The Jedi Prince II: Trials of the Force

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Freemakers Arrive
Chapter 2: Lesson Zero
Chapter 4: Ponyville Confidential
Chapter 5: A Canterlot Wedding - Part I
Chapter 6: A Canterlot Wedding - Part II
Chapter 7: Mission to Christophsis
Chapter 8: The Crystal Empire - Part I
Chapter 9: The Crystal Empire - Part II
Chapter 10: The CMCs’ First Offworld Adventure
Chapter 11: The Final Trial
Chapter 12: Magical Mystery Cure
Chapter 13: A Honeymoon and a Visit to Dagobah
Chapter 14: Duel on Scarif
Chapter 3: Holiday Party at the Castle

Chapter 1: The Freemakers Arrive

In the space above Cato Neimoidia, a squadron of TIE fighters was pursuing a CT-900 freighter towards the Imperial blockade. On the bridge were three human siblings, a reprogrammed B1 battle droid, and a green and white R4 unit astromech droid, they were carrying salvage leftover from the Clone War, along with two astromech droids, a WAC pit droid, and a repurposed B2 super battle droid operated by the Zilkin Lieutenant General Meebur Gascon.

“Zander, the shields won’t hold for long!” the middle sibling said.

“Don’t worry, Kordi. I’ll get us out of here,” Zander replied.

“Where are we headed, anyways?” the pit droid asked.

“We’re headed to a remote planet in Wild Space to bring this salvage to our client, he’s a Jedi,” ROG-R replied.

“Thank you for getting us out of there, Freemakers,” General Gascon said, “Good to see you functioning again, BZ.”

M5-BZ just beeped and whistled with happiness.

“Don’t thank us yet, General,” Zander replied.

It wasn’t long before they made the jump into hyperspace. Soon enough, the Freemakers reached the planet of Equestria. Shortly after entering the atmosphere, they landed on the side of the mountain where Canterlot was. The Freemakers, along with D-Squad unloaded the salvage from Cato Neimoidia and met up with their client, who revealed himself to be Blaze Ando.

“We’ve got the materials you asked for, Master Ando,” Zander said.

“Good work, Freemakers,” Blaze replied.

It wasn’t long before Cody and his friends came to check on the shipment. It was then that the Freemakers and D-Squad met Cody, Twilight, and their friends.

“Good to finally meet you personally, Freemakers and D-Squad. I’m Cody Ando and this is my girlfriend, Twilight Sparkle and our friends, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Sal, and Bucky,” Cody said, “Girls, Sal, and Bucky, this is Lieutenant General Meebur Gascon, Corporal WAC-47, QT-KT, U9-C4, and M5-BZ of D-Squad, and these are Zander, Kordi, and Rowan Freemaker, along with their droid, ROG-R.”

“Good to meet you all and welcome to Equestria,” Twilight greeted.

“Good to meet all of you too,” General Gascon replied.

“How’d you all like a tour of Canterlot?” Cody asked.

“Sure,” ROG-R replied.

It was then that Cody, Twilight, and their friends began showing the Freemakers and D-Squad around the city. After showing them everything in the streets, Harmony Squad led the Freemakers and D-Squad to the castle. Upon entry, the Freemakers and D-Squad marveled at the castle’s interior. As everyone walked along, the Freemakers and D-Squad noticed the stained glass windows, particularly the most recent one depicting Discord’s second defeat.

“Good thing you came when you did, because it was crazy here, and I mean like chaotic,” Twilight said.

“What do you mean?” Zander asked.

“You see, earlier today, we were up against a powerful ancient being called Discord. He’s the Lord of Chaos and he made a wacky mess of Canterlot and Ponyville. He is also an old enemy of my mom and aunt as they first defeated him over a thousand years ago,” Cody replied, “I knew something about the bizarre happenings he caused seemed familiar to me.”

“How so?” Zander asked.

“I read about something like that documented in ancient Jedi texts,” Cody replied, “According to them, Discord had also been wreaking havoc elsewhere in the galaxy, since he had encounters with the Jedi. Also according to ancient records, he used to be a Sith Lord before being excommunicated by Darth Bane when he created the Rule of Two.”

“Interesting,” General Gascon replied.

“How did Discord even return in the first place?” Rowan asked.

“Since the Elements of Harmony are now connected to us, Princesses Celestia and Luna lost their connection which is what enabled him to break free from his stone prison,” Twilight replied.

“That and my brother, Rex’s girlfriends were bickering on a school field trip to the sculpture garden earlier today. Apparently, he was able to sense disharmony enough to break free as well,” Cody added.

“What were these bizarre events that Cody heard about in the old Jedi texts?” Rowan asked.

“He created some crazy weather, such as cotton candy clouds and chocolate milk rain. He also caused the Apple family’s cornfield to pop. According to Cody, the Jedi encountered phenomena similar to and not limited to what we saw at Sweet Apple Acres,” Rainbow said.

“How strange,” Kordi replied.

“Very strange, but also very delicious,” Pinkie added.

“How’d you all like to see Ponyville next?” Twilight asked.

“Sure,” Kordi replied.

It was then that Twilight and Sunset teleported themselves and everyone else to Ponyville. There, Cody and his squad showed the Freemakers and D-Squad around the town.

“This looks like a nice town,” WAC said. BZ, QT, and C4 beeped and whistled in agreement.

Meanwhile, at the lake, Cody’s younger brother, Rex was swimming with his three girlfriends. Scootaloo wore a red swimsuit, while Rex wore his black swim trunks. Apple Bloom was wearing a pale green swimsuit, floating comfortably on a ducky inner tube as Scootaloo jumped into the lake with a large splash. Scootaloo then surfaced and squirted some water at Apple Bloom, making the yellow filly laugh. Sweetie Belle was just reclining at the lake’s edge as she wore a distinctive pink swimsuit.

“Sweetie Belle, come on and swim with us,” Rex called out.

“You want to?” Scootaloo asked.

“Look out below!” Sweetie Belle said with a smirk as she jumped in.

The four of them playfully splashed each other. Rex then surprised Apple Bloom by pushing her off the tube. She then playfully splashed him in response.

After swimming for a two more hours, the CMC came out of the lake and dried off. They returned to town where Cody, Twilight, and their friends were hanging out with D-Squad and the Freemakers.

“Hey, Cody. Hi, Twilight and everyone,” Rex greeted.

“Hey, Rex,” Cody said.

“Hi, Rex,” Twilight added.

“Who are all you guys?” Rex asked.

“I’m Lieutenant General Meebur Gascon and this is my squad, WAC-47, U9-C4, QT-KT, and M5-BZ,” the Zilkin replied.

“These our new friends, ROG-R, Zander, Kordi, and Rowan Freemaker,” WAC added.

“Good to meet you all,” Rex said.

Harmony Squad and the CMCs got to know D-Squad and the Freemakers as they told each other about each other’s adventures and struggles. They mingled for two hours at Sugarcube Corner while enjoying some pastries.

“Sorry to hear that you were evicted from your quarters at the Wheel,” Cody said, “You’re welcome to stay here as long as long as you wish.”

“Thanks, Cody,” Zander replied.

Soon enough, Harmony Squad took the Freemakers and D-Squad back to Canterlot. There, they showed them to some of the castle’s guest rooms.

Chapter 2: Lesson Zero

Early morning

Twilight and Cody were getting ready for another busy day.

“Quill,” said Twilight.

“Check,” Spike replied.

“Parchment,” said Twilight.

“Check,” said Spike.

“Extra ink,” said Twilight as she hovered the bottle above Spike.

“Check”

“Extra extra ink,” Twilight called out as she hovered another bottle above Spike.

“Check”

“Is that everything on the checklist?” said Twilight as she and Cody set the items on their desk. There before them was plenty of parchment (or paper), three jars of ink, and four quills. Spike continued to check off the items, but feels a bit concerned as Twilight and Cody walked by.

“Great,” said Twilight, “Now that we’ve completed the checklist of things we need to create checklist, we can make our checklist of the things we have to get done by the end of the day. Ready?”

“Ready!” said Spike with a quill raised in the air and ready to go. R5 beeps in agreement.

“Item 1: Create checklist of the things I have to accomplish by the end of the day,” said Twilight with a toothy grin. Spike just sighed as Twilight and Cody just looked at him curiously, not really understanding what the big deal was.

It wasn’t much longer before Cody, Twilight, and Spike were making their way through Ponyville. Spike was dragging a long checklist behind him as they went along.

“How are we doing, Spike?” Twilight asked as Spike examined the long list before him.

“Let’s see...we’ve already dropped off your cape at the cleaners, returned the blackboard you borrowed from Cheerilee, ordered new parchment and quills from that stationery shop...” Spike replied as he read the long checklist.

“You make really long lists sometimes, Twily,” Cody remarked.

“Hmm...Seems like we just placed an order for those a few days ago,” said Twilight curiously.

“Can’t imagine why we go through so many of them,” Spike remarked, clearly not hiding his sarcasm.

“Sounds like we’re ahead of schedule,” said Twilight, “what’s next?” Spike checked the list again.

“Cupcakes!” he announced excitedly. It wasn’t much longer before they headed inside of Sugarcube Corner. There before them was a baby blue colored box that had several cupcakes inside of it.

“Whoa...” said Spike as his mouth watered at the sight of all the tasty treats. Then Cody and Twilight noticed something in particular.

“Uh, we only ordered twelve,” Twilight pointed out.

“There’s thirteen of them,” Cody added.

“Oh, I know, dears,” Mrs. Cake replied a she walked out with a tray of treats, “But I had an extra. So I thought I’d make it a baker’s dozen.” She then made her way back into the kitchen with two sets of baked goods all packed up.

“Uhhh-no!” Spike yelped as he was continuing to stare at the cupcakes before Twilight pulled him away.

“Oh, that was very thoughtful of you,” said Twilight, “It’s just that some of the icing from the extra cupcake is getting all over the one next to it. See?” Twilight pointed at the two cupcakes as Mrs. Cake looked as well.

“Ohh...sure...” said Mrs. Cake slowly. Thought one could argue she only said that because of the old saying: the customer is always right. Before Mrs. Cake could say anything further, Twilight grabbed an icing spatula from the back wall.

“Not to worry, I’ll just move some of this to...hmm...” Twilight answered as she tried to move the icing about herself, “...I think I may have scooped too much...oops! Now those two have more. Let’s just try this again...” As Twilight tried to “fix” the icing herself, Mrs. Cake just watched Twilight with an uneasy expression as frosting began to splatter about. Even Cody and Spike were making worried faces as Twilight continued to shift the icing about, eventually getting a huge SPLAT of frosting to the baby dragon’s face. Things felt a slightly awkward when Twilight’s face made twitch as a sign of a pony who was clearly being way too paranoid.

“It’s getting worse,” Spike thought worriedly.

“...Hmm...no, that won’t do,” Twilight said aloud as she continued “fixing” the icing, “Let me just...hmm...put some here, and...no, that’s not right. A little more on this one...a little bit...and wait...I’ll just...ooh, a little bit more here, and here, and...perfect!” When Twilight had finished, all the cupcakes had, in her eyes, the right amount of icing, which was just a small little dab in the center. The rest of the icing had flown off, some on Mrs. Cake while Spike was now completely covered in it from head to toe.

“Hmm, oh yea...” said Mrs. Cake wearily, “...much better...”

“Okay,” said Twilight as she put the top on the box and used her magic to carry it away, “time to tackle the next item on our...oops!” Twilight then noticed Spike covered in the frosting. “Looks like we’re going to have to add “give a baby dragon a bath” to our list.” Spike then extended his tongue and with a spin twirl, slurped up the icing and licked himself clean.

“Very efficient!” said Twilight as they left Sugarcube Corner and she carried Spike piggyback, “And a little bit gross.”

“Not if you aren’t sweating,” Cody pointed out.

“Eh,” Spike responded with a shoulder shrug.

Once they had returned to the Library, they headed upstairs as Spike was looking over the checklist once more.

“Looks like that’s everything!” Spike told her.

“Almost everything,” Twilight told him as Spike noticed something at the bottom of the now rolled up checklist.

“Triple-check checklist to make sure we didn’t miss anything when we double checked the checklist!” Spike read aloud, “Uh...check!” Spike went to make the check when he flinched painfully as he dropped the quill, showing that his claw was now glowing a red.

“Ugh...I’ve been holding that quill so long, I’ve got a claw cramp!” said Spike before wrapping up his hurting hand/claw up in some bandages as Twilight was looking at her cupcakes, “Well good thing we don’t have anything to report to Princess Celestia this week...I don’t think I could write another word!” Twilight then froze as if her heart had skipped a beat.

“We haven’t send a letter to Princess Celestia this week?!” Twilight exclaimed in a panic.

“Why? Is that bad?” Spike asked casually.

“Bad? BAD? Of course it’s bad!” Twilight snapped, getting into Spike’s face so quickly that his arms went into the air, sending the bandage on his claw to go flying off behind him, “I’m...that is…we...are supposed to send Princess Celestia a letter every week, telling her about a lesson we’ve learned about friendship! Not every other week, not every ten days, every...single...week!” Twilight didn’t hesitate to poke the dragon’s chest and got right into his face again as she explained the situation.

“Huh?” said Spike puzzled. But Twilight was already tossing about various books near her desk.

“Ohh...Where’s my calendar, where my calendar?” Twilight asked frantically as she searched about.

“Where it...always is?” Spike remarked as he walked over a drawer on the other side of the room and pulled it out. Twilight then grabbed the calendar with her magic and pulled it toward her desk, causing Spike to smack into the side of it.

“When did we send the last one?” Twilight asked as she flipped through the pages.

“Last...Tuesday?” Spike answered as he lay on the ground on his back.

“And today is...” said Twilight as she finally found the current date in her calendar book.

“Tuesday?” Spike answered again as Twilight’s head shot up from the calendar in full panic, her face twitching from shock, making a face similar to Pinkie when the pink pony was suffering from depression.

“Argh! Nononononononono!” Twilight exclaimed as she rushed up another set of stairs to look outside as the sun took a single step across the sky from east to west, “If I don’t send a letter by sundown, I’ll be...TARDY!” Twilight looked rather panicked.

“What’s that now?” Spike asked as Twilight plopped onto her bed.

“Tar-dy, Spike!” Twilight repeated with a groan, “Late, I’ll be late! How could I let this happen? I’m usually so organized. I’ve never been late with an assignment.” Twilight then grabbed her blanket and wrapped herself inside it like a cocoon, her body trembling a bit.

“Oh please!” said Spike as he stood nearby before pulling off the blanket and heading downstairs, “You are the most studious students ever! I’m sure the Princess will forgive you if you two miss one deadline!” Twilight just looked down from above as she sat on her bed.

“I’m afraid to take that chance, Spike,” Twilight replied before teleporting to Spike and getting in his face again, “This is the ruler of all of Equestria we’re talking about. The pony who holds our fate in her hands! What if she doesn’t forgive me?”

“My mom is a very forgiving pony,” Cody said.

“Yeah...I don’t think she-”

“What if instead she starts thinking I’m not taking my studies on friendship seriously?” Twilight interrupted, getting more and more anxious as she paces about the room.

“Why would she-” Spike tried to speak again.

“What if she makes me come back to Canterlot and puts me back in school and makes me prove I’ve been taking them seriously by giving me a test?!” Twilight continued, cutting Spike off again, “What if I don’t pass?!” Spike just glared and shook his head at her.

“You’ve always passed tests my mom gave you, Twilight,” Cody said.

“Well, why wouldn’t you pass-”

“She’s my teacher,” Twilight exclaimed, getting in his face and then hopped forward, “Do you what teachers do to students who don’t pass? They send them back a grade! But she won’t just sent me back a grade. She’ll send me back to...magic kindergarten.” Spike just facepalmed himself as Twilight began to vision herself in the middle of kindergarten classroom and all the young fillies were laughing at her. Twilight was just sitting on the floor with an expression of dread and fear on her face, her body trembling once more.

“Twilight? Twilight!” Spike called out to her, shaking her to snap Twilight’s out of it.

“Huh?” Twilight remarked as her mind is now back in reality.

“You’re overreacting, Twilight,” Cody said, “If we just write to my mom that we don’t have a friendship report today, I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!” Spike told her sternly, “You’re not going to be sent back to magic kindergarten.”

“You’re right,” said Twilight as she stood up, “I have no reason to worry. Because I’m going to solve a friend’s problem and get that letter to Princess Celestia before sundown!” Spike just sighed to himself as he slumped forward.

“So...got any problems, troubles, conundrums or any sort of issues, major or minor, that I, as a good friend, could help you solve?” Twilight asked with a big smile.

“Huh. Hmm. Huunh. Huh...I got nothin’,” said Spike after some deep pondering, leaving Twilight a bit dejected...for a moment before she sighed.

“Then it looks like I’m going to have to find somepony who does,” said Twilight before taking her leave.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Cody replied, following her.

Spike just sighed to himself. “This won’t end well,” he muttered.

Just outside the Library, Twilight was feeling confident, while Cody felt unsure.

“You’ve got this, Twilight. You still have plenty of time to get that letter to Princess Celestia! Has to be somepony who needs the help of a good friend!” she said to herself.

“Now hold on there. Since when did Mom say we had to deliver a letter each week?” Cody asked.

“Uh...that’s what we’ve been doing this whole time...” Twilight said slowly.

“According to her instructions, Mom said we must report to her our findings on the magic of friendship here in Ponyville. She never said we must report to her our findings on the magic of friendship here in Ponyville every week.” Cody pointed out.

“Well we did make a nice little routine of sending her a letter every week since we’ve got here,” Twilight replied quickly, “Don’t you think she’s gonna be a little concerned if we skip a week?”

“The weekly deadline doesn’t exist. Sure we’ve made a habit of sending them weekly, but friendship problems aren’t issues that appear on routine like that,” Cody said.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” somepony screamed.

“Rarity!” said Twilight, getting stars in her eyes.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKK!” Rarity screamed some more as Twilight kicked open the front door.

“Don’t worry, Rarity!” said Twilight, “We’re here!” Rarity was just on a display stage sobbing.

“Why me-e-e-e-e-ee...” Rarity moaned dramatically and then gasped, “WHYYYY?! Why? Why-y?! And of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” Rarity continued to cry while Twilight was actually smiling excitedly. This was exactly what she had been looking for.

“What’s happened?” Twilight asked, trying to show concern, “Are you alright?”

Rarity gasped again. “I’ve lost my diamond-encrusted purple ribbon!” Rarity told her with pouty lips, “I have searched high, and I have searched low. Low and high! High and low! But I can’t find it anywhere! Anywhere-e-e-e-ere! How can I possibly finish my latest creation if I can’t find it?!” Rarity then summoned her chaise sofa and continued to sob. Twilight seemed more overjoyed about the problem than she should have been, even rubbing her hands with anticipation.

“Never fear, Rarity,” said Twilight, “As you friend, I’ll do my best to help you fi-”

“Oh, there it is,” said Rarity, calming down instantly as she found her ribbon nearby, picked it up, and got back to work. Twilight and Cody seemed a bit stunned.

“So...you just lost your ribbon?” said Twilight slowly.

“Mm-hm!” Rarity answered as she examined the ribbon with her magic.

“But now you’ve found it?” Twilight added in the same tone.

“Yeah-huh,” said Rarity as she used some scissors to cut the ribbon into pieces.

“And nothing else is bothering you?” Twilight asked next, “Nothing that I, a good friend, could help you with?” Twilight couldn’t help but give her starry-eyed smile.

“Hmm...there is one thing,” said Rarity, giving Twilight some large eyes and pouty lips.

“Yes?” Twilight asked eagerly. even leaning forward to the point that her hind legs were in the air.

“I think I left my measuring tape under the fabric over there,” said Rarity, “Could you get that for me?” Twilight just sighed to herself.

“Measuring tape?” Twilight said half-heartedly, “Sure.” Rarity took notice of Twilight’s tone.

“This was too easy,” Cody remarked.

“Twilight? Cody? Is there something bother-Twilight?” By the time Rarity turned around, Twilight had already left.

The sun took another step across the sky as Cody and Twilight were once again walking through the town.

“No need to panic,” Twilight told herself, “Rarity is just one pony. I’m sure one of our other friends will need me.”

It was then Rainbow, wearing some safety goggles, was seen making various grunts and kai noises as she karate kicked the wooden wall of a barn, then smashed through the other side. Some broken wood shards stuck to her blue fur, but she quickly shook them off before air diving at the barn once again. Applejack, stationed in an underground bunker wearing a red helmet, crouched down and covered her head as the impact shook her up a bit. Rainbow then karate chopped some more wood planks and beams, even tearing a plank of wood off with her hands and tossing it away. Cody and Twilight happened the walking down a path when the wood plank landed before her, startling them.

“What in the world...?” Twilight exclaimed as she and Cody saw Rainbow charging and smashing the barn, “Rainbow must be angry with Applejack! She must hate her guts! How wonderful!”

Twilight gets her starry smile before taking off toward Rainbow. The blue pony was about to make another charge when...

“Rainbow Dash! Stop!” Twilight called out, causing the blue pony to come to a halt. Rainbow then found out that her tail was being held in the air by Twilight’s magic. The purple pony approached her before Rainbow could respond.

“Listen, Rainbow,” said Twilight, “I know you’re upset with Applejack, but don’t worry. Whatever it is that has come between you two, I’m sure that I, as a good friend, can help you resolve your problems.” That was then Twilight let go of Rainbow’s tail, making the blue Pegasus hit the ground with a THUD.

“Uh, what are you talking about?” Rainbow asked puzzled.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, you don’t have to hide your feelings from me!” said Twilight as she rubbed the blue pony’s shoulder, “I can tell you two must’ve had a terrible fight.”

Rainbow was still puzzled before she found herself sitting in a therapy sofa. Twilight had found herself a pair of glasses to wear and had tied her mane into a bun and used her magic to hold a clipboard. Cody blushed at seeing her like this as he thought she looked cute in it.

“Now, why don’t you tell me all about your issues with Applejack,” said Twilight gently, patting Rainbow on the head.

“I don’t have any issues with Applejack,” Rainbow said plainly.

“You don’t?” Twilight asked puzzled.

“Then why are you destroying her property?” Cody added, equally puzzled.

“Because she asked me to,” Rainbow answered as she sat up, “Right Applejack?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Applejack agreed as she lifted her helmet off her head, “Sal and I wanted to put up a new barn, but this one’s gotta come down first. Hehe. Now get back to it, R.D.” Applejack put her helmet back on and ducked back into the ditch.

“You got it, boss!” Rainbow called out and started to ascend into the sky.

“I’d take cover if I were you,” said Applejack. Cody and Twilight just looked puzzled as the orange pony ducked down. The couple then noticed that as Rainbow flew high into the sky she began to air dive right at the barn, giving a loud battle cry.

“Hit the dirt!” Cody shouted.

Twilight yelped as they ducked into the ditch. A few seconds later...

BOOOOOOOOOM! RAINBOW ‘SPLOSION!

Large amounts of rubble and dirt landed right on top of Cody and the ponies. Applejack just quickly popped out of a pile of rubble with huge smile on her face and jumped out of the ditch. Twilight and Cody just popped out with a sigh before heading on their way. The rubble had messed up her mane and tail, as well as Cody’s hair slightly, but Twilight was too focused on her own mission to care.

The clock continued to tick (metaphorically) as the sun made another step across the sky as Twilight and Cody made their way toward Fluttershy’s cottage.

“I can’t believe I wasted all that time,” said Twilight with a sigh, “I should have just come here first. Fluttershy always has some fear she’s trying to get over. As a good friend, I’ll be able to help her.”

Cody and Twilight walked around the house to see Fluttershy standing before a bear. The bear roared as Fluttershy ran under his legs to get away, the bear looked under for a second before Fluttershy grunted as she give the bear a hard karate kick, knocking the bear into his back and pulling his hind leg from behind making the bear groan in pain and pound his fists on the ground.

“Fluttershy?” said Twilight in deep shock.

Fluttershy then did a stomp attack on the bears back. The bear just began cry for mercy. Twilight’s jaw literally dropped as Fluttershy twisted the bear’s neck aggressively and then flipped the bear into his back for the victory. Cody and Twilight just couldn’t believe what they had seen.

“How can this be happening?” said Twilight, still in disbelief, “Of all the days she had to stop being such a scardy pony, she had to pick today?! What am I going to do?!” Twilight just walked sadly away, with Cody alongside her. If they had stayed a few seconds longer, they would have seen that the bear had enjoyed the tussle.

“You really should have come to me sooner,” said Fluttershy as she gently rubbed his back, “you were carrying so much tension in that shoulder.” The bear just growled contently with its tongue was hanging out of its mouth.

With opportunities to help her friends non-existent, Twilight was now laying down on a park bench with her tail tucked between her legs as she brushed it with one of her hands. Cody felt great concern for his girlfriend.

“It’s fine, It’ll all be fine. The day isn’t over yet,” Twilight told herself before she sat up and looked at the sun in the sky, “But it will be over soon!” The sun inched closer to the western horizon and more clock ticking could heard. Twilight groaned as she sat on the bench.

“It’ll all be over!” said Twilight as she looked at herself in a puddle of water and tears began to fall from her eyes, “My time in Ponyville! My advanced studies!” Twilight then tried to recompose herself.

“Nono,” Twilight told her reflection as she rubbed her hands, “You’re a good student. You can do this.” She gave herself a fist pump to emphasize her point.

“Ooh! But what if I can’t?” said Twilight’s reflection with a fearful and worried look on her face.

“You can!” Twilight told her reflection, which was on the verge of tears, “You just need to keep it together. Keep. It. Together!” Twilight sternly stared at her reflection as she leaned her face at the water when Spike came along carrying a package with R5 beside him.

“Are you talking to...yourself?” Spike asked uneasily. He slowly walked up and waved his hand over her face since Cody and Twilight were too in the moment to reply, “Twilight?” Twilight just blinked before she sat up. She soon noticed some little fillies just laughing at the distance, making her left ear impulsively twitch. The foals suddenly turned into dark shadows that started laughing at her, making her stare blankly at them until Spike burst Twilight’s little bubble.

“Snap out of it!” Spike yelled sternly.

“Huh?” Twilight just sat on the ground on her back, her mane and tail looking even more frazzled.

“Are you two okay?” Spike asked with concern. Twilight just shook her head a bit, still looking at the three fillies, who were just jumping rope and playing together.

“Not quite, Spike. I can’t seem to calm Twilight down from her overreacting,” Cody replied.

“Twilight, I’m really worried,” said Spike since Twilight still wasn’t listening to him and was blinking, rubbing her eyes, blinked again, and just sat facing away from him with a slight wobble to her stance, “I mean this letter thing is really getting to you. Here. You’ve been so anxious all day that you completely forgot about the picnic. Why don’t you try to relax and go hang out with-”

“The picnic,” Twilight exclaimed, nearly doing a one-eighty of her head and startled Spike as she grabbed the box with her magic, “I should go see my friends!” Twilight then took off to meet the other ponies.

“Twilight, wait up!” Cody called out, trying to keep up.

“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses,” said Spike with some relief, but inwardly was a little worried.

“Can you believe her, R5?” he asked turning to the astromech droid. R5 just gave puzzled beeps and whistles.

In another part of the park, Pinkie happily bounced over with her own little picnic basket. As she set the basket down and removed the checkered cloth, some balloons popped out and carried the basket high into the sky. Fluttershy and Bucky just watched the balloons disappear as Pinkie gave them a puzzled look. Meanwhile, Sal and Applejack were laying out their picnic cloth for their lunch and Rainbow, wearing some sunglasses, was busy putting on some sunscreen. Sunset had come to visit and was looking forward to seeing Cody and Twilight again, the thought of Cody made her blush. Rarity was busy shuffling through her own basket.

“Please tell me I did not forget the plates,” said Rarity and gasped when she realized she had, “I did. I totally forgot them. Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” Fluttershy just made an unamused face as Rarity summoned her chaise sofa and threw herself on it to cry.

“Oh why, why, why...” Rarity sobbed until she noticed everyone is either just staring or glaring at her, “...Uh...What? You didn’t expect me to lay on the grass, did you?” The others just gave her more stares and skeptical looks. Rainbow lowered her shades and looks up to see...Cody and Twilight?!

Twilight just gave them a maniacal smile, her mane and tail looking even more frazzled. Everyone just looked at her uneasily as they stood side by side.

“Good to see you, Sunset,” Cody greeted.

“You alright, hun?” Applejack asked as she took a step forward.

“No! I am not alright,” said Twilight loudly with large eyes. The five ponies and two boys all chatter about with each other in worry and shock.

“It’s just terrible,” Twilight told them with her head down.

“Yes?” the other ponies and boys said at once, leaning forward.

“Simply awful,” said Twilight worried.

“Yes!?” the other ponies and boys asked, leaning forward again.

“It’s the most horrific trouble I’ve ever been in and I really, really, really need your help!” Twilight pleaded.

“YES!?” the other ponies and boys repeated, now feeling very worried and concerned.

“My...Our...letter to Princess Celestia is almost overdue,” Twilight told them, pressing both her hands to her head and looking at them with worried eyes, “And we haven’t learned anything about friendship!” Sal, Bucky, and the mares just breathed a huge sigh of relief and smile to each other.

“I tried to reason with Twilight and calm her down, but she wouldn’t listen,” Cody added.

“Oh thank goodness. I thought something really awful had happened.” Fluttershy replied.

Twilight was taken aback, making a groan that sounded like she was being strangled. She immediately teleported to Rainbow, who turned away in annoyance.

“Something awful has happened!” Twilight exclaimed before teleporting to Rarity, making the marshmallow pony do a spit take, “If I don’t turn in the letter on time, I’ll be tardy!” Twilight then teleported towards Applejack as she knelt on her knees.

“TARDY!” Twilight cried out in desperation. Cody just looked rather worried as the other girls, Sal, and Bucky just started to laugh at her. They felt rather angry as her cheeks turned slightly red.

“Twilight, you’re not gonna be tardy. You’re a great student, like me,” Sunset said reassuringly.

“No offense, sugarcubes, but it looks like somepony’s gettin’ themselves all worked up for nothin’!” said Applejack as she gently pushed Twilight away.

“This is not nothing,” Twilight snapped before she swatted Applejack’s hands away from her, “This is everything.” Twilight then scurried across the picnic blanket, moving from Rainbow to Fluttershy.

“I need you guys to help me find somepony with a problem I can fix before sundown!” Twilight cried out as she stopped moving about then glared sternly at Pinkie, “My whole life depends on it!”

“Oh, Twilight, you’re such a crack-up!” Pinkie giggled before she started to laugh.

“Come on now,” said Applejack as Twilight just glared at the others, “Have a seat and stop sweatin’ the small stuff.”

“Relax, you two,” Sal added.

“Ugh...UGH!” Twilight groaned in annoyance twice before taking off and teleporting away.

“Wow, I’ve never seen Twilight so upset before,” Fluttershy told the others.

“Oh, what a drama queen,” said Rarity, earning the marshmallow pony some dirty looks, “Mm, relatively speaking...” Rarity chuckled sheepishly as she looked away. It was then the six girls, Sal, and Bucky noticed that Cody looked rather upset himself.

“Hey, don’t let Twilight get you all tied up in a knot, pal,” Bucky told him.

“You don’t understand. She thinks that if she doesn’t send a letter to my mom by sundown, she’ll be sent back to Canterlot, given a test and not able to pass, then pushed back several grades all the way to magic kindergarten,” Cody replied.

“That’s crazy talk!” Sunset said, “Princess Celestia would never do that, she’s a very forgiving mare.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying,” Cody replied before turning to the others, “Sunset and I have seen Twilight overreact before, but we take her feelings seriously. Good friends should always take each other’s feelings seriously, even if they make a big deal about minor issues and clearly, you didn’t!”

“You should be ashamed of yourselves!” Sunset added.

“Now, I want you all to please apologize to Twilight before she does something insane,” Cody finished.

It wasn’t long before the Thrace brothers and the six ponies accompanied Cody back to the library. Once inside, Cody went up to the bedroom and found Twilight gone insane due to her panic attack.

“Clock is ticking, Twilight. Clock. Is Ticking,” Twilight told herself, making the face of a pony gone mad.

“No offense, Twily, but you don’t look so good,” Cody said.

“Keep it together,” Twilight said, ignoring Cody as she paced about her and Cody’s room and then saw her blue chest, “If I can’t find a friendship problem...I’ll make a friendship problem!”

“Twilight, listen to yourself! What you’re considering is completely insane! Nothing is going to happen if you don’t submit that letter. There was nothing in the instructions that we had to do this weekly. You’re not missing an assignment and you’re not tardy!” Cody replied.

“Why? You have a friendship problem for me?” Twilight asked frantically.

“Sort of, our friends are just downstairs and they have something to say to you,” Cody replied.

Cody and Twilight came downstairs, where their friends were waiting for them.

“We all saw that you were upset, Twilight,” Fluttershy spoke up.

“But we thought that the thing you were worrying about wasn’t worth worrying about,” Rainbow said.

“So when you ran off all worked up, not a single one of us tried to stop you,” Applejack added.

“As your good friends, we should have taken your feelings seriously and been there for you!” Rarity continued.

“Please don’t be mad at us just because we were too insensitive to help you,” Fluttershy pleaded.

“We’re sorry, Twilight,” everyone finished together.

“Can you forgive us?” Sal and Bucky asked in unison.

“We forgive you, everyone,” Cody replied.

“Maybe we should write to Princess Celestia telling her what you all learned,” Sunset suggested.

“Good thinking, Sunset,” Twilight said, turning to Spike, “Spike, take a letter.” Spike nodded in response, then started writing.

“Dear Mom…” Cody began.

“We’re writin’ to you because today we all learned a little somethin’ about friendship.” Applejack said.

“We learned that you should take your friends’ worries seriously.” Fluttershy added.

“Even if you don’t think that she has anything to worry about.” Rainbow continued.

“And that you shouldn’t let your worries turn a small problem...” Rarity said.

“...into an enormously huge problem.” Pinkie interjected.

Signed, your loving son, Cody and your loyal subjects. Cody finished.

“P.S.” Spike began as he went to write his own opinion, “Obviously Spike did not have to learn a lesson, because he is the best, most awesome friend a pony could ask for. Unlike everypony else, he took things seriously and-”

“Ahem,” Cody interrupted indignantly as Twilight walked up to Spike shaking her head. The baby dragon lifted his head to see everypony giving him dirty looks.

“Eheh...uh...yeah...” Spike stuttered, “I’ll just...um...” Spike marked a large X over what he wrote, making the others laugh. Spike just glared at them, snorting through his nose.

Chapter 4: Ponyville Confidential

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 5: A Canterlot Wedding - Part I

Not too long after Cody and the Thrace brothers had their 18th birthdays, it was a beautiful spring day in Ponyville park. A pair of butterflies flew by as Cody, Sal, Bucky, and the Mane 6 were enjoying a nice, quiet picnic together.

“Ahh!” Rarity sighed contently, wearing a sunhat and pink neck scarf around her neck as Fluttershy was enjoying munching on some of the goodies they had brought to eat. In the distance, a familiar baby dragon and astromech droid were heading in their direction.

“It is gorgeous out,” said Rarity, “Just gorgeous!” Fluttershy looked up and smiled in agreement.

“I know,” Cody replied as he sat next to Twilight and giving her a glance.

“I meant the surroundings and the sky, not Twilight, Cody,” Rarity teased as Twilight rolled her eyes.

“I know, I know,” Cody remarked indignantly as the others snickered to each other. Spike was continuing to run and approach them. As he and R5 got closer, Rainbow was enjoying her sandwich and Applejack slurped her drink. Spike made a leap over a small stream as he came within range of the group’s picnic blanket. Twilight pulled out an apple and went to take a bite.

“Twi...light!” Spike panted as he arrived and came up to her, making the purple pony drop her apple, “...I...have...Lemme just...” Fluttershy and Rarity looked at Spike with worry as he went to take a deep breath. Spike then gave a loud belch, producing a scroll. Twilight wasted no time using her magic to pick it up and unrolled it.

“Dear Twilight and Cody,” the purple pony read aloud as Cody read it quietly beside, “I am sure you are excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot.” Twilight and Cody shared puzzled looks.

“Wedding?” they both exclaimed as they looked at the others.

“I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion,” Twilight continued reading aloud as the others listened attentively, “Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.”

“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she looked at the others, “What an honor!”

“Pinkie Pie and Bucky, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception,” Twilight continued. Pinkie then did a handstand followed by a front flip and a cartwheel.

“Hip, hip, hooray!” said Pinkie excitedly as she got into Spike’s face.

“Applejack and Sal, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception,” said Twilight as the orange pony smiled excitedly. Rainbow Dash looked rather bored.

“Rainbow Dash-” Twilight began as the blue Pegasus yawned, “-I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their “I do’s.” When Rainbow heard that, she literally stuck a hand on her mouth in shock.

“Yes!” said Rainbow excitedly as she hovered in the air and did a double fist pump.

“Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and bridesmaids,” Twilight continued. Rarity went agape as her face twitched and was suddenly teetering about as her eyes crossed. Fluttershy looked at her worried and tried to stabilize Rarity, but the marshmallow pony collapsed into her back. Fluttershy cringed at the impact, but Rarity was on her back with a wide toothy grin on her face.

“And as for you, Twilight and Cody, you two will be playing the most important role of it all,” Twilight read on.

“What is it?” Cody asked curiously.

“Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia,” Twilight finished and then examined the rest of the paper, “But...I don’t understand. Who’s getting married?”

“Maybe it could be Aunt Luna and Uncle Dagger. If it’s theirs, then he really will my uncle,” Cody replied, “I wouldn’t be surprised they’d want to tie the knot so quickly since 1,000 years trapped in the moon is far too long of a wait.” Twilight nodded in agreement. Spike then blinked.

“Oh wait!” said Spike as he pulled out another piece of parchment, “Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.”

“That would have been nice,” Cody remarked annoyingly as Twilight rolled her eyes and opened it.

“Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and...” Twilight gasped as she read who the other pony getting married was. The others looked over her shoulder, “My brother?!”

“Wuh?” Cody said in just as much surprise, though he had to admit...the name “Cadenza” sounded very familiar.

While Cody recovered a few seconds later after failing to figure out why the name “Cadenza” sounded familiar to him. Poor Twilight was still in a state of shock as the others looked at her worried.

“Your brother’s getting married?” said Applejack as she shook Twilight’s hand, “Congratulations, Twilight!” Twilight then glared.

“Yeah, great news,” said Twilight as she stomped away from the picnic blanket, “That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks alot, Shining Armor. I mean, really he couldn’t just tell me personally?” Twilight then picked up a nearby sandwich.

“Hey, Twilight, just thought you should know I’m making a really big decision that changes everything,” said Twilight in Shining Armor’s voice as she used the sandwich like a puppet, “Oh never mind, you’ll hear about it when you get the invitation.” Twilight made faces as she imitated her brother as the rest of the group looked at her worried.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Twilight said in a mocking tone, “Who in the hoof is that?” Twilight snorted as Cody rubbed his chin.

“The name sounds familiar to me,” Cody replied, “But I don’t recall why.”

“Um, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked as she hovered over to the purple pony, “Are you okay?”

“Sorry, it’s just that Shining Armor and I have always been so close,” said Twilight as she took a few steps away and pointed a finger at them, “He’s my B.B.B.F.F.!” There was a long silence and Twilight face-palmed herself.

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever?” Twilight said as a matter of fact.

“Ohhh!” said all the ponies as they looked at each other and smiled.

“Don’t feel too bad, girls,” Cody replied, “I didn’t get that right away either the first time I heard it.” Twilight just rolled her eyes.

“Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship and before I even met Cody,” Twilight explained as she kept her back against the group, “Shining Armor was the only pony I ever really accepted as a friend.” It was then Twilight raised an arm as a magenta bird perched on it. Twilight nuzzled it gently by the cheek before it flew away and watched a pair of butterflies as she began to sing.

Once Twilight had finished singing, Applejack wasted no time approaching Twilight as she placed a gentle hand on Twilight’s back.

“As one of your P.F.F.’s...” said Applejack as she pointed to the rest of the group. Cody just smiled as the others just look at each other blankly. Cody noticed their blank faces and face-palmed himself.

“Pony Friends Forever...” Applejack explained bluntly.

“Ohhh!” said all the girls in agreement and smile. Cody just rolled his eyes.

“...I wanna tell you that I think your brother sounds like a real good guy,” said Applejack.

“He is pretty special,” said Twilight as she walked away, still feeling rather upset as she sat down and played around with a slice of cake, “I mean, they don’t let just anypony be captain of the Royal Guard.” Rarity made an O with her mouth in surprise as she sat down beside Twilight.

“So let me get this straight,” said Rarity with a excitedly screech, “We’re helping out with the wedding of not only a princess but a captain of the Royal Guard?”

“I guess we are,” Twilight answered.

“Ooh, ooh, oooh!” said Rarity as she wobbled about in a woozy manner.

“Not again!” Cody remarked as he handed Twilight a pillow, which the purple pony used to set on the grass as Rarity passed out again with a wide smile again. Twilight just sat with an irritated look on her face as Rainbow and Fluttershy flew above her and Pinkie and Applejack held hands as the four ponies, plus Sal and Bucky just chattered excitedly about the upcoming wedding. Cody just sat next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Twilight looked up at him as he gave her a reassuring smile.

It wasn’t long before the ponies, the boys, Spike, and R5 had gathered what they needed for the wedding and boarded the train to Canterlot.

“A sonic rainboom? At a wedding?!” Rainbow asked as she and Applejack leaned their heads out of the windows, “Can you say “best wedding ever”?!” Pinkie then stuck her head out of a window with a gasp.

“Best wedding ever!” Pinkie echoed as the train entered a tunnel and reappeared from another tunnel opening higher up the mountain.

“So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding, but I’m the one who gets to host the bachelor party!” Spike said as he stuck his head out of a window with Rarity and Fluttershy at his left and right. They both smiled as he pointed a finger at himself, “I have just one question. What’s a bachelor party?” he asked. The other ponies just laughed, except for Twilight, as Spike, Fluttershy, and Rarity pulled their heads back inside of the train. Twilight was just sitting on the other end of the coach car, staring out of the window as Cody just sat beside her, worried about his best friend that he loved so much. Applejack then came up to them.

“Why the long face, sugarcube?” Applejack asked with concern.

“I’m just thinking about Shining Armor,” said Twilight, “Ever since Cody and I moved to Ponyville, we’ve been seeing each other less and less. And now that he’s starting a new family with this “Princess Mi Amore Ca - whatshername”...”

“Cadenza,” Cody said quietly.

“Whatever!” Twilight snapped, making Cody flinch, “The point is that we’ll probably never see each other.”

Cody was thinking about why “Cadenza” rang a bell to him but just couldn’t make any sense of it.

“Come on, now,” said Applejack, “You’re his sister. He’ll always make time for you.”

“Couldn’t seem to make time to tell me he was getting married,” Twilight remarked bitterly as she pulled the blinds to her window down.

“Twilight has every right to be upset about this,” Cody added, “I’d be upset too if my cousin didn’t make time for me.”

The train continued on its way to Canterlot, which was apparently surrounded by a giant bubble shaped force field. As the train arrived at the edge of the force field, it slowed down as the ponies standing guard created a way for the train to pass through the field. All the girls flinched as the barrier passed through them.

“Woah!” Cody exclaimed as he felt the barrier pass through him, “Well, that was weird...”

“We’re here, We’re here!” said Pinkie as the train arrived at the station, which was surrounded heavily by a large number of guards as the train came to a stop.

“Whoa, what’s with all the guards?” Rainbow asked as she, Applejack, and Rarity peeked out of their train car from the train car door.

“I’m sure they’re just taking the necessary precautions,” Rarity explained, “Royal weddings bring out the strangest ponies.”

“Aaaaaaaaaa-choo!” Pinkie sneezed as her sneeze sounded like a trumpet as she, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Cody hopped off of the train. Twilight still had a bitter look on her face.

“Now, let’s get going!” said Rarity, “We’ve got work to do!”

“And you’ve got a big brother to go congratulate,” Applejack told Twilight with a smile.

“Yeah. Congratulate, and give him a piece of my mind,” Twilight muttered bitterly as she approached two guards. She passed the guards and they quickly lifted their spears to let her pass. Everypony watched her take off with worry, both Applejack, Sal, and Cody had skeptical looks on their faces.

“I...better go make sure Twilight doesn’t do something she regrets,” Cody said.

Up in a tower, Princess Celestia was using a telescope as she stood on the balcony to survey the area around Canterlot as Twilight continued her way towards the castle with Cody not too far behind her. For the moment, Shining Armor, now in full uniform, was gesturing to give direct orders to the local guards on where they needed to go or patrol.

“I’ve got something to say to you, mister!” Twilight said so sternly and boldly that several guards pointed their spears at her.

“Guards, stand down!” Cody ordered. The guards nodded in reply and relaxed a bit as Shining Armor looked over to them.

“Twily! Cody!” said Shining Armor excitedly as he removed his helmet and raced down the stairs to meet his little sister and Cody, whom the latter he considered a friend of the family, “Ah, I’ve missed you, kids. How was the train ride? I-” Shining Armor was taken aback when he offered to give Twilight a hug and she angrily pulled away from him.

“How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married?!” Twilight asked angrily, “I’m your sister for pony’s sake!” Twilight then turned away.

“It’s not my fault!” Shining Armor replied in his defense, “Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Did you and Cody see all the guards at the train station?”

“Yeah, there’s a big wedding coming up,” said Twilight sarcastically as she walked away a bit and stared at her reflection in a puddle, “Maybe you heard about it?”

“Easy Twilight,” Cody replied gently, “By the look on Shining Armor’s face, it’s clear it wasn’t intentional...”

“You can stop trying to get on his good side,” said Twilight, “I think you’re good enough for me and that’s all that matters! You don’t need his approval to be with me!”

“Good enough? Be with you?!” Shining Armor said puzzled before he blinked, “Are you and him a couple?”

“Yes, we’ve been dating for a while now. I’ve confessed my love for her at the Grand Galloping Gala last year,” Cody replied.

“Cody is right. This had nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don’t know who’s responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection.” Shining Armor said as he gave Cody a friendly fist bump. Twilight didn’t bother to look at him, but was still listening attentively.

“Pretty bold for a threat to openly state their attack,” Cody remarked, “Need any assistance? I’ve actually grown stronger in the ways of the Force, and this could be another test of my Jedi powers.” Shining Armor smiled.

“I’ll inform you if we can use the extra help,” said Shining Armor, “First, this you two need to see.” Shining Armor then lifted Twilight’s chin so she could look at him before taking a step back. He then began to concentrate intensely, making his horn glow brightly as a large beam exits his horn. The beam strikes the barrier above them, making it shine and reenergizing it. Shining Armor then relaxed, but gasped as his horn gave a tweak and he wobbled a bit.

“The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rest squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority,” Shining Armor said as he made his way back up the stairs.

“Okay, okay, I get it,” Twilight replied as she, Cody, and Shining Armor made their way across a bridge, “You’ve got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still...how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you anymore?” Twilight placed an arm on the bridge railing and looked out into the distance. Shining Armor looked at her sympathetically.

“She does have a good point,” Cody said, “How would you feel if Twilight and I were getting married and the only way you learned about it was through an invitation?” Twilight blushed at the idea, but kept her face away from them so neither could notice.

“I’d feel the same,” Shining replied, before addressing Twilight, “You’re my little sister. Of course you’re important to me. But I’d understand if you didn’t want to be my best mare now.” Shining Armor gave her a sad look, but Cody could tell it was playful one. The stallion was clearly trying to cheer Twilight up. The purple pony perked up as Shining Armor donned a smirk on his face.

“You want me to be your best mare?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“Well...yeah, and Cody, Sal, and Bucky can be my groomsmen,” Shining Armor replied. Now Cody was smiling.

“Awesome!” Cody replied.

“I’d be honored!” said Twilight as she bowed before him regally as Shining Armor pulled her into a hug. Twilight accepted it...before roughly pulling away from him again.

“But I’m still pretty ticked you’re marrying somepony I don’t even know!” said Twilight, “When did you meet this “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza”?” Shining Armor looked at Cody.

“Don’t you know who Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is?” he asked Cody as he gave Shining a puzzled look.

“It’s sound familiar, but I can’t...No way...” said Cody in shock, “It’s...it’s my cousin?!”

“That’s right,” said Shining Armor, “Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter.” Twilight pondered for a second and then smiled.

“Cadance?” Twilight asked as she shook her head in surprise, “As in the Cadance? As the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?”

“You tell me. She was your foalsitter,” said Shining Armor with a chuckle and a light eye roll.

“Until I met you, Twilight, and Sunset, Cadance was my only true friend. She and I were practically inseparable in those days,” Cody replied, “I always felt happier when I was with her as she let me sleep with her whenever I had nightmares, defended me from Blueblood, who did nothing but pick on me, and whenever she hosted sleepovers at the castle, she let me join in.”

“That was very nice of her,” Shining remarked.

“Now she’s marrying you,” Cody said before slapping his forehead, “I still can’t believe I didn’t recognize the name. But in my defense, Cadance never used her full name when she was speaking to anypony and I never heard anybody else call her that either. But still, I can’t believe I didn’t realize it, and I can’t believe she never told me she’s marrying you!”

“Easy, Cody,” Shining replied, “It was an honest mistake, but now you know that my bride-to-be is somepony you both know.”

“I still can’t believe it!” Twilight exclaimed, “Ohmygoshohmygosh! Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She’s beautiful, she’s caring, she’s kind...”

A flashback was then seen of Filly Twilight in her old bedroom searching for her old Smarty Pants doll when Teenage Cadance walked into the room. Young Twilight wasted no time rushing over so they could share a loving hug together. Other memories included Cadance putting a band aid on Young Twilight’s arm after she scratched it and then wiping away the little filly’s tears. Another moment was when Cadance was pushing Filly Twilight on the swing.

“I am so lucky to have you as my foalsitter!” said Filly Twilight.

“I’m the one whose lucky,” Teenage Cadance replied as she continued to push Young Twilight on the swing as Twilight scoffed.

“You’re a princess,” said Twilight as Young Cadance rolled her eyes playfully behind her, “I’m just a regular old unicorn.”

“You are anything but a regular old unicorn,” said Young Cadance as she removed Young Twilight from the swing and put her down on the grass. It was then they did their special dance together.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!” they sang together, “Clap your hands and give a little shake!” The dance involved the two bouncing on both their hooves, ducking down, covering both their eyes and then peeking from one eye, then clapping hands patty-cake style, and finishing with shaking their rumps and tails. After the dance was done, they fell into their backs laughing.

It was then Filly Twilight and Teen Cadance were walking down the street when the latter spotted two ponies arguing as they sat at a table.

“I am going for a hooficure and that is that!” said the mare named Wild Fire.

“You are not going-” a stallion named Lucky Clover yelled back.

“I am! I am!” Wild Fire shouted.

“I’ve already paid for three this month!” Lucky Clover protested.

“I...no!” Wild Fire shouted, “My girlfriends are all getting their hooves and nails done! And you said that onl-”

“Please, we’ve done this at least-” Lucky Clover shouted back. Teen Cadance and Filly Twilight just watched the two argue. While Filly Twilight looked worried, Teen Cadance just smirked before she produced a red heart from her horn. She then made the heart split up into two perfect halves that floated over to the arguing couple. Just as the two halves united, the heart shinned brightly, making the couple stop arguing and smile at each other.

“Oh! Ho, ho, ho,” said Lucky Clover.

“Oh, Sweetie,” said Wild Fire, “You just did that face.” Teen Cadance just smiled proudly and walked away as Young Twilight smiled in amazement.

“How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go?” said Twilight happily as the flashback ended.

“We only know one!” said Twilight as she looked at Shining Armor, “And you’re marrying her!” Twilight then bounced about excitedly.

“You’re marrying Cadance,” Twilight and Cody sing-sang as they bounced around Shining Armor like they used to when they were little, “You’re marrying Cadance.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” said a voice. Twilight and Cody stopped dancing and turned his head to see the very pony they had been talking about standing just a few yards away. Cadance’s physical appearance was roughly the same, but taller. She now had on a gold necklace similar to the one Princess Celestia wore, a small gold crown on her head, and her hair was now fully down and slightly curled to one side of her head. She also had her own pair of gold shoes on her hooves. Cody and Twilight smiled.

“Cadance!” Twilight and Cody greeted excitedly as she and Cody stood before her.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hands and give a little shake!” Twilight danced for her together. Cadance just gave them a funny looks.

“What are you doing?” she asked bluntly.

“Cadance, it’s me, Twilight!” said the purple pony.

“And me, Cody!” he added excitedly, “Your favorite cousin?”

Cadance just gave them both a disinterested look.

“Uh-huh,” said Cadance as she simply walked past the both of them and ignoring them both. Cody and Twilight looked rather puzzled. Cadance stood before Shining Armor as he wrapped an arm around her.

“I gotta get back to my station, but Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going,” said Shining Armor, “I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn’t be more excited to have you here. Right, dear?” Cadance then gave a smile that was anything but genuine or sincere. One might say it looked rather devious.

“Absolutely,” Cadance replied, leaving Twilight and Cody unnerved and narrowing their eyes at her.

“Well, we’ll let you get to it,” Shining Armor said as the couple just walked off the bridge. Cody and Twilight both glared.

“Nice to see you again too, cuz,” said Cody, sternly saying the last word before he and Twilight headed into the Castle kitchen. They were soon sitting on the floor fuming as Applejack was rushing frantically about the kitchen as some country music was being heard. Twilight had a notepad and pencil in her magic grip as well as Applejack was ironing out the frosting for the top layer of the wedding cake.

“Cake, check,” said Applejack as Twilight bluntly marked her checklist as Applejack ran past the two ponies each time she went to show each completed item, “Ice sculpture, check. Best darn bite-size apple fritter you’ve ever tasted.” Applejack then pulled the said pastries from the oven and shoved one each into Twilight and Cody’s mouths.

“Mmm. Check,” said Twilight.

“Mmm. Tasty,” Cody added, both of them feeling a little better after their free treat. Then they noticed Spike was playing with the two cake toppers.

“I do. Do you?” said Spike, trying to mimic Shining Armor and then made his voice sound like Cadance, “I do!” He then made kissing noises with the two figurines as Twilight and Cody arrived and glared at him before the former grabbed the toppers and put them on the table. Spike just chuckled sheepishly at the two kept glaring at him.

“Hiya, Princess!” said Applejack as Cadance entered the kitchen in a rather regal fashion.

“Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Cadance replied snootily. Twilight and Cody gave Cadance a dirty look.

“The Cadance we knew never used to make others address her by her full name,” Cody remarked to Twilight in an irritated tone, “Come to think of it, I haven’t even seen my father, Uncle Dagger or Sunset at all today. Isn’t that a little odd?”

“Yes. I haven’t even seen them come to greet us,” Twilight replied.

“Hiya, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Applejack repeated as she bowed before the princess, “You come to check out what’s on the menu for your big day?” As Applejack’s back was turned, Cadance had a very irritated look on her face, which flipped into a smile as Applejack looked at her.

“I have,” said Cadance in a cheerful tone that was obviously fake. Both Twilight and Cody gave her a look that pretty much said “I’m watching you!”. Applejack then offered her one of the apple fritters, which Cadance ate rather quickly as she shoved the whole thing in her mouth.

“Delicious!” Cadance replied, “I love-love-love them.” Cadance then gave a nervous laugh as Cody and Twilight glared.

“How much more fake can she get?” Cody whispered to Twilight, “Though I find it weird because Cadance was a big fan of apple treats. At least she used to be...something’s not right here.”

“Aw, shucks,” said Applejack, “Why don’t you take a few to go?” Applejack then handed Cadance a brown goodie bag and gave a little squee. “I know how you brides can be. So busy, you forget to get a little somethin’ in your belly.” Cadance then took the bag by her mouth and turned to walk away. Cody and Twilight watched as Cadance headed towards the exit, and they especially took notice when Cadance threw the bag of treats into the trash can. Both of them silently gasped as Cadance slammed the door closed.

“Did...you see what she...” Twilight stuttered, but Applejack paid her no attention.

“I’m afraid nopony is home at the moment,” Cody said, “Although I noticed her magic aura was green and not the the normal light blue.” They were giving Applejack a glare for being so clueless to their distress. Twilight just growled and stomped off with Cody not too far behind her.

Back outside, Princess Celestia was still patrolling the city from the top tower with her telescope. Some other guards were standing outside the tower where Rarity was hard at work, wearing her red glasses, as she designed and assembled the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.

“Oh you should have seen how she acted back there!” Twilight vented as she paced about the floor and Cody did the same behind her but in the opposite direction.

“I know right! I have never seen Cadance act so fake and snooty before. She never used to behave like this! The worst part is that she brushed me off just like the other Canterlot elites used to do!” Cody added.

“I don’t know when she changed, but she changed!” said Twilight, “’Please call me, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!’” Twilight didn’t resist mimicking Cadance in her irritation.

“Did I hear someone say my name?” said Cadance, now standing inside the room with Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra behind her. Cody was surprised to see three members of the old Canterlot group.

“Hey girls, nice to see you all...WAH! Ugh!” Cody was then sent for a loop as Rarity charged before Cadance, making Cody spin about in the air and land on his back.

“Your highness!” said Rarity as she bowed twice before Cadance, who looked at her unamused, “Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” Rarity laughed nervously as Cody, who had now recovered, face-palmed himself.

“Kiss-up,” Cody muttered.

“Uh-huh,” said Cadance in an unenthusiastic tone before heading over to the dresses, “Is my dress ready?”

“Yes of course,” Rarity stammered as she presented her dress, which featured a blue sapphire broach on the front, lacy trimming on the top with a flowing multi-layered white skirt with gold swirl trimming on the bottom of each layer. There was also a floral headset for the wedding veil. Cody and Twilight just kept glaring at Cadance in the background. Rarity didn’t notice the glares and watched as Cadance looked at the dress with a skeptical look on her face.

“I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer trim,” Cadance said after a brief pause.

“Oh, yes, of course,” said Rarity.

“And those should be a different color,” said Cadance as she pointed at the three bridesmaid dresses.

“I think they’re lovely,” said Twinkleshine.

“Me too!” Minuette added.

“I love them,” said Lyra. Cadance gave the three girls dirty looks, making them cower back timidly.

“Make them a different color,” Cadance said sternly. Cody then approached the still frazzled girls.

“Has Cadance been this difficult around you girls too?” he asked quietly.

“Excuse me!” Cadance snapped as she roughly shoved Cody away from the three mares, making him fall over onto his back.

“Hey, cuz! You never used to be so rough with me!” Cody protested, “I was just talking to them! There my friends!”

“I don’t see why they should be friends with a lowlife like you,” Cadance retorted sternly, “Now stay away from them!” Cody looked hurt as the Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra looked at him sadly.

“Girls!” Cadance shouted before they took off to catch up with Cadance before any of them could speak to Cody, who just watched them leave and felt hurt that they didn’t even try to defend him. He especially felt disgusted with Cadance.

“I can’t believe she said that to me,” Cody said sadly, “She always said I was special and now I’m just beneath her.” Twilight then arrived and helped Cody back to his feet. She was just as upset.

“Gee, maybe her name should be “Princess Demandy-pants”,” Twilight remarked.

“’Dark Side Princess’ is more like it. I think she’s an imposter pretending to be my cousin and is holding her captive somewhere, along with my father, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset,” Cody remarked when he noticed that Rarity was just working and hadn’t even paid any attention to what had happened.

“Let’s get out of here, Twilight!” said Cody angrily, “Nopony’s home.” Twilight looked puzzled but then saw Rarity just working and figured out what Cody meant before following behind him.

Meanwhile, in the royal ballroom, Pinkie had just finished setting up the decorations for the wedding reception. Cadance was also there as well, with her indignant and snobbish demeanor.

“Okay let me see,” said Pinkie as she popped up from behind Cadance, “We’ve been over the games...” Pinkie then squatted down and rolled the dice to a board game set up on the floor, which was next to a poster of pin the tail on the pony and a floral shaped piñata behind her.

“...the dances...” Pinkie continued as she headed over to the music player and started doing to the chicken dance to the song she played when she drove out the parasprites from Ponyville. Cadance just gave Pinkie a bored look.

“I think this reception is gonna be perfect!” said Pinkie with a gasp as she hopped about, “Don’t you?” Pinkie gave Cadance a sheepish smile. Cadance was taken aback for a moment before she recomposed herself.

“Perfect!” said Cadance before adding sarcastically as she walked away, “If we were celebrating a six-year-old’s birthday party.”

“Thank you!” said Pinkie as she gasped excitedly. Neither pony noticed that Twilight and Cody had been watching them from behind one of the pillar columns, both with glares on their faces.

“Pinkie, you are so clueless,” said Cody as Twilight rolled her eyes in agreement.

“Cadance said she would always be a child at heart,” Cody said in an over the top before sternly saying, “Puh!” Twilight said nothing.

Later that night, Princess Luna returned from a flight outside the barrier as she landed at the tower where Princess Celestia was still on patrol.

“Rest, my sister,” said Princess Luna to a clearly exhausted Princess Celestia, “As always, I will guard the night.” Princess Celestia then went inside the tower. Down below near an outdoor cafe, Cody, the mares, Sal, Bucky, and Spike were just enjoying a beverage. At least all but Cody and Twilight, who were still upset as they arrived at the table with their sodas in their grip.

“Bet I can guess what you’re all thinking,” said Twilight, “Cadance is the absolute the worst bride-to-be ever!”

“Bridezilla is a better word,” Cody added in agreement. The others just looked at the two agape.

“Who, me?” said Spike mimicking Cadance as he held her cake topper in his hand.

“Spike! That goes on the cake!” Applejack retorted. Spike just laughed nervously as he put the cake topper down.

“Twilight, Cody, whatever are you talking about?” said Rarity as the two quietly sipped their sodas, “Cadance is an absolute gem!”

“Oh yeah, she was quite a gem when she shoved me to the floor!” Cody snapped, making Rarity lean away.

“Not only that, Rarity,” said Twilight, “She was so demanding!”

“Cadance never used to be like that!” Cody added.

“Well, of course she was!” said Rarity, “Why shouldn’t she expect the very best on her wedding day?” Twilight and Cody slapped a hand to their head.

“Perfection is one thing, Rarity, but the standards she is asking for are so out of character. She never used to be like that!” Cody replied, “Did any of you even notice that my father or Uncle Dagger weren’t around?”

“Applejack, did you and Sal know that after she told you how much she just “love-love-loved” your hors d’eouvres, she threw them in the trash?” Twilight asked. Applejack was quiet for a moment.

“Aw, she probably just trying to spare our feelin’s,” Applejack replied, with Sal nodding in agreement.

“No, she was just being fake and totally insincere!” Twilight snapped as she crossed her arms.

“Cadance never used to lie about enjoying something,” said Cody, “She always championed being honest and sincere with ponies and she used to love apple treats!” The response was an awkward silence, even Rainbow gave the two an eye roll.

“She did raise her voice at one of my birds during rehearsal,” Fluttershy pointed out, with Bucky nodding in agreement.

“See? Rude!” Twilight retorted as she crossed her arms and smiled to claim she was right.

“But he was singing really off-key,” said Fluttershy as she presented the bird perched at her arm. He began to sing off key, making Rainbow cringe and Twilight and Cody covered their ears.

“Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadance treated-” Twilight had tapped her hand to get the pink pony’s attention, but then saw that she and Spike were busy playing around with the cake topper, making kissing noises with them and laughing. Cody looked at the pink pony with a unamused look on his face.

“Does that surprise you?” Cody asked discreetly to Twilight’s ear.

“Never mind,” Twilight replied, “Rainbow Dash, you’re with me and Cody, right?”

“Sorry, Twi,” said Rainbow as she stretched, “Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride’s bad attitude.” Twilight and Cody took another sip of their drinks before growling in frustration.

“The princess is about to get married,” said Rarity, “I’m sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.”

“What!?” Cody yelled angrily as he and Twilight stomped the table with both of their hands, “You call being shunned, ignored, pushed to the ground, and being called a lowlife a case of nerves? I don’t think so!”

“And I’m sure it’s the result of being an awful pony who doesn’t deserve to even know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!” Twilight added angrily.

“As far as I’m concerned, the mare I called my cousin is gone, replaced by some kind of snobbish witch imposter who doesn’t deserve a happy ending!” Cody said. The rest of the group just gave them worried looks.

“Think you’re bein’ just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?” Applejack asked Twilight.

“Don’t you think that maybe you’re letting your hurt feelings over the princess losing touch with you clouding your judgment?” Sal asked Cody.

“Uh-huh,” the others said in agreement.

“I am not being possessive,” said Twilight angrily.

“And I’m not letting my hurt feelings cloud my judgment,” Cody continued in the same tone.

“…and I’m not taking it out on Cadance!” Twilight finished, her patience hitting its limit, “You’re just all too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn’t even be a wedding!” Twilight then slammed her fists on the table, making the drinks on the table spill over as she stomped away. Cody just watched Twilight walk away.

“Cody, can’t you try and reason with her?” Fluttershy asked. Cody blinked before glaring at the group.

“Reason with her?” Cody retorted sternly, “She’s right! You’re so busy with the wedding plans that you’re not even taking the time to noticed that something isn’t right! I just said that Cadance, the mare I called my cousin and my first best friend, hurt me! Along with the fact that my father, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset are missing, and neither of you seem to care!” Cody then turned around and panted heavily.

“I thought you all learned your lesson about taking the concerns and worried of others seriously, even if you think we’re being unreasonable,” Cody said bitterly, “Perhaps I was wrong.”

Several minutes later, Shining Armor was in the living room trying on his wedding attire. Since he was a member of the Royal Guard, his outfit consisted of a red militant’s uniform and he had just finished adding a special sash with his cutie mark on the front. He was admiring the said sash when he heard a knock on the front door.

“Twily! Cody!” said Shining Armor excitedly as he opened the door to see the purple pony and her boyfriend standing outside and let them come in, “Your big brother’s looking pretty good, don’t you think?” Shining Armor then took noticed that Twilight and Cody were looking very upset.

“Huh, everything okay?” he asked concerned.

“We need to talk,” said Twilight, “I think you’re making a big-”

“AHEM!” said a voice as the three of them turned to see Cadance standing at the top of a small flight of stairs.

“Oh, uh, hi, sweetie,” said Shining Armor as the pink alicorn made her way downstairs.

“She sure has a way of sneaking up on people,” Twilight muttered under her breath.

“I sense an evil presence in our midst,” Cody added.

“Could I speak to you for a moment, dear?” Cadance asked in a blunt tone, interrupting Twilight’s train of thought.

“Better see what she wants,” said Shining Armor as the alicorn led him into another room, but the door wasn’t completely shut so Twilight could hear muffled voices while she just sitting quietly in the main room.

“Look, we need to talk,” said Cadance.

“I’m here to talk,” Shining Armor replied calmly.

“It’s about your sister, okay?” Cadance asked.

“I-look, look, she’s okay-” Shining Armor said in Twilight’s defense.

“Just...listen to me, alright?” Cadance retorted, cutting him off, and then saw his sash, “No, no-”

“I’m listening, I’m listening,” Shining Armor told her. By now, Twilight was worried as she slowly sneaked up to the door to see what was going on.

“I thought I made it perfectly clear I didn’t want you to wear that,” Cadance said firmly.

“This was my favorite uncle’s,” said Shining Armor proudly.

“And?” Cadance retorted.

“And I think I should wear it,” Shining Armor replied.

“Are you disagreeing with me?” Cadance retorted, clearly offended.

“I guess I am,” Shining Armor replied back with a firm tone before he got another tweak from his horn, “Ah!” Shining Armor then rubbed his aching head.

“Oh, dear,” said Cadance with concern, “Are you getting another one of your headaches?” Before Shining Armor could reply, he stumbled to the floor from the pain. Cadance wasted no time shooting a beam of green magical energy at his head, making his eye go wide and swirly.

“Gyah!” Shining Armor grunted as Twilight gasped.

“Feeling better?” Cadance asked sweetly as Shining Armor rose to both his hooves.

“Mm-hmm,” he grunted sheepishly. Twilight had seen enough.

“She isn’t just unpleasant and rude,” said Twilight, “She’s downright evil!”

“Told you,” Cody replied.

Twilight and Cody then ran out of the house just as Shining Armor and Cadance exited the room.

“Twilight! Cody!” Shining Armor called out.

“Let them go,” said Cadance dismissively as she gave them a glare and then softened as she smiled and nuzzled his neck.

“Huh. It seemed like they had something else they wanted to tell me,” said Shining Armor with concern.

As for Twilight and Cody, they had made a direct beeline for the castle. From the top of the tower, Luna was on patrol when she saw something running about below.

“Who goes there?” Luna said and then saw who it was, “Stay indoors, Twilight Sparkle and dear nephew.” The purple pony and her boyfriend didn’t reply. They were in too much of a hurry for find their friends.

“Shining Armor’s in real trouble!” said Twilight as she and Cody burst through the door to the room Rarity was working in, “You have to help-” They then frozen in her tracks when they saw the rest of the girls all dressed up and talking excitedly.

“Dresses? What are you-?” Twilight asked puzzled as Fluttershy flew over to her.

“Can you believe it?” said Fluttershy as she showed off her dress, “We’re gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’s new bridesmaids!”

“New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?” Twilight asked.

“She didn’t say,” said Applejack in a rather dismissive tone as Rarity and Rainbow smiled, “But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we fill in for them.”

“Seeing as we’ve been working so hard and everything,” Rarity added.

“And you and Cody had your doubts about her,” Applejack said as Twilight and Cody looked at them all in shock and disbelief.

“Told you she was an absolute gem!” said Rarity as Twilight and Cody began biting her lips seeing that no one seemed to care about their feelings at this point.

“You sure this is what I should wear?” Rainbow asked as she bucked her legs against the skirt, “Doesn’t seem all that aerodynamic.”

“Hmm, I’ll see what I can do,” said Rarity as Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy just chatted excitedly with each other. Twilight and Cody just walked out of the room feeling very dejected.

“Looks like we really are on our own,” Twilight said sadly to herself.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Cody added.

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“It’s the dark side of the Force, Twilight. I can sense it surrounding ‘Cadance’,” Cody replied gesturing his fingers like quotation marks, “Let’s go.”

The next morning, the practice ceremony was taking place with organ music being heard in the background. Princess Celestia was standing at the location where she would wed the bride and groom. Shining Armor was standing at the right of Princess Celestia, with Sal and Bucky next to him. For the moment, the five girls were practicing walking down the aisle side by side of each other with formal smiles on their faces.

“Perfect, girls,” said Princess Celestia as Rarity and Rainbow bit their lips to avoid giggling, “No need to rush. Then of course, Cadance will enter.” It was then the two guards opened the double doors as Cadance stood regally in the entrance way. The classic “Bridal Chorus” began to play as she made her way down the aisle. Shining Armor smiled as Cadance made her way up to the stallion.

“I’ll say a few words, and then we’ll begin with the vows,” Princess Celestia continued as Cadance and Shining Armor gazed into each other’s eyes, “Shining Armor, you’ll get the ring from your best mare.” Shining Armor turned around to see that Twilight wasn’t there. Just Spike and Rex, still playing around with the cake toppers.

“Do you?” said Spike, mimicking Shining Armor’s voice and then Rex mimicked Cadance’s voice, “I do!” Then one of the toppers came flying out of his hand and he noticed that everypony was looking at him.

“Hey...has anypony seen Twilight and Cody?” Shining Armor asked.

“We’re here!” said a voice as the two double doors burst open to reveal the purple pony and her boyfriend, “We’re not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!” Shining Armor cringed as Cadance gave him a death glare.

“I’m sorry,” said Shining Armor, “I...I don’t know why she’s acting like this.”

“Maybe we should just ignore her,” ‘Cadance’ suggested.

“You have to listen to us!” Twilight demanded with her head down and gritting her teeth, ready to attack anypony that stood in their way.

“Oh, goodness,” said Fluttershy with concern as she flew up to Twilight and Cody, “Are you okay?”

“We’re fine,” Twilight answered definitively.

“Ya sure about that?” Applejack asked skeptically as she stood beside them. Twilight used her magic to grab her stenson hat and shoved it over the orange pony’s face.

“I’ve something to say!” Twilight said boldly as she pointed a finger at ‘Cadance’, “She’s evil!” ‘Cadance’ was left shocked, Shining Armor stood protectively in front of her, and the rest of the group chatted amongst each other with concern, including the nearby guards.

“She’s been horrible to our friends, she literally insulted and shunned Cody, she’s obviously done something with her bridesmaids,” Twilight explained as she teleported to ‘Cadance’ and backed her into a wall, “And if that wasn’t enough, we saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all..,.” Twilight then imitated eyes rolling about in opposite directions with bells jingling in the background.

“She’s an imposter and I suspect she’s also done something to my father, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset! Which is why they’re missing!” Cody added, then turned on his lightsaber.

Everypony watched with interest as Twilight and Cody confidently stared ‘Cadance’ down, who did the only thing she could do. She began to cry.

“What have you done with my father, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset Shimmer, you lying imposter?!” Cody asked, pointing his lightsaber.

“Why are you doing this to me?!” ‘Cadance’ sobbed as she ran out of the room.

“Because you are evil!” Twilight shouted back as ‘Cadance’ disappeared in tears, “Evil! And if I don’t stop you, you’re gonna ruin my brother’s life!”

Twilight just teleported herself and Cody to the entrance and watched ‘Cadance’ leave with a smug smile on her face. Rainbow and Rarity were staring with their jaws hanging from their mouths. Twilight and Cody then happily walked away until they smacked into Shining Armor. Twilight and Cody looked up to see her brother giving them a stern look. Twilight and Cody couldn’t resist smiling sheepishly since Shining Armor only gave them that look when she was in big trouble.

“You want to know why my eyes went all...” Shining Armor then made his eyes look swirly as the jingling bells was heard again before his horn tweaked again and he continued to speak, “Nuh! Because ever since I started to perform my protection spell, I’ve been getting terrible migraines. Cadance hasn’t been casting spells on me, she’s been using her magic to heal me!” Twilight just inhaled deeply as he walked around her and then got in her face. Twilight and Cody tried to speak, but Shining Armor cut them off.

“And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty!” Shining Armor continued sternly, then stomped his hoof as the rest of the girls, Sal, Bucky, and Spike watched the scene unfold with worry. “and if she hasn’t been on her best behavior with your friends, it’s because with me being so busy, she’s had to make all the decisions about the wedding!”

“But she was so mean to Cody,” Twilight tried to explain, “I was just trying to…”

“Where’s my father, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset?” Cody demanded.

“Prince Blaze, Commander Dagger, and Sunset Shimmer are probably delayed and Cadance’s been completely stressed out because it’s really important to her that our big day be perfect. Something that obviously wasn’t important to you two!” Shining Armor replied angrily, giving Twilight and Cody such a fierce glare that it made his horn tweak again, making Shining Armor gasp and rubbed his head again. Twilight tried to reach out to him, but he rejected the gesture.

“Now if you excuse me,” said Shining Armor as he walked past Twilight and kept his back turned away from her, “I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were either of you, I wouldn’t show up to the wedding at all.” Twilight and Cody tried to reach out to him again, Shining Armor had already left.

“C’mon, y’all,” said Applejack a couple of seconds after, “Let’s go check on the princess.” The five girls and the Thrace brothers then made their exit, walking around Twilight and refusing to speak to her.

“I was-” Twilight tried to speak.

“You two have alot to think about,” Princess Celestia said sternly before walking around them and out of the room. Twilight and Cody felt their hearts break as the guards slammed the doors shut, leaving Twilight and Cody all alone.

“Maybe I was being overprotective,” said Twilight sadly as she walked over to the steps where the altar would be and reclined on them on her stomach, “I could’ve gained a sister...but instead, I just lost a bother...”

Twilight (sings):
He was my best big brother, best friend
Forever... And now, we’ll never do anything
Together...

As she sang, two cutout ponies were seen, each representing Shining Armor and Twilight. They were prancing around together happily, but then Shining Armor faded away, leaving the Twilight cut out all alone. It was then the cutout Twilight was then shattered as a pair of familiar hooves made their way toward the now crying Twilight and Cody. Cadance gently stroked the purple pony’s mane, making Twilight and Cody look up at her.

“We’re sorry!” Twilight croaked as Cadance gave them a soft smile as a faint green glow flashed from her eyes.

“You will be,” said Cadance deviously, making Twilight and Cody’s eyes shrink as they were soon surrounded by a ring of green flames, which crackled as Twilight was then transported underneath the floor and disappeared. Cadance watched Twilight and Cody sink under the floor with an evil smirk before walking away, feeling very pleased with herself.

Chapter 6: A Canterlot Wedding - Part II

Somewhere inside of a dark underground cavern, Twilight was using her horn and Cody turned on his lightsaber to survey the area, but it was too dark for them to see much of anything in what seemed like a vast area surrounded by darkness.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” Twilight asked timidly, her voice echoing as she spoke, but there was no reply as she continued to look around the area. Twilight and Cody then walked right into a wall, or more specifically, the side of a large crystal wall that showed her reflection on it. It was then Twilight heard sinister laughter and nervously looked around to find the source as she took a step back to figure out where she was. It was then her reflection changed into that of Cadance, who looked at the purple pony sinisterly.

“Where are we?” Twilight and Cody asked.

“The caves beneath Canterlot, once home to greedy unicorns who wanted to claim the gems that could be found inside, and now, your prison.” ‘Cadance’ explained. She then disappeared from the mirror walls as Twilight fearfully ran off toward a larger rock mirror as ‘Cadance’ looked at her sinisterly again.

“Help! Help!” Twilight and Cody cried out as ‘Cadance’ just laughed at her as she reappeared before them in three mirrored walls.

“It’s no use,” Cadance gloated, “No one can hear you. And no one will ever think to look for you, either. Most ponies have forgotten that these caves even exist, which is why they are the ideal place to keep the ones who try to interfere with my plans.” Twilight became more afraid and flinched when Cadance’s face disappeared again as the alicorn laughed at her.

“Plans? What plans?” Twilight asked.

“The plans I have for your brother, of course,” ‘Cadance’ answered. Twilight gasped in shock.

“Don’t you dare do anything to be brother, you...you monster!” Twilight yelled angrily as she made her horn glow brighter.

“Only way to stop me is to catch me!” ‘Cadance’ said amusingly and laughed at Twilight again, “Over here!” Twilight then saw dozens of images of ‘Cadance’ from the mirrored walls before they disappeared and ‘Cadance’ reappeared from another mirror, laughing at Twilight and Cody. They became angry as she gritted her teeth and fired a magic blast at the image just as it disappeared and turned into her own. The blast reflected off the mirrored walls. Twilight barely jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.

“Nope, over here!” ‘Cadance’ taunted as she appeared on the ground beneath Twilight and Cody and then in several crystals about the cavern. Twilight angrily blasted each crystal into smithereens as ‘Cadance’ continued to taunt her. Twilight then charged her horn at full power before unleashing a massive blast at a nearby crystal wall, shattering it into pieces. Behind the wall was...Cadance, Blaze, Dagger, and Sunset.

However, this Cadance had a messy mane and tail, and looked rather battered. Blaze, Dagger, and Sunset were in the same condition, with the latter three restrained in silk bonds and gagged by silk on their mouths, except for Sunset. Twilight glared menacingly at her.

“No! Wait!” the real Cadance shouted as she raised her hands into the air in front of her.

“Ugh!” the real Cadance grunted as Twilight tackled her to the ground. In a tussle that only lasted seconds, Twilight had Cadance pinned to the floor on her back.

“Please! Don’t hurt me!” the real Cadance pleaded as she trembled fearfully, “Twilight, Cody, it’s me! You have to believe me. I’ve been imprisoned like you two, along with Uncle Blaze, Uncle Dagger, and Sunset. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter.”

“Likely story!” said Twilight as she glared at the alicorn skeptically.

“She’s telling the truth. The Cadance up there is a fake!” Sunset replied.

“I knew it. This explains everything,” Cody added, then gave Sunset a hug and a kiss. Cadance and Sunset stood before Twilight.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake,” the real Cadance did the dance, “Clap your hands...”

“...and do a little shake,” Twilight finished as she sang along with her, “You remember us!” Cadance chuckled.

“Of course I do,” Cadance replied, “How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most, along with my favorite cousin?” Twilight and Cody then jumped into Cadance’s arms as the embraced each other happily.

“I’ve really missed you,” Cody said.

“I missed you too, Cody,” Cadance replied.

Cody then heard the muffled voices of his father and honorary uncle, turned on his lightsaber and cut them loose, then removed the silk off their mouths.

“Thanks, Cody. Sorry we weren’t able to meet all of you earlier,” Blaze said.

“No matter. It’s good to see you and Uncle Dagger in one piece, Father,” Cody replied, giving them a hug, then asked, “How did you end up down here?”

“Cadance’s imposter figured we’d be a threat to her plans,” Blaze replied.

“But it wasn’t just her, she had inside help getting into Canterlot,” Dagger added.

“Who helped her get past the shield?” Cody asked.

“I overheard Blueblood, he was the one who guided her through the old underground passages under the city,” Sunset replied.

“I’ve always suspected he would try to get rid of me and take the throne for himself, now he’s betrayed us all,” Cody said.

“Is this true?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Cadance replied.

The six of them made their way down the caverns as more evil laughter was heard. “We have to get out of here. We have to stop her!” Twilight said.

Back at the castle, which was still under the protection of the force field. Cadance’s imposter was preparing for what had now become her wedding day. She couldn’t help but sing about how well her master plan was coming along.

The imposter approached her mirror, now wearing her wedding dress as she tucked a rose into her floral crown. She openly mocked the fact that everypony would be admiring her as a dark smile appeared on her face as her eyes glowed a shade of green and blue.

Cadance’s imposter (sings):
This day is going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small
Everypony will gather ‘round
Say I look lovely in my gown
What they don’t know is that I have fooled them all!

The real Cadance ran about the cavern as she was viewed through a large blue gem. She then sat down with her head low as Twilight and Cody, along with Sunset, Blaze, and Dagger looked at her with worry and concern. As she sang, she looked at her reflection from the crystals as Twilight put a hand on her shoulder and Cody gave her a soft hug.

Cadance (sings):
This day was going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small
But instead of having cake
With all my friends to celebrate
My wedding bells, they may not ring for me at all.

The imposter stomped about the room as she admitted to not caring about anything involving the wedding. She then bucked a basket of apples before walking up to a mannequin, tipping the top hat into the air and blasting it into ashes that fell onto the floor. She then stomped the ashes as the room looked up at the ceiling, panned around 360 degrees, and she continued to sing boldly while looking at herself in the mirror with a single evil eye.

Cadance’s imposter (sings):
I could care less about the dress
I won’t partake in any cake
Vows, well I’ll be lying when I say

That through any kind of weather
I’ll want us to be together
The truth is I don’t care for him at all

No I do not love the groom
In my heart there is no room
But I still want him to be all mine

Cadance stopped running to catch her breath as Twilight, Cody, and the others ran past her. As she caught up with the them, they are looking around frantically about the caverns. Then they ran side by side before they find a train of mine carts that led further down the caverns via a very dangerous track. Cody and Twilight, along with Sunset, Dagger, and Blaze were weary about using it as Cadance ran up to it. They watched as she tried desperately to make the cart move but can’t make the cart budge and starts to cry. Cody and Twilight smiled as they cleared away the rocks and then they helped Cadance inside of the first cart. They then pushed the carts to get them rolling as Cadance made a definitive pose before the cart rolled down a long spiral of track.

Cadance (sings):
We must escape before it’s too late
Find a way to save the day
Hope, I’ll be lying if I say

”I don’t fear that I may lose him
To one who wants to use him
Not care for, love, and cherish him each day”

For I oh so love the groom
All my thoughts he does consume
Oh, Shining Armor, I’ll be there very soon

As Cody, Twilight, Cadance, and the others made their way down the track, they then saw the track begin to rise and fall and was broken in various places. Cadance and Twilight gasped with worry. The carts then hit a buffer making the three ponies go flying out of the cart, while Sunset teleported herself, Blaze, and Dagger to the other side of the chasm. Twilight and Cody look down fearfully as they held onto Cadance, but then noticed that they weren’t falling. Cadance had opened her wings and flew them across the wide chasm.

The doors opened as the wedding ceremony was about to begin. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had been chosen as the flower fillies, began spreading the flower pedals on the floor as the imposter made her way down the aisle with an evil smile on her face and approached the altar.

Cadance’s imposter (sings):
Finally the moment has arrived
For me to be one lucky bride

Inside another part of the caverns as they found solid ground, Cadance kept singing.

Cadance (sings):
Oh, the wedding we won’t make
He’ll end up marrying a fake
Shining Armor will be...

“...mine, all mine,” said the imposter with an evil laugh as she cut off her real counterpart. Shining Armor could be seen waiting for her at the altar. His green colored eyes and dorky smile were a clear sign he was now under the imposter’s evil spell. The most ironic detail was that nopony took notice of Shining Armor’s condition. By now the royal wedding had begun, the mane five were standing to the left of the imposter while Shining Armor had Spike, Sal, and Bucky on his right.

“Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor.” said Princess Celestia.

Meanwhile, down below in the caverns, Cadance, Twilight, Cody, and the others were still looking for a way out.

“Oh, we’re never going to save him,” said Cadance as she began to tear up and leaned against what was clearly a blocked up path. Twilight and Cody looked up at her sadly.

“We can’t give up,” Cody said to Twilight, “We have to find a way. We can make it!”

“We will,” said Twilight, “We just have to find...” Twilight looked up until she saw a sparkle high above her.

“There!” Cody looked up and smiled as Twilight teleported the three of them to the higher ledge. Sunset also teleported herself, Blaze, and Dagger to that same ledge.

“You’re not going anywhere,” said three voices in creepy unison. They gasped to see Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra wearing their wedding dresses and donning green eyes and sinister smiles.

“Oh, karabast,” Cody said.

Back at the main hall, the wedding was just about to be wrapped up.

“Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” said Princess Celestia proudly as the imposter smiled while Shining Armor looked spaced out and exhausted, “it is my great pleasure to pronounce you-”

“STOP!” somepony shouted. Everypony turned to see Twilight standing at the entrance of the double door. The ponies began to chatter about, Rainbow and Applejack looked worried, Rarity facepalmed herself and shook her head, while Spike and Rex just lowered their own heads in annoyance.

“Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?” The imposter snorted until she saw Princess Celestia and the others looking at her. She blinked before quickly putting on her sobbing act, “Why does she have to ruin my special day?”

“Oh, go cry me a river you witch!” someone retorted boldly, making the ponies gasp as Cody appeared beside Twilight with a stern look on his face. The imposter stopped crying as the Mane Five, Sal, and Bucky gasped.

“Because it’s not your special day! It’s mine!” a voice replied. Cody and Twilight, along with Sunset, Blaze, and Dagger stepped aside for the real Cadance to appear before them. Everypony gasped at the sight, including the imposter who blinked.

Celestia was relieved at the sight of her husband as she came up to Blaze and they were in a tender embrace.

“Sorry I’m late, honey,” Blaze said.

“What matters is that you’re safe,” Celestia replied.

“Dad!” Rex said, running. Blaze hugged his youngest son.

“What? But how did you escape from my bridesmaids?” The imposter demanded. Twilight, Cody, and Cadance just smirked as a flashback showed them being corned by the three enchanted bridesmaids. She then picked up her wedding bouquet. The three girls immediately took interest as Cadance tossed the bouquet down another cavern path.

“I want it!” the three girls shouted as they went after it. They exchanged smiles with each other. The view was then returned to the present as they stared down the imposter.

“Hmph, clever, but you’re still too late,” the imposter replied as she smirked at them evilly.

“I-I don’t understand. How can there be two of ‘em?” Applejack asked puzzled.

“She’s a changeling, she takes the form of somepony you love and gain power by feeding off your love for them.” Cadance explained. The imposter summoned green flames of magic energy around her, causing her to reveal her true form. She looked like a large version of a ultra skinny alicorn with insect-like wings, very straight hair, a very rounded chest, and long legs like a supermodel with green-blue eyes and fang-like teeth. The black crown on her head showing she was royalty to some degree. The crowd gasped at her original form, except for Blueblood, who was hidden under a robe and smirked, cackling in the background. He seemed to have a smitten look on his face as he felt a desire for the queen.

“Okay...I’d never thought I’d ever say this about any mare, but...she is ugly!” Cody said. Nopony disagreed as the alicorn sized changeling flashed her fangs and laughed wickedly.

“Right you are, Princess. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I’ve ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!” said the alicorn-sized changeling, whose name was Chrysalis, As the queen explained her plan, Cadance and Cody glared as the rest of the ponies listened in utter horror, especially as the changeling queen got into Cadance’s face.

“They’ll never get the chance!” Cadance shot back, “Shining Armor’s protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!” Chrysalis chuckled.

“Oh, I doubt that,” said Chrysalis as she made her horn glow, “Isn’t that right dear?”

“Mm-hmm,” said Shining Armor blankly. Cadance in shock. Cadance then tried to make a charge, but Chrysalis blocked her way.

“Ah, ah, ah. Don’t want to go to the caves, now do you?” Chrysalis warned as she made her horn glow, making Cadance step back, “Ever since I took your place, I’ve been feeding off Shining Armor’s love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it.” Just outside the barrier, a huge swarm consisting of probably hundreds and even thousands of changelings were charging, swatting, and stomping on the force field, laughing as they did so. The other elite ponies looked up in horror as Chrysalis laughed.

“He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now,” said Chrysalis as Twilight and Cody watched her as the changeling queen walked around Shining Armor. Cody, Twilight, and Cadance gasped.

“And I’m sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as Captain of the Royal Guard,” Chrysalis added.

“Not my Shining Armor!” said Cadance in desperation as she extended an arm to reach out to him.

“Soon, my changeling army will break through,” Chrysalis continued as she hovered in the air, “First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!”

“No, you won’t,” said a voice behind her sternly. Chrysalis turned around to see Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze standing right behind her. In all her bragging, she had forgotten that the alicorn Princess and her husband were there.

“You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!” Princess Celestia said sternly. The two then locked horns aggressively.

“You show ‘em, Mom!” Cody cheered as Princess Celestia hovered into the air and fired a strong magic blast. Chrysalis fired back with her own magic blast. The two blasts crashed into each other. Chrysalis was easily overwhelmed, but then she summoned more energy for herself and within seconds, her magic blast overpowered Celestia as the blast hit the alicorn’s horn. Princess Celestia gasped as the magic reached horn and the blasts exploded, which knocked off her crown as she tumbled to the floor with her horn badly burnt. Everypony gasped as tears streamed from Cody’s widened eyes.

“MOM!” Cody and Rex both cried out in anguish.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight cried as she and Cody rushed over to her. The rest of the mane five gathered around the injured alicorn.

“Ah! Shining Armor’s love for you is even stronger than I thought!” Chrysalis boasted, “Consuming it has made me more powerful than Celestia!”

“The Elements of Harmony,” Princess Celestia said weakly to Cody, the Mane Six, Sal, and Bucky as Twilight and Cody stood next her, “You must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen.” Twilight then stood up as she shared a firm and determined nod with the rest of the girls.

“What about you, Mom?” Cody asked, eyes full of tears.

“Be strong my son,” said Princess Celestia, “Use your wits instead of your anger and you will succeed. May the Force be with you.”

Cody then narrowed his eyes in determination as he wiped them. He quickly took off as Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Sunset, Sal, and Bucky then raced out of the main room. They all left as Chrysalis hovered up to the entrance door, laughing at them.

“You can run, but you can’t hide!” Chrysalis taunted. The Mane Six, Sunset, Sal, and Bucky, with Cody leading the way, exit the castle when they heard more laughter from the changelings outside the force field. Twilight and Cody looked up to see them continuing to bash at it, causing parts of the force field to crack. Then a group of changelings did a simultaneous ground pound on the top, causing it to finally shatter, making Canterlot rumble as the shield completely crumbled and left it open for the changeling swarm. The changelings wasted no time creating front barriers around their heads as they began to dive at Harmony Squad.

“Go, go!” Twilight called out as Harmony Squad kept moving. They continued on their way. It was then the changelings crash landed around them, nearly causing them to scatter.

There were so many incoming changelings at once as several more came dive bombing at them in quick session. Then one landed in front of Twilight, making her and the rest of the group stop running. The changelings hissed at her menacingly. Twilight was stunned for a moment before she stomped his head, knocking him out, and then the group went on their way. They quickly made their way up some stairs.

“Aw, karabast,” Cody said worried as the rest of the group stopped behind him. There before them was a large swarm of changelings waiting for them and blocking their path to the Elements of Harmony. Cody activated his lightsaber, ready to attack. The rest of the group looked worried and concerned, except for Rainbow. She, Applejack, Sal, and Bucky took out their blasters which were conveniently hidden under their dresses and suits. Pinkie also took out her sonic cannon, which had a telescopic barrel.

“Looks like we’re gonna have to do this the hard way,” said Rainbow as she clapped her hands together. She then stood before a changeling, which quickly made itself look like Rainbow and mirrored her for a few seconds before jabbing the real Rainbow, knocking back the blue Pegasus. It was then all the changelings started changing themselves to look like the ponies and boys, fortunately none of them could duplicate Cody’s lightsaber or any of their blasters. They all gasped.

“How did you...” Rainbow asked in shock.

“They’re changelings, remember?” Twilight pointed out.

“They’re changelings, remember?” the fake Twilight’s repeated to sound just like the purple pony.

“Don’t let them distract you,” said Twilight, “We have to get to the Elements of Harmony.”

Harmony Squad looked at the fake copies of them menacingly. Twilight then squatted down as the others did the same before they pounced into the air, ready to rumble. The changelings mimicked their poses, but showed much more aggressive faces. They then made contact with each other as dust clouds filled the air. The battle had begun.

Two flashes showed that Pinkie and Applejack had been struck and had taken damage. Cody then cut down any changeling that came at him. Sal and Bucky blasted any changeling in their path.

Twilight then attacked a fake Applejack with a magic blast of her own. Fluttershy was soon overwhelmed when several fake Fluttershys approached her from the side. Fluttershy panicked for a moment before she made an aggressive face and commanded the other’s elsewhere. The fake Fluttershys just looked at each other and ran off. Fluttershy then ran off in the other direction until she found herself surrounded by four fake Rainbows. They growled at her, making Fluttershy cower down. Then the real Rainbow appeared and punched the fakes away. She then helped Fluttershy to both her hooves as the yellow Pegasus hovered beside her.

Elsewhere, the boys found themselves being surrounded by a couple dozen changelings despite blasting and cutting down so many. Cody used the Force to push several others away from them. It was then Twilight and Applejack found themselves being pushed back to back against the other as some fakes surrounded them. Applejack growled at the other fakes, but then was shocked to see the Twilight behind her was fake as it revealed its true form.

“Okay, this is just gettin’ weird,” Applejack remarked as the changelings tackled her to the ground. Close by, the real Twilight pinned down a fake version of herself and used her horn to make the changeling reveal its true form and left it dazed. Twilight then saw poor Applejack being buried alive by a pile of fake Applejacks. Twilight then magic blasted them off one by one before picking up the real Applejack at the bottom with her magic.

“Real me! Real me!” Applejack called out as Twilight set the orange pony back on her hooves. Sunset blasted several changelings, including some that were fake versions of her. Then Pinkie was standing before a changeling as it shifted from Rarity, to Rainbow, and then to Fluttershy.

“Do me! Do me!” Pinkie giggled. The fake Fluttershy rolled her eyes before it changed into her and smiled.

“Meh, I’ve seen better,” said Pinkie unamused as she grabbed Twilight’s waist and rotated her tail.

“MAGIC FRENZY!” Cody screamed as Twilight shot magic blasts like a rapid fire weapon, knocking out dozens of fakes at once. Applejack and Rainbow also took out their blasters and fired at any changelings that came to attack them.

Then combat seemed to repeat a pattern, Rainbow punched a changeling, Applejack bucked one, Fluttershy made one trip over her, Sal and Bucky blasted some, Rarity punched one, Twilight, Sunset, and Cody each blasted one or cut one down, and Pinkie fired her sonic cannon at one. This repeated over and over several times before.

SMACK!

Several changelings went flying away from the group as they made a dynamic pose. The battle was over, or so they thought. Harmony Squad stood on guard for a few seconds to catch their breath as they saw the swarm had been knocked out or dead. It wasn’t long before they saw reinforcements were on their way.

“Come on!” Cody called out as he led the group to the building where the Elements of Harmony were kept as the air changelings gained ground on them quickly. Twilight used her magic to open the door. They were given the shock of their lives when they found that another swarm of changelings were there waiting for them. The group took a step back as the flying swarm landed to surround Harmony Squad on both sides. They exchanged worried looks with each other before the changelings surrounded them.

Princess Celestia finally started to wake up, feeling rather groggy as she found herself upside down and incased inside of a green pod, same with Blaze and Dagger. Three changelings hovered around their pods as Chrysalis paced about below her. Poor Cadance and Rex had been bound to their hooves by some green slimy silk.

“You won’t get away with this!” Cadance shouted, “Cody, Twilight, and their friends will-” Cadance was then cut off when the doors opened showing that Cody, Sal, Bucky, and the mares had been captured and brought back to the main room. Clearly, Rainbow and Cody has tried to make a break for help and were being held by two changelings each in the air.

“You were saying?” Chrysalis bragged, “You do realize the reception’s been cancelled don’t you? Go! Feed!” The remaining changelings then flew off. Those holding Rainbow and Cody were dropped to the floor.

Chrysalis smugly walked up to Twilight, laughing evilly as she approached.

“It’s funny really,” said Chrysalis as she held Twilight’s chin, “Twilight and Cody here were suspicious of my behavior all along. Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct.” Twilight and Cody just looked at each other sadly. They knew they had been right, even called out their friends about being too caught up in the wedding plans. However neither of them felt like saying “I told you so” to anypony.

“Sorry, Twi and Cody,” said Applejack in behalf of the rest of the group, “We should’ve listened to you two.”

“It’s okay. Maybe if we hadn’t been so angry and bitter,” Cody admitted, “You would have taken our concerns more seriously.”

“It’s not your fault,” Twilight added, “She fooled everypony.”

“Hmm, I did, didn’t I?” Chrysalis said in agreement with a smug smile on her face as she headed toward an open window and looked outside. Meanwhile, Blueblood looked on in the background, snickering.

As Chrysalis sang in a sickeningly sweet tone, she watched the ponies being terrorized in the streets by all the changelings. One family was cornered in a dark alley. Two guards were bounded and surrounded by changelings. The rest of the swarm just hovered all over Canterlot.

This day has been just perfect
The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small
Everypony I’ll soon control
Every stallion, mare, and foal
Who says a girl can’t really have it all?

Chrysalis laughed evilly as she watched the chaos unfold. As her back was turned, Twilight made her move and crawled over to Cadance.

“Quick!” said Twilight, “Go to him while you still have the chance!” Twilight then fired her magic blast at the green goo, dissolving it so Cadance could head over to Shining Armor as Twilight watched to see when or if Chrysalis would turn around. Cadance looked up at her still enchanted husband-to-be. She hugged him tenderly as tears fell from her eyes. It was then her horn sparked and produced a heart. The others gasped quietly as the heart appeared before Shining Armor’s face and snapped him back into reality.

“Wha-Where...huh?” Shining Armor mumbled as he shook his head, “Is...is the wedding over?” Cadance smiled as did the others, but then Chrysalis appeared between the couple and Harmony Squad with a devious smile on her face.

“It’s all over!” Chrysalis bragged. The others watched Chrysalis with worried looks.

“Not if I have anything to say about it, sleemo!” Cody said.

“Think you can take me on, Jedi?” Chrysalis asked.

“Maybe,” Cody replied, as he broke free from his silken bonds with the Force and turned on his lightsaber.

Chrysalis fired multiple magic blasts at him, but Cody was able to block them. She then flew towards him at speed, but he reached his arms out and used the Force to push her back and into a wall.

“Your spell!” Twilight called out to Shining Armor, “Perform your spell!” Chrysalis then recovered, at least mentally, and laughed.

“What good would that do?” the changeling queen boasted, “My changelings already roam free.”

Shining Armor knew he had to act fast as he tried to make his horn glow, but it was no good, “No! My power is useless now, don’t have the strength to repel them!” he said wearily.

“My love will give you strength,” said Cadance sweetly as she hugged him close. Chrysalis laughed.

“What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment,” the changeling queen remarked.

Shining Armor and Cadance then tapped their horns together, smiling at they did so to create a giant heart with a spark and a bright light above them. The extra love magic empowered them both, surrounding them inside of a barrier. Harmony Squad gasped in surprise and watched in awe, some of them turning away because the light was getting so intense. Chrysalis watched in shock as the magic surrounding them intensified, causing the main room to rumble as the couple opened their eyes. Their eyes were now glowing white as the light encased the couple and lifted them into the air. The silhouettes could be seen as their floating bodies shaped into two halves of a heart. It was then a massive wave of magic expanded from them. Harmony Squad smiled as the wave of magic harmlessly went past them, though they did get pushed back a little from how intense the magic was. Chrysalis gasped in horror as the wave came at her.

“Noooooo!” Chrysalis screamed as she was literally blown right out of the castle. As the magical wave continued to expand in a spherical shape, all the changelings were swept away and right out of Canterlot. Chrysalis and the swarm all screamed as they were flung far away from Canterlot and into the distance. Upon seeing this, Blueblood just teleported out of the castle, as to avoid being seen leaving.

Once the magic had settled down, Cadance and Shining Armor came floating back down. They smiled at each other before sharing a loving embrace. Cody and Twilight rushed over to Princess Celestia, Prince Blaze, and Commander Dagger who had been freed from their prison due to the magic wave and were now laying on the floor.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Cody asked as he and Twilight helped the alicorn to both her hooves.

“Don’t worry about me,” said Princess Celestia, “You two lovebirds have their real wedding to put together.” Cody and Twilight blushed and then smiled at each other.

Later on, Cadance was in the kitchen as Applejack finished making more of her apple treats. Cadance eagerly picked one up and ate it, licking her lips afterward, and getting a second one to eat. Cody and Sunset chuckled as Twilight smiled and checked the catering off her list. Rarity, her frazzled mane showing she had worked overtime to create a brand new bride’s dress, pulled over a mirror so Cadance could see how she looked in it. A wide and happy smile on the alicorn’s face showed that Cadance was more than pleased. Cody and Sunset clapped for Cadance as Twilight marked the dresses off her checklist. Cadance then let all the birds perch on her as Fluttershy conducted them to singing for her. Cody and Sunset laughed as Twilight checked off the music on the list. At the reception hall, Cadance and Pinkie were dancing together. Cody, Sunset, and Twilight just smiled as they checked off the reception on the list as the latter rolled up the paper. Then they shared a fist bump before Twilight and Sunset hugged him happily, which Cody returned with a smile.

The wedding, and this time the real wedding, was ready to begin. The crowds were now back inside the main hall. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Applejack were at the left of the altar since Cadance has decided to keep them as her bridesmaids along with Fluttershy. As for her three original bridesmaids, Cody found them still wondering the caverns, now free of Chrysalis’s magic. Once everything had been explained and they apologized to Cody over what had happened, the three agreed to allow the other girls to take their place, but Cody still gave them front row seats since they were still his friends.

Back at the wedding, Fluttershy was standing high above a balcony with her bird choir, ready to play the bridal chorus. Shining Armor was now standing at the altar with Twilight as his best mare, whom he had given a private apology to, and Cody, who had been promoted to be his best man. Both of them now dressed in formal attire. Sal, Bucky, and Spike were standing next to Cody along with all the other groomscolts. Twilight then noticed that Shining Armor’s emblem was crooked and went to fix it for him, which he gave her a smile in return. Shining Armor and Twilight’s parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, were watching them as the former was already crying. Fluttershy then began to conduct her birds as they whistled the Bridal Chorus. The two guards opened the doors as, once again, the Cutie Mark Crusaders came hopping down spreading flower pedals with Blaze walking Cadance down the aisle right behind them. Her new dress consisted of a white and yellow rose floral crown with the wedding veil attached to it. The dress itself had a large yellow rose broach, a blue and yellow trimmed top with a long double layered skirt that had gold trimming on the shorter layer as well as a giant pink bow in the back of the skirt. Five birds were holding the extra long back of the dress skirt as she made her way down the aisle. Everypony smiled as they watched Cadance approach the altar.

“Seriously, though,” Twilight said to Shining Armor, giving him a playful nudge, “I get why the queen of the changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?”

“I told her she wouldn’t just be gaining a husband,” Shining Armor answered, “She’d be getting a great sister, too.” Twilight beamed.

“Twilight is pretty great,” Cody added, “It’s why I love her.”

“You’re pretty great yourself, handsome,” said Twilight, “It’s why I love you.” Shining Armor smiled as did Sal and Bucky. Cadance arrived at the altar with the Cutie Mark Crusaders standing at the side. Rarity started to tear up as she grabbed a tissue to carefully wipe her eyes. Applejack then went to see if she could get her stenson hat to stay on her head despite already wearing a floral crown like the rest of the girls. Shining Armor and Cadance exchanged smiles with each other before Princess Celestia began to speak.

“Mares and gentlecolts,” said Princess Celestia, “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-”

“Princess Cadance is fine,” said the pink alicorn. Cody giggled to himself.

Now THAT’s the cousin I know and love. he thought happily. Princess Celestia blinked for a moment before she smiled.

“Hm. The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Princess Celestia continued, “The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?” Rex then held out a pillow with a pair of wedding rings on it. The rings were then placed onto their horns.

“I know pronounce you mare and colt!” said Princess Celestia and everypony cheered as the newlyweds made their way out of the main room and onto a balcony where thousands of ponies were cheering for them from down below as streamers and confetti fell from the sky. Shining Armor and Cadance waved at the crowds as the mane seven and Princess Celestia watched from behind.

“This is your victory as much as theirs, and I apologize for not believing you two earlier,” said Princess Celestia as she turned to face both Cody and Twilight, “You both persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to you being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a very valuable lesson to learn.” Cody and Twilight just smiled sheepishly.

“Indeed, it is very important for becoming a Jedi Knight,” Blaze added.

“Mom, by leading the changelings here and helping their queen sneak past our defenses, Blueblood has betrayed us according to a previous report by Sunset,” Cody said, remembering.

“I knew he was a jerk to you and Rex, along with your friends, but I never thought he would be a traitor. This is most unfortunate news,” Celestia replied.

“Don’t worry, we’ll deal with him soon enough,” Sunset said.

Twilight and Sunset just smiled at Cody as they nuzzled his neck. It was then the newlyweds shared a quick kiss followed by a nice long one, making Cody, Twilight, and Sunset give them teary smiles as the rest of their friends cheered for them.

“One day it’ll be you and me up there, Twilight, and maybe Sunset too,” Cody said.

Princess Celestia then remembered something, “Rainbow Dash, that’s your cue,” she whispered to the blue Pegasus. Rainbow blinked before taking off so quickly that she left her dress behind. A few seconds later a large BOOM was heard as a massive ring of rainbow colors appeared in the sky followed by a beautiful rainbow that arched over the entire city of Canterlot.

“Best...wedding...ever!” Rainbow shouted excitedly.

Later that night, Cadance and Shining Armor shared a loving embrace and then shared a slow dance together to an orchestrated version of the song “Love is in Bloom”. Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Sunset, Princess Celestia, Prince Blaze, and Commander Dagger just watched as Princess Luna made a landing next to them.

“Hello, everypony,” said Princess Luna, “Did I miss anything?” It was then Twilight, Sunset, and Cody, and Pinkie were seen watching the couple dance as well. Twilight then gave Pinkie a nod. Pinkie gave an excited squee before zooming over to a DJ turntable with large speakers on both sides.

“Let’s get this party started!” said Pinkie as she pulled up DJ-Pon3. The white unicorn with blue mane and tail placed a record onto the turntable. Once the music started, Pinkie tossed a mini-mike to Twilight who caught it with her magic to sing.

She and Cody stood nearby and sang to the newlyweds as they did some light dance steps while confetti and streamers fall from above. The newlyweds smiled at Twilight and then at each other.

Twilight (sings):
Love is in bloom
a beautiful bride, a handsome groom
Two hearts becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone, because

As the six friends gathered around, with Bucky standing next to Fluttershy, they began bopping to the music. Twilight swayed from side to side as she and Cody kept up their duet with Shining Armor even dipping his new wife.

Twilight and Cody (sing):
Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You’re starting a life and making room
For us (For us, For us)

As the music continued, pictures were taken. One featured Pinkie stuffing her face with wedding cake. Another featured Applejack and Sal playing a fiddle with some of her relatives that come to help her in the kitchen. Another was Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Rex dancing together. Another of Rarity and Spike with Fancy Pants. Then came the good pictures. One was of Soarin hanging with Sal and Rainbow, another was of Fluttershy and Bucky sharing a kiss...on the lips!, another featured Commander Dagger proposing to Princess Luna, with her feeling touched by his gesture. But the best one of all was of both Twilight and Cody doing a slow dance with their eyes closed.

It was late that night as Shining Armor and Candace made their way towards the carriage. Twilight and Cody knelt before them as they opened the door for the newlywed couple to head inside.

“Cody,” said Cadance.

“Yeah, Cadance?” Cody asked as she gave him a warm smile.

“I’m so proud of the young man you’ve become,” said Cadance, “Like me, the love in your heart will become your greatest source of magic. Use it wisely and it will never let you down.” Cody smiled as pair of tears left his eyes.

“I love you, cuz,” said Cody with a crack in his tone, “Promise me you’ll keep in touch. I’ve missed you.” Cadance hugged him.

“That’s a promise, cuz, and best of luck to both you and Twilight,” said Cadance. Cody blushed as Cadance gave him a wink. As she headed inside the carriage. Shining Armor then stopped.

“Twilight!” he called out, “None of this would’ve been possible without you, little sis. Love ya, Twily.”

“Love you too, B.B.B.F.F.,” Twilight replied softly as they share a hug. Shining Armor than turned to Cody, giving him a hug as well.

“You take good care of my little sister, you hear?” Shining Armor asked, “I know she’s in good hands.” Twilight just smiled as Cody nodded.

“Trust me. It’s gonna be your turn for all for this before you know it.” He said giving Cody a wink, making both Cody and Twilight blush and chuckle sheepishly. Shining Armor chuckled to himself as he sat inside of the carriage.

“Ready to go?” Shining Armor asked his new wife.

“Oh! Almost forgot,” said Cadance as she leaned out of the carriage and tossed her wedding bouquet. Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra looked excited before a certain marshmallow unicorn shoved them all out of the way and caught it.

“IT’S MINE!” Rarity shouted with a maniacal laugh until she saw the other bridesmaids giving her dirty looks, “Oof! Ahaha...ha...” Rarity was clearly embarrassed as the three girls continued to gave her death glares. “Love is in Bloom” played in the background as the wedding carriage disappeared into the distance.

“Now this was a great wedding,” said Twilight.

“You said it, Twilight,” Cody replied in agreement as he stood next to her.

“Oh yeah?” said Spike, “Just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!” He chuckled. Pinkie looked puzzled as Rainbow and Rarity rolled their eyes at him. Twilight squatted low to the road. Then they all laughed.

“Spike. You’re supposed to have the bachelor party before the wedding!” Cody pointed out. Spike’s eyes bulged out and he grunted annoyingly.

“Why didn’t anypony tell me these things!” Spike retorted.

“No worries, Spike,” said Rainbow, “I think you’ll get your chance to host one soon enough.” Everypony looked at Twilight and Cody who just smiled with their cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. Sunset also came up to them.

“One step at a time, Rainbow,” Cody replied.

“She does bring up a point though,” said Twilight. They then shared a kiss as the others cheered for them, but they payed no mind to it. Sunset also shared a kiss with Cody, then held both his girlfriends close to him.

Twilight and Cody (sing):
Love is in Bloom
For us, (For us...For us...Aah...)

It was then fireworks lit up the sky, the last one being a giant pink and green heart.

Chapter 7: Mission to Christophsis

Having returned home to the library, Cody, Twilight, and Sunset got their teeth brushed and went to bed. Spike put his noise-canceling earmuffs and went to sleep. Cody had his sleep pants on, while Twilight and Sunset had their nightgowns on. Twilight’s was in the same shade as her mane and reached the top of her thighs. Like Twilight, Sunset’s nightgown also reached the top of her thighs, only hers was red.

“Go ahead and have some fun with Sunset, ‘cause I’m too exhausted,” Twilight said to her boyfriend, as she picked up a book to read.

“C’mere, Sunset,” Cody said to his second girlfriend.

Sunset activated soundproofing and temporary anti-pregnancy spells. They held each other in a loving embrace and they began making out. She used her magic to undo Cody’s sleep pants and boxers while he took off her nightgown, bra, and panties. He sat down on the bed, grabbed her hips and sank them down onto his, entering her. Cody thrusted upwards, she bobbed up and down in sync with his thrusts. Sunset caressed Cody’s chest and abs, while he fondled her breasts. Cody then moved his hands down to her rump and gently squeezed it, making her moan in pleasure, he then ran his hands across her legs and flipped them over so that he was on top. As Cody kept thrusting into Sunset, she wrapped her legs around his waist. It wasn’t long before his climax was near.

“Sunset, I’m close!” Cody said, moaning.

“Finish it!” Sunset replied.

Cody busted a massive load inside of Sunset as they both screamed in pleasure, he then collapsed on top of her and they panted heavily. He pulled out of her and then put his boxers and sleep pants back on, while Sunset also put her undergarments and nightgown back on. It wasn’t long before Twilight joined them and the three of them fell asleep.

The next day

Cody and Twilight were cuddling atop the bed. Spike woke up and decided to make breakfast, while Sunset went down to help him.

“Morning, Twily,” Cody said, giving her a kiss.

“Morning, Cody,” Twilight replied.

Cody looked at the time and asked, rubbing his hand on her rump, “Since we have some time, shall we get it on before breakfast?”

“Let’s,” Twilight replied. She activated a temporary anti-pregnancy spell as well as a soundproofing spell.

They began a steamy make-out session with Twilight running her hands across his chest and abdomen, while he fondled her breasts, making her moan in delight. She then took off his sleep pants and boxers, with him taking off her nightgown, bra, and panties. Twilight sank her hips down onto his, making him enter her, Cody then thrusted upwards and fondled her rump, he also ran his hands across her legs. She moved in sync with his thrusts and pulled him into another kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. Cody flipped her over so that he was now on top. As Cody kept thrusting, he could feel his climax was near.

“Brace yourself, Twilight. I’m close,” Cody said, moaning.

“Do it! Finish inside me!” Twilight replied, wrapping her legs around his waist.

Cody kept thrusting rapidly until he bust a huge load inside Twilight, causing them both to scream in unison. Afterwards, he collapsed on top of her, then pulled out of her.

“I’m gonna take a shower now,” Twilight said.

“Want me to join you?” Cody asked, flirtatiously as he fondled her breasts.

“Sure. It’ll save time,” Twilight replied, giggling.

Shortly after eating breakfast, Cody heard his holo-projector beeping and answered it as Mon Mothma appeared on hologram.

“Prince Cody, you and your squad must report to Yavin 4 as soon as possible. We have a mission for you,” she said.

“We’ll be there shortly, Senator Mothma,” Cody replied, then the transmission ended.

Soon enough, Harmony Squad had gathered and then went to Canterlot where the Stinger Mantis was parked.

“Twilight and I gathered us here because the rebellion needs us for a mission,” Cody said.

“What are we supposed to do?” Sunset asked.

“You’ll find out once we reach the rebel base on Yavin 4,” Twilight replied.

Harmony Squad boarded the Stinger Mantis, took off from the mountainside, and left the surface.

“R5, plot a course for Yavin 4,” Cody said.

Once R5 entered the coordinates, they jumped into hyperspace.

It wasn’t long before they reached Yavin 4. Once they reached the landing pad, Harmony Squad disembarked and entered the base.

It was then that they were greeted by Hera Syndulla and Captain Kallus, “Welcome back, Harmony Squad.”

“Senator Mothma wants to see you in the briefing room,” Kallus added.

“Good to see you, Captain Kallus,” Sal greeted.

“Good to see you again, Hera. I’m sorry about Kanan,” Cody said.

“Our condolences,” Bucky added.

Harmony Squad followed General Syndulla and Captain Kallus into the briefing room where Senator Mothma was waiting for them.

“Good to see you again, Harmony Squad,” Senator Mothma greeted.

“What’s our mission, Senator Mothma?” Twilight asked.

“We received a communique from the rebel cell on Christophsis, the Empire has been harvesting kyber crystals from there and we don’t know why. You must go there and find out the reason the Empire is harvesting these crystals, and you must also recruit the rebel cell there into the Alliance,” Senator Mothma explained.

“You can count on us,” Cody replied.

“Based on the success of our last fourteen missions, I believe we can accomplish this one too,” Sunset added.

“May the Force be with you,” Senator Mothma said as Harmony Squad left for the Stinger Mantis.

Once onboard, Harmony Squad disembarked the landing pad and left the surface.

“Sal and Bucky, plot a course for Christophsis,” Cody said.

Once the brothers plotted the course on the navicomputer, the Mantis jumped into hyperspace. Soon enough, they reached Christophsis. Not too far behind were the Freemakers aboard the StarScavenger.

“Engage the cloaking device before the Empire detects us,” Cody said, noticing the Imperial blockade.

It was then that the Mantis cloaked, they went around the star destroyers with ease. Meanwhile, the Freemakers were detected by the Empire.

“Incoming ship, what is your business here?” an Imperial officer asked on their comms.

“Salvage. We’re here to collect some parts from the Clone War wreckage,” Zander replied.

“Do you have a code clearance?” The officer asked.

“Clearance code coming up,” Zander replied, as he and Kordi transmitted the code.

“Your code checks out, you’re clear to proceed,” the imperial officer said over the comm.

It wasn’t long before both the Mantis and the StarScavenger landed on the surface. Most of Harmony Squad exited the Mantis and were checking their landing zone.

“Fluttershy, you and Spike stay with the ship in case we need a quick escape and keep it cloaked,” Cody said.

Fluttershy and Spike nodded in reply. They noticed the StarScavenger parked just two meters away and the Freemakers, along with D-Squad exiting it.

“What brings you here, Zander?” Cody asked as he and the others approached them.

“Your father sent us to collect some salvage from all the Clone War wreckage and to give you guys support in your mission,” Zander explained.

“In case you need more help, D-Squad is with you,” Colonel Gascon added.

“Thanks, Colonel,” Cody replied, “Our mission is to recruit the Christophsian rebels into the larger rebellion and find out why the Empire is harvesting kyber crystals from here.”

Soon enough, Harmony Squad and D-Squad began searching for the Christophsian rebels. They eventually reached the old Republic outpost and noticed the Christophsian rebels trying to defend it from the Empire, who had AT-STs and Occupier assault tanks. It wasn’t long before they noticed a black and white U-wing gunship with an X-wing fighter escort landing in the distance.

“Who could that be?” Rainbow asked.

“Senator Mothma trusts us to complete our mission, she couldn’t have sent another rebel team unless we were to request more support,” Applejack added.

“Something tells me that it’s Saw Gerrera and his group,” Cody replied.

“Who?” Pinkie asked.

“Saw Gerrera and his rebel cell, the Partisans were excommunicated from the Rebel Alliance two years ago due to their extreme methods. He started this group after the Empire took over his home planet of Onderon, which he helped to liberate from the Separatists during the Clone War with support from the old Republic,” Cody explained.

“We gotta go help the Christophsians,” Twilight said.

“Right,” Cody replied, “Let’s move out!”

Cody activated his lightsaber while Sal, Bucky, Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie took out their blasters and sonic cannon. They all rushed towards the imperial troops.

“How are we supposed to handle those walkers?” Rarity asked.

“Or the assault tanks too? Blaster pistols aren’t exactly ideal for such heavy armor,” Sunset added.

“Along with Twilight, you can both use your magic and conjure up a high explosive heat spell,” Cody replied.

“Good point,” Rarity said.

Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Sal, and Bucky blasted every stormtrooper in their path while Twilight, Sunset, and Rarity charged up their horns and blasted several walkers and assault tanks. Cody cut down any trooper in his path.

“Rebels of Christophsis, we are Harmony Squad of the Rebel Alliance. Senator Mothma sent us to make contact with you and recruit you,” Cody spoke up, “We shall help you now while we can, are you with us?”

“We are with you, Harmony Squad. I’m Darell Veris, leader of the Free Christophsian Army and we would be honored to be part of the Rebel Alliance, my people are at your service,” the rebel cell leader replied.

Just as another wave of Imperial forces came towards Harmony Squad and the Christophsians, the advancing stormtroopers, walkers, and tanks were met with blaster and rocket fire from Saw Gerrera and his group. Among them was a clone captain with blue-green markings on his armor and a woman in her mid to late forties. She went up to Harmony Squad as she immediately recognized Sal and Bucky, and they immediately recognized her.

“Sal? Bucky?” The woman asked.

“Mom, is it really you?” Sal asked.

“Yes, boys,” Mrs. Thrace replied as she hugged them.

“Hi, mom,” Bucky said, as he and Sal shed tears of joy.

“I’ve really missed you both,” Mrs. Thrace replied.

“We thought you were dead,” Sal said.

“I was only taken prisoner, but I escaped along with many others, including Captain Howzer, in a mass breakout led by Ephraim and Mira Bridger. Afterwards, Captain Howzer and I joined the Partisans, hoping to make a difference and join the rebel cause,” Mrs. Thrace explained.

“Ya alright, Sal?” Applejack spoke up.

“Mom, these are my girlfriends, Applejack and Rainbow Dash,” Sal said.

“This is one of my girlfriends, Pinkie Pie. Girls and Cody, this is our mom,” Bucky added.

“Good to meet you, Mrs. Thrace,” Rainbow Dash greeted.

“You can call me Leema,” Mrs. Thrace replied, before turning to Sal and Bucky, “Way to go, boys.”

“Once we finish our mission and return home to Equestria, Dad will be glad to see you,” Bucky replied.

“That’s a planet I’m not familiar with. Where is it exactly?” Leema asked.

“The planet of Equestria is located beyond the Outer Rim in Wild Space, my mother and father are the rulers and I’m the heir to the throne. We’ll tell you more later,” Cody replied, “Now, we need to proceed with our mission to find out why the Empire is harvesting this planet’s kyber crystals.”

“So are we,” a voice spoke up.

It was then that Saw Gerrera came up to them, along with two of his best fighters, Benthic and Edrio.

“You must be Saw Gerrera. I’m Cody Ando, my father told me about you,” Cody said.

“Your father is Blaze Ando? I’ve met him and Commander Dagger a few times on their salvaging operations,” Saw asked.

“Yes, my friends and I were sent here by Senator Mothma to find out why the Empire is harvesting kyber crystals,” Cody replied.

“We’re also here to find out why the Empire is harvesting kyber crystals same as you. Maybe we can help each other out,” Saw suggested.

“I think we can manage on our own, along with the Christophsians, of course,” Cody replied.

“Cody, Saw offered his help. I think we should accept it,” Twilight said.

“I agree with Twilight, we can accomplish more with him and his group helping us. We are on the same side after all,” Rarity added.

Cody sighed, then said, “We accept your offer, Saw.”

“Good. We’ve acquired intel on the kyber crystal shipments coming from this planet and the next one should be just three clicks west of here,” Saw replied.

“Fluttershy, we need you to fly the Mantis three clicks west of here and meet us there,” Cody said on the comm.

“Will do, Cody,” Fluttershy replied.

“Everyone, let’s move,” Cody said.

Harmony Squad and the Partisans went to find and intercept the next kyber crystal shipment.

Mustafar system

On the planet Nur, a fleet of six star destroyers hovered high above the former Fortress Inquisitiorius where a familiar TIE Defender flew towards one destroyer. It wasn’t long before Darth Claw made his way to the bridge of his personal star destroyer, the Tyranus. He now had a cybernetic hand replacing the one cut off by Cody Ando on Zeffo.

“What is it, Admiral Kerens?” Claw asked.

“We’ve received an urgent transmission from Christophsis. The local garrison failed to capture the rebel cell and seize their headquarters, the Christophsians had help from Saw Gerrera and his group, along with a Jedi and six female warriors of unknown origin,” Admiral Kerens explained.

“Ready the fleet and deploy it to Christophsis,” Claw ordered.

“Yes, Lord Claw,” Admiral Tenant replied.

Soon enough, Darth Claw’s fleet jumped into hyperspace.

Back on Christophsis, Harmony Squad and the Partisans reached their destination, they noticed the Imperial forces harvesting the planet’s kyber crystals and hauling them aboard several Gozanti-class cruisers. The transports were protected by six AT-ATs, twelve AT-STs, and ten Occupier assault tanks.

“I still don’t trust Saw and his group, especially with their extreme methods,” Cody said discreetly.

“Right now, we can’t afford not to. Once our mission is finished, we may not have to work with him again,” Twilight replied.

“How is it looking over there, Saw?” Cody asked.

“With all that heavy armor, it’s gonna make things harder,” Saw replied.

“Do any of your guys have rocket launchers? ‘Cause I don’t know if Twilight, Sunset, and Rarity’s high explosive heat spells are gonna be enough to take out all those walkers,” Sal asked.

“We’ve got a whole crate full,” Saw replied, revealing a crate full of rocket launchers.

“Good. What’s the best way to bring down an AT-AT?” Bucky asked.

“Their most vulnerable spot is the neck, a shot there from a rocket or a blaster cannon can put it out of action,” Saw replied.

It wasn’t long before Saw and some of his rebels took some rocket launchers and rushed down to the area, with Harmony Squad beside them.

“Stay in the walkers’ blind spots!” Cody said.

Saw and his rebels each fired rockets at the AT-ATs, scoring direct hits on their necks and knocking them out. Twilight, Sunset, and Rarity blasted the Occupier assault tanks and destroyed them. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Sal, and Bucky blasted any troopers in their path. Cody destroyed half the AT-STs by either using the Force to redirect their rockets back at them or slicing their legs with his lightsaber, he also cut down any troopers in his path. Saw and his rebels fought so ferociously that four unarmed science officers were in the line of fire.

After the heavy armor was destroyed and the remaining troopers fled, the science officers surrendered to Harmony Squad and the Partisans. Saw did not care and ordered all but four of them to be terminated. The girls, Sal, and Bucky were taken aback at seeing the extremity of Saw’s actions.

“Saw, stop!” Cody said, “These are unarmed science officers and they surrendered to us, we can’t kill anyone who surrenders!”

“Among the Empire, there are no innocents,” Saw argued, “Your methods are too soft, I will do whatever it takes to win this war.”

“But at what cost? You’ll be no better than the Empire who took over your home planet and oppress your people,” Cody replied.

“I believe your sister, Steela would be most ashamed of you if she were still alive!” Twilight added, “Besides, these science officers can provide us with some important information.”

“Put them in binders,” Saw ordered.

Saw’s rebels cuffed the science officers, then they and Harmony Squad placed explosive charges on the kyber crystals and the transports. They all fled to a safe distance where the now de-cloaked Stinger Mantis was waiting for them. It wasn’t long before the charges went off and destroyed the kyber crystals, along with the transports.

“Answer our questions, or be terminated,” Saw said, holding the science officers at gunpoint.

“Allow me to question them,” Cody said, then performed a mind trick on the science officers, “You will answer my questions honestly and without hesitation.”

“We will answer your questions honestly and without hesitation,” the lead science officer repeated.

Cody thought back on what the Ghost crew told him and his squad about their discovery on Geonosis and asked, “What was the Empire building on Geonosis and why did they wipe out the Geonosians? Why is the Empire harvesting kyber crystals?”

“The Empire is building a superweapon and the Geonosians were exterminated to keep it secret. That’s all we know,” the lead science officer replied.

“It’s all coming together now,” Saw said.

“Our mission is now complete. This is where we part ways, Saw,” Cody replied, “As a favor to you, we’ll liberate Onderon for you one day. I promise.”

“Thank you, Cody Ando,” Saw said.

The Partisans parted ways with Harmony Squad, save for Leema Thrace and Captain Howzer, who boarded the Mantis with the latter.

“Mom, this is my other girlfriend, Fluttershy,” Bucky said.

“Hi, Mrs. Thrace,” Fluttershy greeted.

“Call me Leema,” Mrs. Thrace replied.

Just then, they noticed a familiar TIE Defender in the distance, along with several Gozanti-class cruisers hauling AT-ATs and AT-STs headed towards the Free Christophsian Army’s headquarters.

“Commander Veris, you and your forces need to get out now. The Imperial forces led by Darth Claw are coming your way, you’re no match for him,” Cody said over the comm.

“We read you and I’ll try to get as many of us out as possible,” Commander Veris replied.

The Mantis took off from the surface and headed towards the moon of Leesis with the StarScavenger close behind. Both ships went into hyperspace bound for Equestria.

Once there, both ships landed on the mountainside just outside Canterlot. Harmony Squad, the Freemakers, D-Squad, and some of the Free Christophsian Army entered the city, with Leema Thrace and Captain Howzer behind them. Gale was surprised to see his wife alive and shed tears of joy as they shared a tender embrace. She filled him in on everything that happened to her.

“Boys, thank you for bringing your mother back safely,” Gale said to his sons.

“Hi, mom,” Cody greeted.

“Welcome home, Cody. Have you and your friends learned something about friendship?” Celestia asked.

“We learned that just because someone is on the same side as us doesn’t mean that we all get along, but when we work together, we can put aside our differences and achieve our common goal,” Twilight replied.

“A very valuable lesson you learned today,” Celestia said.

“We also found out that the Empire is building a superweapon,” Cody replied.

“That’s very bad news,” Blaze remarked.

Later that night

At Sweet Apple Acres, Sal was in his sleep pants, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in their tank tops and sleep shorts. Applejack’s tank top and sleep shorts were red with a checkered pattern on the latter. Rainbow’s top had lightning bolts on it and her shorts were navy blue.

“Ready for a roll in the hay tonight, sugarcube?” Applejack asked Sal.

“I sure am, AJ,” Sal replied.

“Good, ‘cause we’re in the same mood,” Rainbow said flirtatiously.

Applejack and Rainbow took off their tops and shorts, leaving only their undergarments. Sal also took off his shorts as well as his boxers, leaving him in the nude. He took off AJ and Rainbow’s undergarments until they were nude as well. The two mares took turns making out with Sal and he alternated between kissing them.

“I’m lettin’ you go first, Rainbow,” Applejack said.

“Thanks, AJ,” Rainbow replied.

She eagerly pounced on Sal, pinning him on his back and kissing him wildly. He responded by kissing Rainbow on her neck and lips. Applejack went beside him and pulled him in for a kiss as Rainbow kissed him on his chest, making him moan in pleasure. Sal then wrapped his arms around Rainbow and kissed her breasts, then moved his hands up and fondled them. He then moved his hands down to her rump, caressed and then fondled it. She ran her hands across his chest while he ran his hands across her legs.

Sal grabbed Rainbow’s hips and entered her with one swift move upwards. He began thrusting upwards, then she soon bounced atop of his hips in sync with his thrusts. Sal then sat up and thrusted faster with Rainbow wrapping her legs around his waist. Applejack pressed her chest onto his back and rubbed them against it, while kissing his neck. It wasn’t long before Sal felt his climax approaching.

“Rainbow, I’m close!” Sal said.

“Give it to me good!” Rainbow replied.

Sal bust his load inside Rainbow and then pulled out of her, leaving her to relax whilst panting. He turned his attention to Applejack, kissing her wildly on the lips and neck. Sal fondled her rack, whilst they kissed passionately, he then moved his hands down to her rump and fondled it as she straddled him. They soon broke the kiss and AJ kissed Sal wildly on his neck and chest, while he ran his hands across her legs. She then sank her hips onto his and he started thrusting upwards. It wasn’t long before he flipped them over, allowing him to be on top. Applejack wrapped her legs around Sal’s waist and he soon felt his climax was near as he kept thrusting.

“AJ, I’m close!” Sal said.

“Git ‘er done, Sal!” Applejack replied.

Sal then bust a load inside of Applejack, then pulled out of her and cuddled with both his girlfriends.

“I love you girls so much,” Sal said.

“We love ya too, Sal,” Applejack replied.

“I didn’t get you both pregnant, did I?” Sal asked.

“We’re both on the pill,” Rainbow replied.

“Although we wouldn’t mind having foals with you one day,” Applejack replied.

“Good night, girls,” Sal said.

“Good night, Sal,” Applejack and Rainbow replied in unison.

He shared a double kiss with them and then they went under the covers and fell asleep.

Fluttershy and Bucky’s cottage

Inside their bedroom, Bucky was on top of Fluttershy, thrusting into her as he felt his climax was near.

“Flutters, I’m close,” Bucky said.

“Me too, I’m safe!” Fluttershy replied.

Bucky bust a load inside of Fluttershy, then pulled out of her and turned his attention to Pinkie. She pinned him on the bed and sank her hips down onto his and he started thrusting upwards. Bucky held onto Pinkie’s legs tightly as he kept thrusting. He could soon feel his climax approaching and said, “I’m close, Pinkie. Brace yourself!”

“I’m safe! Do it in me!” Pinkie replied as she wrapped her arms and legs around him.

Bucky bust his final load of the night inside of Pinkie, then pulled out of her. He then cuddled with both of them as they went under the covers.

“I love you, girls,” Bucky said.

“We love you too, Bucky,” Fluttershy and Pinkie replied.

They each shared a kiss with him and the three of them quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 8: The Crystal Empire - Part I

One fine day in the city of Canterlot, Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze were sitting on their thrones busily just signing some routine paper work. It was then that a guard burst through the doors.

“News from Northern Equestria!” said the guard before making a bow and removing his helmet, “Uh...Your highnesses.”

“Yes?” Princess Celestia asked as her paperwork assistant took the work away.

“What is it?” Blaze added.

“I am simply to tell you both that it has returned,” the guard replied. Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze gasped.

“Find Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Princess Celestia ordered to another guard standing near her.

“Yes, Your Highnesses,” the second guard replied as he, the other guard standing beside Princess Celestia, and the initial guard who came in, all left the throne room. Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze watched them leave.

“Looks like the time has come...” Prince Blaze said.

Princess Celestia used her magic to begin writing a letter.

“My dearest Twilight and Cody, you must both come to Canterlot at once...” said Princess Celestia as she absentmindedly rubbed her stomach.

Inside the Golden Oaks Library, Cody and Twilight had received Princess Celestia’s message and were busy gathering the materials they figured they would need for this “test” Princess Celestia was giving them. To say both of them were remaining calm would be a gross understatement, Cody was having some anxiety while Twilight was having her own anxiety troubles.

“Where are all my quills?” Twilight retorted with panicked breathing as she stopped pacing about, looked about, and then zipped off. Spike was just watching Twilight pace about as he held a light blue sack in his claws. Then Twilight found her quills and used her magic to toss them at Spike. Spike jumped into the air and grabbed them with the sack, the tips of the quills puncturing the bottom of the sack.

“Brbrbr. No, no, no, no, no...” Twilight babbled as she used her magic to search for a book, “Ugh. We need the Magic Compendium volumes 1 through 36! Where is it?!”

“Why not ask your boyfriend?” Spike remarked but was ignored as Twilight then sat down for a moment and ran off. As Twilight ran over to a shelf to grab a book and Spike headed over to her. The others minus Pinkie were there, just watching Twilight frantically trying to gather her materials. Then Twilight found a large dusty book on a high shelf. Spike got under it to catch it, but the book was so big that it almost landed on top of him, but Cody caught it with the Force and gently set it down. Twilight then headed toward another drawer.

“Flash cards! I should make some flash cards,” said Twilight as she stacked them up into two piles and hovered them over to Spike, “Spike, I’m gonna need you to quiz me. On everything. Everything I’ve ever learned. Ever. Then you can test Cody. This isn’t going to be enough cards.” As Twilight shoved the two stacks of note cards into Spike’s arms as she scratched her chin before remembering something and made a mad dash to the other side of the room. Her friends just continued to watch Twilight, while Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Sunset, Sal, Bucky, even R5 were concerned. Applejack was smirking to herself.

“Twilight, calm down,” said Spike firmly as he set the note cards down on the floor, “It’s just a test.” Twilight froze before she looked at Spike with wide eyes. It was clear Spike had hit a nerve. A nerve he should have known by now to never mess with.

“Just a test?” Twilight repeated as she rushed at Spike and leaned into Spike’s face, “Just a test! Princess Celestia wants to give Cody and I some kind of exam, and you’re trying to tell us to calm down because it’s just a test?!” Twilight gave Spike a panicked looking face as she literally backed Spike into a wall. Spike cringed before equipping himself with an army hat and pillow padding around his body.

“Uh...yes,” said Spike nervously. Twilight just glared at him angrily, her temper about to explode as a large ball of magical energy began to glow from her horn.

“I’d say she’s handling this pretty well, considerin’,” said Applejack casually.

“I don’t think so,” Sal replied.

The four ponies, plus Sal and Bucky all got out just in time.

“UUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRGHHHH!” Twilight screamed in frustration as her magic ball exploded, sending the entire Golden Oak into the air, spun about, and then landed back into its original roots.

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! UGH!” Cody screamed and groaned as he landed just a few inches from the panting purple pony on his back.

“Oh no, Cody!” Twilight cried out as she rushed over to him and helped him up to his feet, “I’m so, so sorry. I’m just so nervous about the test and then Spike said it was just a test and I...” Twilight stopped talking as Cody gave her a tender hug.

“Just like when you were a filly. A hug always helped calmed you down.” Cody chucked.

Twilight giggled, “Thanks. But what about you? Are you okay?” she asked.

“Well...” said Cody, as he pondered, a vision appeared of him sitting in the middle of the floor hyperventilating and later he was humming to himself, “...I’m pretty nervous myself. Guess I just don’t want to let Mom or Father down. And...I don’t want to let my both my girls down.” Twilight and Sunset smiled.

“I don’t wanna let you down either,” Twilight replied as they shared a brief kiss and chuckled to each other. Spike just rolled his eyes.

I did say I wanted them to get together, Spike thought, I’m just grateful the mush hasn’t been too intolerable...mostly.

“Sunset, can you and R5 please take care of the library while the rest of us are away?” Cody asked.

“Will do, Cody,” Sunset replied, while R5 beeped in agreement.

Back at Canterlot castle, Princesses Celestia and Luna, Prince Blaze, and Commander Dagger were just admiring a new stained glass window depicting Shining Armor and Cadance’s bodies shaping into two halves of a heart. It was created to represent how their love had defeated the changelings not too long ago.

“Are you sure you don’t want me and Dagger to go as well?” Princess Luna asked the elder alicorn as she gazed at the stained glass window.

“Yes, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are already there,” said Princess Celestia, “The others will be joining them soon.”

“The Empire’s magic is powerful,” Princess Luna reminded her, “It cannot fall again, sister.” Princess Celestia continued to stare at the stained glass picture.

“They will succeed at their task, and when they do, we’ll know that they are much closer to being ready.” Princess Celestia said definitively.

“Especially Cody, because after this, he only has the trials of forgiveness and anger left before he can become a Jedi Knight,” Blaze added.

It was then the double doors that lead to the main hall opened.

“Ahem,” said Twilight with a sheepishly.

“We’re...umm...here...Mom...” Cody stuttered with the same facial expression. Princess Luna just looked at them skeptically while Princess Celestia gave them a warm smile.

“Trust me, little sister,” said Princess Celestia to her younger sibling. Princess Luna said nothing as she walked past them. She only exchanged a brief look with them before taking her leave.

“You wanted to see us?” Twilight asked as she and Cody placed their bags on the floor, “To give us a test? We brought our own quills and plenty of paper to show our work.” It was then a long roll of parchment got away from them.

“Oops! Shoot...” Cody said as he tried to grab the parchment but it got away. Princess Celestia just looked at the paper as it finished unrolling before her.

“Sorry, sorry!” said Twilight as she tried to roll up the paper herself.

“My bad!” Cody added as he was about to grab the paper with his magic when Princess Celestia beat him to it and rolled up the paper herself. She then put all the writing materials back into their saddle bags.

“This is a different kind of test,” said Princess Celestia.

“Let me guess, a test of virtue and worth?” Cody asked.

“Yes, my son,” Princess Celestia answered, as she and Prince Blaze giving them a serious look, “The Crystal Empire has returned.” Cody and Twilight both gave the alicorn stunned and worried looks.

“The Crystal Empire?” said Twilight as she used her magic to scroll through her books, “I’m sorry, I-I thought we’d studied. Ooh, we don’t think there’s anything in any of my books in-”

“There wouldn’t be,” said Princess Celestia, “Few remember it ever existed at all.” Cody and Twilight lifted their heads at her curiously.

“How come you never told us about it before?” Cody asked as he pulled out several notebooks.

“That’s because even my knowledge of the Empire is limited,” Princess Celestia answered as she lifted a giant crystal underneath a protective glass case, “But what I do know it that is contains a powerful magic.” Princess Celestia then set the crystal before Cody and Twilight, who looked at it curiously until Princess Celestia fired a magic blast at it, making the giant crystal produce an image of the entire empire. Cody and Twilight backed away from the projection as it expanded on the floor before them. Cody and Twilight couldn’t help but notice the tower that stood in the center of what looked like a big city. They could also see ponies seemingly made out of crystal living happily within the city.

“One thousand years ago,” Princess Celestia explained, “King Sombra, a unicorn whose heart was black as night, took over the Crystal Empire.” As Princess Celestia told the story, black crystals appeared around the image. Then a gray unicorn with a black mane and tail, with a red horn, and green and orange glowing eyes appeared. He was also wearing steel armor around his body. He smiled and growled evilly as he had all the crystal ponies bounded and chained as they walked single file.

“He was ultimately overthrown, turned into shadow, and banished into the ice of the arctic north,” said Princess Celestia as shadowed figures of what appeared to be herself and Princess Luna as they fired a bright magic blast at King Sombra, who gave a loud roar as his shadowed form fell into a large crack in the ice and then sealed him inside. Cody and Twilight stared at the empire in amazement.

“But not before he was able to put a curse upon the Empire,” Princess Celestia continued, “A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air. If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those things are reflected across all of Equestria.” As the she said that, the image of the empire disappeared from the crystal. She then made the crystal shine brightly as she mentioned hope and love.

“If hatred and fear take hold...” Princess Celestia then made her eyes look just like King Sombra’s and fired a black beam at the crystal, producing black crystals that came rising at the couple. Twilight cringed in fear as Cody held her close protectively, but he was rather shaken up himself.

“Did...did you just use black magic?!” Cody exclaimed in horror as Princess Celestia used her normal magic to blast away the crystals.

“No, no, my son,” said Princess Celestia as she landed back on the ground, “It is just an illusion. Sometimes in order to penetrate, access, or purify anything powered by dark magic, one must disguise their own magic to resemble the source. This allows your magic to be effective against it.” Cody breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

“Which is why I need your help in finding a way to protect it,” Princess Celestia finished as she looked at them.

“You want us to help protect an entire empire?” said Twilight as she and Cody exchanged worried looks.

“It is, as I said, a different kind of test,” said Princess Celestia as she placed the giant crystal back on its pedestal and under its glass case, “But one I’m certain you two will pass.”

“So the test is actually a mission, and pretty high-stakes too.” Cody said to his girlfriend before turning to his mom and father, “Let me guess, this is another Jedi trial for me as well?”

“Yes, Cody. Once you complete this one, then you only have two more left before you’re ready to become a Jedi Knight,” Blaze replied.

“How do we begin?” Twilight asked bravely as she and Cody faced the princess.

“By joining Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire,” said Princes Celestia as she walked by the two of them.

“My brother is there?” said Twilight excitedly.

“And Cadance?” Cody added in the same tone.

“They are, and your Ponyville friends will join you there as well. I have every confidence you will succeed. And when you do, I’ll know you two are ready to move on to the next level of your studies.” Princess Celestia said. She then guided both Twilight and Cody outside of the main hall where Princess Luna was standing just outside the double doors. The stern look she gave both Cody and Twilight melted what little confidence they had about their “test”.

“But what if we fail?” Twilight asked worried.

“You won’t,” said Princess Celestia.

“But what if-” Cody tried to ask but Princess Celestia held a hand in the air to silence them both.

“You won’t,” said Princess Celestia firmly as the two ponies started to walk away, “But Cody and Twilight, in the end, it must be you and you two alone who ultimately assists Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protecting the Empire. Do you understand?” They looked back at her.

“Mm-hmm!” said Twilight with a firm nod and a confident smile.

“Mm-hmm!” Cody added right after with a nod and smile of his own.

“Then go, there is no time to lose. May the Force be with you,” Princess Celestia replied. The alicorn quickly shut the door in their faces. Cody and Twilight pondered to each other before taking their leave.

Outside the stairs leading inside the castle, Spike was just sitting and waiting for Cody and Twilight to come out with a bored look on his face. It was then Cody and Twilight came walking downstairs with their heads low.

“Ah! Twilight! Cody!” said Spike excitedly as he stood up, “That was fast! Let me guess, you both got a perfect score?” Cody and Twilight just looked at him before walking off.

“A-minus? B-plus?” Spike guessed and then gasped, “Did one or both of you...” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “fail?” Spike didn’t get an answer as they just looked sadly into the distance. It was then Cody and Twilight walked forward and began to sing. Spike just smiled and lightly jogged up to them.

Twilight (sings):
I was prepared to do my best

Cody (sings):
Thought I could handle any test

Twilight and Cody (sing):
For I can do so many tricks
But I wasn’t prepared for this

Twilight and Cody made their way down some side streets, some other unicorns were snootily walking about. Twilight, Cody, and Spike saw a waiter offer a mare a tall tea pot and a cup. Twilight then used her magic to pick up the tea pot and pour the tea into the cup.

Twilight and Cody (sing):
Levitation would have been a breeze
Fact and figures I recite with ease

“The square root of five hundred and forty-six is twenty-three point three six six six four two eight nine zero nine,” Twilight recited as she sat just outside of the school office of a nearby professor.

“And one-hundred twenty eight to the fourth power is two hundred sixty eight million, four hundred thirty five thousand, four hundred fifty-six,” Cody recited right after.

“They are both correct,” said the science pony, as he showed the same calculations in his black board.

Twilight then picked up Spike and spun him around, hugged him, and then dropped him as she frowned. Then she and Cody headed over to the edge of a tower balcony that overlooked the landscape. Spike rubbed his top scale to recover before joining them.

Twilight (sings):
I could ace a quiz on friendships bliss
But I wasn’t prepared for this

Cody and Twilight (sing):
Will I fail, or will I pass?
I can’t be sure...

Spike (sings):
They can’t be sure...

Twilight and Cody then headed toward a pond. Twilight then teleported from one lily pond to the next, making a pose as she did so. Cody copied the same moves, except his handstand was on both his arms and the third was a classic victory pose. He teleported to Twilight’s right for the fourth pose.

Twilight and Cody (sing):
My mind is sharp, my skills intact
My heart is pure...

Spike (sings):
Their hearts are pure...

Twilight and Cody danced together, performing a small jump and then trotting forward holding hands with their heads reeled back. Spike twinkles toes as he follows them from behind, doing his own ballet solo.

Twilight (sings)
Oh, I taken my share of licks.

Cody (sings)
I’ve made it through the thin and thick

Twilight (sings):
But no, I wasn’t

Spike (sings):
Oh no, she wasn’t

Cody (sings):
Oh no, I wasn’t

Spike (sings):
Oh no, he wasn’t

Twilight and Cody (sing):
No I wasn’t...

Twilight, Cody, and Spike (sing):
Prepared...for this!

A little later both Cody and Twilight arrived at the train station platform. Spike, still in good spirits, followed them from behind until his smile flipped over.

“Uh, prepared for what exactly?” Spike asked puzzled. Cody and Twilight looked at him sadly.

“Twilight! Cody!” said a voice as they turned to see Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy at the station platform waiting for them. Applejack was the first to reach them as she jumped up and hugged them each around the neck.

“Uh, did you pass?” Applejack asked curiously as the others caught up to them. Spike just smiled, until a certain pink pony appeared next to him.

“Are we gonna celebrate your awesomeness with Princess Celestia?” Pinkie asked, bumping Spike out of the way as she set her party cannon pointing upwards and then squatted down. Pinkie timed her jump perfectly as her party cannon blasted out some confetti at the same time.

“Not quite,” Cody and Twilight replied together, making both the confetti blast and Pinkie stopped in mid air. Pinkie returned to the ground looking puzzled as the confetti blast went right back inside of the cannon and lowered.

“We’re going to the Crystal Empire!” said Twilight, with Cody nodding in agreement. The others looked perplexed.

“Huh?” they all said at once.

“Crystal what?” Rainbow asked but didn’t get any answers.

It wasn’t long before Cody, the Mane Six, and Spike were riding a train heading towards the frozen arctic region of Equestria. The train just gave a loud whistle as it made its way toward a lone station where the snow was falling heavily and the winds were howling. As soon as the door to their passenger car opened, Twilight and Cody both raised a hand to their faces as the others flinched at the bitter cold winds. Everypony except for Rarity, who had a pink scarf around her neck.

“Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves,” Rarity boasted.

“Well there’s a fine line between being prepared and overdoing it,” Cody remarked, “Poor Spike is buried alive under all that luggage!”

“I didn’t say a word,” said Spike with a grunt as he carried various bags that belonged to the white pony. Spike then slipped on some snow and dropped her luggage. One suitcase then opened, causing several scarves to go flying into the winds, “Whoa! Hey. C’mere...” Spike then faded out as he gave chase. Cody and Twilight led the group forward, trying to figure out where to go next.

“Twilight!” somepony called out. Twilight raised a fore-hoof over her face to see who it was. It was then she saw a familiar white stallion wearing a black scarf, snow mask, and some goggles. He quickly lowered his mask and goggles.

“Shining Armor?” said Twilight as she rushed over and gave him a hug. Cody just casually followed behind Twilight.

“Twily! Cody! You made it!” said Shining Armor excitedly before getting serious, “We’d better get moving. There are things out here we really don’t want to run into after dark.” The group looked worried and Fluttershy gulped.

“What kind of things?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“Let’s just say the Empire...isn’t the only thing that’s returned,” Shining Armor answered as Spike arrived carrying various scarves in his hands.

“I’ve got a good guess what the other thing might be,” Cody said with a shiver, “Good thing I brought these just in case.” He then pulled out his macrobinoculars.

“Where are mine?” Twilight demanded.

“I never had the chance to get you another pair, Twilight,” Cody replied as Twilight just pouted. Fortunately Shining Armor got everyone refocused so they could get on their way and the group began to their treacherous venture through the snow.

“Something keeps trying to get in!” Shining Armor explained, “We think it’s the unicorn king who originally cursed the place.”

“That would make the most sense to me,” Cody answered, “Based on what I heard about him, King Sombra seems to have the makings of a Sith.”

“But Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze said Cody and I were being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire!” Twilight explained, “If Sombra can’t get in, then it must already by protected.”

“Maybe for now, but I think Mom wanted us to find a stronger if not more permanent solution. Something that will keep Sombra out for good and we also need to defeat him,” Cody replied. It was then a loud howl was heard, making everypony stop moving. Fluttershy gasped.

“Th-that’s one of the things, isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked in a panic.

“Guh! We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!” Shining Armor shouted as everypony picked up their pace. It was then a black tornado appeared behind them and pair of glowing green and red eyes became visible. Poor Spike was petrified at the sight until Shining Armor scooped him up with his magic, making the dragon drop Rarity’s luggage, as they all made a run for it. King Sombra growled and roared as he gave chase after them.

“Go, go!” Twilight shouted as she scooped Spike, so he could ride piggyback on her. However, King Sombra kept on giving chase on the group.

“Almost there,” said Shining Armor as they saw a giant blue done in the distance. Shining Armor then stopped and turned to face Sombra one-on-one.

“I hope we don’t go smack into that thing!” Cody called out as they kept running and managed to go through the barrier rather than smacking into it.

“Everypony okay?” Twilight asked out of breath. The rest of the ponies just gave a general okay at they tried to catch their own breath. It was then Shining Armor came diving through the barrier. All of his snow gear had been lost and there were some black crystals surrounding the top of his horn.

“Oh, no!” said Twilight as she rushed over to her brother so quickly that Spike fell off, “Shining Armor, your horn!” Shining Armor sat up and tried to make his horn glow, the black crystals acted like a barrier that prevented him from doing so. He just shook his head as the two just shared sad looks with each other.

“Sparkleriffic!” said Pinkie, but it didn’t do much to lighten up the brother and sister’s mood as Cody just rolled his eyes at her. It was then they joined the rest of the group as they marveled at what appeared to be the Crystal Empire. They stood before two giant crystal pillars that acted as the main gate into the Empire. Even the surrounding environment was must more pleasant with clear pleasant skies and soft green grass. It wasn’t long before Shining Armor guided them down the streets that lead to the central tower, which was also the location of the Crystal Palace.

“It’s gorgeous!” said Rarity as she marveled at the sights, “Absolutely gorgeous!” She then mumbled as she continued to fan girl over the crystals, “There are no words!” Rarity made the face of a pony that was clearly star struck.

“Focus, Rarity,” Applejack said as she brought her back to reality, “We’re here to help Twilight and Cody, not admire the scenery.” Applejack then walked off as Rainbow walked about in the background.

“Eh, I don’t see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me.” Rainbow remarked.

“A-p-guh!” Rarity spluttered as if somepony had shaved off her mane before she got into the blue Pegaus’s face, “Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni-” Rarity was then cut off when Applejack and Rainbow laughed and exchange a fist bump with each other. The other girls just chuckled and smiled as well.

“Very funny,” Rarity muttered to herself.

“Leave Rarity alone, you guys. This place is very beautiful.” Cody said, then turned to Twilight, “Twily, maybe you and I can have a little date here sometime soon.”

“Well, aren’t you romantic,” Twilight remarked as they nuzzled each other. Shining Armor rolled his eyes and everypony made their way inside the castle.

Inside the main throne room was Cadance, who was sitting on a throne chair made out of crystal. One could tell that the pink alicorn was looking rather tired as her horn was glowing constantly and there were dark circles under her eyes. She was feeling rather glum for the moment.

“Cadance!” Twilight and Cody shouted. Cadance then smiled excitedly as she headed over to the two ponies.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!” the three of them sang and danced together, “Clap your hands and give a little shake!” They laughed as Rainbow and Applejack snickered.

“Can you believe Cody actually did that so openly?” Rainbow remarked as Applejack chuckled. Cody, who had heard Rainbow, gave them a glare when Cadance cringed as the barrier outside flickers like her horn.

“One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn’t hanging in the balance.” Cadance then sighed, her exhaustion was now more clearly visible.

“Are you okay?” said Twilight.

“You don’t look so good,” Cody added with worry.

“Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light,” said Shining Armor as he stood beside the pink alicorn, “That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn’t slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.”

“Wuh? Cadance!” Cody said, “I seem to recall somepony telling me that rest and good meals are important for being able to do your best all at times. That anyone who’s smart don’t run themselves ragged.”

“This is different...” Cadance replied in her defense.

“No it isn’t,” said Cody, “If you run out of energy, the consequences are going be much more serious. If sleeping means risking lowering the shield, then at least get a good meal in your stomach! Shining Armor, point me to the kitchen, I’m going to make my cousin a meal fit for a princess! With dessert!”

“Ooh, can you make your famous Triple Chocolate Buttercream cake?” Shining Armor asked excitedly. Cadance and Twilight giggled at this.

“Sure, just point me to the kitchen,” Cody replied. Shining Armor gave him instructions and Cody was on his way. Cadance just rolled her eyes and breathed deeply.

“I had forgotten how overprotective Cody can be,” said Cadance.

“Hey, you said you missed his cooking. Might as well let him make you something to eat.” Shining Armor replied.

“It’s alright, Shining Armor,” said Cadance, “I’m fine.”

“She’s not fine,” Shining Armor said to Twilight, “She can’t go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade...Well, you saw what’s out there waiting for that to happen.” Twilight then looked outside for a moment.

“That’s why we’re here,” Twilight replied.

“Why we’re all here,” Applejack remarked behind the purple pony on behalf of the rest of the group.

“Mm-hmm,” the others added in agreement.

“Well, with Cadance putting all her strength into keep her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven’t been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies,” Shining Armor explained.

“Crystal Ponies?!” said Rarity excitedly as she tugged her mane, “Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?!” Rarity then realized everyone minus Twilight was giving her funny looks.

“Um, ahem,” said Rarity sheepishly, “Please continue.”

“But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the Empire without having to use Cadance’s magic,” said Shining Armor. It was then that Cody came out of it rolling a tray for a full course meal, dessert included.

“That was quick,” said Twilight, “How did you cook that so quickly? Let alone bake the cake.” Cody smiled.

“Pinkie taught me a trick on how to do speed cooking and baking,” Cody replied as he set the tray of food before Cadance, “I managed to catch the last part of the conversation and I agree. Somepony within the Empire must know something about how to defeat King Sombra. Looks like we’ve got some research to do.” Twilight then pondered for a moment when she got an idea.

“A research paper!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Huh?” said Shining Armor as Candace looked puzzled.

“That must be part of our test, to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers!” said Twilight excitedly. Cadance and Shining Armor looked stunned as Cody chuckled to himself.

“Don’t I know it,” Cody remarked.

“Yeah, who doesn’t?” Rainbow muttered sarcastically to Pinkie.

“Oh-oh-oh!” Pinkie replied energetically, “Lemme guess! Is it Spike? Nono, Fluttershy! Rarity?” Pinkie then grabbed the two ponies and then gave the group a worried look. Cody groaned.

“Doesn’t that pony know sarcasm when she hears it?” Cody remarked as Cadance chuckled. Twilight then got behind Shining Armor and hugged him.

“Don’t worry, big brother,” said Twilight, “I am really good at this sort of things. Especially with Cody helping me.” Shining Armor smiled.

Later that day, the group had split up for the most part to go and ask the crystal ponies for information. Twilight, Cody, and Spike had decided to create their own group. Cody was showing compassion and empathy to ponies who clearly suffered under King Sombra. He, Twilight, and Spike were bummed that they didn’t get any information from the crystal ponies.

“Well, that was a total bust,” Spike remarked as the group headed back into the street.

“Maybe the others are having better luck,” said Twilight until she noticed Cody looked rather glum.

“Are you okay, Cody?” Twilight asked.

“I just feel so much...pain, sadness, suffering. That monster hurt these crystal ponies in ways that will take a lot of time to heal. I’ve...never sensed such emotions so intense like this before...” Cody replied sadly, then turned determined, “Sombra is strong with the dark side of the Force and we gotta defeat him.”

Meanwhile, Rainbow was trying to get information out of another crystal pony named Fleur De Verre. In her own special way.

“A way to protect the Empire!” Rainbow demanded as she hovered above the crystal pony, “You know anything about it or what?”

“I wish I could help you. Really,” Fleur De Verre replied in a depressed manner. Rainbow looked stunned before she flew back into the pony’s face.

“Hold on!” said Rainbow, doing some boxing punches in front of the pony, “You gotta know something!”

“But...I don’t have any information,” said Fleur De Verre. Rainbow just grunted loudly as she slapped a hand over her face.

Elsewhere, Fluttershy and Bucky were having trouble getting information as well. She seemed to having some trouble asserting some attention to herself.

“Oh, um. Excuse me!” Fluttershy stuttered, “Oh! Hello! Umm, I was just wondering.” The crystal ponies just kept walking past her. Fluttershy then noticed a pair of crystal ponies just sitting at a nearby table. She narrowed her eyes at them, gritting her teeth as she raised a hand angrily into the air, before backing out of her attempt to be assertive.

“Oh, oh, that’s okay,” said Fluttershy with a nervous laugh, “Um, you all look really busy.” Fluttershy then just moved away hovering backwards from the two crystal ponies.

Meanwhile, a certain pink pony appeared in the background using her random agility to move about. She was also dressed in black and wearing a pair of goggles on her head.

“Time to gather some intel!” said Pinkie as she scaled down a wall with some rope. At that moment, a pair of crystal ponies were looking at the center tower where the crystal castle was located.

“It just feels like something is missing,” said one pony named Elbow Grease.

“I know,” the pony named Night Knight answered, “It looks the same, but it doesn’t feel the same.”

“Because it isn’t!” said Pinkie in a loud whisper as she appeared above them upside down, making the two crystal ponies flinch.

“A spy!” Elbow Grease gasped before she and Night Knight took off. Pinkie then screamed as she fell to the ground.

“A spy?” Pinkie asked indignantly, “How did they know?” She then looked up at her head, “Ah! Must have noticed my night vision goggles.” She then put the night vision goggles on.

“Ooh! Night vision-y!” said Pinkie as she then took off in a hurry...

CLANG!

...right into a crystal lamppost.

So while Pinkie was knocked out, Rarity was trying to get intel in her own way.

Actually, she seemed to be visioning herself as a crystal pony and boasting about it.

“Hm-hm-hmmm, and when you flip your mane, it simply must create a rainbow of color. Oh! Wouldn’t I look marvelous? So sparkly!” said Rarity as she daydreamed. She tittered to herself happily as the other crystal ponies just gave her funny and disturbed looks before backing away from her.

It wasn’t long before Cody, the Mane Six, Sal, Bucky, and Spike all regrouped back at the central area of the empire.

“I got nothing so far,” said Rainbow sadly as she made her landing, looking rather exhausted.

“Oh, me neither,” said Rarity quickly, not wanting to admit she hadn’t exactly helped.

“Oh dear...” Cody replied as Twilight and Spike looked rather disappointed. It was then Fluttershy arrived, but then unzipped herself and revealed that it was Pinkie instead. Cody, Spike, and Twilight looked rather disturbed.

“My cover has been blown,” said Pinkie in a hushed tone, “I repeat, my cover has been blown!” Pinkie then took off as Spike just slowly backed away.

“Ooookay,” said Twilight slowly.

“Sorry, Twilight,” said Applejack, getting everypony back on track, “These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin’. Only thing I was able to get out of ‘em was somethin’ about a library.” Twilight gasped.

“A library?” Twilight asked as stars appeared in his eyes and then grabbed Applejack by the cheeks, “Well, why didn’t you say so?!”

“Uh...thought I just did,” Applejack replied.

“Come on, babe,” said Twilight excitedly as she grabbed Cody’s arms, “A library!”

“WAH!” Cody yelped as he was pulled away before he could respond and the others followed the couple to what appeared to be a giant building. As the doors opened, inside was a massive multi-story library filled with books galore. Twilight was in awe as the rest of the group made their way inside.

“I just...I don’t even know what to...There are no words,” said Twilight in amazement. Cody smiled.

“I love it when my girlfriend gets like this,” he said to the others.

“Ahem,” said an elderly crystal pony named Amethyst Maresbury, “May I help you?”

“Yes,” said Twilight eagerly, “We’re looking for a book.”

“We have plenty of those,” Amethyst Maresbury answered.

“You do,” said Twilight as she twirled about happily, “You really do.” Cody chuckled as Applejack approached the crystal pony.

“We’re lookin’ for a history book,” Applejack told her, “Somethin’ that might tell us how the Empire might’ve protected itself from danger back in the day.”

“Yes. Of course,” Amethyst Maresbury replied, “History, history...Ah yes.” The six girls smiled and gave a squee as Cody smiled hopefully. But then there was a long pause as the crystal pony said nothing.

“Which is where, exactly?” Twilight asked uneasily.

“I...I can’t seem to remember,” said Amethyst Maresbury sadly, “I’m not sure I actually work here.”

“Karabast...” Cody groaned.

“UGH!” Rainbow groaned as well, face-palming herself.

“We’ll just take a look around,” said Twilight, “I’m sure we can find it on our own.” It was then all but Pinkie headed towards the shelves to start their search.

“Let me know if you find anything,” said Amethyst Maresbury before walking away with a uncertainty in her demeanor.

“I like her!” said Pinkie before joining the rest of the group.

It wasn’t long before they had all split up to search the library shelves. Rainbow then stood on the top of crystal ladder as Applejack bucked it so Rainbow could scan the books quickly and dropped book after book from the top shelves to the floor. Fluttershy was actually exploring the books at a more leisurely pace. They didn’t even notice all the books drops right behind them or that Cody was skimming through them all and placing them back into the shelves. Pinkie searched the shelves by randomly jumping from one book to the next. Rarity yawned as she let Spike search the books for her. Alot of time had passed as Applejack was searching through her own stack of books and feeling rather discouraged.

“Uh, anyone else startin’ to think this is a lost cause?” Applejack asked.

“We can’t give up yet,” Cody replied as he put some already searched books back into the shelves and then looked over to Twilight, who was searching through her own giant pile of books, “Found anything, Twily?”

“No, no, no, no, no...” said Twilight frantically as she searched cover after cover until one book finally caught her interest, “Yes! ‘History of the Crystal Empire’!”

“Alright!” Cody exclaimed as he hopped easily from the upper floor to the one below. Twilight clutched the book happily as the rest of the ponies gathered around her.

“I just hope it has the answers we need,” said Twilight as she opened the book. The others just looked at it with interest.

“A “Crystal Faire”,” Twilight read aloud to Shining Armor and Cadance, whom the latter was looking more and more exhausted, “According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to “renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm”. My boyfriend, my friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book!” Twilight and Cody both gave them a smile.

“That sounds pretty promising,” Shining Armor replied.

“We’ll get started right away,” said Twilight, “C’mon, Spike and Cody, we’ve got a Crystal Faire to put together!” Cody nodded as he followed Twilight. Spike did the same, but grunted since he not only had to carry the heavy book, but was holding it as Twilight was reading it to Cadance and Shining Armor.

Cody, Twilight, and Spike then headed through some double doors. Inside were the rest of the main six as they sat at a large dark blue round table. Cody and Twilight approached the table with Spike right behind them.

Twilight comes up to the table with Cody at her side. She then used her magic to place the book in the middle of the table. The others smile as the book opened. Rainbow read the first page they saw which featured ponies doing a jousting tournaments as she worked on the costumes for it. Rarity read another page which showed the flag of the Crystal Empire as she gathered the materials to recreate the flag. Applejack read another page which showed a crystal pony gathering berries as she and Pinkie collected the berries from a bush into a basket. She also eats a berry.

Fluttershy read another page that showed a picture of a frolicking ewe. It was then two ewes appeared from behind a small hill as Fluttershy led and frolicked with them on. Cody and the ponies shared looks with each other as they looked at the book further.

Pinkie turned the page herself as she saw a pony playing a flugelhorn. She then played the instrument herself, causing everypony to cringe and lean away. Cody turned a page to see ponies gathered around a large collection of tent-like stands. He helped to set up the tents before picking up a ball and tossing it a stack of crystal bottles, knocking them all over. Twilight stood before the Crystal Empire flag with her left hand over her heart.

Rainbow helped to hang up some white flag banners around the set up stands as Twilight and Cody, the former holding the book with her magic, made sure everything was set up correctly. Fluttershy arrived with the ewes. Pinkie bounced past next with the flugelhorn and Spike arrived carrying a large collection of balloons, which he let go as the balloons floated high into the sky. Then they are all together again to finish the song. As the song ended, a zoomed out view showed that Crystal Faire was ready to go.

“This looks amazing!” said Twilight as she and Cody looked around, “I don’t know how we could’ve done this without you!”

“I agree,” Cody said, “This was definitely a team effort. Great job everypony!”

“One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!” Twilight pointed out as she cheeked the book. It was then Applejack noticed a small statue with a heart on top of it.

“What’s this thing for?” Applejack asked as she gave the statue a slight tap, causing it to make a loud THUNK sound.

“The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the faire’s centerpiece,” Twilight explained, “So I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block.” Cody whistled impressively.

“I didn’t know you were so artistic,” Cody said.

“You’re not the only one whose multi-talented, babe,” Twilight remarked as she kissed his cheek.

“Nice work, Twi,” said Applejack, “Think we’re ready to get this faire up and runnin’.”

Pinkie now stood at the side of a giant balcony of the castle which overlooked the faire grounds. She took a deep breath and blew into the flugelhorn.

“FLUGELHORN!” she said as she blew into it loudly and took another breath. It was then Cody and Twilight approached the edge of the balcony with Cadance and Shining Armor right behind them.

“Hear ye, hear-” Twilight began.

“FLUGELHORN!” Pinkie shouted as she blew into the said instrument a second time, making Cody and Twilight cringe.

“Pinkie!” Cody snapped as Twilight glared back at the pink pony. Pinkie blinked before laughing nervously as the others stared at her.

“My bad,” said Pinkie bashfully.

“Ahem,” said Twilight as she cleared her throat, “Hear ye, hear ye! Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor do cordially invite you to attend the Crystal Faire!” As Twilight made her announcement, several crystal ponies peeked out of their houses and work locations while some other ponies looked up from walking in the streets. Once they heard about the faire, several of the crystal ponies began to sparkle as they smiled and chatted excitedly with each other. Twilight and Cody smiled as Pinkie walked up to look as well.

“Alright!” Cody exclaimed as the three shared a high five together.

“Come on in, y’all,” said Applejack as she lead them through the faire grounds, “Got food and drinks thataway, games and crafts are thataway. Crystal Heart to the back near the Princess.”

“Did she say...Crystal heart?” said Elbow Grease as the other crystal ponies chattered amongst each other excitedly again and they began to enjoy themselves. It was then Rainbow appeared next to one rather timid crystal pony.

“We totally nailed it right?” Rainbow asked but didn’t let the crystal pony answer before continuing, “Must be feeling a lot of love and unity about now!” The crystal pony looked rather uneasy as she headed to the stands where the food was.

“Gonna have some grub, huh?” Rainbow continued to frazzle the poor crystal pony, “What are you thinking? Crystal Empire berry pie? Maybe some crystal corn-on-the-cob?” Rainbow then looked to see that she had scared off the crystal pony.

“What is with these ponies?!” Rainbow bellowed.

Elsewhere in the faire grounds, two crystal ponies were looking around.

“Seeing all of this,” said Autumn Gem, “I feel like I’m starting to remember.”

“Me too,” said Fleur De Verre. They then gasp as their own bodies sparkled.

“The Crystal Heart!” they exclaimed together.

“Do you think they really have it?” Fleur De Verre asked. Rainbow heard them and quickly hovered over to them.

“Of course we have it!” Rainbow answered for them, “Can’t have a Crystal Faire without the Crystal Heart?”

“Of course you can’t,” said Amethyst Maresbury, “The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so the light within them can power the Crystal Heart, so that the Empire can be protected!” She then gasped as her own body sparkled.

“I do work at the library!” Amethyst Maresbury exclaimed.

“W-what’s that about “powering the heart”?” Rainbow asked skeptically as Applejack was standing beside her.

“I just can’t believe you found it,” Amethyst Maresbury continued, “King Sombra said he’d hidden it away where we would never see it again! I only hope it will still be as powerful after all these years...! Mmm, funnel cake!” Rainbow made a strained groan as she and Applejack’s eyes widened as the elder crystal pony left them alone. Rainbow then took off to where the makeshift Crystal Heart was. Twilight and Cody were just checking out the book when Rainbow covered the statue, and both ponies, with a blanket.

“What are you doing, Dashie?” Cody asked annoyed.

“Why did you-” Twilight was about to add.

“I think we may have a problem...” said Rainbow nervously.

It wasn’t long before Rainbow was up on the balcony with Twilight, Cody, Cadance, and Shining Armor. Cody and Twilight were rather upset.

“I didn’t know it was an actual relic!” said Twilight as she searched the book, “The book didn’t mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart!” It was then Twilight turned to the last page and found that the actual last page was torn out.

“There was a page missing...” said Twilight.

“Looks like King Sombra was one step ahead of us,” Cody replied sadly.

“How did I not notice this?” said Twilight as she face-palmed herself and then glared at Cody, “and how did you not notice this?”

“I guess I just didn’t!” Cody protested.

“Well you’re supposed to catch the details that I miss, babe!” Twilight shot back.

“Well nopony’s perfect, Twily!” Cody yelled.

“Well I thought you at least tried for my sake!” Twilight yelled back.

“So this is my fault?” Cody asked.

“Glad we agree on something!” Twilight remarked.

“Hey, I thought you promised not blame me for your mistakes!” Cody said.

“I’m not because you missed the details, not me!” Twilight retorted.

“Oh yeah!” Cody said.

“Yeah!” Twilight shot back.

“Cody, Twilight, stop it!” said Cadance in a stern but tired tone, “It’s alright...these things...hap...end...” Cadance suddenly got very dizzy. Shining Armor caught her before Cadance could tumble to the floor. However there was trouble. Cadance’s horn stopped glowing.

“Twily...Cody...” said Shining Armor with worry. It was then a ominous howl was heard as the barrier protecting the Empire faded. Then black shadow clouds started to appear and began to completely surround the Empire. King Sombra’s face then appeared from the shadow with a devious smile as he growled menacingly.

“Babe?” said Twilight fearfully as the two held each other close.

“Yes?” Cody replied in the same tone.

“We’re in deep trouble,” Twilight said.

“I agree,” Cody replied and held Twilight a little tighter.

Chapter 9: The Crystal Empire - Part II

As the dark shadow cloud made its way towards the Empire, King Sombra revealed his head as he laughed evilly and slowly made his way towards the Crystal gate.

“The Empire is under attack,” said Shining Armor as he helped Cadance get back on her hooves. With a quick smile to each other, Cadance then narrowed her eyes and used her magic to reactivate the protective barrier around the Empire. King Sombra tried to charge through, but his head hit the reappearing barrier.

“Arrgh!” he groaned as the tip of his red horn was broken off and fell inside of the barrier as it closed up. It wasn’t long before the horn tip sank underground. Cadance smiled as she saw the barrier was restored but then winced since she was still feeling very exhausted.

“I have to find the Crystal Heart!” said Shining Armor with much determination in his tone.

“No,” said Twilight as Cody helped the struggling alicorn from losing her balance before Shining Armor went to help support his wife, “You stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. Cody and I will retrieve the heart.” Cody narrowed his eyes and nod. Cadance and Shining Armor smiled before he joined Twilight and Rainbow.

“Let’s do this!” said Rainbow as they headed inside the palace.

“I’ve been trying to figure out how Cody and I are meant to pass Celestia’s test,” Twilight told Rainbow.

“Should we really be worrying about that right now, Twily?” Cody asked, “We’ve got more at stake than passing a test at the moment!”

“I’m just saying, retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do.” Twilight replied. She turned to face Rainbow who was hovering overhead with a confident smile on her face.

“Name it,” she replied.

“You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Faire going,” Twilight instructed.

“What? With that thing moving into the Empire?” Rainbow asked in shock.

“The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart,” Twilight explained as they continued to make their way out of the palace.

“Yeah, and?” Rainbow asked with an eye roll as she flew right above the couple.

“Focus Dash!” Cody snapped, “This is very important!”

“If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Crystal Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won’t matter if we find the Crystal Heart. They won’t be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Faire.” Applejack was busy trying to keep a crystal pony from taking a peak at the fake Crystal Heart and quickly covered it with a sheet and guarded it. It was then the three of them exited the palace.

“Keep the Faire going and the Crystal Ponies’ spirits high. Done and done,” Rainbow summarized as gave Twilight and Cody salute and flew off.

“Twily! Cody!” Shining Armor called out as he held Cadance close to him, “Be careful. The both of you.”

“We will,” said Twilight.

It was then the two of them took off into the city. Little did anypony know that by allowing the tip of Sombra’s broken horn to sink underground that it would produce a black crystal, allowing the wicked king magical access to the Empire as he growled in determination.

Meanwhile, the crystal ponies were playing ring toss, making their bodies sparkle. Autumn Gem, who had become slightly discouraged, started eating some crystal corn to make herself sparkle again. Fluttershy watched from the pie stand with a smile. At another stand, Rarity was busy creating hats and other crafts made out of crystal hay as several crystal ponies came to watch her make her creations. They soon sparkled and started fighting over her items as Rarity quickly scooted out of the way. Spike just watched Rarity as Rainbow arrived next to the marshmallow pony from a nearby bush.

“Okay. here’s...” Rainbow whispered and the lowered her voice so only Rarity could hear. Rarity’s eyes shrunk when she heard the plan.

“Huuuuh?” Rarity winced as the crystal ponies all looked at her puzzled. Rarity quickly tried to recompose herself, “I...just found out they’re offering face painting for the little ones.” Rarity gave a nervous laugh as the crystal ponies kept staring at her. Rainbow then took off as Rarity pulled Spike close and whispered to him.

“Uh-huh. We can do that,” Spike replied but then his own eye bugged out when he heard the rest, “Twilight and Cody are doing what?!” Spike then took off as some crystal ponies watched him leave.

“He...really..loves getting his face painted,” said Rarity, “Haha.”

For the moment Cody and Twilight were walking past a flugelhorn stand in deep thought.

“Who wants a flugelhorn?” Rainbow shouted.

“I want a flugelhorn!” Pinkie called out, wearing a jesters outfit. Rainbow just glared.

“Who else wants a flugelhorn?” Rainbow asked annoyingly.

“I want a flugelhorn!” Pinkie screamed and threw temper tantrum. Cody, who took notice, rolled his eyes.

“I got it,” said Twilight, “Babe, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Cody looked at the palace himself before his face brightened.

“I sure am!” Cody answered. It was then Spike arrived out of breath.

“Twilight, Cody, wait!” Spike panted, “I’m coming with you!”

“You can’t. Cody and I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by ourselves,” Twilight said. She and Cody then walked off.

“I know. I promise I won’t lift a claw to help you two.” Spike replied. He soon found himself being placed onto Twilight, piggyback.

“Not a claw, Spike,” said Twilight as she gave the dragon a smile.

“But do let us know if you spot anything,” Cody added as they went on their way at high speed, or at least as fast as Twilight could run.

“Where are we going exactly?” Spike asked as they quickly ran between two crystal ponies.

“We think we might know where King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart,” said Twilight.

“The castle?” Spike replied in surprise.

“The king would’ve been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here, they’d have been too afraid to even try,” Twilight explained.

“Not only that, but when you think about it. For the king to hide the Crystal Heart here would have been too easy. It’s the old double-reverse psychology and we figured it out,” Cody added.

“I hope you’re right.” Spike replied.

“You and us both,” said Twilight as the three then made their way inside.

Soon enough, Cody and Twilight were frantically running about the castle try to find any sort of clues that would lead them to the Crystal Heart. They both sighed loudly when their efforts weren’t giving them any results. Spike just panted since he was finding it more difficult not to “lift a claw” and help, especially as he watched Twilight and Cody looking around.

“It’s gotta be here somewhere, it’s gotta be!” Twilight said.

“I’m checking every nook and cranny that I can, Twily!” Cody called out.

“Well, look harder!” Twilight snapped as she checked a small shelf.

“We both need to look harder!” Cody retorted.

It was then they both saw Spike looking under a rug.

“Not a claw, Spike,” said Twilight.

“Uh...” Spike murmured and laughed nervously as Twilight rushed out of the room. Cody just followed behind her, but did check under the rug to see if there was any clues. Once he found nothing, he followed after Twilight.

“Celestia’s orders!” Twilight yelled as Spike jumped and frantically followed. Cody rolled his eyes.

“Were your ears stuffed or something?!” Cody snapped, “Mom said that we need to be the ones who help Cadance and Shining Armor protect the empire. They said nothing that we can’t get help.” Twilight just glared and groaned as she checked the main throne and examined it further.

“Cody...look at that!” Twilight pointed out.

“At what?” Cody asked until he examined the throne and noticed a familiar crystal on the top of it. It was then both Cody and Twilight remembered something.

”If the Empire is filled with hope and love,” said Princess Celestia as she shot a beam at the crystal, making it shine, “those things are reflected across all of Equestria. If hatred and fear take hold...” Princess Celestia than made her eye look like Sombra as she fired a black beam at the crystal.

“I get it!” Cody exclaimed.

“Of course!” said Twilight. It was then Spike ran into Twilight from the back and fell over.

“Argh! What?” Spike asked panting as he got up, “Did you find it?”

“No,” Twilight answered, “Because this isn’t King Sombra’s castle.”

“Well, isn’t this where he lived when he was in power?” Spike asked puzzled.

“It is. But it didn’t look like this,” Twilight replied.

Twilight closed her eyes and grunted as she struggled to disguise her magic to look like King Sombra’s before she fired a black beam at the crystal above the throne. The crystal produced a dark shadow that revealed an underground spiral staircase from the floor. Twilight clapped her hands excitedly as Cody smiled in amazement.

“Whoa!” said Spike as he looked at the new passage, “When did you learn to do that?”

“That was a little trick Celestia taught me,” Twilight replied.

“By disguising her magic to look like King Sombra’s, Twilight was able to use her own magic to expose his illusion,” Spike then gulped as he looked down the deep passage and whimpered.

“You stay here,” Twilight said to Spike.

“Huh, if you insist,” Spike replied as he breathed a sigh of relief. Twilight then lit up her horn and the couple started to slowly descend the stairs. They hadn’t gone too far down when Spike leaned over to see them.

“Can you see what’s down there yet?” Spike called out, his voice echoing as he spoke. Twilight leaned forward over the stairs to try and scope the area below, but all she could see was darkness.

“Not yet,” Twilight replied, her own voice echoing as well, “I can’t even tell how far down this goes!”

Twilight broke off some crystal and dropped it down below. She then knelt forward waiting to hear the crystal make the sound that it landed. She then rubbed her ear and put a hand to it when there was a long silence.

“I’m waiting...” Cody complained softly as he tapped a foot on one of the steps.

“SHH!” Twilight said sternly as she waited a another couple of seconds and heard the clatter. Twilight and Cody cringed as they nervously looked down the stairs.

“Spike?” Twilight called out.

“Yeah?” the dragon replied.

“Can you see outside?” Twilight asked. Spike then looked outside. He immediately took notice that the barrier was flickering and thunder was rumbling outside.

“Yesss...Crystalsss,” King Sombra sneered as he used the black crystal that grew inside the barrier to turn the Crystal gate into black crystal. Spike cringed at the sight.

“It’s not good!” said Spike, “Cadance’s magic must be fading faster than before!”

Twilight went to run down the stairs with Cody right behind her. Suddenly, one of the steps cracked and Twilight lost her balance.

“Twilight! Eeeeyipe!” Cody cried out as he tried to grab her to help her re-balance herself but was too late and they both ended up tumbling down the stairs.

“Ugh! Ow!” Twilight cried as she painfully tumbled about.

“Oomph! Oop! Eep! Yipe! Ugh!” Cody cried out as he tumbled down right behind her. Twilight then used her magic to stop herself and Cody from landing on her head at the bottom of the stair case.

“Twilight? Cody? Are you okay?” Spike called out.

“Yes...” said Twilight as she used her teleportation magic to get them right side up.

“Thanks,” Cody said quietly.

It was then they saw a large wooden door. Twilight used her magic to try and open it. The door then suddenly scooted away from them.

“What in the...” said Twilight as she growled and charged at the door, but smacked into the wall.

“Stop...moving!” Twilight shouted as she exerted herself to disguise her magic once more so she could fire her magic at a black crystal right above the door. This made the door stationary and open up with a loud creak.

“Well, that worked,” Cody remarked as he and Twilight saw a bright light inside the door.

“Spike, I think it’s here!” said Twilight with a smile.

She and Cody then went inside. When the bright light faded, Twilight found herself without Cody and...inside the main throne room of Canterlot Castle?!

“Huh?” Twilight exclaimed in shock as she looked around for a moment.

“What are you doing here?” a very stern voice asked. Twilight saw that it was Princess Celestia, who was doing some letters alone with her back against the purple pony.

“I don’t know!” Twilight answered, “I opened the door and-”

“And now you must go,” Princess Celestia retorted, cutting Twilight off as she continued her letters.

“Go where?” said Twilight, feeling more confused than ever.

“Doesn’t matter to me,” Princess Celestia replied coldly, “You failed the test, Twilight.” Twilight looked in deep shock.

“I don’t understand,” said Twilight confused, “The test?”

“Not only will you not move on to the next level of your studies, you won’t continue your studies at all!” Princess Celestia continued sternly. Twilight felt her heart break as she look more devastated as she sat on the floor.

“I...You didn’t say anything about no longer being your student if I failed!” Twilight replied as her eyes watered. Princess Celestia lifted a wing to comfort her, before roughly pushing her out of the way.

“Didn’t I?” Princess Celestia retorted.

“But... what do I do now?“ Twilight asked. She then looked at a window showing her defeat by King Sombra, whose laugh echoed from it. Twilight just knelt on the floor and began to cry.

Meanwhile, Cody felt like he was back in Canterlot without Twilight next to him.

“Twilight?! Mom?! Father?! Anyone?!” he called out, but no one answered.

Suddenly, he heard the clanking of AT-AT and AT-ST walkers advancing up the mountain and TIE fighters zooming through the sky. He also looked up and saw a fleet of star destroyers. Cody then noticed stormtroopers were sacking the city, being led by Darth Claw and Darth Vader, who he could hear breathing ominously.

“Cody! Help us!” Twilight shouted as she and the others, including his uncle Dagger, tried to hold back the stormtroopers.

He then noticed his parents, aunt, and Cal facing the two Sith, only for them to be overpowered and killed in front of him. Cody could also see Twilight, Sunset, and the others being killed in front of him.

At first, Cody felt so sad and depressed that he could cry and he did, until he snapped back and came to his senses, “No! This isn’t real! Equestria will not fall to the Empire as long as my friends and I defend it! We will help our fellow rebels to end the Empire’s tyranny for good!” he said bravely.

“Twilight! Cody! Twilight! Cody!” somepony called out as Twilight’s and Cody’s surroundings faded. Spike had made his way down the staircase. Apparently Twilight and Cody hadn’t moved through the door at all. Twilight and Cody were just sitting before the door, the former with red and green eyes and a devastated look on her face.

“Twilight? Cody?” Spike called out, “Twiiiilight! Coooody!” Twilight and Cody snapped out of it as she looked rather upset.

“I know you told me to stay up there, but you were down here for such a long time and you weren’t answering and I got so worried so I came down here and you and Cody were staring at that wall and... I was calling yours and Cody’s names, but I couldn’t seem to get your attention, and-” Spike explained quickly then stopped when he noticed the door only lead to a blank wall, “What were you looking at? I mean...it’s just a wall...” It was then the black crystal triggered, creating an illusion for Spike and making his eyes green and red.

“Ponyville? Well, how did I get...” Spike said puzzled until he saw something that had him in tears, “No! I don’t wanna go! Please, Cody! I thought we were brothers! Please, Twilight, don’t make me!”

SLAM!

Twilight sternly slammed the door shut, snapping Spike out of it but his tears remained.

“King Sombra’s dark magic,” Twilight explained, “A doorway that leads to your worst fear.”

“We were home,” said Spike sadly as he cried, “You and Cody told me you didn’t need me anymore. You were sending me away!” Twilight pulled Spike into a hug.

“I saw something far worse than you and Twilight did, Spike,” Cody replied.

“What did you see?” Twilight asked.

“I saw a repeat of my first Force vision from when I was five, only all of you, Cal, and my family were in it. The Empire was invading Equestria and sacking Canterlot, you were all being slaughtered by Darth Claw and Darth Vader in front of me,” Cody explained.

“A fear that will never come to pass,” Twilight replied softly to Spike, “I’m never gonna send you away. Neither will Cody, and we’re not going to fail this test.”

“The Empire will not conquer Equestria so long as all of us can defend it!” Cody added.

Twilight nodded before she both fired a normal magic blast at the black crystal. This caused the illusion to be destroyed and the true room that was behind the door appeared. Cody and Twilight walked eagerly inside, but then groaned and lowered their heads when they saw what was inside.

“What’s in there?” Spike asked.

“Stairs,” Cody and Twilight replied sheepishly, “Lots and lots of stairs.”

Twilight and Cody ventured forward, but then they both stopped.

“Maybe you should come with us this time,” Twilight said to Spike.

“Good thinking. C’mon, little buddy!” Cody added. Spike smiled happily as he proudly followed them from behind as they made their up the stairs.

Back outside the palace balcony, Cadance was starting to tire out again as her horn glow was continuing to flicker. Shining Armor took notice and then glared as he heard King Sombra’s wicked laughter in the distance, followed by more rumbling thunder. The wicked king had not only managed to restore his broken horn, but was also creating two dark shadows from the blackened Crystal gate as he laughed wickedly once more.

Elsewhere inside the palace, Twilight and Cody were continuing their venture up what felt like an endless staircase. Spike was struggling just to pull himself up from one step to the next.

“What if this is just more of his magic?” Spike asked as Twilight titled her head slightly to the side and then stuck her tongue out in deep thought while Cody just looked up and scratched his chin, “He makes a door that leads you to your worst nightmare. Why not a staircase that goes on forever?” Twilight and Cody stopped moving as they were one stair flight above the dragon. They then looked back and then upward.

“Good point,” said Cody, “I wouldn’t put it past Sombra to do that.” Twilight hummed in agreement before she used her magic to carry Spike piggyback.

“Babe, what if...” Twilight whispered to Cody, who then smiled excitedly.

“I’ve been wanting to try that out,” Cody replied eagerly, “Let’s do it!”

Twilight then made some sounds of exertion as she made her horn glow. Suddenly, they were lifted into the air, turned over upside down and then began to slide down the underside of the stairs. They had successfully reversed gravity on themselves.

“Whoa. Whoaaa! Yaaaah!” Twilight called out excitedly.

“Yaaaa-hoooo!” Cody shouted excitedly as well as they enjoyed their ride down their own makeshift slide.

Back outside, King Sombra’s effort of taking over had not gone unnoticed. Elbow Grease noticed the blackened crystal building and his sparkle faded instantly. Rarity, who was nearby with her crafts stand, quickly made the stallion something to make him sparkle again. Rarity smiled and waved him goodbye before frantically trying to continue making crafts to keep the crystal ponies cheerful. But then another crystal building turned into black crystal, causing Fleur De Verre to cry out in distress and run away. A few other crystal ponies then began to chatter with each other, clearly frightened as Rarity tried to catch up with him. Meanwhile, Applejack was trying to keep the crystal ponies away from the fake Heart, dozens of crystal ponies were now surrounding it and they had all lost their sparkle. It wasn’t long before Rarity arrived.

“Excuse me, pardon me,” said Rarity with a nervous laugh before heading towards Applejack.

“I am running out of weaving materials for the traditional crafts booth!” Rarity told Applejack in a hushed tone, “I just made a hat out of three pieces of hay and a drinking straw.” It was then the crystal pony wearing that very hat appeared in the foreground, “I made it work. But still.”

“We gotta do everything we can to keep this thing goin’,” said Applejack, “The Princess isn’t looking so good.” That was an understatement. Shining Armor was sitting down as he held his clearly exhausted wife as she was literally using every last bit of energy she had to keep the barrier up, but her horn was flicking even more now.

“I can’t imagine her magic is gonna last much longer,” Applejack pointed out before trying to remain optimistic, “It’s gonna be fine. These ponies are gonna power up the Crystal Heart when the time comes, and we won’t be needin’ her magic anyway.” As Applejack spoke, the crowd of crystal ponies continued to grow.

“I sure hope that time comes soon!” Pinkie pointed out as she tried to balance on a ball and juggle flugelhorns, “Even I can’t keep this party going forever!” Pinkie then shrieked as she lost her balance and tumbled to the ground, dropping the flugelhorns as one bonked her on the head. Unfortunately her ball bounced into the covered fake Heart, knocking it out from underneath the blanket and exposing it to the crystal ponies.

“This isn’t the Crystal Heart,” said Crystal Beau.

“Oh, of course it isn’t,” said Rarity with a nervous laugh as Applejack put on a nervous smile on her face, “The real one is-”

“On it’s way!” Applejack blurted out.

“I was going to say “being polished” to buy us some more time?” Rarity retorted in a hushed tone.

“Oops,” said Applejack as she and Rarity put on some sheepishly smiles on their faces as the two ponies and Pinkie were surrounded by crystal ponies. The crystal ponies then saw the barrier fading as King Sombra laughed.

“It’s...It’s him!” Sapphire Joy shouted as the other crystal ponies cried out in distress.

“Crystal heart...” King Sombra said sinisterly as his shadow form increased in size.

As for Cody, Twilight, and Spike, they were having the time of their lives. Well Twilight and Cody were enjoying themselves as Spike hung onto Twilight for dear life.

“Whoooooahahaha!” Twilight and Cody cried out happily.

“I actually studied gravity spells, thinking it might be on our test! Turns out we were prepared for this! Wooo-hooo!” Twilight told Spike. She and Cody both laughed as they reached the end of the slide and Twilight flipped herself, Cody, and Spike right side up again.

THUD!

Unfortunately, they were rather high into the air and ended up making a hard landing on the floor below. Correction, Cody and Spike landed on the floor at the top of tower. Once the three of them had recovered, they all gasped in awe at what was there. Before them in the middle of a circular floor was...the real Crystal Heart.

“That’s it!” said excitedly as Twilight smiled. Spike then gestured for Cody and/or Twilight to go grab it.

“Okay, first we need to figure if...Twilight, no, NO!” Cody called out Twilight had taken off toward the heart. As soon as her fore-hoof touched the innermost circle of the floor, it glowed red and an alarm sound went off.

“I knew this looked too easy, it’s a trap!” Cody said. King Sombra then growled as a rumble was heard and the two ponies then dived at the Crystal Heart as black crystals surrounded them both. In their haste, the Crystal Heart had slipped out of their hands and neither were aware that it had fallen outside of the black crystal prison. Cody and Twilight looked fearfully at the black crystals as more evil laughter was heard. Lightning struck outside as the barrier continued to flicker.

“The Heart...” said Twilight as she and Cody looked around, “Where’s the Crystal-”

“I don’t know,” Cody interrupted as she searched as well, “I tried to grab it but I lost my grip on it.”

“Here!” Spike replied as he pointed at the heart and some point black crystals emerging from the floor, “It rolled over to me when you dropped it!”

“Don’t move!” Twilight said as Spike tried to approach the two trapped ponies, causing more black crystals to appear from the floor and Spike nearly got his feet poked by them.

“You can move, just not toward us!” Twilight corrected as Spike backed up so he was standing right beside the heart. She then used her magic to try and teleport out of the black crystal prison. But as soon as she made it out, King Sombra’s dark magic pulled her right back into their little prison. Cody tried to cut them out with his lightsaber, but the crystals grew back.

“You have to get out of there! You have to be the ones who bring the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadance! If you don’t, you’ll fail Celestia’s test!” Spike said.

Cody and Twilight exchanged worried looks with each other.

“King Sombra is already attacking the Empire,” said Twilight as she and Cody watched the thunder and flickering barrier as Sombra’s magic was gaining more and more power, “He could reach the Crystal Ponies at any moment...reach Princess Cadance, my brother, our friends. There may not be enough time to find a way to escape.” Cody listened carefully before narrowing his eyes in determination.

“Then none of it matters now,” Cody said firmly.

“What?!” Twilight and Spike exclaimed.

“Passing or failing my mom’s test no longer matters now,” Cody said with a stern look on his face, “Cadance and Shining Armor need the Crystal Heart right now! Then the Crystal Ponies can power it up and defeat King Sombra! You know what we have to do...” As Twilight pondered for a moment, Spike was nervously trying to avoid the rising black crystals from poking his feet.

“You have to be the one to bring the Crystal Heart to the Faire,” Twilight told Spike sternly as she looked at him from a small opening from the black crystals.

“Me?” said Spike, “But Twilight, Cody-”

“Go!” Twilight shouted.

“But-” Spike protested.

“GOOOO!” Cody and Twilight shouted louder. Spike quickly picked up the Crystal Heart and dived outside of the tower just in time as black crystals sealed up any escape from it. Spike just nervously stood on the edge, figuring out how he could possible get down.

Back on the ground, the crystal ponies were in chatting with each other worriedly, especially at the sight of the increasing number of black crystals. The mane five along with Cadance and Shining Armor were on the balcony above.

“Now, don’t y’all worry your pretty, little Crystal heads!” said Applejack as she and Rarity waved at them, “The real Crystal Heart will be here any second!”

“I don’t know if they believe you...” Rarity pointed out in a hushed tone.

“Don’t know if I believe me...” Applejack remarked honestly. Then Cadance’s magic faded completely, causing the barrier to dissolve.

“He’s back! I can’t take it!” Sapphire Joy shrieked, “Ugh!” As the crystal pony attempted to make a run for their life, they crashed into one of the black crystals as King Sombra appeared shaped like a shadow serpent before them.

“Ahhhhh...” King Sombra remarked deviously.

“King Sombra...!” Sapphire Joy cried out as she shrieked again.

“My crystal slaves...” King Sombra said evilly.

Up above the group, Spike was frantically trying to find a way down.

“Whoa! Huh!” said Spike before spiting some fire as he tried to avoid the ever increasing number of black crystals.

“Yah!” Spike yelped nervously as he jumped toward a tall structure with a narrow and twisted path before calling out, “Hey! Up here!” Rarity was the first to notice him.

“Spike?” Rarity called out as Applejack and Pinkie looked up. Shining Armor looked up as well as the rest of the group looked worried.

“I got the Crystal Heart!” Spike called out loudly. Sadly, Kind Sombra heard him as well.

“That is mine!” he said as he burrowed underground and made his way towards the dragon. Spike then made his way down the thin and twisted platform. King Sombra then made a large black crystal crag appear as he stood on the top of it with his restored physical form, as it rose up to intercept Spike and the Crystal Heart.

But then, Spike tripped and fell, dropping the Crystal Heart, as they both fell right toward King Sombra. Rarity gasped.

“Spikey-wikey!” Rarity cried out as the rest of the group cringed, except for Cadance and Shining Armor. He quickly put Cadance onto his back. She looked up wearily and saw Spike and the falling Crystal Heart in the distance. She also saw King Sombra rising on top of the black crystals to intercept them, growling with determination. Cadance then opened her wings as King Sombra inched closer to Spike and the Crystal Heart. Shining Armor held Cadance with both his arms and threw her as hard as he could.

“Hah,” said King Sombra as he was within reaching distance of Spike and the Crystal Heart, “Huh?” Then Cadance zoomed by at top speed, grabbing the Crystal Heart with new found magic and Spike grabbed Cadance’s back before Sombra had a chance to do so. Spike held on for dear life as Cadance flew through the sky at top speed. The crystal ponies all watched in awe and amazement.

“Behold!” Bright Smile said to the others, “The Crystal Princess!” Cadance then landed firmly before them, smashing the fake heart to pieces.

“The Crystal Heart has returned,” Cadance told them all, “Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not.” Cadance then tossed the heart in the center area where two pillars of crystal appeared that magically levitated the Crystal Heart into place. The crystal ponies all sparkled as they knelt before the Crystal Heart. As they did so, the ground around them began to glow light blue.

“What?” said King Sombra in shock, “No...No! Stop!” But the blue glow soon lit up all the streets in the empire before the glowing magic all converged into the crystal heart. The heart began to rotate quickly before it gave off a large and powerful wave of blue colored magic. Turning Cadance, Spike, Shining Armor, and the Mane Six into crystal ponies!

“Oooh!” Rarity giggled excitedly in her crystal form. As the magic wave passed by, all of Sombra’s black crystals and magic were destroyed, including the ones holding Cody and Twilight prisoner, allowing them to see each other in their crystal forms.

“Oh Twilight,” said Cody, mesmerized by her appearance, “You are a beautiful crystal pony.” Twilight smiled and giggled.

“Well, you’re a handsome crystal man,” she replied as they shared a quick kiss and smile with each other.

Outside, King Sombra gasped as the magic wave came at him. He screamed as the magic literally destroyed him completely, leaving nothing but his red horn, as the magic wave carried it off, hopefully never to be seen again. The magic wave pushed back the dark clouds as a large beam of light erupted from the top of the Empire’s tower, creating the northern lights across the skies of Equestria. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched the site from within their castle before the former tapped her horn against the latter, making them both smile. The rest of the Mane Six smiled as Applejack and Pinkie shared a high-hoof, and then Shining Armor embraced his wife happily as she and Spike landed on the balcony. Cadance then waved at the crystal ponies as they cheered happily. Spike, however, winced a bit before looking up. While he couldn’t see them, Cody and Twilight were looking down at the group from above with Cody holding Twilight close as they sighed and squatted down to the floor.

“Good job Spike,” Twilight said softly.

“Mission accomplished,” Cody added, “I hope...”

Now the crystal ponies were sparkling all the time now and were much more cheerful as they interacted with each other about the city. Once the celebration had ended and Cadance had been given time to get a good night’s rest, the Princess and Prince escorted Cody, the Mane Six, and Spike to the train station.

“I do so wish it was permanent,” said Rarity, lamenting over the fact the crystal transformation was only temporary, “Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?”

“But...good things are better when they’re a rarity,” Applejack replied giving the white pony a wink.

“Aww,” said Rarity as she laughed at Applejack’s little pun. Shining Armor and Cadance were walking alongside Twilight and Cody as they arrived at the train station. Both Cody and Twilight were still worried.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Shining Armor assured Twilight and Cody, “You two gotta stop saving my rump like this. It’s starting to get embarassing.” Shining Armor was only teasing as Twilight sheepishly looked away as Cody just playfully rolled his eyes.

“It wasn’t us who saved you in the end,” Twilight reminded her older brother, “It was Spike.”

“It’s just a test,” said Shining Armor, “Maybe she’ll let you retake it.” Cadance then discreetly smacked Shining Armor on the side with one of her wings.

“I don’t think she’s gonna give us a new test,” said Twilight as she and Cody turned to walk sadly to their train.

Back in Canterlot, Cody and Twilight were with Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze. Spike was anxiously pacing back and forth in front of the doors outside the castle as the rest of the mane seven were waiting for the couple as well. Pinkie sat down and chewed on her horseshoes with Applejack putting a hand on her back for comfort. Fluttershy just sat quietly worried as Rarity reclined on the ground in dramatic fashion. Rainbow just hovered about with a worried look on her face.

“Keep it together, buddy...” Spike said to himself as he breathed heavily, “Gotta stay strong...for Twilight and Cody...” Spike stood before the front door, wishing he could hear what was going on.

Inside the main hall, Princess Celestia was just looking out of a window. The magical lights of the Crystal Empire were still gracing the sky. Cody and Twilight were just standing nearby with their heads low. They had given the alicorn princess their full report on what had happened.

“It’s beautiful,” Princess Celestia remarked at the sight.

“I wish it had been us who ultimately made it so,” said Twilight, “But it wasn’t.”

“King Sombra was gaining power at a rapid rate,” Cody added, “We had no choice but to let somepony else save the day.” Princess Celestia approached them, next to her was a new stained glass window of Spike saving the Crystal Heart.

“Twilight, Cody, as I understand it,” said Princess Celestia with a smile, “Spike brought Princess Cadance the Crystal Heart because you weren’t sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. Neither of you were willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own. Far better that Blaze and I each have students who understand the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for their own best interests.” Cody and Twilight lifted their heads to face Princess Celestia.

“Does this mean...?” they asked together anxiously.

“Yes, you passed your test,” Celestia replied.

“As for you, Cody. You successfully passed your trial of protection,” Blaze added.

“When Twilight and I were searching for the Crystal Heart, we came across a door that leads to one’s worst fear. When I looked through it, I saw a repeat of my first Force vision of the Empire invading our planet and I felt sad and depressed at first, but I soon faced my fear and figured out that it was just an illusion,” Cody explained.

“We’re proud of you, Cody. You passed your trial of fear as well,” Blaze replied.

Back outside, Spike was beginning to panic.

“They’re totally gonna lose it!” Spike said as he breathed heavily, “Keep it together, buddy...you gotta stay strong...for Twilight and Cody...!”

THUD!

Spike then got the door smacked into his face as both Cody and Twilight came out. The others just looked at them worried.

“We passed!” Cody and Twilight said together excitedly as they jumped into the air. The rest of their friends all smiled and cheered for them.

“Ooh,” said Cody and Twilight happily as they held each other and jumped about before they gave Spike a hug. Rarity then began to sing.

Rarity walked up to Twilight and Cody, the two of them made an O with their mouths as their cheeks turned light pink from feeling slightly embarassed. Rarity then raised their chins as the three of them walked side by side.

Rarity (sings):
You were prepared to do your best
Had what it takes to pass the test
All those doubts you can dismiss
turn out you were...

Then all but Spike zipped away, making the dragon make an O shape with his mouth.

Everyone minus Twilight and Cody (sing):
...prepared for this!

Applejack wrapped an arm around Twilight from the side as she, Twilight, Cody, and Rarity walked along.

Applejack (sings):
You clearly have just what it takes

Pinkie appeared as the they all left walking on some tall stilts, but then lost her balance. The group winced as Pinkie crash landed.

Pinkie (sings):
To pass a test with such high stakes

Fluttershy flew over to the group from the right.

Fluttershy (sings):
We knew for sure you would prevail

Rainbow hovered above as she reclined lazily on a cloud.

Rainbow (sings):
Since when do these two ever fail?

All but Twilight and Cody all march out of Canterlot single file with Applejack leading the way and Twilight and Cody at the back as the other sing together. They were then seen walkin in a v shape with Twilight and Cody in the middle.

Everyone minus Cody and Twilight (sing):
All those doubts that you can dismiss
Trust yourself and you cannot miss

Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity stand side by side to Cody’s left.

Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity (sing):
Turns out you were

Cody (sings):
Turns out I was

Rainbow and Fluttershy hover together in the background while Spike stood in the foreground on Twilight’s right.

Rainbow and Fluttershy (sing):
Turns out you were

Twilight (sings):
Turns out I was

All but Twilight and Cody finished the song, they were all riding the train together as it headed back home to Ponyville. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watch the train disappear. They quickly exchange smiles and some nods before Princess Luna showed Princess Celestia a book with a dark blue cover.

...prepared for this!

“Yeah, I knew everything was going to be fine,” said Spike with a nervous laugh as he sat next to Twilight before leaning forward and giving a long sigh. Twilight and Cody just exchanged smirks with each other and then a kiss.

Chapter 10: The CMCs’ First Offworld Adventure

Two days went by since Cody passed his trial of forgiveness and destroyed the Alicorn Amulet. He, Twilight, Sunset, and their friends were now boarding the Stinger Mantis on the outskirts of Ponyville.

“So where are we off to?” Pinkie asked.

“Umbara. We’ve been sent to acquire Umbaran weapons leftover from the battle there during the Clone War,” Cody replied.

“Remind us again about Umbara?” Rainbow asked.

“It is a shadowy world in a part of the galaxy known as the Expansion Region between the Inner Rim and the Mid Rim,” Cody replied, “Soon after I pass my trial of anger, I’ll finally become a Jedi Knight.”

“Our friends and I will be there for you when that day comes,” Twilight said as they shared a quick kiss.

It was then that Harmony Squad boarded the ship. Just after they boarded, Rex, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo snuck onboard hidden from sight.

“What are we doing here?” Scootaloo asked.

“Think of this as a chance to see if we can get our cutie marks in space exploration or piloting,” Rex replied, “Besides, I want to show you the wider galaxy.”

“Cool,” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle said in unison.

Once the hatch was closed, the Mantis took off from the surface and jumped to hyperspace. Once at Umbara, Twilight turned on the cloaking device so the Empire’s Star Destroyers couldn’t detect them. It was then that they landed near a familiar old airbase.

As Harmony Squad exited the ship to start their salvaging operation, Rex and the other CMCs exited behind them stealthily.

“Whoa, this place is dark,” Sweetie Belle said.

“It’s always dark here on Umbara. This is because of the thick and cloudy atmosphere, according to my dad and Uncle Dagger,” Rex replied.

The four of them walked away from the ship as they went to check out the planet.

“What’s with all this wreckage?” Apple Bloom asked.

“There was a battle here during the Clone War. My dad, Uncle Dagger, and the whole 113th Clone Battalion were among the Republic invasion force,” Rex replied.

As he and his girlfriends kept walking towards the airbase, Rex noticed the vines of a vixus.

“Girls, watch your step,” Rex said.

“What’s wrong?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Those vines are actually the tentacles of a dangerous creature, please don’t touch them,” Rex replied.

“Understood,” Scootaloo said.

Just then, Rex noticed a lightsaber on the ground. Upon picking it up, he turned it on, revealing a green blade.

“Girls, I found a lightsaber,” Rex said.

“Who do you think it belonged to?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“It belonged to a Jedi called Pong Krell. According to my dad, he fell to the dark side in the hopes of joining the Sith,” Rex replied.

The four of them kept moving until they reached the old airbase. There, they noticed Cody and the rest of Harmony Squad salvaging every piece of equipment they could. The four kids checked out the base and found four Umbaran starfighters still intact.

“Here’s our chance to try getting cutie marks in piloting,” Rex said.

The four kids entered the fighters as they activated the cockpits by touching random controls.

“Whoa!” they all exclaimed.

“How do you work this thing?” Scootaloo asked.

“I think they’re touch sensitive. Just level your hands,” Rex replied.

“Understood,” Apple Bloom said.

They leveled their hands as the bubble cockpits linked with the chassis’ and activated the whole fighters.

“Everyone, keep your arms steady and speed up,” Rex said.

“We got it,” Sweetie Belle replied.

They took off from the base and sped up. On the ground, Cody and the rest of Harmony Squad were still salvaging Umbaran weapons. Just then, they noticed four starfighters taking off.

“What’s goin’ on?” Applejack asked.

“Who’s flying those fighters?” Rainbow added.

Cody took out his macrobinobulars and noticed Rex and his girlfriends flying them, “That’s Rex and the other CMCs!” he said.

“What are your brother and our sisters doing here?” Rarity asked.

“They must’ve snuck onboard the Mantis and we didn't even notice,” Cody replied.

Meanwhile, Rex and his girlfriends were trying out the Umbaran fighters as they flew over the forest.

“Wow! I’m flying! Really flying!” Scootaloo said.

“Good for you, Scoots,” Rex replied.

“I think we’re gettin’ the hang of these,” Apple Bloom said.

“This reminds me of whenever we were playing ‘Starfighter Pilot’, only this is real,” Sweetie Belle added.

It wasn’t long before they were quickly spotted by a patrol of five TIE fighters.

“We’ve got company, and I don’t mean the good kind,” Sweetie Belle said.

“TIE fighters. Be ready on the weapon systems,” Rex replied.

Just then, the TIE fighters began firing at them.

“Take evasive action!” Rex said.

“We can’t shake ‘em!” Apple Bloom replied.

Luckily, Rex was able to force his pursuer to overshoot. He then rotated his fighter, hoping to score a hit.

“Now how do I fire the cannon?” Rex asked himself as he tried touching the controls.

He accidentally fired a missile, causing the TIE to dodge. It was then that he made the necessary hand gesture to fire the cannon. The TIE fighter dodged his shots. The TIE pilot tried firing at Rex, but the ray shield protected him. He then turned the tables and chased the TIE. Rex stayed on the enemy fighter until he got a clear shot and fired. With a few shots, the TIE fighter was shot down. He then went to help his girlfriends.

“Girls, you must open one of your hands to fire the cannon and hold out your hand to fire the missiles,” Rex said.

“Understood,” Scootaloo replied as she got behind the fighter chasing Sweetie Belle.

She then opened fire and shot down the TIE.

“Thanks, Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Sure,” Scootaloo replied.

It wasn’t long before they all chose their targets and opened fire. Once all the TIEs were shot down, Rex and his girlfriends kept on flying.

“Where did those TIE fighters come from, anyway?” Apple Bloom asked.

“There must be an Imperial base nearby. We need to head back to Cody’s position before more of them show up,” Rex replied.

The four kids turned around and tried to backtrack. They kept flying until they saw the old Umbaran airbase. They immediately saw Imperial walkers and stormtroopers at Cody’s position and rushed to help.

They opened fire on the walkers and hit them on their necks, successfully knocking them out. The kids landed their fighters and rushed over to Cody and the others. Several stormtroopers fired at them only for Rex to deflect their shots with his newly acquired lightsaber. He also cut down any in his path.

“Rex! You’re safe!” Cody said as the two brothers shared a hug.

“Cody, we’re sorry we stowed away,” Rex replied on behalf of himself and his girlfriends.

“You kids took a big risk, but we’re just glad you’re safe. That’s what matters most,” Cody said.

The other CMCs also hugged their sisters and role model. Rex helped his brother and the others finish off the remaining stormtroopers.

“Where did you get that lightsaber? That belonged to Pong Krell during the Clone War,” Cody asked.

“Just outside the airbase. I reckon it’s mine now,” Rex replied.

“We’re gonna need help from the other rebels to recover all this equipment. Let’s go,” Cody said.

Everyone returned to the Mantis with all the equipment they could find and anything else they could salvage.

Chapter 11: The Final Trial

A week after Discord changed his ways and the salvaging op on Umbara, Cody was meditating in the library. It was then that he heard a voice speaking to him.

“Cody.”

Cody opened his eyes and he noticed the spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn appear before him.

“Master Qui-Gon? How can this be?” Cody asked.

“In life, I learned how to preserve my consciousness after becoming one with the Force,” Qui-Gon said, “I come before you now because your father spoke with me about your trials and that you have passed most of them, all that remains is your trial of anger.”

“What must I do?” Cody asked.

“You must go to Moraband, ancient homeworld of the Sith. There, you will learn how to resist the dark side and improve control over your anger,” Qui-Gon replied, “From that moment, there’s nothing I can do for you, except wish you good luck.”

“Thank you, Master Qui-Gon,” Cody said, as the spirit of Qui-Gon faded.

Cody then put his lightsaber on his belt, got a bag for supplies, and went downstairs. Twilight, Sunset, and Spike were reading when they noticed Cody heading for the door.

“Where are you headed, Cody?” Twilight asked.

“To the Mantis,” Cody replied.

“May we ask why?” Sunset asked.

“I need to go to Moraband, the ancient homeworld of the Sith in order to pass my last Jedi trial. This is something I need to do on my own,” Cody explained.

“Be careful, babe,” Twilight said.

“I will, Twily and Sunny. Tell the others where I’ve gone so they don’t worry,” Cody replied.

He then shared a kiss with Twilight and Sunset before leaving for Canterlot. There, Cody went to see off his family.

“Everyone, I’m headed for Moraband to pass my last Jedi trial,” Cody said.

“I’m sending Nash to accompany you, he’ll help you pass your final trial,” Blaze replied, “After all, who better to help you resist the dark side than someone who was trained in it.”

“Good point. Thanks, Nash,” said Cody.

“Much obliged, Cody. Since your father helped me to channel my anger, I shall help you to channel yours,” Nash replied.

“Be careful, Cody,” Celestia said, hugging him.

“I will return soon, Mom,” Cody replied.

“Make us proud, dear nephew,” Luna said as she and Dagger hugged him.

“Good luck, Cody,” Dagger added.

“I will,” Cody replied, “Thanks, Aunt Luna. You too, Uncle Dagger.”

Cody also shared a hug with his little brother. Nash also saw of his own girlfriends, Stellar Flare, Lofty, and Holiday.

“Take care, babe,” Lofty said.

“Careful out there, love,” Holiday added.

“I will, ladies,” Nash replied, as he kissed them.

“You better come back in one piece, ‘cause we have something special in mind for you,” Stellar said flirtatiously, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I will return. Once I’m finished helping Cody pass his last Jedi trial, I’m all of yours,” Nash replied.

He shared one last make-out session with Stellar, as well as Lofty, Holiday, Stormy, and Windstream before leaving with Cody aboard the Mantis. They soon left the surface and prepared to depart for Moraband.

“R5, plot a course for Moraband,” Cody said.

Once R5 set the coordinates on the navicomputer, they jumped into hyperspace. It wasn’t long before they jumped out of hyperspace and reached Moraband. There, they landed in the Valley of the Dark Lords. Cody and Nash walked for a several hours until they reached the Sith temple.

“Now that we’re here, I suggest we go inside the temple and face whatever is in there,” Nash said.

“Right. Let’s do this,” Cody replied.

Soon enough, Cody and Nash entered the temple. Just then, the ground started shaking and the entrance collapsed.

“What’s happening?!” Cody asked.

“A quake. We need to find an open area!” Nash replied.

It wasn’t long before they found a large open area within the temple. They weathered out the quake for ten minutes before it was over.

“Karabast! The entrance is blocked!” Cody said. He tried to clear the entrance with the Force, but to no avail.

“Stop, we don’t want to destroy the entrance completely. I suggest we go deeper into the temple and face whatever challenges that come our way, then find another way out,” Nash replied, as they went to explore the temple.

“Master Yoda told me these temples can test anyone who ventures inside and in certain parts, the dark side can play tricks on you. He came here once,” Cody explained.

“Good to know. It’s up to you to resist the temptation,” Nash said.

They kept wandering around the hallways until they found the execution chamber.

“Now, let’s enter a trance and resist the surrounding darkness,” Nash said.

Once he entered his trance, Cody could feel nothing else other than the darkness.

“The darkness is calling me,” Cody said.

“You must resist it, Cody. Don’t let it consume you like it did me years ago, think of your family and friends,” Nash replied.

Cody had his mind flooded with flashbacks of being picked on and insulted by his traitorous cousin, Blueblood. These flashbacks along with the darkness festering in the temple continued to plague Cody’s mind, until he could see an illusion of Blueblood taunting him.

“You flat faced freak! You will never become the ruler of Equestria, nor will you become a Jedi Knight, you and those you love will fall,” the illusion said in a very sinister voice.

“Believe in yourself, Cody. Think positively. Think of your parents, your aunt and uncle, your brother, your favorite cousin, your pet, your two girlfriends, and your friends,” Nash said, doing his best to help Cody resist the darkness and channel his anger.

Cody soon had flashbacks of spending good times with his family and friends. He began thinking of them and he could also hear all their voices inside his head as if they were speaking to him.

“You will not make me give in to my anger, Blueblood. Justice will be done upon you, my friends and I will make sure you answer for your treachery!” Cody said boldly.

Cody was able to feel the light within him and before long, the illusion of Blueblood began to dissipate until it was truly gone as he successfully resisted the darkness.

“You did it, Cody. You passed your last trial,” Nash said.

“Thanks for the help, Nash. Now let’s get out of this evil place,” Cody replied.

He and Nash left the execution chamber and wandered through more hallways until they found an alternate exit. Once outside of the temple, they made their way back to the Stinger Mantis and boarded, then took off from the surface.

“R5, set course for Equestria,” Cody said.

Once R5 put in the coordinates, they jumped into hyperspace. It wasn’t long before they returned to Equestria. It was dusk when they landed on the mountainside. Once they entered the castle, Cody was greeted by his friends and family, while Nash was greeted by his girlfriends.

“Welcome home, Cody,” Celestia said.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Father,” Cody greeted, as he hugged them both, “I passed my trial of anger.”

“Well done, Cody. You’re finally ready,” Blaze replied.

“Congratulations, babe,” Twilight said as she and Sunset hugged him.

“It won’t be too long before you’re finally a Jedi Knight,” Sunset added.

“Thanks, girls,” Cody replied.

Once it was nighttime, Cody, Twilight, Sunset, and their friends returned to Ponyville. Upon returning to his home, Nash went up to his bedroom where he noticed his five mature girlfriends laying on his king-size bed in lacy three-piece lingerie. Stellar’s was black, Lofty’s was dark green, Holiday’s was red, Stormy’s was purple, and Windstream’s was dark blue.

“Like something you see, Nash?” Stellar asked as they posed seductively.

“I love it. You all look sexy in those,” Nash replied.

“Thank you, love,” Holiday said.

“Come here, you hunk,” Lofty added.

Nash immediately undressed himself and joined them atop the bed. The five mares took turns making out with him. He alternated between kissing the five mares, fondling each of their racks and rumps, he then ran his hands across their legs. Stellar used her magic to take their lingerie off, then cast a temporary anti-pregnancy spell on herself, Lofty, Holiday, Stormy, and Windstream. Nash alternated between kissing the five mares on each of their midriffs and on their thighs.

Lofty crawled up to Nash and pinned him on his back as she dropped her hips onto his. She moaned upon feeling him enter her.

“How are you so tight?” Nash asked.

“Holiday and I are virgins, we’ve always wanted to get with a guy like this and now here we are,” Lofty said.

She began bouncing on top of him, then Holiday went up and made out with Lofty before coming up behind Nash and rubbing her rack on his back, driving him to thrust upwards into Lofty with his hands on her legs. It wasn’t long before Nash could feel his climax approaching, “Lofty, I’m close!” he said.

“Give it to me, babe,” Lofty replied.

Nash bust his load inside her as they screamed in pleasure. He then pulled out of Lofty and turned his attention to Holiday, grabbing hold of her thighs and then entered her. Nash started thrusting at a slow and steady pace as he didn’t want to release inside of her yet. Holiday was turned on by Nash dominating her, making her moan in pleasure. Nash began thrusting rapidly, keeping his grip on her thighs to keep steady, he then passionately kissed her and she immediately returned it. Once again, Nash could feel his climax was near as he kept thrusting.

“Here it comes, Holiday!” Nash said.

“Fill me up, love!” Holiday replied.

They both screamed in pleasure as Nash bust a massive load inside of Holiday, then pulled out of her.

“Thank you for being mine and Lofty’s first time, Nash,” Holiday said.

“My pleasure, Holiday,” Nash replied, then kissed her.

He then shifted his focus onto Stellar Flare and passionately kissed her before he grabbed onto her thighs and entered her.

“It’s been a long time since I had someone’s length inside me,” Stellar said, moaning.

“After your husband passed away, did you have sex with any other guy you dated before meeting me?” Nash asked as he began thrusting.

“Only with two other guys I dated, but I stopped seeing each of them as we weren’t compatible enough,” Stellar said.

“Luckily, you and I hit it off the most and now I’m yours for good,” Nash replied.

Stellar then took charge and flipped them over so she was on top. This didn’t stop Nash from thrusting into her, she matched her movements in synch with his as they passionately kissed. Soon enough, Nash flipped them over and he was on top once more. As he kept thrusting, Nash felt his climax was coming.

“Stellar, I’m close!” Nash said.

“Give me all your love and fill me up, Nash!” Stellar replied.

Nash and Stellar screamed in pleasure as he bust a load inside of her. He then collapsed on top of Stellar and pulled out of her.

“Nash, thank you for making me feel loved again,” Stellar said.

“You’re welcome, Stellar,” Nash replied.

He then turned his attention to Stormy Flare and Windstream, then passionately kissed each of them. Nash fondled each of their breasts, squeezed their butts, then kissed and caressed their midriffs and legs. The two Pegasus mares then got on their hands and knees as they swayed their rumps.

“Make love to us, Nash,” Stormy and Windstream said flirtatiously in unison.

“Not sure how much energy I have left, so I want to try something unique,” Nash replied.

He then entered Stormy and thrust into her. Nash then pulled out and entered Windstream, then thrust into her. He alternated between thrusting into the two mares as he sped up.

“A switcheroo. I love it,” Stormy said, moaning.

“Me too,” Windstream added.

Nash kept thrusting into Stormy until he released a massive load inside her. He then pulled out and re-entered Windstream, thrusting rapidly until he released his last load of the night inside her.

“Thank you for making me feel loved again, Nash,” Stormy said.

“And me as well. It’s been a while since we’ve made love to anyone,” Windstream added.

“You’re welcome, ladies,” Nash replied as he kissed them.

Nash cuddled with his girlfriends, with Lofty on his left, Holiday on his right, while Stellar, Stormy, and Windstream laid on top of him. They gently rubbed their hands on his body while he caressed their rumps and legs.

“Ladies? When the time is right, do you want to get married and have some foals?” Nash asked.

“We’d love that,” Lofty replied.

“Nothing would make us happier,” Holiday added.

“I would love to be a mother again and have foals with you,” Stellar added.

“I wouldn’t mind being a mother again either,” Stormy added.

“Me neither,” Windstream finished.

“I’m glad you think so. Good night, ladies. I love you all,” Nash said.

“We love you too, Nash,” the five mares replied in unison.

Nash shared one last kiss with each of them and they all fell asleep together.

Chapter 12: Magical Mystery Cure

Three days later

A small collection of birds made their way down to Ponyville, they had just flown by the Golden Oak Library when Twilight, Cody, and Sunset opened their window.

Twilight extended her arms to welcome the morning sun. Then she walked by Spike to pull the blanket off his sleeping basket, waking him up with a start before he groaned and fell face first into his pillow. She and Cody then headed out of the library.

Twilight (sings):
Morning in Ponyville shimmers

Sunset (sings):
Morning in Ponyville shines

Twilight (sings):
And we know for absolute certain

Twilight and Cody (sing):
That everything is certainly fine

As several ponies walk to streets of town, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset both jump to the edge of water fountain as Mayor Ivory Scroll is talking with her two assistants.

Twilight (sings):
There’s the Mayor en route to her office

The trio continued down the street and pass the Quills and Sofas shop where Davenport was advertising some new quills.

Cody (sings):
There’s the sofa clerk selling some quills

“Morning, kids!” Davenport replied cheerfully.

Twilight jumps into the foreground as some ponies behind them are enjoying themselves at the outdoor cafe.

Twilight (sings):
Our Ponyville is so gentle and still

He and Twilight then rush over to one of the tables where a fancy pony and mare are sitting together with Savior Faire standing at the right.

Twilight (sings):
Can things go wrong?

She and Cody then hopped onto the table and did a tap dance together. Cody then side-somersaulted off the table as Savior Faire and the fancy stallion helped Twilight down. Cody then linked Twilight’s and Sunset’s hands with his so they could walk away side-by-side.

Twilight (sings):
I don’t think they ever will

As the two walk away from the Town Hall, two Pegasi leap over them from right to left, then another two Pegasi did the same from left to right. They then walked along side each other and then headed off on opposite sides of the couple. Two more ponies were doing choreography in the background and four Pegasi were flying in formation above them.

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset (sing):
Morning in Ponyville shimmers
Morning in Ponyville shines
And we know for absolute certain
That everything is certainly-

SPLASH!

Just as Cody, Twilight, and Sunset raised their arms into the air. Somepony dumped a large quantity of water on top of them, leaving them drenched and irritated.

“Rainbow Dash, that’s not funny!” Twilight yelled as she looked at the sky.

“Terribly sorry, darling,” said Rarity, looking rather frazzled as she was using her magic to move about thunder clouds, “I’m afraid I’m...I’m not good with the thundery ones.”

“Well, you know how much lighting bothers...wait, what did you say?!” Cody exclaimed as he and Twilight then noticed Rarity...had Rainbow’s cutie mark! They both gasped.

“Something tells me everything is not going to be fine,” Twilight said worried.

“Aw, karabast!” Cody groaned.

“You’re telling me,” Sunset added.

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset wasted no time approaching Rarity and took notice that the marshmallow mare was trying to control both thunder clouds and snow clouds at the same time.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“What happened to your cutie mark?” Cody added.

“Whatever do you mean, Twilight and Cody?” Rarity replied calmly as she pointed to her cutie mark, “I’m simply doing what I’ve done since the day it first appeared.”

“Say what?” Cody asked quickly before adding frantically, “B-b-b-but, Rarity, you’re a seamstress, not a weather pony!”

“Seamstress?” Rarity exclaimed with a chuckle, “Well, I certainly do have a taste for certain patterns and designs if that’s what you meant.” She then clustered up some clouds in the sky.

“Does my sky look fabulous or what?” Rarity asked when several ponies appeared to grumble and complain to her for the...err...unorthodox weather. Rarity tried to walk away, but the grumbling ponies soon surrounded her.

“Too last season?” Rarity asked sheepishly.

“I don’t know what to think,” Sunset replied.

“Where is Rainbow Dash?” said Twilight, “Why isn’t she handling this?” Poor Rarity was getting overwhelmed by the crowds as Cody spin jumped about to get Rarity somewhere safe. Twilight waited impatiently for him to return as he landed beside her.

“She said something about Rainbow being at her cottage outside the Everfree Forest,” Cody told Twilight. They were more worried than ever.

It wasn’t long before Spike had joined them, though he was still feeling rather sleepy as a large yawn escaped his mouth.

“I still don’t know what you had to wake me up for,” Spike complained, “I love sleeping in the rain.”

“It’s not about the weather, Spike,” said Twilight as she and Cody gave him a brief glare, “Rarity had Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark and said this was Rainbow Dash’s cottage. Something strange is going on...” Twilight and Cody both knocked on the door.

“Hopefully Flutters can set things straight with Rarity,” Cody said, “I’ve heard of mind swapping, but cutie mark swapping...it’s unheard of.”

“I agree with that,” Twilight replied when the front door creaked open. Rainbow had answered the door.

“Hey, guys,” said Rainbow nervously. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset were stunned.

“Rainbow! What are you doing at Fluttershy’s cottage?” Cody asked.

“Why is Rarity doing your job?” Twilight asked as well.

CRASH!

Before Rainbow could answer, the blue Pegasus rushed back inside.

“And what in Equestria is going on in...here?” Twilight asked as she opened the door. She, Cody, Sunset, and Spike were shocked to see the cottage overcrowded with critters of all shapes and sizes that were running amok. The place was in complete chaos.

As Rainbow ran about the cottage, Gummy appeared to chomp her right ear. She then walked forward and put Gummy into a bird cage above her. Some other small critters ran circles around her as a cat shreded the curtains and hissed at her angrily. She sat down for a moment before trying to chase a runaway bird, but it evaded her and dived into a mouse hole. Rainbow crashed headfirst into the wall, leaving her dizzy. Once she recovered, she pointed to show that she now had Fluttershy’s cutie mark. Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Spike shared worried looks with each other.

Rainbow Dash (sings):
These animals don’t listen, no, not one little bit
They run around out of control and throw their hissy fits
It’s up to me to stop them, ‘cause plainly you can see
It’s got to be my destiny, and it’s what my cutie mark is telling me

At Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy and Bucky were inside trying to blow up balloons for a group of ponies, but it quickly deflated as she smiled at them nervously. She then put on some gaucho glasses. The rest of the ponies looked rather bored and confused. Fluttershy then blew a noise maker and tried to smile for them. She then heard some laughter, but turned to see that it was Spike they were laughing at as he wore the gaucho glasses and danced around. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset gestured for Spike to stop. Fluttershy then showed that she had Pinkie’s cutie mark.

Fluttershy (sings):
I try to keep them laughing, put a smile upon their face
But no matter what I try; it seems a bit of a disgrace
I have to entertain them, it’s there for all to see
It’s got to be my destiny, and it’s what my cutie mark is telling me

Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Spike head to Sweet Apple Acres. They find Pinkie, her mane and tail are straight, trying to shake some apples off a tree. One apple then bonked her on the head. She then tried to push a plow only to faceplant the dirt since she couldn’t make it budge. Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Spike watched Pinkie as she stacked some hay bundles and a barrel to reach and try to fix a bent up water chute, but the chute ended up breaking and Pinkie was soaked as she hit the ground below. Pinkie then tried pulling a wagon loaded with caged chickens inside when one chicken landed on her mane, poked her head and left an egg as it took off. She then attempted to buck a tree but ended up hurting herself. She then lifted a bucket to catch the falling apples, but they landed on her instead of inside the bucket. She fell into her back, rubbing her head as she showed the three of them that she has Applejack’s cutie mark.

Pinkie Pie (sings):
I don’t care much for pickin’ fruit and plowin’ fields ain’t such a hoot
No matter what I try, I cannot fix this busted water chute!
I’ve got so many chores to do, it’s no fun being me
But it has to be my destiny, ‘cause it’s what my cutie mark is telling me

At the Carousel Boutique, the three of them watch as Applejack tried frantically to sew some sort of outfit with a measuring tape around her neck, with help from Sal. She then tried to put together a rather sloppy dress as she puts a hand to her forehead. Then she walked over to another mannequin that had another poorly made outfit and added a hat to it before walking away. She then showed that part of the checkered fabric on it wasn’t even attached to the outfit and already had a hole in it. She then added a poorly made feather headdress to another outfit that was made out of a grey sack. She then looked to show that had Rarity’s cutie mark as the sewing machine jammed up on her.

Applejack (sings):
Lookie here at what I made, I think that it’s a dress
I know it doesn’t look like much, I’m under some distress
Could y’all give me a hand here and help me fix this mess?
My destiny is not pretty, but it’s what my cutie mark is tellin’ me

Rarity stood at the top of a hill as she struggled to use her magic to control what had become renegade weather. Several clouds that produced rain and snow could be seen in the sky as she looked at Ponyville from the outskirts. The sun finally broke through the clouds, but three ponies were completely red due to sunburns and were later covered in snow.

Rarity (sings):
I’m in love with weather patterns, but the others have concerns
For I gave them frostbite over top of their sunburns
I have to keep on trying, for everyone can see

Rarity (sings):
It’s got to be

Fluttershy (sings):
It’s got to be

Pinkie (sings):
My destiny

Applejack (sings):
My destiny

Rainbow (sings):
And it’s what my cutie mark

Pinkie and Applejack (sing)
It’s what my cutie mark

All the girls minus Twilight (sing):
Yes, it’s what my cutie mark is telling me!

As all but Twilight and Cody finish singing, they looked at the others with worried faces. It wasn’t much longer before Twilight, Cody, and Sunset returned to the Golden Oak Library.

“This is bad. This is very, very bad,” Twilight said in a panic.

“It’s like a nightmare that you just can’t wake up from!” Cody added.

“What’s going on?” Spike asked as he came in after them, “Why is this happening?”

“Last night when you were taking one of your seven-hour bubble baths,” Twilight explained as she walked up the case where the six Elements of Harmony were, “Sunset, Cody, and I got a special delivery from the princess.”

Flashback

Twilight was seen taking the package from the mail colt. He held out a clipboard so Twilight could sign her signature for it before she quickly closed the door. Cody stood nearby as Twilight opened the package to see that it was some sort of book.

”Dear Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight read aloud, “The spell contained on the last page of this book is Star Swirl the Bearded’s secret unfinished masterpiece.” Twilight gasped and ooh excitedly.

”Nice,” Cody added with a smile on his face.

”He was never able to get it right, and thus abandoned it,” Twilight continued to read, “I believe you are the only pony who can understand and rewrite it. Princess Celestia.” Cody blinked as Twilight set the letter down and started flipping through the pages of it.

”You’ve never been asked to rewrite a spell before,” Cody said.

”Shall we see what it is?” Twilight asked as she found the page with the spell in it.

”Sure, we can read it together,” Cody replied.

”From one another, another to one,” they read aloud, “A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.” Neither did anypony knew that by reading the spell aloud that Twilight’s element began to glow and shot a beam at the other elements causing their colors to shuffle about.

”That doesn’t make any sense. It doesn’t even rhyme!” Twilight remarked. It was then the colors of the other elements stopped shuffling about, leaving them altered.

End Flashback

“We cast the spell so we could find out what it was, but nothing seemed to happen,” Twilight finished explaining to Spike, “But something did happen. The spell changed the Elements of Harmony! That must be why their cutie marks are all wrong!”

“Just cast a counter-spell to switch them back,” Spike said calmly. Twilight quickly searched the journal.

“Oh,” Twilight groaned sadly, “There is no counter-spell!”

“Why don’t you use that memory spell you used to fix everypony when Discord was here?” Spike suggested next.

“It’s not their memories, Spike,” said Twilight, “It’s their true selves that have been altered.”

“Zecroa’s cure for the cutie pox?” Spike suggested.

“What good would that do?” Cody asked.

“That won’t work either...” Twilight replied as she lowered her head in defeat. She then gave the book to Spike before she started making her way upstairs.

“Twily...” Cody said sadly.

“Well, maybe it won’t be so bad. Maybe our friends will grow to like their new lives,” Spike said with a sigh

“No, Spike,” Twilight replied sadly as she stopped halfway down the stairs, “They’re not who they are meant to be anymore. Their destinies are now changed and it’s all my fault.”

“Twilight...” Cody said gently.

Twilight just made her way up to the bedroom. Spike and Cody just watched her head up with sad looks on their faces. The latter hugged the book to his chest as Cody headed upstairs to comfort his girlfriend. Spike arrived upstairs to see Cody gently stroking Twilight’s shoulder as she sat on the bed looking very glum.

As Twilight sat in the dark and Cody sat on the edge of the bed, the rain and snow continued to fall outside. She then gets off her bed and placed her hand against the window. At Sweet Apple Acres, the farm is now a wasteland with dying plants and trees. Pinkie tried to buck a tree but only a single leaf remains, which is soon blown away into the wind. Pinkie sadly watched the leaf float away. In Ponyville, the ponies are shunning and closing their house windows to poor Rarity, who has a wet and straightened mane and tail. She was also looking very depressed as she felt tears in her eyes.

Twilight (sings):
I have to find a way
To make this all okay
I can’t believe that one mistake
Could’ve caused so much heartache
Oh why, oh why?

As Twilight’s voice echoes, Applejack is boarding up the windows to the Carousel Boutique. Rainbow just sat on the floor looking depressed and defeated as the animals continued to run amok around her. Fluttershy just sat at the bottom part of a statue as ponies continued to grumble and argue with each other, making her feel defeated.

Twilight (sings):
Losing promise
I don’t know what to do
Seeking answers
I fear I won’t get through to you

As the overview of Ponyville is seen, including the out of control weather, Twilight was seen sitting on the bed again as she finished singing.

Twilight (sings):
Oh why, oh why?

Twilight then buried her face into her hands and began to cry. Cody and Sunset looked at her sadly, their own eyes starting to water as Spike walked up to her to provide additional comfort.

“Oh, Spike,” Twilight croaked, “What have I done?” It didn’t take too long for Twilight to stop crying and examine the window and watch the weather outside from her window.

“Aw come on, Twilight and Cody, you’ll figure a way to fix this,” Spike said, “These are your friends.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight replied as she got off the bed and looked at the group picture of them, “And they mean more to us than anything.” Cody then stood beside her.

“Yes, they do,” Cody added with a teary smile, “Because true friends are always connected with each other...and they are always there for each other when they need help.”

“Our friends,” said Twilight as she began to glow brighter. So bright, that Spike had to shield his eyes.

“Twilight? Are you alright?” Spike asked. She, Sunset, Cody had closed their eyes as they felt a warmth inside their hearts before they opened their eyes, showing for a couple of seconds that the center of their eyes were the former two’s own cutie marks.

“I’ve got it!” said Twilight, “I know what to do!”

“You do?” said Spike curiously.

“Same here!” Cody replied.

Twilight, Sunset, and Cody headed downstairs with a blue chest in her magic grip, “We may not be able to remind them of who they are, but we can show them what they mean to each other. They’ll find the part of themselves that’s been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much!” Twilight said, then removed the glass case and placed the necklaces into the chest.

“Come on, Spike!” Twilight and Cody said in unison as the little dragon followed them in a hurry carrying the giant chest. Cody did offer to carry the chest himself, but Spike said he was strong enough to do it.

Back outside, Cherry Berry was waiting by her balloon as Fluttershy was dragging a heavy sack along the ground. She then handed Cherry some bits so she could use the balloon.

“Fluttershy, wait!” Twilight called out as she, Cody, Sunset, and Spike tried to catch up to her. They were then stopped as a rather grumpy Bon Bon, who was in their way and simply glared at them. The three friends quickly walked around her to catch up to her and Bucky.

“Oh...hey, Twilight...Cody...Sunset…” said Fluttershy in a depressed manner.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked worried as she and Cody noticed the sack on the ground.

“I’m moving back to Cloudsdale,” Fluttershy answered sadly, “I don’t know what’s wrong, but I can’t seem to make anypony laugh.” Fluttershy then held a whoopee cushion and pressed it to make is sadly deflate.

“Please don’t leave me, Flutters. I don’t want to be apart from you,” Bucky said.

“I really am sorry, Bucky, but I made up my mind,” Fluttershy replied.

“Before you go, I was wondering if you might be willing to help Rainbow Dash. She’s really struggling with her animals,” said Twilight.

“She could use all the help she can get,” Cody added.

“But...I don’t really know anything about animals...” Fluttershy replied sadly, rubbing her hands in a cute manner.

“But you do know something about Rainbow Dash,” Twilight pointed out.

“I...know that she’s a true friend, and I’ll do anything I can to help her,” said Fluttershy, regaining some of her confidence.

“That’s the spirit, Flutters,” Bucky replied. Soon the the four of them arrived at the cottage. Fluttershy was looking a little worried. Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Bucky gave her reassuring smile when...

THUNK!

“Whoa!” Rainbow cried out from inside.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight and Cody called out from outside and quickly opened the door.

“I’m in here!” Rainbow shouted, “I’m trapped!” The group was shocked to see the animal had started a riot. Rainbow was helplessly tied up inside of a black pot as some smaller critters were circling around the pot holding spoons and forks.

“Hurry, Twilight!” Fluttershy said, “Can’t you do some sort of spell to get her out?”

“Can’t you use the Force?” Bucky asked Cody, but he shook his head.

“No. Fluttershy, you’re the only one who can help! Rainbow Dash needs you!” Twilight replied. Sunset nodded in agreement.

“This is your moment,” Cody added.

“Um...hello?” said Fluttershy as she made some angry mice pay attention to her, then a squirrel, “Little...woodland creatures? I know that you’re all very upset and giving Rainbow Dash a hard time, but we’d all really appreciate it if you’d calm down and, um, maybe...rest for a bit?” As she spoke, two more squirrels stopped to listen to her, as well as some bunnies, a bat, some birds, a chicken, and even Harry the bear. Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Bucky smiled as Spike made an O with his mouth in amazement.

“Oh! Uh...look! Here’s some nice juicy leaves for you to munch on,” said Fluttershy nervously as she grabbed a bowl filled with some salad and set it down before some bunnies, “And some crunchy, munchy acorns too.” She placed the nuts and acorns before some mice and squirrels, who began to eat. She then noticed that a mouse, a ferret, and a squirrel were still dancing around the pot Rainbow was tied in.

“Uh, wouldn’t you like to take a break and have a little snack?” Fluttershy asked. The three critters then shrugged their shoulders and dropped their utensils to go eat. Fluttershy smiled.

“Aww, look at that,” said Fluttershy, “I guess they were all just cranky because you were hungry.” It was then Angel hopped up to her hands and nuzzled her cheek.

“Oh, you are very welcome, little friends,” Fluttershy replied when Harry scooped her up in his arms and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“Goodness,” she said as the animals all surrounded her, “it’s like I can understand them! I...I feel strange, like...like this is what I’m meant to do, like this is who I am! My destiny!” As Fluttershy spoke, her body began to glow light pink. As she confidently said this was her destiny. Her body glowed its brightest. Twilight wasted no time rushing up to Fluttershy and equipping her Element. Fluttershy then looked at the necklace as her memories flashed before her eyes. Then she collapsed to the floor and tried to get up.

“Wha...what happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“Easy, I got ya,” Bucky said gently as he helped her rise to her hooves.

“Fluttershy, look!” said Twilight, “Your cutie mark!” Fluttershy looked to see that her butterfly cutie mark had been restored. Cody, Twilight, Sunset, and Bucky smiled excitedly.

“It worked! It worked!” said Twilight as she, Sunset, and Cody hopped around the yellow Pegasus excitedly before they both nuzzled her happily, “Oh, I’m so happy you’re back to normal! We need your help!”

As Twilight walked past some squirrels that were eating, one squirrel noticed a hungry and sad looking mouse. It offers the mouse an acorn to share, making the mouse smile.

Twilight (sings):
A true, true friend helps a friend in need

Cody and Twilight looked at Fluttershy and smiled as they walk past more animal that were eating.

Cody (sings):
A friend will be there to help them see

Fluttershy, Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Bucky (sing):
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

“Um, hello,” Rainbow asked annoyed, “Friend trapped inside, remember?”

“I’ve got ya,” Cody said as they headed to the pot. Soon Rainbow was free before Twilight sang to her.

Twilight (sings):
Rarity needs your help
She’s trying hard, doing what she can

Rarity was outside in town as ponies were running for their lives from renegade thunder clouds. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Cody, Sunset, Bucky, and Twilight watched with worry.

As Fluttershy sang, Rainbow nervously flew up to a cloud and timidly kicked it away. Rainbow blinked to herself. On the ground, Rarity was about to cry from feeling overwhelmed as a large streak of rainbow painted the blue sky and cleared the clouds.

Fluttershy (sings):
Would you try, just give it a chance
You might find that you’ll start to understand

Rainbow just smiled as she kept clearing the clouds and even used a mini tornado proficiently. As the sun shined on clear blue skies, Twilight, Fluttershy, Cody, Sunset, and Bucky ran past a smiling Rarity, who later followed them. Rainbow then hovered nearby, wiping her brow as he body glowed red. Twilight quickly equipped Rainbow’s Element, making her see her memories flash before her eyes and found herself on the ground with her cutie mark restored.

Twilight, Fluttershy, Cody, Sunset, and Bucky (sing)
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help you see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

“Uh, what just happened?” Rainbow asked as she struggled to get up. Cody helped her to her hooves and gave her a side hug.

“There’s no time to explain, but we need your help,” said Twilight, “Applejack’s trying to make dresses!” Rainbow looked stunned for a moment before giving them a smirk.

“Say no more!” Rainbow replied as Fluttershy and Twilight split up to show that Rarity was looked rather lost and confused.

Inside the Carousel Boutique, Applejack was seen trying to sew something when the machine jammed up and started smoking. Applejack began to panic and was about cry from feeling overwhelmed. Rarity just looked around a bit before removing the fabric Applejack and Sal were working on and smiled to ask if she could try. Rarity then grabbed some fabrics from a shelf and got to work.

Rainbow Dash (sings):
Applejack needs your help
She’s trying hard, doing what she can
Would you try, just give it a chance
You might fine that you’ll start to understand

As they all sang, Cody, Twilight, and Sunset wheeled the rejected outfits out the front door. Rarity continued to work and was soon creating multiple designs at once. Applejack was left stunned as Rarity admired her new creation and began to glow purple. Twilight quickly equipped Rarity’s element, making the purple pony see her memories flash before her eyes. Rarity recovered as she was slightly reclining stomach first on a work desk. Her cutie mark was restored.

Twilight, Cody, Sunset, Fluttershy, Bucky, and Rainbow (sing):
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

“Oh my, what a terrible dream I had,” Rarity gasped as she sat up and saw a plaid outfit in front of her, “Or, maybe I’m still having it.” Applejack just smiled sheepishly.

“Rarity, Pinkie Pie is about to lose the apple farm,” said Twilight, “We need Applejack’s help.”

“Lose the apple farm?” Rarity exclaimed before a determined smile appeared on her face, “well, we can’t let that happen, now can we?” Rarity then noticed that Applejack was still trying to match a hat with the other outfit.

Rarity wrapped an arm around Applejack and guided the her and Sal to follow her. Soon they were all heading toward Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack looked unsure of what to do until she gave Rarity a determined smile. Rarity showed her the farm, which was now in ruins. Applejack then saw Pinkie getting wet and struggling to fix the broken water spout. Applejack then helped Pinkie fix it easily before exchanging a smile with the pink pony.

Rarity sings (sings):
Pinkie Pie is in trouble
We need to get there by her side
We can try to do what we can now
For together we can be her guide

Applejack then bucked a tree as Pinkie watched her, The others walked off with buckets of apples on their heads. Big Mac then pulled a wagon as Applejack and Sal tossed the seeds onto the soil. Apple Bloom then buried the seeds. Applejack then stood before her family as her body glowed orange. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset smiled as the former used her magic to equip Applejack’s Element. Applejack saw her memories flash before her eyes. Unlike the others, Applejack recovered quickly as she trotted toward the group with her restored cutie mark.

Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sunset, Cody, Sal, and Bucky (sing):
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack called out, “Now that’s more like it! What’s next?”

“The townspeople are furious,” Twilight explained, “We need the old Pinkie Pie back.” Bucky gave the pink pony a warm hug, but she didn’t respond.

“I’m on it,” said Applejack, “I know just the thing.” The pink pony just watched the group looking a little lost and puzzled.

As Applejack sang, the ponies could be seen walking about looking rather grumpy. Then one mare bumped into a nearby stallion and shook her arm at him. Pinkie then stood in the middle of the bridge with the others behind her, unsure of what to do as Applejack hits her high note, which attracted the attention of the other ponies. Pinkie then smiled, her body glowing blue, as Applejack put the gaucho glasses on Pinkie’s face and pushed her toward the statue as Twilight equipped her element. Pinkie saw her memories flash before her eyes, got her cutie mark back, and her mane and tail regained their cotton candy appearance.

Applejack (sings):
The townspeople need you
They’ve been sad for a while
They march around, face a-frown
And never seem to smile
And if you feel like helpin’
We’d appreciate a loooooooooooot!
If you’d get there and spread some cheer
From here to Canterlot

“Come on ponies,” said Pinkie cheerfully, making everypony nearby perk up instantly, “I wanna see you SMILE!”

“PINKIE!” the crowd shouted.

The Mane Six, Sunset, and the boys lead a parade down the street with Cody, Sal, Bucky, Rarity, Twilight, Sunset, Pinkie, Applejack, and Spike walking forward. Fluttershy and Rainbow hovered on opposite side of the three ponies and Spike as Cody hovered above Twilight. Two ponies at opposite ends played their trumpets and some more ponies marched behind them. Some watched the parade from their second floor windows as two ponies jumped high into the air over a line of marching ponies, even doing a flip, before they landed. Another pony was seen carrying a drum on his back while two other ponies banged it. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset looked at Pinkie and then at Rarity as they marched to the foreground.

Everyone (sings):
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need

Twilight stood tall as the other girls created a pyramid below her. The others sang as they stood on the house rooftops. Twilight then used her magic to pull the group into a mid-air group hug, making the entire group glow a shade of magenta. Twilight then brought them for a landing, as they enjoyed the embrace for a little longer.

Everyone (sings):
To see the light! (To see the light!)
That shines! (That shines!)
From a true, true friend!

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset just enjoyed the group hug happily until something came to her mind, “A mark of one’s destiny, singled out alone, fulfilled.”

“Wait a second, that’s it!” said Twilight as the group hug broke up, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, babe?”

“I think I do, Twily,” Cody replied excitedly.

“So am I,” Sunset added.

“I understand now!” said Twilight, “I know how to fix the spell!”

“We’ll let’s get to it!” Cody replied as the two headed back to the library. The rest of the group followed behind them, looking slightly puzzled as to what they were talking about. Twilight then grabbed the book and a quill as Cody and Sunset stood beside her.

“Ready, sweetie?” Twilight asked.

“Ready when you are,” Cody replied and then said together as Twilight wrote.

“From all of us together, together we’re friends. With the marks of our destines made one, there is magic without end!”

Twilight then made a definitive period that cause a small spark as Twilight put the quill and the book away. The others just smiled and gathered around Twilight. Pinkie just bounced up and down excitedly. Then Twilight’s Element began to glow brightly. As their Elements gave off a magic wave that hit the other elements, the other ponies cowered back and then cried out as their own elements shot magic beams at Twilight as she was encased inside of a magic bubble. Twilight and Sunset were startled at first but soon hugged each other close and closed their eyes as the light grew brighter and then disappeared.

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked and then gasped in horror. All that was left of Twilight and Sunset was a large burnt mark on the floor. Everyone else began to talk to each other in shock, wondering what had happened to their friends.

“Karabast!” Cody exclaimed.

Twilight and Sunset were actually just fine. The magic from the Elements of Harmony had transported them into space, surrounded by an air bubble. They were mysteriously floating on air for a moment and was able to stand on the inside of the air bubble.

“Hello?” Twilight asked worried, her voice echoing, “Where are we? What is this place?”

“Wait a minute, we’re in space!” Sunset said.

It was then a strange form appeared and began to approach her. As the form took shape, it became a very familiar alicorn, encased in her own conjured-up air bubble.

“Congratulations, Twilight and Sunset,” said Princess Celestia, “I knew you could do it.”

“Princess...” Twilight replied, as she ran up and hugged her, “I don’t understand, what did we do?”

“You did something today that’s never been done before,” said Princess Celestia as she showed the book with the completed spell inside of it, then walked behind her and put an arm on Twilight’s shoulder, “Something even the great Star Swirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you and Cody learned in Ponyville have taught you well. You both have proven that you’re ready, Twilight and Sunset.”

“Ready?” Twilight asked puzzled.

“Ready for what?” Sunset added.

As they walked forward, various images appeared showing various memories of their past.

As Princess Celestia sang, Twilight and Sunset looked happily at all the memories, both good and bad. They then approached a large image that showed when they first arrived in Ponyville with Spike. Then it showed some other memories, such as Winter Wrap Up, when they and Cody accepted the Pinkie Sense and wore umbrella hats, Twilight and Cody using their abilities against the ursa minor, their confrontation with Future Twilight, Twilight showing off her gala dress, Twilight using a magic shield to block Discord’s attempt to capture the other Elements, the three talking to Princess Luna, being detectives, Young Twilight and Young Cadance doing their dance, Young Cody and Young Cadance doing the same dance, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset with Shining Armor at his wedding, breaking the dark magic seal on Sombra’s magic door, assuming crystal forms, sharing their first kiss as a couple, and discovering the Elements of Harmony with their friends.

Princess Celestia (sings):
You’ve come such a long, long way
And I’ve watched you from that very first day
To see how you might grow
To see what you might do
To see what you’ve been through
And all the ways you’ve made me proud of you

Twilight and Sunset smiled excitedly. Princess Celestia then walked beside them and waved her hand as she continued to sing. The two ponies looked worried for a moment as they followed Princess Celestia’s moving hand. Then Twilight and Sunset looked at Princess Celestia in awe as they rose to the air standing upright and their arms lifted up.

Princess Celestia (sings):
It’s time now for a new change to come
You’ve grown up and your new life has begun
To go where you will go
To see what you will see
To find what you will be
For it’s time for you to fulfill your destiny!

It was then Twilight and Sunset noticed a small glow come out of their bodies in their respective colors. They then began to circle around the body of their owners, making the ponies glow and lift them. Princess Celestia landed and watched with a smile. Twilight and Sunset looked a little frazzled at first as their bodies began to twirl and glow brighter and they were soon consumed into a giant ball of light. Only one collection of swirling magic could be seen for a few seconds before the bright light expanded and they could no longer been seen.

By now, nighttime had fallen in Ponyville as giant stars appeared in the sky looking just like Twilight and Sunset’s cutie marks. The star was so bright that Cody, the Thrace brothers, Spike, and the ponies had to shield their eyes to look at them. The star slowly descended to the ground, the brightness intensifying as the group shielded their eyes when they noticed a familiar pony inside the light appeared before them.

“Twilight? Sunset?” Applejack asked as the light faded, “Is that you?” Twilight and Sunset slowly got up and stood before them when...

(Angelic chorus fanfare!)

Twilight and Sunset shinned brightly as they opened up their very own pairs of wings. The others gasped in shock.

“Wha...I-I’ve never seen anything like it!” said Applejack in surprise as Twilight and Sunset were looking at one of their wings.

“Ha! Twilight and Sunset got their own wings!” said Rainbow excitedly as she extended one of her wings with her hands and then hugged her, “Awesome! Two new flying buddies!” Twilight and Sunset smiled.

“Why, you have become alicorns,” said Rarity in amazement, “I didn’t even know that was possible!”

“Alicorn party!” Pinkie screamed as she swung down wearing a green and white party hat on her fore-head and some cardboard wings tied to her back, surprising the others as she blew a party kazoo an some crowd cheering could heard thought it was just the others .

“Wow...You look just like princesses!” Fluttershy said as she walked up to Twilight and Sunset.

“That’s because they are princesses,” said a voice. It was then they all saw Princess Celestia descended from above and landed before them with Blaze by her side, as he came by chariot.

“Huh?” They all exclaimed.

“Hold on a second!” said Pinkie as she pulled out a glass of water, drank it, and then did a spit take.

“P-princesses?” Twilight asked, still in shock.

“Ever since you three came to Ponyville, you’ve displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a princess and Jedi,” Princess Celestia replied. As she spoke, Rarity smiled proudly, Fluttershy smiled cutely, Rainbow posed confidently, Applejack rubbed the back of her hat and smiled, and Pinkie hopped and jumped for joy. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset just looked at each other for a moment before facing Princess Celestia again. They were feeling rather overwhelmed.

“But...does this mean we won’t be your students anymore?” Twilight asked worried.

“Not in the same way as before,” Princess Celestia replied, “I’ll still be here to help and guide you, but we’re all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset.” Princess Celestia shocked her more by bowing before them. The rest of the ponies did the same as Spike did a humble curtsey.

“But...what do we do now?” Twilight asked nervously, “Is there a book about being a princess we should read?”

“There will be time for all of that later,” Princess Celestia replied as the others smiled. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset smiled as well.

“Wait a minute, you never told me you were planning on Twilight and Sunset becoming princesses until I married them,” Cody said, whispering in his mom’s ear.

“I believe now is the time to propose. Once you are knighted, of course,” Celestia replied, with a whisper.

“Since it is also time for you to become a Jedi Knight, Cody,” Blaze added.

“Everypony gather around please, today is a special day for our son!” Celestia addressed her and Blaze’s subjects in the Royal Canterlot voice.

Everypony in town was gathered, along with the Mane Six, Sunset, Sal, Bucky, R5, and Spike as Blaze activated his lightsaber and pointed it over Cody’s shoulder as he kneeled.

“By the right of the council…” Blaze began.

“…and by the will of the Force, Cody Ando,…” Celestia continued, as Blaze pointed his lightsaber over Cody’s other shoulder.

“…you may rise,” Blaze finished as he deactivated his lightsaber.

Cody then stood back up as everyone applauded and cheered, R5 beeped and whistled with cheer. He then hugged both his parents.

“We’re proud of you, Cody,” Celestia said.

Cody then signaled Twilight and Sunset to come closer, then kneeled on one knee, “Twilight and Sunset, will you both marry me?” he asked revealing two engagement rings.

Twilight and Sunset began to shed tears of joy as they gave Cody a warm, but teary smile.

“Yes...yes! Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!” Twilight and Sunset replied. Their friends, along with the other townsponies cheered. Even R5 gave beeped and whistled in cheer. Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze smiled as Cody happily put the rings on Twilight and Sunset’s fingers before embracing and kissing them happily.

The next day

The view went to the city of Canterlot and zoomed into a part of the castle where Twilight and Sunset were preparing to marry Cody.

“I still can’t believe we’re about to marry Cody, Sunset!” Twilight said excited and nervous at the same time.

“I hear you, Twilight. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a filly,” Sunset replied, “I’m a little nervous just like you.”

“It’ll be fine, you two. We’ll be right beside you, darlings,” Rarity said.

Pinkie gave her a reassuring hug as the others each gave her a warm smile. They each wore special bridesmaid/coronation attendance dresses.

Twilight was wearing her wedding/coronation dress, along with a wedding veil. Sunset wore a red and white wedding dress.

In another room, Cody was wearing a royal Jedi robe with buttons, epaulettes, and a sash. Sal, Bucky, and Spike were also wearing suits. Blaze was in his royal Jedi robe, while Dagger was wearing his specially made ceremonial army uniform. Cody felt excited and nervous at the same time.

“Something troubling you, Cody?” Blaze asked.

“Yes, Father,” Cody replied.

“Jedi or not, it’s normal for a groom to be nervous on their wedding day. I also felt nervous on my own wedding to your mother,” Blaze said.

“Everything will be fine, Cody,” Dagger added.

“Thanks. Rex, do you have the rings?” Cody asked his brother.

“I do, big bro,” Rex replied.

Like his father and brother, Rex also wore a royal styled Jedi robe.

Soon everyone was gathered in a large room, where the five girls were on all lined up on the left as Twilight and Sunset’s bridesmaids, with Cadance being the maid of honor. Shining Armor was Cody’s best stallion, with Sal, Bucky, and Spike as his groomsmen. Then the ceremony began as Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle dropped the flowers on the ground as Twilight and Sunset made their way down the aisle with Night Light and Nash escorting them. The two mares were still very nervous until she saw Cody in his royal Jedi robe and smiled. Cody smiled at Twilight and Sunset lovingly when he saw them in a beautiful pink and yellow dress with lilac ribbons on the bottom of the skirt, as well as a red and white dress. Twilight was also wearing gold shoes that had her Element embroidered on the front and her mane, while down, had a light curl to it with a gold headband to hold the wedding veil in place. She was also using her magic to hold her wedding bouquet. Once Twilight and Sunset were with Cody, Night Light lifted the veil with his magic, kissed his daughter before joining Twilight Velvet. Twilight then handed Rarity her bouquet before she and Sunset faced Cody.

“You two look absolutely gorgeous,” Cody whispered to Twilight and Sunset, who smiled in reply. Cody smiled back as Princess Celestia smiled at the three of them.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to today to join Prince Cody Ando and the soon to be crowned Princesses Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer in marriage,” Princess Celestia announced.

“Cody, do you take Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer to be your wives?” Princess Celestia asked. Cody looked at the two mares as his eyes sparkled.

“I do,” Cody replied in a soft but loving tone.

“Twilight and Sunset, do you both take my son, Cody as your husband?” Princess Celestia asked. Twilight and Sunset smiled at Cody lovingly.

“We do,” they replied unison with a soft, loving, and cute voice, making the five girls behind her smile awe and made Rarity shed a few tears. Even Shining Armor was crying as well as Cadance held him close.

“May we have the rings please?” Princess Celestia continued as Rex then appeared holding the pillow with their wedding rings. He looked rather nervous and was even sweating a bit as she presented the rings and Cody pick up Twilight and Sunset’s rings and Twilight did the same with his as they placed each other’s rings on their fingers. Rex then headed toward his girlfriends as he sighed loudly and plopped to the floor in exhaustion from being so tense. Cody and the two mares smiled at each other.

“I now pronounce you husband and wives, you may kiss,” said Princes Celestia as Cody shared a kiss with Twilight and Sunset. Everypony cheered and Pinkie, of course, launched her party cannon so confetti rained down on them from above. The newlyweds just nuzzled each other happily.

The newlyweds had a couple of hours to relax a bit, chat with their friends, and even take a few photographs before Princess Celestia ushered everypony into another room for the Coronation. Princess Celestia stood in the center with Princess Cadance on her left and Princess Luna on her right. The three Alicorns were also wearing much fancier crowns on their heads. Blaze and Dagger stood alongside them.

“We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion,” said Princess Celestia, “My most faithful students, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and my son, Cody Ando, have done many extraordinary thing since they’ve lived in Ponyville. They even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna.” Princess Celestia turned to the younger sibling, who smiled at her.

“But today, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer did something extraordinary,” Princess Celestia continued, “They created new magic, proving without a doubt that they are ready to be crowned Equestria’s newest princesses.” The mane five just smiled happily as Pinkie bounced in place with glee. Night Light was holding Twilight Velvet as she started to cry.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present to you for the very first time, Princesses Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer!” Princess Celestia announced as she extended a hand down the aisle.

The doors opened as Twilight, who had her wedding veil removed, with Sunset at her left side, and Cody on her right, appeared with their wings open. Together they walked down the aisle together. Behind them were four mares each holding a banner on their backs each. The two mares on Twilight’s side had purple banners with her cutie mark on it. The two mares on Cody and Sunset’s sides had tan colored banners with her cutie mark on it. The four mares begin to sing first and were joined by the four unicorn guards behind them. The three of them appeared before Princess Celestia as Spike appeared standing next to the sun princess. He was holding two pillow with one crown each. The first was a gold Princess crown that held the Element of Magic in the center. The second was a crown with Sunset’s cutie mark on it, signifying her new status as princess consort. Princess Celestia placed the Princess crown on Twilight’s head. The two newly crowned ponies looked at their friends. Who all smiled back as Rainbow gave them a wink and Pinkie waved at them.

Choir (sings):
The Princesses Twilight and Sunset cometh
Behold, behold
Princesses here before us
Behold, behold

The three newlyweds then stand before the crowd, their new crowns shining in the light. They then headed outside to balcony with Princesses Luna and Celestia, along with Prince Blaze and Commander Dagger beside them. Before them was a large crowd. Twilight, Sunset, and Cody bashfully waved at the crowd and switched hands to do so as confetti rained from above. The view zoomed out to show the large crowd of cheering ponies.

Choir (sings):
Behold, behold (behold, behold)
The Princesses Twilight and Sunset cometh
Behold, behold (behold, behold)
The Princesses
The Princesses are here!

As the three newlyweds continued to smile and wave, Princess Celestia leaned over to them.

“Say something, Princesses,” she told them.

“Oh, um...” Twilight stuttered as Cody chuckled nervously.

“Ooooh, I was never a fan of on the moment speeches,” Cody whispered.

“You can do it...honey,” said Twilight with a giggle. Cody giggled back as Twilight cleared her throat to speak first.

“A little while ago, our teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent us to live in Ponyville,” Twilight began, “She sent us our husband to study friendship, which is something I didn’t really care about. Mine and Sunset’s husband can testify to that.”

“While it was true, I still loved her all the same,” Cody continued, getting some awes from the crowd. Twilight chuckled. It was then the five ponies appeared from behind the balcony. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset saw them and gestured for them to step onto the balcony.

“But now on a day like today, we can honestly say,” said Twilight as she, Cody, and Sunset faced their friends.

“We wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for the friendships we’ve made with all of you,” Twilight and Cody said together, “Each one of you taught us something about friendship, and for that, we will always be eternally grateful.” The five ponies were touched as they smiled and cried happy tears as Twilight and Cody spoke to them.

“Today, we consider ourselves the luckiest ponies and human in Equestria,” Cody continued for Twilight as the three of them faced the crowd. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie leaned against the balcony railing. Applejack and Rainbow waved happily to the crowds.

“Thank you friends,” said Twilight as she, Sunset, and Cody bowed before the five ponies.

“Thank you, everypony!” Cody, Sunset, and Twilight finished together as they faced the crowds. The crowds cheered once again. It wasn’t much longer before the Mane Six, along with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked back inside. Shining Armor and Cadance, who was now wearing her mane down, were waiting for them.

“Twilight! Cody! I’m so proud of you two!” said Shining Armor as he embraced Twilight first and then his new little brother second. As they pulled away, Twilight and Cody noticed that some tears left Shining Armor’s eye.

“Are you crying?” Twilight asked him.

“Of course not,” Shining Armor denied, “It’s...it’s liquid pride. Totally different.” Twilight and Shining Armor just laughed as they exchanged another hug with each other. Then Cadance shared an embrace with Cody.

“I’m so proud of you, Cody,” said Cadance as they pulled away. The group smiled in return as they gathered around the new royal couple.

“Yee haw!” Applejack cheered in agreement, “Way to go, Prince and Princess!”

“Let’s not forget, husband and wives!” Rarity added with giggle.

“Best wedding and coronation day ever!” Pinkie shouted while in mid air.

“We love you, Twilight and Cody!” Fluttershy added.

“We love you too, girls!” said Twilight as the ponies and human shared a loving group hug.

Outside the castle, the guards had opened off a path that allowed the new Princesses, along with Prince Cody to be escorted out of the castle grounds via their very own personal chariot.

She waved at the ponies from the left and then at the right as she caught a bouquet of flowers that was tossed to her.

Twilight (sings):
Life in Equestria shimmers

Sitting next to Twilight on the left. He looked at her as he waved to the right and then waved to the left when a bouquet of flowers hit him in the face as Twilight giggled.

Cody (sings):
Life in Equestria shines

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset jump out of the chariot and walked side by side with the rest of their friends.

Twilight and Sunset (sing):
And we for absolute certain

Princesses Celestia and Luna, along with Prince Blaze and Commander Dagger watch them walk away from the balcony smiling happily before sharing a smile with each other. Then the Mane Six stood before the edge of Castle balcony as Twilight and Cody sang the final notes of the song with their arms in the air.

Everyone (sings):
That everything (that everything)
Yes, everything (yes, everything)
Yes, everything is certain fine
It’s fine

As the view showed the entire castle, Twilight and Sunset took flight flying from left to right and forward.

“Yes! Everything’s going to be just fine!” Twilight shouted happily.

After Twilight and Sunset flew back to the castle, the wedding reception/coronation party was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Celestia and Blaze came up to Cody and hugged him.

“You’ve made us so proud, Cody,” Celestia said.

“You’ve got a lot of stuff,” Blaze added.

“Thanks,” Cody replied, then sensed something, “Are you alright? You’re trembling.”

“Something wonderful has happened. Cody, I’m pregnant,” Celestia replied.

“Congratulations, mom,” Cody said, then threw the bouquet, “Heads up, Aunt Luna!”

Luna caught the bouquet and shared a kiss with Dagger.

“Now that I’m a Jedi Knight, I shall be prepared for whatever comes our way,” Cody said.

“I hope we all do as well,” Sunset replied.

Cody held his new wives close to him. He shared a kiss with each of them as the sun was setting.

Author's Note

Just two more chapters left.

Chapter 13: A Honeymoon and a Visit to Dagobah

Two days later

Cody, Twilight, and Sunset were all packed and ready to go on their honeymoon. They decided to have it in Las Pegasus.

“Spike, can you and R5 please take care of the library for us while we’re in Las Pegasus?” Cody asked.

“Consider it done,” Spike said. R5 beeped in response.

“Good. Here’s the key, in case you want to go for a walk around town,” Cody replied, as he gave Spike the key to the library.

It wasn’t long before the three of them went to the train station bought tickets for the noon train to Las Pegasus. Soon enough, the train came into the station and the three newlyweds went aboard.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Las Pegasus,” Cody said.

“I’ve been there twice with my mom and Sunburst,” Sunset replied.

Meanwhile, a mysterious hooded figure made his way through Canterlot towards the castle. Once there, he was stopped by two guards.

“Halt. Who goes there?” one guard asked.

The figure just fired two magic blasts and knocked the guards out. He then snuck around the castle until he reached the vault and removed his hood, revealing himself as Blueblood. He magically unlocked the vault and went inside, he then took Malicos’ lightsabers for his own.

“Soon, Equestria will be mine,” Blueblood said, then cackled.

Blueblood then put his hood back up, exited the vault and teleported out of the castle. He then exited Canterlot and took off in his TIE Reaper. Soon enough, he reached the edge of the Badlands and landed near a large stone fortress.

“State your business,” a changeling guard said.

“I seek asylum and I wish to see your queen,” Blueblood replied, “Surely she told you about me.”

“Follow us, Prince Blueblood,” the second guard said.

It wasn’t long before they escorted him to the throne room.

“My queen, Prince Blueblood is here to see you, he also wishes to seek asylum,” the first guard said.

“It’s true. My worthless cousin, Cody and everypony else knew I helped you, so I came here to hide out until I have the opportunity,” Blueblood added.

“It’s good to have you here, Prince Blueblood,” Queen Chrysalis replied.

“Thank you for your welcome, Queen Chrysalis. Mind if I have a private word with you?” Blueblood asked.

“Certainly. Guards, leave us,” Queen Chrysalis said.

All the guards left the throne room as they were told, leaving just the queen and the pony prince.

“I have a proposition for you,” Blueblood said.

“What do you propose?” Queen Chrysalis asked.

“My proposition is for you to rule Equestria with me as your mate, once we get rid of my worthless cousin and his friends,” Blueblood replied.

“I accept your offer. Come hither and claim me,” Queen Chrysalis said. She then batted her eyes and twitched her finger seductively.

Blueblood approached Chrysalis and they passionately made out. They then removed each other’s clothes. She ran her hands across his chest and abdomen while he fondled her chest and rump, then ran his hands across her legs.

He then lifted Chrysalis up by her legs, placed her back to the side of the throne, and swiftly entered her. He began thrusting as she wildly kissed him on his neck and chest, he also kissed her on the neck and chest. Blueblood could sense his climax was approaching as he kept up his thrusts.

“Here it comes, Chrysalis!” Blueblood said.

“Fill me up so that I can lay more eggs!” Chrysalis replied.

With his last few thrusts, Blueblood bust a massive load inside the changeling queen and pulled out of her. They sat on the floor with Blueblood behind her.

A few hours later

Back on the train, Cody, Twilight, and Sunset were looking out the window and saw they were getting close to Las Pegasus. Soon enough, the train stopped at the station and the three newlyweds exited onto the platform. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset walked along the strip until they reached the Little Maretonia Casino Resort.

Once there, they checked into a room with a single king-size bed. They were on the third floor overlooking the swimming pool.

“This place is great,” Twilight said.

“You’re telling me, Twily,” Cody replied, then asked his second wife, “What do you think we should do first, Sunset?”

“I suggest we have dinner at one of the restaurants here at this resort and afterwards, we can go for a swim,” Sunset said.

Once the sun had completely set, Cody was in his brown swimming trunks while Twilight and Sunset were in their magenta and black bikinis in the pool after enjoying a good dinner. They playfully splashed each other and swam a flew laps.

“C’mere, girls,” Cody said, as his wives swam up to him.

The three of them engaged in a steamy make-out session with Twilight and Sunset, they each passionately kissed their husband while he fondled their rumps and ran his hands down their legs. They soon stepped out of the pool and dried off, then Twilight teleported them back to their room. Once there, Cody, Twilight, and Sunset removed their swimwear and went into the shower. The bathroom was filled with the sounds of moaning alongside the running water as they made out while cleaning each other.

Soon enough, they stepped out of the bathroom wearing bathrobes. Twilight and Sunset had towels on their heads. They went onto the bed and the girls took the towels, leaving slightly damp hair.

“Shall we, my dears?” Cody asked.

“Let’s get to it, babe,” Twilight and Sunset replied in unison as they removed their robes.

Once Cody removed his robe, Twilight and Sunset each cast a soundproofing spell and a temporary anti-pregnancy spell. Cody alternated between his wives as they took turns making out with him. They ran their hands across his chest and abdomen while he fondled their breasts. He then moved his hands lower and fondled their rumps and ran his hands across their legs.

Cody passionately kissed Twilight on the lips and then kissed her midriff while fondling her rump, making her moan in pleasure. He then kissed her thighs and ran his hands across them. Cody lined up his hips with Twilight’s and swiftly entered her. She wrapped her legs around Cody’s waist as he began thrusting. It wasn’t long before his climax was near as he kept up his thrusts.

“Here it comes, Twily!” Cody said.

“Do it!” Twilight replied.

With his final thrust, Cody bust a load inside Twilight as they screamed in pleasure and then pulled out of her. He then turned his attention to Sunset and like he did previously with Twilight, Cody kissed Sunset’s midriff and thighs. Once he was hard again, Cody entered Sunset and began thrusting as she wrapped her legs around his waist. They passionately kissed as he kept thrusting more rapidly, he could soon feel his climax approaching.

“Sunset, I’m close!” Cody said.

“Me too!” Sunset replied.

They screamed in pleasure once she let loose as Cody bust a load inside Sunset. He then collapsed and pulled out of her. Cody then held both his wives close to him as they cuddled.

A week later

Two days after Cody, Twilight, and Sunset returned home from their five-day honeymoon, he and Rex were headed for the Mantis. Spike and the girls noticed them and wondered what they were up to.

“Where are you and Rex going, Cody?” Twilight asked.

“We’re headed to Dagobah so we can visit an old family friend,” Cody replied.

“Maybe you’d all like to join us and meet him too,” Rex added.

“Of course, any friend of your family is sure to be a friend of ours,” Twilight said.

They reached the mountainside, boarded the Mantis and took off. As soon as R5 plot the course for Dagobah, they jumped into hyperspace.

Once they reached Dagobah, Cody and the others managed to find an area with just enough space to land the Mantis. They exited the ship and trekked through the swamp until they reached a small hut. It was there they met up with Yoda in the middle of meditating, he exited his trance as he could sense their presence.

“Good to see you it is, Cody and Rex,” Yoda said.

“Good to see you too, Master Yoda,” Cody replied.

“Grown you have since our last meeting, Rex,” Yoda greeted.

“Good to see you too it is, Master Yoda,” Rex replied.

“Master Yoda, these are my wives, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, and our friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Sal, Bucky, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, and you remember R5. Everyone, this is Master Yoda, the wisest of all the Jedi,” Cody said.

“Good to meet you all it is,” Yoda replied.

“Pardon me for asking, but why would anyone like you want to live in such a slimy mud hole?” Rarity asked, disgusted.

“Mud hole? Slimy? My home this is,” Yoda replied, taken aback.

“Sorry about Rarity, Master Yoda. She’s just uneasy about being in a swamp like this, since she has qualms about being dirty most of the time,” Rex apologized.

“I also wanted to tell you that as of last week, I am now a Jedi Knight,” Cody said.

“Congratulate you I do, Cody,” Yoda replied.

After several hours of catching up with Master Yoda, Cody and the others returned to the Mantis and left Dagobah.

Chapter 14: Duel on Scarif

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3: Holiday Party at the Castle

Author's Note

This chapter is set immediately after the Hearth’s Warming Eve episode.

Chapter 3: Holiday Party at the Castle

Two months later

Shortly after the end of the Hearth’s Warming Pageant, Cody and the girls, along with Sal, Bucky, Spike, and R5 were at the castle enjoying the party hosted by Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze themselves. The brothers’ father, Gale was present, along with Cal, BD-1, Merrin, Jaro, Cere, and Trilla. Rex, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Nash Volan, the Freemakers, and even D-Squad were all present.

“Hi, mom,” Cody greeted.

“Hi, Cody,” Celestia replied, hugging him.

“We’ve missed you, Cody,” Blaze said.

“Good to see you too, father,” Cody replied.

“Hi, Cody. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Luna said.

“Hi, Aunt Luna. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Cody greeted, “You don’t look a day over 35, Uncle Dagger. Happy Hearth’s Warming.”

“Good to see you too, Cody. Your mother’s age spell did wonders for me a few years back,” Dagger replied.

In the time since Luna came back to the light side, her stature was much healthier and her mane and tail now flowed much like her older sister’s. The difference being her mane and tail were in shades of dark blue with a twinkle that imitated the stars in the night sky.

It was then that the Freemakers and D-Squad met the Kestis family.

“Cal, Merrin, Jaro, Trilla, Cere, and BD-1, these are D-Squad and the Freemaker family,” Cody said, “Freemakers and D-Squad, this is the Kestis family.”

“Good to meet you, Freemakers and D-Squad,” Cal greeted.

“Good to meet you as well, Kestis family,” Colonel Gascon replied.

Colonel Gascon told Cody, Twilight, and their friends, along with the Freemaker and Kestis families about their adventure back in the Clone War. Cal and Merrin also told the Freemakers and D-Squad about their adventures from several years ago.

“Zander, how did you and your siblings find BZ?” Jaro asked.

“We were doing a salvaging operation in the Carida system and happened to find him floating in space. Once we got him onboard, we implanted some new memory banks in him which we salvaged from a droid beyond repair earlier,” Zander explained.

“Cody, can you tell us about your father and how he came to this planet?” Rowan asked.

“He was trained under the Jedi Master Plo Koon in his early years and became a Jedi knight himself when he was 18. Just 20 years ago, he fought in the Clone War and serving with him was Commander Dagger, my honorary uncle. They fought by each other’s side throughout all the major battles…” Cody began narrating.

*Flashback*
Appx. 20 years ago on Pantora

At the end of the Clone War, the Separatist forces commanded by General Grievous launched a last desperate attack on Republic forces throughout the Outer Rim after suffering a huge defeat at the Battle of Coruscant. Among the worlds that were fought over was Pantora. My father and Uncle Dagger were defending it from the Separatist invasion force led by Count Dooku’s Sith apprentice, Darth Claw. My father and his clone trooper battalion had just pushed the droid army to the brink of defeat.

“Sir, we’ve just received word that Admiral Tarkin has destroyed the Separatist fleet,” Dagger said.

“We’ve got them trapped here. Let’s finish this here and now,” Blaze ordered.

“Yes, General,” Dagger replied.

As victory was near, my father was soon face to face with Darth Claw and they began dueling. It wasn’t long before Uncle Dagger and the rest of the battalion eliminated the last of the Separatist invasion force.

“Look around you, Claw! Your forces have been destroyed,” Blaze said.

“That may be, but I’ll still destroy you!” Claw retorted.

They dueled until Father kicked Claw into the side of a large rock.

“You’re beaten,” Blaze said, pointing his lightsaber.

“You may have won now, but you haven’t seen the last of me!” Claw replied as he fled to his Rogue-class starfighter and took off.

With the Separatist invasion force destroyed and Darth Claw having fled, the battle was won.

It was then that the trooper known as Lieutenant Ash received a transmission and answered it. Darth Sidious appeared on the hologram and said just three words, “Execute Order 66.”

“It will be done, my lord,” Lt. Ash replied.

Blaze put his hand on his chest, then onto his head.

“Are you alright, sir?” Dagger asked.

“There’s a disturbance in the Force. Most of the Jedi are being killed by the clone troopers they served with, we need to get out of here now,” Blaze replied, then contacted his astro droid, “R5! Come in, R5! Go to the hangar and find an ARC-170 starfighter for us to make our escape, quickly!”

Onboard the Republic star destroyer Endeavor, R5 beeped in compliance and then went into the nearest turbo lift to the hangar. Once there, he went to the control and opened the hangar doors. R5 rushed down to the hangar bay and found an ARC-170 starfighter. He then boarded it and left the Endeavor.

Back on the surface, my father and Uncle Dagger were quickly met with blaster fire from the trooper in their battalion. Father managed to deflect every blast safely away, while Uncle Dagger pointed his blaster at them hesitantly.

“This isn’t you, it’s the inhibitor chips in your heads,” Blaze said.

“Come back to the ship with us and we can help you remove them,” Dagger added.

“Commander Dagger, you’re in violation of Order 66,” Lt. Ash replied.

“Don’t make me do this, Lieutenant,” Dagger warned.

Left with no other choice, Uncle Dagger set his blaster to stun and blasted Lieutenant Ash, knocking him out. He then stunned other troopers blocking them, as they saw the starfighter R5 was flying. Father and Uncle Dagger waved their arms in an attempt to signal R5 so he could extract them. Upon landing, R5 opened the cockpit, then Father and Uncle Dagger got in and they all left the surface of Pantora.

“Admiral Tarkin, the troops have turned on us. Open the hangar bay doors and get us out of here!” Blaze ordered over the comm, but got no response.

Admiral Tarkin then ordered the fleet to open fire on my father and Uncle Dagger as they tried to find a clear escape path until they found an opening and jumped to hyperspace.

*End of flashback*

“They soon fled to Naboo, where they were shot down. Luckily, they jumped out just before crashing into the swamp. Just a year later, Father had a fling with the woman who eventually bore me. After she died in childbirth, Father and Uncle Dagger fled Naboo aboard a Corellian YT-2400 freighter, then entered random coordinates in Wild Space and came here to Equestria.” Cody finished.

“That was interesting,” Zander replied.

Everyone was mingling as the party was in full swing. Rowan and Kordi noticed their brother talking to Cal’s apprentice, Kata Akuna. Even Captain Spitfire from the Wonderbolts was mingling with Sal, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.

“Who is she?” Kordi asked.

“This is Kata Akuna, apprentice of Cal Kestis,” Zander replied, “This is my sister, Kordi, and my brother, Rowan.”

“Good to meet you both,” Kata greeted.

“Way to go, Zander,” Rowan said.

“We’ll leave you two to mingle,” Kordi added.

It wasn’t long before Cody, Twilight, Sunset met up with Rex and his fellow CMCs, along with Nash Volan, who was mingling with a pale light amber earth pony mare, a pale yellow pegasus mare, a brilliant orange unicorn mare, a duller golden yellow pegasus mare with reddish orange hair and tail and reddish brown eyes, and a turquoise pegasus mare with silver hair and tail, and maroon eyes.

The earth pony mare had scarlet eyes, a scarlet and light tangelo mane and tail, and a G-cup rack. She wore flower-shaped earrings, a light blue scarf, and a light blue knee-length dress that complemented her plus-size figure. The pegasus mare had opal eyes, a light cyan and arctic blue mane and tail, and an F-cup rack. She also wore a purple sweater and a dark blue fancy short skirt. The unicorn mare had chartreuse green eyes, a mane and tail in three shades of scarlet, whitish green fetlocks, an F-cup rack, and a sun symbol with a swirl in the center for a cutie mark, which could also be seen on her crimson red skirt. The mare also wore a blouse in a light shade of red, and a lime green pearl necklace. The golden pegasus mare was wearing a purple button-up sweater and skirt and the turquoise one was wearing a dark gray sweater and white skirt.

“Hi, Cody! Happy Hearth’s Warming.” Rex greeted his brother.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, little bro,” Cody said, then turned to the former inquisitor, “Hey, Nash.”

“Good to see you, Cody,” Nash said.

“Rex and girls, this is my Aunt Holiday and Auntie Lofty,” Scootaloo spoke up, “Aunt Holiday and Auntie Lofty, these are my friends, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, along with our boyfriend, Rex Ando.”

“Good to meet you,” Lofty greeted.

“Way to go, Scoots,” Holiday said.

“Hi, mom. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Sunset greeted the older unicorn mare.

“I’ve missed you, Sunset,” the older mare replied, hugging her.

“Cody and Twilight, you remember my mom, Stellar Flare, right?” Sunset asked.

“It’s been a while since we met you, Ms. Stellar Flare,” Cody said.

“Same here, Cody. It’s been hard for me to find love again since my husband passed away,” Stellar explained, then pointed to Nash, “That is until I met this handsome and hunky young man.”

“Way to go, mom,” Sunset replied.

“I’m Stormy Flare and this is my good friend, Windstream,” the golden pegasus mare said.

“Good to meet you two. I presume you’re Spitfire and Fleetfoot’s moms?” Cody guessed.

“Correct,” Windstream replied, “Stormy and I are just enjoying hanging out with this handsome young man.”

“You’re quite the ladies man, Nash. Way to go,” Cody said.

Soon enough, Pinkie came up to Bucky and Fluttershy, then blurted out, “Bucky, I love you so much and I want to be your second girlfriend!”

“Pinkie, I’m speechless,” Bucky replied.

The three of them soon noticed the mistletoe hanging over them. Fluttershy pulled Bucky into a passionate kiss, which he returned. Afterwards, Pinkie also pulled Bucky into a kiss, he was shocked but returned it anyway.

“Got anything to say, now?” Pinkie asked.

“I love you too, Pinkie. A part of me kinda wanted to have you as my second girlfriend,” Bucky replied. He then gave both Fluttershy and Pinkie a kiss.

Meanwhile, Cody and Twilight also shared a passionate kiss. Sunset had the courage to confess her feelings to Cody, she approached him and said, “Cody, I’ve always loved you ever since we first met.”

“Sunset, I’m not sure I can handle having a second girlfriend,” Cody replied before turning to Twilight, “What do you think, Twily?”

“It’s okay, Cody. I wouldn’t mind sharing you with Sunset,” Twilight said.

“Come here, Sunset,” Cody said, pulling her into a passionate kiss, which she returned. Afterwards, they both gave Cody a kiss.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo each shared a kiss with Rex.

“We love you, Rex,” the fillies said in unison.

“I love you too, girls,” Rex replied.

Celestia and Blaze also shared a kiss, as did Luna and Dagger. Even Stellar, Holiday, and Lofty each pulled Nash into a passionate kiss as well.

“Ladies, I’m speechless,” Nash said.

“Holiday and I are in a relationship with each other, but we like males too,” Lofty replied.

“Especially younger males like you, we’ve always wanted to add a guy into our relationship. That is if you’ll have both of us,” Holiday added.

“I don’t mind. But I’m still new to the field of romance, maybe you can show me a few things as we go?” Nash said.

“Of course. Want to join us for a date later in the week?” Lofty asked.

“Sure. Why not,” Nash replied, then turned to Stellar, “In two days, want to go on a date with me, Stellar?”

“I’d love that, Nash,” Stellar said.

Hours later after the party ended

In their chambers, Celestia and Blaze took off each other’s clothing and she cast a soundproofing spell on the room. She then straddled Blaze, causing him to be inside her. He thrusted upwards and fondled his wife’s chest. Celestia moaned in delight as her husband kept up his thrusts, she then moved her hips in sync with his. Blaze then moved his hands to her rump, fondling it and then he flipped her over so that he was on top. As Blaze kept thrusting, he ran his hands across his wife’s legs as she wrapped them around his waist. He kept thrusting until he felt his climax was near.

“Tia, I’m close!” Blaze said.

“Me too, Blaze. Finish it!” Celestia replied, moaning.

Celestia let loose as Blaze bust a load inside of her and they both screamed in unison. He soon collapsed on top of his wife and pulled out of her. They laid at each other’s sides and wrapped their arms around one another, whilst panting.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Blaze. I love you,” Celestia said, giving him a kiss.

“I love you too, honey. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Blaze replied.

Meanwhile, in their own chambers, Luna and Dagger were also enjoying a romp in the sack. Dagger was on top of Luna, thrusting into her, making them both moan with pleasure. He leaned down and they kissed passionately. Dagger kept thrusting until both their climaxes were near, Luna wrapped her legs around his waist in response.

“Luna, I’m close,” Dagger said.

“Me too, Dagger!” Luna cried out.

Dagger busted a load inside of Luna as she let loose herself. They screamed in delight as Dagger collapsed on top of Luna. He then pulled out of her and they held each other close, panting.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Luna. I love you,” Dagger said, giving her a kiss.

“I love you too, Dagger. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Luna replied.

Fluttershy and Bucky’s cottage

Bucky laid atop the bed in his green boxers. Fluttershy and Pinkie took off their clothing until nothing was left but undergarments.

“Ready for your first threesome, Bucky?” Pinkie asked.

“I am, girls,” Bucky eagerly replied.

Fluttershy and Pinkie took turns making out with Bucky and he alternated between them. While making out with Fluttershy, Bucky fondled her rack, the moved down to her rump and fondled it, making her moan. He also ran his hands across her legs as she they passionately kissed. She also kissed his neck and chest, exciting him further. He then made out with Pinkie, fondling her chest and rump, and running his hands across her legs, making her moan. Pinkie kissed him passionately on the lips, chest, and neck.

“Pinkie, I’m letting you go first tonight,” Fluttershy said.

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Pinkie replied.

“Since this is Pinkie’s first time, can you please be gentle with her like you were with me on our first time?” Fluttershy asked.

“I will, Flutters,” Bucky replied.

They stripped out of their undergarments as the room was filled with the sounds of lovemaking.

Sweet Apple Acres

Sal, Applejack, and Rainbow were atop the bed in nothing but their undergarments. Sal was making out with the two mares, fondling their chests and rumps, making each of of them moan. He also ran his hands across their legs. They took turns making out with him and ran their hands across his chest and abdomen.

“I love you girls so much,” Sal said.

“We love you too, Sal,” Applejack and Rainbow replied.

They took off each other’s undergarments and the room was filled with the sounds of lovemaking.

Golden Oaks Library

Spike was already asleep, wearing earmuffs which had a noise-canceling spell placed on them. Cody was lying on his and Twilight’s bed in his black boxers. Twilight and Sunset came up to him and took off their nightgowns, leaving only their undergarments and they got onto the bed with him.

“Ready for your first threesome, Cody?” Twilight asked.

“You bet I am, Twily,” Cody replied.

Cody made out with Twilight first, fondling her chest and moved his hands to her rump and fondled it, making her mew and moan in delight. He ran his hands across her legs while she ran her hands across his chest and abdomen.

He then switched to Sunset, also fondling her chest and her rump, making her moan in pleasure, then ran his hands across her legs. She also ran her hands across his chest and abdomen.

“I love you, girls,” Cody said.

“We love you too, Cody,” Twilight and Sunset replied in unison.

“Can you please be gentle with me, since this is my first time?” Sunset asked.

“Of course, Sunset,” Cody replied.

They undid each other’s undergarments and the room became filled with the sounds of lovemaking.

Fifteen minutes later, the three of them were panting under the covers as Cody held both his girlfriends close to him.

“You were right, Twilight. Cody really is great in the sack,” Sunset said.

“Good night, girls. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” said Cody, giving both girls a kiss.

“Good night, Cody,” Twilight and Sunset replied in unison.

The three of them quickly fell asleep in each other’s embrace.