crystal.” Sunset pointed out that they still have two of the crystals, but without all three, magic is unstable and is going haywire like earlier.

Hitch spoke up with Cloudpuff on his back. “Let’s not get our manes tied up in a bunch. The crystal could be anywhere.” He tries to assure them as he placed a hoof on Sunny’s back to comfort her, stating that the Pegasus Crystal must’ve fallen off and must be somewhere in the room.

“You do have a whole lot of clutter around here, Sunny.” Pipp added, agreeing with Hitch since Sunny has alot things in the room with her dad’s research and any other personal items she and her father collectd over the years. “Remind me to send you a video on harmonious organization later.” She finished as Sunny should really clean up the room later.

Sunny ignores Pipp’s words as she is inspecting the two remaining crystals. “I didn’t think the crystals would be separated. This looks intentional.” Sunny said as she starts to see a pattern here.

“Well, the crystals were separated before. So, it may have been possible for them to be separated again.” Sunset pointed out that the crystals were already separated before they were reunited. “But this time, the Pegasus Crystal is missing, and I doubt it was by falling off the rest of the Unity Crystal.” She added, since the crystals shouldn’t have fallen apart like that.

“You’re right, Sunset.” Sunny agrees as she turns to the rest of her friends. “These crystals are a symbol of ponykind’s ability to live in harmony. If somepony separated them, it’s because they want magic to fizzle out unil it’s gone--for life to go back to the way it was before.” She stated to them as Izzy inspects the Unicorn Crystal, meaning that somepony wants the magic to go and go back to the way when there was no magic and the three tribes were divided. “But we are not going to let that happen.” She said as she placed the Earth Pony Crystal down and raised her hoof as she gave her friends a determined look. “We were able to unite the crystals once before, we can do it again. Let’s find the crystal thief and get that crystal back!” She announced to her friends, they’ve reunited the crystals onced, and they will do it again, and catch that theft.

“Yeah!” Zipp cheered as she brought Pipp to a side hug, both of them smiled in agreement.

Cloudpuff barks as he jumps up and down Hitch’s back, which shows that he is in on finding the thief and the crystal, which Hitch agreed as well as he gaved a smile.

“Mission initiated.” Izzy announced with a smile while holding a magifing glass over her eye.

“Then let’s find that crystal thief and get that crystal back!” Sunset pointed out with a determined smile, wanting to keep Twilight’s legacy alive and keep the magic stable. They did this adventure once, they would do it again.

Pipp brought out her phone as she livedstream with a sad look. “Pippsqueaks, I know you’re all scared right now… and you should be.” She said the bad news to her Pippsqueaks as Zipp looked at her sister with a look. “Your magic might be back, but it might disappear again, and then come back, and then disappear again, until it disappears completeley… Because somepony stole a Unity Crystal. It’s really bad!” She gave the bad news on her livestream as Zipp had enough of her sister making things worse as she grabbed Pipp’s phone out of her hoof. “Hey! They deserve the truth.” She pointed out that she needs to tell everypony the bad news.

“And a bit of hope.” Zipp countered. “All you’re doing is throwing them into panic mode.” She pointed out that the bad news Pipp spoke about will make ponies panic.

Pipp huffs as she places her hoof on her chest. “My Pippsqueaks meditate when they’re overwhelmed. They don’t panic.” Pipp countered, thinking that her Pippsqueaks meditate when things go bad.

But outside in Maretime Bay, the ponies who have heard Pipp’s bad news from her livestream start to panic when they realize that a crystal is missing and the magic is fading.

“If magic’s going to disappear, I’ll fly as much as I can now!” A Pegasus stallion cried out as he tried to fly up, but was stopped when an Earth Pony mare grabbed one of his hinds legs.

“What if it fizzles out while you’re in the air? What then!?” The mare asked him, trying to prevent him from flying, that if his magic went out again, he might fall.

A unicorn stallion looked at his phone while brushing his mane with teary eyes. “I can’t go back to manually brushing my mane like some pedestrian pony!” He cried out that he loved his magic and can’t brush his mane without using his hooves again.

The other ponies around looked in despair at the news as a Unicorn is crying on the floor while the ones sitting on the table, a unicorn mare and a pegasus stallion, looked on with pity expressions, feeling bad about the news that the magic is fading.

“Suddenly, I hardly doubt that, Pipp.” Sunset said with a not convinced expression, having a feeling that the ponies are freaking out right now.

Sunny stepped in as she spoke out. “Nopony should be scared because we are going to solve this by beginning our search right here, where the break-in happened.” She pointed out that they will search the room for any clues to see if the thief left behind any clues that might lead them to the missing crystal.

“But how are we going to find the right clue if this room is a mess, Sunny? We’re do we start?” Sunset asked that since Sunny cleaned up the top floor of the lighthouse, it would be a little tough to find a clue that the thief might have left behind.

“And that’s the thing about break-ins, Sunset…” ZIpp voiced spoked out as the others looked out her direction as they saw Zipp wearing a detective hat while playfully inspecting a cactus while she looked at her friends. “...No matter how hard a thief tries, they’ll never be able to leave the scene exactly as they found it. Something’s always just a little bit off. A little bit broken… in.” She said with a look that made her like a true detective.

Izzy looked surprised and excited after seeing Zipp like that. “Ooh, I would like fifty of those hat’s please. Where’s it from?” She asked Zipp, wondering where she got that hat from, and wanting one of those.

Hitch and Pipp gave Zipp a look, clearly seeing her showing off a bit with her detective side. “Probably all this clutter.” Pipp answered Izzy’s question, guessed right that Zipp probably found that hat from Sunny’s pile all over the room.

Zipp continued as she lifted her hat up. “Detective Zipp always comes prepared.” She said as she smiled at them.

“Detective Zipp?” Sunny and Sunset asked with a smug look on them, seeing that Zipp made herself a detective name.

“That’s right.” Zipp answered. “Because I zipp my way through a good mystery unil I track down the perpetrator and bring them to justice.” She added while making a slogging for her detective side.

“We’re going to bet those crystals back in no time!” Izzy cheered as she bounced up and down.

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Pipp pointed out to not get ahead of themselves. “How many successful cases have you solved, Detective Zipp?” She asked her sister since she never saw Zipp do a detective case before.

“Yeah, how many cases have you had before, Zipp?” Sunset asked as well, wanting to know if Zipp has done this before.

“Well.. This would technically be my first case.” Zipp sheepishly admits as she tosses the hat away. “Which, if you think about it, means I’ve never had any unsuccessful cases either.” She added which results in Hitch and Pipp to take huffs with an unamuse expression from Zipp’s answer while Sunset facehoof herself, clearly seeing that Zipp never done any cases before. Zipp then turned to them as she continued with a determined smile. “So if you’re ready, let’s get solving.” She finished as they got started with the case as she brought out her phone while her friends huddled close to her to get a better look. “To catch our thief and find our missing crystal, it’s important to keep an eye out for the specifics. The minutia. The details.” She explained to them as she scrolled through her phone to find a picture that they needed. She then stopped at one of Pipp’s films she posted earlier. “Pipp filmed this before we left this morning. And as you can see from the rainbow light behind her, the crystal hadn’t been stolen yet.” She pointed out that since the rainbow was shining at the time, the crystals were still together before the Pegasus Crystal was stolen. “Look closely. What else do you see?” She asked her friends the question as they walked down the stairs to the spot where Pipp took the film.

“Besides the gorgeous way the light’s brushing my cheeks?” Pipp questioned braggfully with a smile, finding herself beautiful that the rainbow light was reflecting off her.

“Yeah. Besides that.” Zipp said while giving Pipp a look, not what she ment by that as she placed her phone next to the shelf that Pipp took in her film and found something strange about both sides. “The vase has been moved.” Zipp pointed out that the vase is facing the opposite direction, that doesn’t match the film, which means it’s a clue. Zipp inspected the vase and found a strand of a long white fur of somekind. Zipp turned to her sister with a smug look on her face. “Consider the case zipped.” She said to her sister as Pipp blew a raspberry at Zipp, ignoring it.

Sunny, Sunset, Zipp and Izzy inspect the clue as Zipp and Izzy hold both ends for them to look at it closely. “It doesn’t look like it belongs to anypony I know.” Sunny pointed out that she is not familiar with this fur piece and hasn't seen it before.

“It’s definitely fur of somekind. But not like any kind of fur I ever saw in my time.” Sunset added since she thinks that she is the only pony left who is from ancient Equestria and the last of Twilight’s infulence, she is not familiar with these new ponies in this new age of Equestria since she got back.

“It’s long and stretchy like the fur of a Platipony or a Unicooger! Or maybe even a Pugasus!” Zipp pointed out that this fur could be any of the animals they saw around Equestria lately. “If we follow the scent, we’ll find them.” Zipp pointed out that if they follow the scent the fur has, they can find the thief and more importantly find the Pegasus Crystal.

“You’re up to the taks, Cloudpuff?” Hitch asked the Pegasus dog underneath him with a smile, Cloudpuff barks in responds as Hitch replied back to him with a bore expression. “No, it’s the crystal that was stolen. If I’d been stolen, I wouldn’t be here right now.” he pointed out that if he was stolen, he wouldn’t be around, clearly stating to Cloudpuff that the crystal was stolen, not him.

Zipp brought the fur closer to Cloudpuff. “Go on. Get a good ol’ sniff of this.” She instructed Cloudpuff as her pet sniffed the fur, and then Cloudpuff twitched as he got a scent and ran/flew right out the door with him barking along the way. “We’ve got a hint. Let’s roll.” Zipp said with a smile, saying that her friends got the trail.

Pipp was however unsure of going now. “But I haven’t packed my bags! If I go a morning without my meditation pillow, aromatherapy candles, toner, and moisturizer, I will be a nervous wreck with blemishes. That’s a bad combination.” She pointed out that she needs her things if she goes a morning without them if they follow the trail that long.

Sunset counters it. “Pipp, we don’t have time for your, over packing thing. It’s not like we’re moving, we’re going out on a quest to get a missing crystal back.” She pointed out, even though Pipp needs her morning routines, they don’t have time to pack, and it’s funny since Pipp really reminds Sunset more about Rarity and her overdoing things in the past.

Zipp then grabbed her sister as she and her friends ran out the Brighthouse, following Cloudpuff who was sniffing the trail. “And Cloudpuff could lose the scents if we don’t leave now!” She pointed out that Cloudpuff might lose the scent if they don’t get going. “C’mon, sis. It’ll be fun.” She added, thinking that this quest might be fun while searching for the thief and the crystal as the others follow Cloudpuff who is sniffing out the trail.

Several hours later, the Mane 6 are now walking through the forest while following Cloudpuff. The Mane 6 looked very tired from all the walking and running they’ve been doing, except for Izzy who is singing to herself.

“You’ll let me know when we hit the fun part, right?” Pipp retorically asked Zipp about what her sister said hours ago, finding this not fun at the moment.

Zipp ignored Pipp’s question as she spoke to the group with a tired expression. “The good news is that whoeverpony stole the crystal must be getting just as tired.” She pointed out as if they are tired, then maybe so is the thief who stole the crystal as Sunny rubs her eyes tiredly as Sunset yawns from all the running/walking they did while following Cloudpuff.

“Let’s hope so. Because if they have gone far, we might pass out from exhaustion from traveling all this way.” Sunset said with a yawn, wondering how fast the thief is if it was this far from Maretime Bay in the middle of the woods.

“You and me both, Sunset.” Sunny agrees as she rubbed her eyes, hoping the thief didn’t get far as well.

Pipp brought out her phone to give the news to her Pippsqueaks. “Here’s the deal, Pippsqueaks. We’ve been tracking our thief for a millennium--” She was cut off when her sister spoke.

“Three hours.” Zipp corrected her sister for complaining with an irritated look.

Pipp continues. “Because Zipp is a horrible detective, Hitch keeps attracting all these creepy animals, Izzy keeps singing, and Cloudpuff keeps going in circles!” She pointed out the things that they’ve been doing while tracking the thief. “So if you’re hearing this, for the love of all ponykind, send help.” She said to the livestream, but then her phone powered down when the battery died, leaving Pipp to look in shock for a moment before she starts wailing as she stomps the ground and she starts crying a waterfall out of her eyes. “No, my phone died! And I don’t have a charger because somepony didn’t give me enough time to pack anything.” She complained while Izzy looked at her, blaming Zipp for not letting her pack her things.

“We were going to lose the trail and maybe lose magic all together!” Zipp yelled at her sister for her complaints. “I think that’s more important than a phone charger--” She was cut off when Pipp yelled at her.

“Now I can’t even call for help if we need it!” Pipp cried out, now that her phone is dead, she can’t update her Pippsqueaks or call for help if they need it if things go south.

Sunset looked at the two Pegasi with an annoying look, not wanting this to continue as she took a breath and walked up to the arguing sisters as she pushed them back. “Get it together, you two! We don’t have time for a sibling squabble! We have a thief to catch and a crystal to retrieve! We have magic to stablize, harmony to balanced, and most importantly, to reunite the Unity Crystal!” She scolded them, and reminded them about the matter at hoofs of retrieving the Pegasus Crystal and reuniting the Unity Crystal to fix the magic before it fades.

Zipp and Pipp calmed down a bit and a little scared from Sunset’s lecture as Sunny then came next to the Pegasus sisters as she spoke after Sunset in a calm voice. “I know you’re all scared. I am too. Be we can’t let fear tear us apart. The only way through this is by sticking together.” She said to them that they shouldn’t be afraid, if they work together, they can find the crystal and reunite the Unity Crystal to stablize the magic and the friendship.

Sunset then spoke again after Sunny. “Sunny’s right, guys. We can’t let fear get to us. I know things may seem dim, but if we keep our heads straight and our minds focused, we can find the thief and get the crystal back if we stay together.” She added.

Zipp and Pipp looked at each other for a moment before they turned away from each other as they crossed their hooves. “Yeah, fine./Whatever.” They huffed after they both said it at the same time, they may argue but they still need to catch the thief and get the crystal back.

Pipp, Sunset and Sunny looked at Cloudpuff with a bore expression as said dog ran around but trip as Sunny raise her hind’s leg to move out of Cloudpuff’s path as the dog tripped as the three ponies gave Cloudpuff a bore expression. “You’re right about one thing, Pipp…Empathis on one thing.” Sunny spoke. “Following Cloudpuff isn’t getting us anywhere.” She pointed out, agreeing about the part where Pipp said that following Cloudpuff isn’t getting them nowhere. Sunny then pointed to the sky. “We’ll get a better lay of the land from above the trees. Zipp, Pipp, can you fly?” She asks, wondering if the two sisters can fly now so that they will know where to go in the sky.

Zipp then checks her wings as she starts flapping them and starting to fly, seeing that they can fly now. “Wings seem to be working right now.” She answered as Sunny summoned her Alicorn form as she sprouted her wings and horn, ready to take flight with them.

“And if they stop working in the air?” Pipp asked, worried that their magic might glitch out again, which results in them falling from the sky.

“We’ll make sure we’re low enough that the trees can catch our fall.” Sunny assured, stating that if they fly low enough, the trees can cushion their fall so they won’t have to fall that hard.

“I can ask some of the critters around here if they’ve seen anything.” Hitch said, wanting to see if the critters of the forest got any leads they can use.

Izzy then came to them as she spoke what she thought. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to split up.” She stated, saying that splitting up might be a bad idea for them.

“We don’t have a choice.” Sunny replied to her. “Every minute that the crystal is separated from the others, our magic will glitch out more and more.” She reasoned to Izzy that they don’t have time to think of a better plan, they need to find the Pegasus Crystal before the magic gets even more glitchy. “We need to use every advantage we have. That means using our magic.” She added, meaning that if they need to find the crystal quickly, they need to use their magic as long as it is stable to use.

“I still think…” Izzy was cut off when the rest of her friends, except for her and Sunset, already spread out, Sunny stopped and looked at Sunset.

“Sunset, you coming?” Sunny asked, wondering if Sunset might join them for the sky search.

Sunset looked at Izzy and seeing that she is sad, feeling bad for her, Sunset turned to Sunny and answered her question. “You girls go on ahead. I’ll stay here and search the ground with Izzy.” She said to Sunny, wanting to stay with Izzy so that she doesn’t feel alone.

“Okay, good luck.” Sunny said, understanding what Sunset means as she flew to catch up with Zipp and Pipp to begin their search.

Sunset and Izzy watch them fly as Izzy calls out to them. “...Well that’s okay! We’ll just look for a place to use our magic down here, okay?!” She calls out to them, making sure they’ve heard her. “Leave it to us!” She yelled out as she waved at them, feeling a little down that her friends didn’t hear her out.

Sunset feels bad for Izzy as she places a wing around her. Izzy looks at Sunset as the alicorn gives a comforting smile to her. “Don’t worry, Izzy. You have me to search with you.” She said, which makes Izzy smile a bit that at least one of her friends is by her side for the search. “C’mon, let's start searching.” She said as she and Izzy began their search on the ground.

A few hours later, Izzy and Sunset spend time searching as they now find a cave that is blocked by a pile of rocks. Izzy also was mumbling half the time while she and Sunset moved the rocks with their magic.

“It’s a good thing they left us down here… totally good!” Izzy mumbled at her friends leaving her and Sunset behind when they didn’t let her speak her idea. “I mean, who else would’ve noticed this totally not-suspicious cave in a totally non-suspicious part of this totally non-suspicious woods?” She said about the cave they have found in the woods as she moved the rocks along with Sunset, who is concerned about Izzy’s feelings. “And who else would’ve…Moved. All. THESE. RRROOOCCKKS?!” She cried out in frustration while straining from moving all the rocks she and Sunset moved by levitation them to clear a path into the cave as she tried to stay positive from all this.

Sunset frowns are concerned for Izzy. She dropped a rock as she came to Izzy's side. “You’re still upset about not joining the game that me and the girls were playing in the sky, huh Izzy?” She asks, wanting to know what’s been eating Izzy lately.

Izzy took a deep breath as she spoke her reason. “It’s not the game I’m sad about, Sunset. It’s the way I was being left out. I mean, you and the others have wings to play in the sky Zipp planned out, and when I tried to join Hitch on his little critter hunt, I only ruined it. And now, the others won’t even listen to my plan of finding the thief and getting the crystal back.” She explained her reasons on why she is a little upset. “I know that we are in a hurry to get the crystal back and the magic is glitching, but will our friends just stop and think before they leap, like us finding a cave in the woods? I mean, they can see the sky, but what about on the ground? But they didn’t hear me out, and that hurts me.” She added as she began to sniff a bit in sadness.

Sunset felt bad for Izzy for being left out and that her friends won’t hear her out as she gave Izzy a hug. “They are just worried about the crystal and the magic, Izzy. Look, we all know that you being left out of the fun made you feel sad, heck even we feel bad for you not joining us.” She said to her, admitting that she and the others felt bad for Izzy not joining in on the fun with them. “And sorry the others didn’t hear you out, but they are just in a rush to find the thief and get the crystal back, that they would do anything to find it. Even I would’ve done the same thing.” She told her, she would’ve rushed things to save the day quickly. “But let’s give our friends time to process, and when they get back, we can think of a better plan and maybe you can tell them how you feel today.” She added, stating that when the others get back for a better plan of searching, Izzy would get her chance to tell her friends how she feels.

Izzy smiled as she hugged Sunset back. “Thanks for understanding, Sunset. And it’s nice that I’m not alone in this search.” She thanked the alicorn for being there for her.

Sunset smiled at Izzy’s response. “You’re welcome, Izzy. Now come on, we got enough clearing to get through the cave.” She reminded her of the clearing they made and got enough rocks out to make an opening into the cave.

Izzy and Sunset climbed the rocks as they poke their heads through as Izzy called out. “Helloooo, Crystal Thief. We come in peace and with a song if you’d like to hear it!” She called out as Sunset covered her mouth.

“Izzy, we’re not supposed to call out for the thief.” Sunset scolded the unicorn with a whispered tone. “We’re trying to catch it, not lose it.” She added the reason for finding the thief as she took her hoof out of Izzy’s muzzle as she gave a sheepish smile with a chuckle.

“Sorry. I’ll remember that next time.” Izzy said sheepishly as a few rocks fell on the two ponies head, they were startled as they saw a big rock was about to fall on their heads. “Oops!” Izzy cried out as she caught the rock in her magic and threw it into the cave as she and Sunset sigh in relief.

“That was close.” Sunset said as the rock rolled down the pile of rocks until it hit the wall, which made a clang sound for some reason, which made Sunset courioust. “Huh. That’s strange. The wall that is made of rocks shouldn’t make a clang sound.” She pointed out as she and Izzy came closer to the cave as they saw a wall of vines covering something. “Now this is getting interesting.” She added.

Izzy then spoke up to the wall the rock hit. “Crystal Thief, if that’s you, I’m sorry for hitting you with a rock.” She apologized while thinking it was the thief she hit.

“I don’t think it was the thief, Izzy. There is something behind these vines.” Sunset pointed out as she and Izzy moved some vines a bit and saw something behind it, and it’s not a wall made of rocks, it was something else.

Izzy and Sunset then yanks the vines out of the way, revealing it to be an old gate of some kind, a little run down due to how long and how old it is while being in a cave. But the funny part is, the gate is slightly open.

“Whoa…” Izzy said in amazement. “Is this a creepy gate for a creepy crystal thief? Bet I can say that five times fast.” She asked Sunset, who inspected the gate a bit and started to gasp in shock. “Sunset, what is it?” Izzy asked, wondering what got Sunset all shocked.

Sunset found her voice as she spoke. “Izzy, I regonize these carving symbols on this gate. These are Twilight and her friends' symbols of their cutie marks!” She spoke out as she regoinze the symbols on the gate, they looked a little worn out but she can definitely tell that these are Twilight and her friends’ cutie marks, symbols of the Elements of Harmony and the Magic of Friendship.

Izzy gasps in shock at what Sunset just explained. “Really?!” Izzy said in excitement, Sunset nodded her head and responded by saying yes. Izzy then grabs the gate as she tries to pull it open. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s open this gate up and see where it leads!” Izzy said in excitement, wondering what this gate leads to that might be a relic or historical place for the Guardians of Friendship.

Sunset snapped out of her shock as she shook her head a bit. “R-right. Got it.” She said as she helped Izzy, trying to open the gate with their combined strength.

While pulling, Izzy said the words about the gate from earlier, wondering if she can say it five times fast. “A creepy gate for a creepy crystal thief, a creepy gate for a creepy crystal thief, a creepy gate…” She stops in midsentence as she and Sunset get the gate open a bit as she can see through it, Izzy gasps in shock, totally shocked at what she is seeing.

Sunset then looked at Izzy. “What, Izzy? What are you seeing?” She asks, wanting to know what Izzy is seeing.

Izzy didn’t answer yet as she got the gate open enough for both her and Sunset to see. Sunset then gasps in shock at what she is seeing as well, shock and is a very familiar place that she thought she would never see again.

“CANTERLOT?!” Izzy cried out in shock, seeing the legendary place and former capital of Equestria back in Accient Equestrian times, back from the time Twilight and the rest of the Guardians of Friendship were still around.

They are seeing Canterlot, what’s left of it as it lays in ruins, buildings demolished while most is still standing, dead plants around the area, dark clouds covering up most of Canterlot, debris all around, and a really batterup flag sign that saids ‘Welcome to Canterlot.’ as it hung on one side of what’s left of a building while the other end is on the floor.

Izzy then turned to Sunset, who was looking at what’s left of Canterlot, the former capital kingdom of Equestria, the former place where Twilight was Princess of Equestria and the captial of Friendship, and her old home, which lies in ruins. “Sunset?” Izzy asks, wondering if Sunset is okay and how she is seeing this, since Sunset is a little too shocked to speak.

Sunset looked around at the ruins of Canterlot, shocked and a little sad to see it, and to see it in ruins. Sunset found her voice as she spoke with a barely whispered tone. “Canterlot… My home.” She said with a weak tone, seeing the one place she called home, and the place that was the capital kingdom of Equestria, the place Twilight took when she became Princess of Equestria, a place of what’s left of Sunset’s home, in ruins.

Sunset then begins to tear up, seeing her home like this, she finally gets to see what has happened to Canterlot, and now she finally knows, the results are not good for her. Sunset began to sob as she sat on her haunches. Izzy then came to Sunset, knowing from what Sunset told her and her friends about the story of Canterlot and that it was Sunset’s old home, really brought Sunset to tears on seeing her home like this. Izzy gave Sunset a comforting hug as Sunset began to cry, seeing her home like this, Izzy stayed by Sunset’s side until she let out the rest of the tears.

End of Issue 1.

Issue 4.

Author's Note

Okay. I know that the Lighthouse looked like what it used to be like in ANG movie, but it looks like after little times has passed, it turned into the Crystal Brighthouse, but looks like after two issues, it has become the Brighthouse after what Queen Haven just spoke of the name, so lets just go with it.

Issue 4.

Issue 4.

In the Brighthouse bedroom, Pipp is on her phone while livestreaming to her Pippsqueaks to give them the news about Discord and the magic glitching with the Pegasus Crystal still missing.

“Goooood morning, everypony!” Pipp announced through her phone. “Today I’m trying something a little different.” She told them about something she will do differently for her Pippsqueaks .

In Zephyr Heights, Pipp’s live stream is on the screens of the giant TVs on the buildings as she speaks. “Instead of streaming, I’ve decided to write my next major life update.” She told her fans that she will write about her major life instead of live streaming this time.for now. “I know, I know! But this is the kind of update that calls for lots of selfies.” She explains her reason that she will write about her next major life since it’s about the pictures she got and wants to write all about it.

The ponies however, don't like Pipp’s idea. Sure they are her fans, but they like to see her live streams, not something that is supposed to be written about.

“Plus… It’s about Discord.” Pipp told her another reason so that the ponies can know about Discord without her going into details by livestream since the Lord of Chaos is hard to describe so seeing it by picture will save enough time. “Okay, love you, gotta go write! Pipp, Pipp, hooray!” She announced as she ended her live stream.

Pipp put her phone down as she went to her laptop to get to work. She opened up her gallery that she manage to take during her and her friends time with Discord when he first greeted himself, thanks to Discord’s magic, he politely charge her phone so she can take pictures of him and the caverns while also taking pictures of Canterlot on their way back to Maretime Bay.

‘Pippsqueaks, when I went flying with my friends, I had no idea it would lead to a journey that ended in Discord and a Unity Crystal…’ Pipp typed in what she thinks about their journey of the Unity Crystal and Discord as she typed like crazy at 9 in the morning.

‘...And that’s where we are now, searching for Discord before he destroys the crystal!’ Pipp continued typing all day as she hit nighttime at 7 p.m. Looking a little tired while being on her laptop all day, writing about what has happened and about Discord. ‘If anypony knows how to find him, we need your help! Thank you, love you, Pippsqueaks. Pipp, Pipp, hooray!’ She finished typing as she posted her story down as she walked off with a yawn to get something after being on her laptop all day.

Pipp returned two hours later with some hot coffee as the time on her clock next her shows 9:02 p.m. at night. Pipp checked her laptop and saw that it has 100,157 views, 99,398 hearts for lives, and 6,780 comments on it.

Pipp took a sip of her coffee as she checked her stats before making a facetime call to her mother, having a thought of something that she’s been thinking about.

In a room in the Zephyr Heights’ palace, Queen Have, with Cloudpuff next to her, have received the call from Pipp from her laptop as she answers it.

“My little filly! How are things in the Brighthouse?” Queen Haven asks after greeting her daughter.

“Great!” Pipp answered through the laptop. “Um, Mom? Can I ask you something?” She asks her mother.

“Of course.” Queen Haven answered as Cloudpuff tries to grab a makeup accessory on the mirror stool.

“Well, I’ve been thinking, maybe, about getting a little more real with the Pippsqueaks.” Pipp told her mother about something she wants to reveal to her Pippsqueaks, while Queen Haven is trying to get Cloudpuff to drop a makeup accessory in his mouth.

“No, that is not for pets!” Queen Haven scolded Cloudpuff, trying to get the accessory out of his mouth as she turned her attention back to Pipp. “Sorry, darling. ‘Real’ how?” She asks her daughter how real she means.

“I want to write about the day everypony learned I can’t fly.” Pipp revealed, thinking about writing about the time when everypony in Zephyr Heights learned that the royalties can’t fly from the middle of Pipp’s first adventure with her friends and sister.

“WHAT?!” Queen Haven asked in shock while squeezing Cloudpuff, who barks from the tight hold Queen Haven is giving him.

“It’s a little different from what I usually post, but I think it’s important.” Pipp reasoned, wanting something to show her Pippsqueaks about her.

“But, darling, that day was so hard on you.” Queen Haven said to her with a concerned look, knowing very well that day was so humiliating and hard for Pipp when everypony saw that she couldn’t fly.

Pipp then turned to a couple of pictures of her and her friends with a smile. “It was such a difficult, confusing, awful day. I want to show ponies that side of me. That it’s okay to be sad sometimes.” She said, while wanting to show ponies that it’s okay to be sad, even on the most hard day they had, which is something the ponies need since Discord is on the loose and when he took the Pegasus Crystal, to know that it’s okay to be scared. “And after what Sunset told me about honesty when we escape Zephyr Heights in the elevator, it’s better to tell the truth than keeping it contained for so long. And we learned that the hard way.” She added, remembering what Sunset told her about being honest to the ponies close to her instead of using the lies to gain their trust when the royal family made them believe that they could fly.

Queen Haven then gives her daughter a touching look, finding her words touching on wanting to express her feelings to other ponies instead of just hiding it.

“Mmmp?” Cloudpuff whine in concern for Queen Haven as the queen hugs Cloudpuff with a smile.

Queen Haven then faced her laptop as she placed her forehead on it as Pipp did it back as they shared a heartfelt connection. “Of course, my brave filly. It’s a wonderful thing to do. But if it doesn’t go exactly the way you want it to, you’ll come tell me, won’t you? You know you’re always welcome back home.” She said, wanting her daughter to come home and tell her in case things didn’t go as she planned.

“Of course, Mom! What could go wrong?” Pipp asked her mother, thinking what could go wrong if she tells the truth on how she felt.

After having that chat with her mom, Pipp got to work on typing in on how she felt when everypony saw that she can’t fly.

“Done!” Pipp cheered as she finally finished typing. She moved the mouse to the ‘Post’ button to post her story, but then stopped as she was having second thoughts about this. “Maybe I should ask my friends what they think before I post it.” She said to herself to see what her friends think of this idea before she posted it to her Pippsqueaks. She moved the mouse to the ‘Save’ button as she saved her gallery. “Yes, that’s a good idea.” She said to herself as she turned off her laptop and headed to bed. “I’ll get up suuuuper early and ask everypony what they think before they head out for the day.” She suggested as she went to sleep.

The next day, Pipp is still asleep on her bed as she snores. But then once she woke up, she widened her eyes in shock as she saw the time, it’s 12:00 at noon already.

“Oh no! I overslept!” Pipp cried out as she quickly got off, quickly did her mane, and then flew to the door in flight after seeing that everypony in the Brighthouse was not around. “Everypony’s already gone! I have to find them and ask them about my post!” She exclaimed, going to find her friends and ask them about her post before she posted them.

After a bit of searching in Maretime Bay, Pipp spotted Sunny, who was strapping her smoothie cart while having a worried expression.

“Sunny! I knew you’d be close by. You’re just who I wanted to talk to!” Pipp cheered as Sunny is the right pony to talk about her post, since Sunny has her fair share of bad days before reuniting the tribes.

Sunny turned once she heard Pipp. “Oh, hey Pipp. Late night?” Sunny asked, since Pipp wasn’t with them all morning.

“Yes. I was… creating.” Pipp answered. “Sunny, you’re like, the smartest pony I know. I need your advice.” She said as she put Sunny closer so that nopony could hear them. “I want to post on social media about the day everypony learned I couldn’t fly. What do you think?” She asks.

“Oh, that…” Sunny said with a concerned look as she placed a hoof on her face. “Sorry, Pipp. Everything with Discord has me so distracted. I can’t really focus on anything else.” She explained to Pipp that with all that has happened with Discord and him having the Pegasus Crystal, planning to destroy it, Sunny has too much to worry about to think straight.

“Oh. Okay. I can ask somepony else.” Pipp said, understanding what Sunny is going through.

Sunny then gives a comforting smile. “Why not try Hitch? He’s who I go to when I need a grounded opinion. Uh, so to speak.” She said while remembering the times when she goes to her childhood friend for some opinions, in a manner of speaking from before the three tribes reunite and from before Sunset came into their lives.

“That’s a great idea! But what about Sunset? Isn’t she with you for the smoothie stands and from giving opinions now and then?” Pipp stated, while seeing that Sunset isn’t with Sunny today and she usually gives opinions since she’s an expert on these things.

“Sunset is searching all around Maretime Bay for any signs of Discord. So I don’t know where she is right now.” Sunny answered Pipp’s question about Sunset. “But Hitch, he’s in the Main Square, I think, helping set up for the street fair…” She stated what Hitch is doing right now and where he might be.

“Thanks, Sunny!” Pipp called out as she flew to where Sunny said about where Hitch might be.

Sometime later, Pipp found Hitch, who is helping other ponies setting up a festival fair as Hitch instructed ponies on what to do.

“Careful with that banner! We don’t wanna block hoof traffic!” Hitch called out. “...Again” He whispered the last part to himself.

Pipp then flew in once she saw Hitch. “Hitch! Just the pony I wanted to see!” She called out as she flew to him.

“I am?” Hitch questioned, a little confused on what Pipp meant.

“You’re so silly sometimes. Yes!” Pipp answered. “I wanted to ask you about my next big social media post!” She explained her reason to him.

“Uh… Okay.” Hitch said before turning his head around to other ponies around him. “Raise the banner more on the right side!” He called out before facing Pipp. “Sorry, Pipp. Go ahead.” He said for Pipp to continue.

“I want to post about the day everypony learned I couldn't fly. How sad I was and how ashamed I felt.” Pipp told her reason. “What do you think?” She asked Hitch what he thinks of that idea.

“Er, isn’t that a little different from your normal posts? You know, your brand?” Hitch asked, knowing Pipp well enough that this is a little different than her other posts as Pipp starts to see Hitch’s words are true. “Isn’t it usually singing, sparkles, and glamour?” He asked, since those are what Pipp usually does.

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change. It can be sparkles and real feelings.” Pipp pointed out as she began to fly away, while having conflict in her head about this post.

“I suppose.” Hitch said, agreeing with Pipp on that thought.

“Well, thanks, I guess.” Pipp said to Hitch, at least he gives her some words to think about, but still down as that didn’t help.

“Anything!” Hitch called out to Pipp before he turned his attention to another pony. “No, no, no the banner’s all crooked now!” He cried out that the banner is now crooked, meaning that they will have to set it up the right way.

A little bit later in Maretime Bay, Sunset is walking around the streets, keeping a lookout for anything strange, after hearing from Twilight from talking about Discord, he can be anywhere with any strange outcomes.

“Discord is still out there. And me and my friends are gonna find him and get that crystal back.” Sunset said to herself, focusing on finding Discord and getting the Pegasus Crystal back to keep Twilight’s legacy alive and the magic stable.

“I’m sure we will, Sunset.” Pipp’s voice was heard as it startled Sunset as she turned and saw Pipp standing behind her with an innocent smile.

“Pipp! Don’t scare me like that! I’m already stressed with Discord on the loose!” Sunset exclaimed, a little jumpy from being startled by Pipp.

“Sorry.” Pipp apologized to Sunset. “I’ve been looking for you and figure I can ask you for advice.” She said her reason for why she is looking for her.

Sunset took a breath as she spoke. “Okay. What is it?” She asked Pipp.

“I’m making a social media post on how I felt when everypony learned I can’t fly.” Pipp explains.

“Wow. You’re making a post about that day? That's shocking.” Sunset commented.

“I know. And I wanted to know what you think before I posted it.” Pipp said, wanting to know what Sunset thought of this.

Sunset thought of what Pipp just said as she took a deep breath. “Pipp. That’s very thoughtful of wanting to post how you felt that day…” She stated.

“I always wanted ponies to know how I feel.” Pipp said with a proud smile.

“But after what you just posted the other night, about Discord and his plans, I don’t know what to think.” Sunset said, having read the gallery that Pipp posted last night.

Pipp turned in shock before giving a sheepish look. “Oh. You read about that?” She asks with a nervous chuckle.

“Everypony knows, Pipp. I thought I told you to keep that secret to keep the ponies calm. But now that you posted that blog, Discord must’ve heard of it if he hasn’t thought this through, we have lost the element of surprise!” Sunset said with a facehoof to the face, stating that it will make it twice as hard to find Discord now that everypony knows about him and he must’ve known of their search if he hadn’t already.

Pipp chuckled nervously, clearly she didn’t think things through. “Sorry. But c’mon. It’s me. What did you expect?” She stated the obvious.

Sunset sighs as she figures as much. “Good point. But your idea of how you felt during that day when everypony learned you and your family couldn’t fly that day was harsh. And you making a blog about it seems very thoughtful to make ponies understand how you felt. I learned that as well during my time.” She said, remembering the time when she wanted the people in CHS to understand her better than she was when she was the biggest bully in the whole school before Twilight and the Rainbooms taught her the value of friendship and helped her see the light. It took time for CHS to accept her and her apology, but she made it happen in the end. “Pipp. I think your idea is great. But be careful what you post. Some ponies might think of it as a sad or understanding post but others might not like it since you and your family lied to your subjects and followers that day, since you kept it a secret for who knows how long that is.” She advises them since that time in Zephyr Heights during their first adventure didn’t exactly leave without causing everypony to hate their royalties now after a whole lie. “Look. I gotta continue the search for Discord if we are ever going to get that Pegasus Crystal back. I got a lot in my head right now, but think about what you feel is right.” She gives her some advice on what to do, since she’s busy looking for Discord, she can’t lose her focus since Discord has that Pegasus Crystal and they need to get it back.

Pipp then thought of what Sunset just said as she took a breath. “Okay. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the advice, Sunset.” She said as she took flight.

Sunset sighs. “You’re welcome, Pipp!” She called while having a worried expression. “I hope you know when to make the right call.” She said to herself, hoping that Pipp makes the right decision her heart was telling her.

Some time later, Izzy is in her old home in Bridlewood, where she can do her Unicycle skills in private and not make a mess in the Brighthouse, and right now, she is using her Unicycling skills to put together something.

Pipp then pops up in front of her through the open window. “Izzy!” She called out.

“Agh!” Izzy got startled as she fell to the floor.

“It took me forever to find you!” Pipp added, stating that it took a while to find Izzy.

Izzy got up, some stuff on her mane, as she looked at Pipp. “Yeah, I came back to work on big crafts projects. I find La Villa Izzy ‘Creatively Stimulating’!” She told her reason that her home is the best place to work on her crafts projects.

“That’s great!” Pipp cheered. “Because I wanted to ask your opinion.” She said as Izzy then paid close attention to Pipp as she kept a cute smile on her face, lost in her own world as Pipp spoke. “I want to do a social media post about when everypony found out me, Zipp, and my mom lied about being able to fly. What do you think?” She asked Izzy.

“Um…” Izzy thought for a sec before answering with a smile. “That’s a great idea!” She cheerfully said as a rainbow appeared behind them as Izzy clapped her hooves.

“Really?!” Pipp hopefully asked with a smile as she clapped as well.

“Yes! It’s just so brave!” Izzy called out.

Pipp was confused when Izzy said that. “Brave? Why is it brave?” She asks, wanting to know why Izzy thinks it’s brave.

“I would never, ever want to tell 1.6 million ponies about the worst, most embarrassing, most horrible day of my life!” Izzy pointed out why it’s brave to share the most hard moment of your life to everypony.

“Oh, right.” Pipp said as she headed for the window, feeling more conflicted than before. “Well I, um, I should go. Bye!” She said to Izzy before flying out of her home.

“Bye, Pipp!” Izzy called out as she waved bye to Pipp who flew out.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, looking really downtrodden as ever as she is so conflicted as she heads to the door upstairs and knocks on the door as Zipp opens it.

“Pipp?” Zipp said as she hadn't seen her sister all day.

“Zipp! I need your opinion about my social media post!” Pipp frankently said.

“Ummm… Ooookay…” Zipp said as she is confused on why her sister would ask that.

“I want to get really, really real with my followers. I want to tell them about the day everypony learned we couldn’t fly.” Pipp explained, which caught Zipp by surprise.

“Whoa.” Zipp said as she was surprised that Pipp would want to get that real.

“Yes! I want to show everypony that it’s okay to feel scared or hurt, like I did.” Pip stated her reason.

Zipp then turned to the window as she looked on and thought of what Pipp just said as she spoke. “I mean, I think it’s a great idea, Pipp, but…” She stated while having second thoughts about Pipp’s idea.

“But what?!” Pipp cried out, wanting to know what her sister thinks.

Zipp then turned to her sister as she spoke. “I don’t know, you used to worry a lot about what other people thought about you.” She said, stating what her sister used to worry about.

“I still do! I mean, my online persona is part of who I am.” Pipp admittedly said.

“I know, and I’m afraid if everypony doesn’t respond nicely to your post, you might take it personally.” Zipp explained, stating that if her sister’s post doesn’t get nice responses, Pipp will be so sensitive to it.

“Of course I will!” Pipp exclaimed. “It’s extremely personal!” She pointed out.

“That’s my point.” Zipp said as she placed a hoof on her sister's cheek. “You know I’m all for being yourself, but maybe you should keep some distance between you and the Pippsqueaks, you know?” She said, suggesting that Pipp needs some time to herself and some distance away from her Pippsqueaks to clear her head.

Pipp sighs at this as she looks at her sister. “I suppose I see what you mean.” She said to her sister as she turned and walked away. “Goodnight, Zipp.” She said to her sister before heading to her bed.

“You too, Pipp.” Zipp said to her sister as she went to bed as well.

Sometime later at night, Pipp is looking at her laptop. Looking at the draft of the blog she made last night while feeling conflicted on what to do after hearing from her friends.

Pipp groans as she flop on the table, having a hard time to pick until she gives a determined look as she opens her draft and posts her blog into her social media.

Pipp waited five minutes as she saw the views going up to 48 and the hearts up to 27.

One day later, Pipp grew nervously, with Cloudpuff next to her when he came to visit, as the views went up to 102 while the hearts went up to 38, grewing nervous as she never expected her views to be this slow to receive.

One week later, Pipp is starting to have a teary breakdown as her views went up to 326 while the hearts went up to 92, seeing that her views shouldn’t be this slow.

“Bork?” Cloudpuff barked as he covered his eyes nervously as he had a feeling that Pipp was about to explode at any moment.

And then, Pipp then snapped. “What is happening?!” She cried out.

“Bork, bork, bork!” Cloudpuff barked from being startled by Pipp’s outburst as Pipp held Cloudpuff in front of her face.

“My post about Discord had over a hundred thousand views in five minutes! Why doesn’t anypony want to read this?!” Pipp cried out, having no idea why this new blog about how she felt when everypony learned she and her family couldn’t fly to get slower views than the Discord blog got more views in a short amount of time.

“Bork.” Cloudpuff barked as he placed one of his paws on her muzzle.

Pipp put Cloudpuff down as the dog flew in the air as Pipp typed in her laptop with teary eyes. “That’s it! Hitch, Sunset and Zipp were right! I’m deleting it.” She said tearfully as she moved her mouse to the delete button. But before she could press it, however, she got an email on her indox from the blog she posted, which surprised her to see a message as she moved the mouse and clicked on it as she read the message on it.

‘Dear Pipp, my name is Felicity. I’m a Unicorn, and my family just moved to Maretime Bay…’ Pipp read the message as she kept reading it while picturing the unicorn mare whose coat is green, her mane and tail is pink with a cutie mark that looks like a star while wearing glasses. ‘... I didn’t know what to expect. I’d never even seen the ocean, and I’d never talked to an Earth Pony. I wasn’t sure if I would fit in…’ Pipp started to feel bad for this unicorn as she kept reading it. ‘...Or if I’d be able to make any friends. I was scared that if I tried to talk to them, they’d think I was boring or weird. So I decided to make things up.’ That caught Pipp by surprise for that unicorn to make things up to make friends. ‘I told them about me, my family, and Bridlewood. But none of the stories I told were true. I told everypony that my hobbies were skydiving and surfing. I said my aunt was a princess and my grandma was a queen. I said I had two full-grown dragons as pets and a sphinx was my best friend. At one point, I even said Bridlewood was made of cotton candy.’ She read, while seeing how similar Felicity is compared to how her family lied to Zephyr Heights about being able to fly. ‘Everypony loved it… But none of it was true. I’ve never seen the ocean, I’m not royalty, I don’t know any dragons or sphinxes, Bridlewood is made of normal trees, and I hate, hate, hate heights.’ She read the part of how Felicity lied about this to make friends and how she never saw anything new outside of Bridlewood while being afraid of heights. ‘It didn’t take long for my new friends to figure out I was lying. Someone visited Bridlewood, and, well, you know what I said about the trees.’ Pipp then pictured one of Felicity’s new ponies friends eating a tree branch from Bridlewood, thinking it might have been cotton candy and figured they realized it’s not as she continued reading. ‘Everypony was really upset with me, but they weren’t just angry, they were hurt. They said if I’d told them the truth, we could've all stayed friends. But I hadn’t. I’ve been afraid I couldn’t make friends, but that day, I found out it’s even worse to make them and lose them.’ Pipp began to tear up as she understood how Felicity felt, feeling sorry for her for being afraid to make friends and losing them if the wrong choices were made as she continued reading the rest. ‘I thought I was the loneliest saddest pony in the world… Then I saw your post. You made me realize I wasn’t alone, not really. Sometimes we lie because we’re scared that our friends won’t accept us. What I did was wrong, but I knew that if you could admit the truth and work past the fear and sadness… So could I.’ Pipp read as she tearfully smiled at this message as her post has encouraged somepony to move past their fears and be brave to overcome them as she finished the last part of the message. ‘Thank you, from the Pippsqueak who thinks you’re the coolest pony ever. You helped me get my friends back. Love, Felicity.’ Pipp finished the message as she stared at it for a good long moment, taking in the message by heart as she has helped a pony make amends with her friends and overcome her fears.

After seeing the message, Pipp decided to leave her post as it is, not gonna delete something that helped a pony overcome their fears as she went to bed with a tired, but proud, smile on her face as she went to sleep.

The next morning, Pipp woke up and then grabbed her phone as she went to her live stream with a smile. “Gooooood morning, Pippsqueaks. I wanted to talk about a post I recently put up. Most of you probably haven’t seen it…” She said to her followers.

In the main room of the Brighthouse, the rest of the Mane 6 are watching Pipp’s live stream as they have proud smiled on their face, Zipp is more proud that her sister has done what she felt is right as Sunset is proud that Pipp has embrace the way she posted something she want real in as they listen to Pipp’s live stream.

“What you’re seeing right now is my authentic self, bedhead-mane and all. A little over a week ago, I showed another version of my authentic self.” Pipp said through the live stream on Sunny’s phone as the rest of the Mane 6 listened.

In Zephyr Heights, the Pegasi are watching Pipp’s live stream on the big screen.

“Part of me is the bubbly Pipp who loves to sing, dance, and talk to all of you.” Pipp said to the viewers.

The Unicorns in Bridlewood are listening to Pipp's live stream on their phones.

“But there’s another part of me. The Pipp who’s sometimes lonely, sad, and afraid. Who makes mistakes.” Pipp said the other part of her that she kept and shared it to her followers so they can know more about her.

In the Zephyr Height’s castle, Queen Haven is watching her daughter’s live stream on her laptop with Cloudpuff next to her as she gives a proud smile, proud that her daughter is sharing her feelings to her followers.

“Last night, I was afraid that you wouldn’t accept me the way I am. I thought maybe I should do a better job of hiding it.” Pipp said to her viewers as her mother continued to watch her daughter’s speech.

At someplace in Maretime Bay, Felicity and her friends are watching Pipp’s live stream through her phone.

“Shout-out to Felicity for reminding me that who I am--everything part of me--” Pipp said to her views as Felicity smiled, then looked at her friends huddled close to her as they smiled back to her as Pipp continued. “--is enough. Love you Pippsqueaks. Keep doing what you do best: Being you.” She said to her Pippsqueaks to keep being themselves and not something they should hide behind, and embrace who they are.

“All of you. Pipp, Pipp, hooray!” Pipp ended her live stream as she put her phone down and walk out of her room as she gave off a happy look, glad to have embrace of who she is and to show ponies that there’s no need to be afraid hide and be alone as long as you embrace you are and that friends will always be there for you as long as you tell them about your true self.

But what Pipp didn’t notice as she walked out, is that her laptop has gotten a new message, and it was from Discord himself, apparently having read Pipp’s post and her live stream and left a message for her.

End of Issue 4.