Crystal Guardianby JustARegularGuy07ChaptersThe Threat is comingA friend?Queen Gloriosa part 1The Threat is comingD̶͎̗͇̪̈͛̆͛͘a̴̫͖͖̖̣̜͔̜̼̙̳̬̰͕̟̗̒̓̅̋̕͘ͅŗ̶̙̯͈̫̱̤̞̮̱̜͎̝͉̐̃̇͗́̃̅ķ̷̡͖̰̠͖͇̯̍̏̓̄͒͗̕ ̴̡̡̛̯̼̫̱͖̠̞̝̤̾͆̄͒̏͌̑͛͜ͅP̸̨̡̩̲͕̮̜͕̫͓̫̖̟̩̺͉͖͌̋͋͌̇̂̿̽̾̽͝ḩ̵̩͍̘̮̈́̾́̈́̆̒̓͊͆̋͛̄͊͘̕͘͝͠ę̸̨̩̥̠̜̭͉̜̝͈̳̔̎͛̅̍͛̇o̸̘͕̣̦̼͓͛̏̓̈́͑̃̓͆̀̔͐̍̕͝n̷̢̰̱̤͙͙̩̰̙̘̊̓̾̅͌̈͂̔̈̒̈́͋̄̚͜ì̴̧̙̲͚̞͖̗̣̖̦̬̦̳̇̒̊͝͝ẋ̵̹͔̦̺̦̼̮:̵̨̰̙͙̩̲̳̯͉͚̉͑̿̎̒͌̍͆̈́̅̒̿̍̂́̕͘͝ ̵̦͇̘̏̓͑̔̓͒̔͐́̒̎͆͂̄̅͑͝͠R̵̰̜̽̑̽̿̓̓͂̑͒͑͋̚͝ḙ̸̢̖̫̺̝̳͓̗̉̍̊̈́̍̋̽̄͛̆̀̏̎̕v̶̨̨͍̹̞͓̲̦̠̞̪͉̝͚͔̖͙̈̈̔̾̋̀̃̽̎͜ë̴̼̻͙̩͖̙́̔͗́̊́͑̆͆̈́̎͊̂̓̓̌͝ṙ̵̢͔̺͇̦͑͛̆̉́̈̇̈́͐̌͊͝s̶̛̛̝̫̞̺̪̩̥̎̈́̔̽̀͆̓̇̓̊̕̚̚͠ą̸̼̣̥̳̞͇̺͍̭̒̇̃̋͑͋́̈́̋͌̇̈́̈́̐̚͝l̸͕̜̩̲̱̞̙̬̞͎͙̯̺̘͓̞͍͉̀̏̾͋̿̎̍̾̀̕ "Hello? Twilight? Hey, wake up you cute egghead." Sunset shimmers continuously poking Twilight Sparkle's head with a pencil a couple of times before she starts to remove Twilight's glasses which causes her to rise while she opens her eyes slowly. Smiling widely, Sunset then put the glasses back at her. "Wake up sleepy head, it's been 10 minutes since the last class started," Sunset said grabbing her bag from her feet. "Come on, my mom said you have a meet-up with others in 17 minutes. Better hurry right?" "W..what me...meeting?" Twilight said between moans but suddenly jolted up in a panic, "WHY DIDN'T YOU WOKE ME UP?!" "I'm not your boyfriend, though Timber is. But I already tried to wake you up since the class ended a couple of minutes ago, I even took a picture of your sleeping pose. Gosh, you look beautiful from every angle." Sunset sends Twilight sleeping pics to Twilight itself. Seeing this, of course, made Twilight embarrassed which caused her to blush so hard much to Sunset's satisfaction. "Well better hurry Sleeping beauty, didn't wanna break your attendance record eh?" Tease Sunset as she exits the class followed by a flustered Twilight. Twilight observes Sunset while walking together side by side when Sunset doesn't realize it, and she notices something from Sunset. From her observation, Twilight noticed how tired the look on Sunset's face even though she was always smiling, Sunset is good at hiding emotions with almost everyone except for some people like Twilight. "Are you tired or something Sunset?" Twilight dared to ask, "I just noticed it from the look of your face, are you sick?" "Wh-what? Oh, my head is a little bit dizzy after all those classes we've been through hehe.." She nervously said, hoping Twilight didn't ask further, "A-anyways, have you finished your 'Newest project' that you've been talking about it for about 1 month?" Even though Twilight seems a bit suspicious about the sudden change of topic, she still answers Sunset's question. She doesn't want to make Sunset uncomfortable further than it seems. "Now you mention it, it's been good I guess...Just need a little this and that and there you have it, the 'Magic Seaker'." said Twilight. "Basic name boo, I was hoping for an egghead name you always choose on every invention you've created." Sunset fake mocks Twilight to tease her about her and her inventions. "Hey! That's not nice, I never named my invention that nerdy." Twilight pouts. "How about the time when yo-" Instantly, Twilight covers Sunset's mouth to prevent her from continuing the unfinished sentence. Sunset only can muffled under Twilight's hands, She tries to free herself from Twilight's grasp and ends up licking Twilight's hands. "Ew... Sunset, that's gross." "Yo-you started it fi-first, Don't act like it was my fault," Sunset said catching her breath, surprised at how strong Twilight's grasp was which almost made her breathless. "You embarrassed me!" Twilight defended herself for a few logical reasons, but that was nothing to Sunset's ability to turn the table upside down. "You love it," Sunset smugly said, reaching the exit door handle. "Good luck with the meet-up Twilight, I have a date to attend," Before she and Twilight parted, Sunset stopped in front of the school door. "HONESTLY, I cannot help but wonder what was the meeting about. I mean, asked her at home but she just dodged the questi-" "OOPS GOTTA GO, I DON'T WANT TO BE LATE TO THE MEET-UP HEHE." Twilight nervously said, "You don't want to be late for the date, right?" "Well, technically I-" "BYEE!" Twilight hurriedly ran away from Sunset, leaving her clueless about what just happened, "Oh well, I guess it's that private." she brushed it off and went to her bike. As she went to her bike, she couldn't help but feel her consciousness start to fade away little by little. No matter how hard she tries to fight it, she can't hold it anymore. Luckily, when she felt her legs were about to give up, she was already at the parking lot. Leaning on her motorcycle, she reaches for her phone from her pocket trying to call someone for help. The only phone number she can think of now is her boyfriend, Flash Sentry. Hastly, her hand searched for Flash's phone number and dialed him. "P-pick it, Flash," Sunset begged in a low tone as her body felt increasingly weak. "H-hello? Sunny? Are you okay?" Gratitude washed over Sunset as Flash answered her call. Without skipping a beat, she urgently requested his presence, feeling the ebb of her energy like grains slipping through an hourglass. "M...me, meet me...school...hur-hurry..." On the other end, Flash's concern deepened with each hoarse word from his girlfriend. "I'm on my way, Sunny. Wait for me." A silent understanding hung in the air—Flash seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation. Sunset's consciousness teetered on the edge as the call closed, a delicate balance between awareness and the impending abyss. "Hopefully...th..this is the last...ti..time..." Finally, her body surrendered, and she crumpled beside her motorcycle. Twilight headed to the big, two-story house where she and her friends frequently congregated after saying goodbye to Sunset. Nestled amidst wide fields and forests, it was situated rather distant from the local settlements. The sky was painted with the hues of early twilight, and the air was crisp. She was drawn to the house because it was a location filled with so many happy and companionable memories. It was a place of soothing familiarity. The front door sprung open and Pinkie Pie ran out to meet her as she approached the path. "Twilight!" Pinkie yelled, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. "You've arrived! Come come inside!" Twilight was unable to reply before Pinkie, whose upbeat demeanor brightened the room, grabbed her hand and dragged her inside. "Everyone is present! Fluttershy and Rarity are in the kitchen baking the most incredible cake, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash are having an epic video game duel on the sofa!" Before Twilight could even take off her coat, she was swept across the hallway. The sounds of friendly rivalry emanating from the living room blended with the cozy, welcoming scents of cocoa and vanilla throughout the entire house. Twilight noticed that while Rarity skillfully piped icing onto cupcakes, Fluttershy was measuring wheat with great attention in the large kitchen. "Oh, hello, Twilight," Fluttershy replied, her hands moving swiftly, her expression soft. "We're making a special cake while we wait for everyone to arrive." With creative joy glimmering in her eyes, Rarity looked up. We need everything to be flawless, darling. It is inconceivable to have a meeting without a decent dessert. Twilight couldn't help but grin. She took a long breath of the pleasant aroma and remarked, "It smells wonderful in here." Unable to remain motionless, Pinkie Pie tugged at Twilight's sleeve once more. "Come on, let's check on AJ and Dashie!" Indeed, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were deep in a combative video game session in the living room. Their normal spot, strewn with controllers, food, and empty Coke cans, was the sofa area. "Hey there, Twi!" With her eyes fixed on the television, Applejack yelled. "You just in time to see me beat Dash at her own game." "In your dreams, AJ," hit back Rainbow Dash, her fingers skimming the buttons. "This is my turf!" Twilight chuckled as a sensation of satisfaction washed over her. With the voices of her friends and the aromas of baking, this house felt like home. As she sat down on the couch to watch the game, all of her anxieties seemed to vanish. She knew she was right where she belonged here, waiting with her pals for someone significant to arrive. She feels a little guilty about keeping this from her best friend, even though she kind of wishes she could be here too. Twilight's phone rang with a new message as they waited. She glanced at it fast and grinned. She said, "Mrs. Celestia and Luna are on their way," as she glanced up at her pals. Still focused on the game, Applejack turned to Twilight. "How long till they get here?" "Probably about twenty minutes," Twilight answered, casting a glance at the wall clock. Applejack said, "Great," when the game announced her as the winner. With a loud grunt, Rainbow Dash threw her controller onto the couch. "Aw, come on! I totally had you there," Rainbow Dash complained, but there was a good-natured grin on her face. She got up and sauntered over to the kitchen, where Fluttershy and Rarity were working. As Fluttershy was putting the final touches on a gorgeously decorated cake, Rainbow Dash approached her. "Flutters, that looks great. "May I sample some?" she inquired, her tone becoming playful. Fluttershy nodded despite blushing a little. "Of course you can, Rainbow. Try this out now." Rainbow Dash took a bite and closed her eyes in exuberant joy. "Wow! This is amazing! With a flirtatious grin at Fluttershy, she remarked, "You always know how to make the best cakes." Melting into a bright pink flush, Fluttershy giggled. "I'm grateful, Rainbow. I'm happy you enjoy it. As all of this was going on, Applejack entered the kitchen and turned to face Rarity. "Applejack, darling, I need your opinion. What colors do you think will work best with my new room decor? I am thinking about something elegant but with a hint of boldness." Applejack paused for a bit and tapped her chin. "Well, Rarity, how about a wonderful deep blue with gold accents? Like you, it's stylish and audacious." Rarity's gaze brightened. "Oh, that seems just right! I am grateful, Applejack. You have such a keen sense of these things." Twilight excused herself and headed upstairs as the pleasant hum of activities continued downstairs. She moved deliberately, her thoughts fixed on the work at hand. She needed to find something vital, which she had stashed away for safety. She came to a stop in front of an ordinary closet door at the end of the corridor. After making sure she was alone, she looked around, inhaled deeply, and put her hand up to a secret panel on the side. An elaborate vault set into the wall was visible when the closet door slid open. A tiny scanner at eye level showed the next step, and its smooth surface shimmered in the gentle light. Twilight lowered her head, permitting the scanner to glimpse her countenance. Her identity was verified by a mild beep, and the vault door unlocked with a gentle whir. The door slowly opened, showing what was inside, and she experienced a mixture of worry and eagerness. A brilliant purple necklace was tucked away inside the vault, in a box lined with velvet. Inside the vault, the soft illumination emanated from the jewel at its core, which pulsed with a faint, unearthly light. Twilight extended her arm and grasped it, her fingers quivering a little. To the touch, the necklace seemed warm—almost alive. There are another five box too inside the vault, an empty one to be specific. But she knows why the boxes are empty. Taking a deep breath, she fastened the necklace around her neck. The gem pulsed once, sending a wave of warmth through her body. She felt a surge of energy, her senses sharpening, and a newfound clarity settling in her mind. As she made her way back downstairs, the necklace's glow dimmed to a soft, steady light. She entered the living room, where her friends' laughter and chatter filled the space. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still engrossed in their video game, while Fluttershy and Rarity put the finishing touches on the cake. "Hey, everyone," Twilight called out, drawing their attention. "Do you all have your necklaces on?" They all looked up and, in unison, nodded. Each of them wore a necklace similar to Twilight's, each with a gem that matched their unique magic. Rainbow Dash's was a vibrant blue, Applejack's a warm amber, Rarity's a dazzling white, Fluttershy's a gentle yellow and Pinkie Pie's a lively magenta. "Of course, darling," Rarity said, adjusting her necklace with a smile. As Twilight settled back into the living room, she felt a rush of wind, and in a flash, Rainbow Dash was standing right beside her. The blue gem in Rainbow's necklace was glowing brightly, reflecting her super speed. "We put our necklaces on before you got here," Rainbow Dash said with a grin. "Just in case, you know? We thought it might be good to be ready." Before Twilight could say anything more, Rainbow Dash zipped back across the room to Fluttershy's side, her speed leaving a slight breeze in her wake. Fluttershy giggled softly as Rainbow rejoined her, the two sharing a quick smile. Knock!Knock! A peculiar knock echoed throughout the house. Because of its recognizable rhythm, everyone knew who it was right away. "I got it," Applejack called out and she went to the front door. Before anybody else could blink, Rainbow Dash used her super speed to zoom into the kitchen, retrieve the cake, and delicately place it on the table next to the couch. Subsequently, she promptly returned to her place beside Fluttershy, who grinned at her friend's impressive feat of agility. Twilight replied, "Perfect timing, Dash," staring at the exquisitely decorated cake that was now sitting on the table. The others appropriately sat down on the couch, realizing how important this time was. Pinkie Pie hopped into her place with her typical energy, and Rarity adjusted her skirt as she sat next to Pinkie. Back at Applejack, she opened the front door, a warm smile spread across her face. "Howdy, Mrs. Celestia, Mrs. Luna! Come on in." Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna stepped inside, their presence bringing an immediate sense of calm and assurance to the room. "Hello, Applejack," Mrs. Celestia greeted warmly. "It's so good to see all of you." Both Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia entered the living room with serious yet caring attitudes. "Everyone looks ready, just like we ordered," Mrs. Luna said, pointing to the glowing necklaces that each girl was wearing. "Please, have a seat," Applejack said, motioning towards the empty spots on the couch as she made her way to the kitchen to fetch some water. As she looked around the room, Mrs. Luna grinned slightly. "You've done an excellent job with this property. The fact that we gave you an empty home base just two weeks ago is unbelievable." In agreement, Mrs. Celestia nodded. "Yeah. It's amazing how cozy and tastefully arranged everything appears. It feels like you girls own it. The girls glowed with accomplishment. The last few weeks had been a blur of activity, turning the house into a warm and inviting place to live. Everything about the rooms—from the colorful drapes and cozy furniture to the small, individual touches that gave each one its character—had been meticulously thought out by them. Twilight responded, "Thank you," her voice full of appreciation. "We wanted it to be a place where we could all feel at home and work together." "Here you go," Applejack said after going to the kitchen earlier, handing out the glasses of apple juice. "Hope y'all enjoy it." Mrs. Celestia responded, "Thank you, Applejack," and she took a glass. "This looks delicious." The room's atmosphere gradually changed after a few more minutes of cheerful talk. The lighthearted banter altered to a more somber tone when Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia exchanged glances, indicating that the true reason for their visit was about to unfold. "Girls," Mrs. Luna said, a serious tone in her voice. We have an important conversation with you that has to be had. the rationale of your gathering here." The girls leaned in, realizing the seriousness of the situation, and the room fell silent. Mrs. Celestia inhaled deeply before speaking again. "A new threat has surfaced, and it has historical roots. It is important not to take this threat lightly. It could upend the harmonious element that we have all strived so hard to preserve." A shiver went down Fluttershy's spine. Her thoughts were already racing over the potential threats when she asked, "What kind of threat?" Mrs. Luna heaved a quiet breath. It's something or someone that we assumed had long since vanished. We need to be much more on guard since this threat has returned. It seeks to subdue the Harmony Elements and seize their power for itself. Rarity's gaze expanded. "Do you know who it is?" Mrs. Celestia gave a nod. "We need additional time to look into and validate our suspicions, but we have some. We need you girls to take care of the city and the Harmony aspect in the interim. It is more crucial than ever for you to fulfill your job as the Guardians of Harmony." Pinkie Pie bounced slightly in her seat, her enthusiasm undiminished. "We'll make sure everything is super-duper safe and happy!" Twilight turned to face the other girls and felt a wave of confidence and determination wash over her. "It is our responsibility to keep this city in harmony. There's a reason the Elements of Harmony choose us." Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna looked at each other again, their faces becoming softer with appreciation and confidence. "I'm grateful," Mrs. Celestia stated. "Knowing that the city is in good hands gives us the peace of mind we need to focus on uncovering the nature of this threat." Adding, "We'll be in touch regularly," was Mrs. Luna. "Remember that you're not by yourself. You can reach us by calling us at any time." The girls acknowledged the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to them by nodding. The air in the room cleared as Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna bid each other farewell with cordial blessings and sincere wishes. The reassurance of their backing had momentarily lightened the weight of their debate regarding the impending peril. As the two matriarchs stood up to depart, Rainbow Dash—always the impulsive one—sprang into action. She hurried to the table, where Fluttershy was finishing up a delicious cake, and yelled, "Wait just a sec!" Rainbow Dash placed the cake expertly into a solid box at her usual rapid pace, then came back with it balanced on one hand. "Here you go!" With a smile, Rainbow Dash gave the box to Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia. "This dessert is something you must try. It's very fantastic, and it would be a shame if our efforts went unnoticed by you." Mrs. Celestia, moved by Rainbow Dash's gesture, laughed heartily. "I'm grateful, Rainbow Dash. It will be immensely enjoyed by us." Mrs. Luna gave a grateful nod. "Yeah. It appears to be quite tasty. I appreciate your hospitality, gals. Once they had the cake securely in their custody, Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna said goodbye and left the girls to resume their carefree evening in the quaint two-story home. Twilight found herself buried in contemplation again once she returned inside. Twilight's thoughts raced with tactics and plans to protect the Elements of Harmony and their city, while her friends chatted and returned to their customary hangout locations. She paced the room, occasionally flipping through her notes and consulting magical tomes scattered across the coffee table. Rarity and Fluttershy, having returned from the kitchen, joined Twilight on the couch. Rarity draped a blanket over Fluttershy's shoulders as they settled in, both observing Twilight with concern. "Twilight, darling, you look positively lost in thought," Rarity remarked, smoothing out a crease in the blanket. "Is everything alright?" Twilight paused, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm just thinking about what Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna said. This threat—they're targeting the Elements of Harmony. We need to be ready." Fluttershy nodded softly, her voice gentle yet resolute. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect them, Twilight. And the city too." Rainbow Dash flopped down on the nearby beanbag chair, munching on a leftover cupcake. "Yeah, we're not gonna let anyone mess with our stuff." Pinkie Pie bounded over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ooh! Maybe we should throw a surprise party for the Elements of Harmony! You know, to boost morale and stuff." Applejack chuckled, reclining comfortably in her usual spot on the floor. "A party might be a bit much, Pinkie, but a good plan is what we need. We gotta be one step ahead of this here threat." Twilight nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing with possibilities. "You're right, Applejack. We need to gather more information, strengthen our defenses, and be prepared for anything." As the evening wore on, Twilight and her friends discussed and debated strategies late into the night. They shared ideas, voiced concerns, and ultimately reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their home and the powerful artifacts entrusted to them. Hours passed, and the quiet hum of conversation mingled with the crackling fire in the hearth. Pinkie Pie pulled out a stack of board games, suggesting they take a break from their planning session with a friendly competition. Laughter filled the air as they played, their worries momentarily set aside in favor of camaraderie fun. But even as they laughed and played, Twilight's thoughts never strayed far from their mission. She knew that the challenges ahead would test their strength and unity like never before. Yet, with her friends by her side, she felt a sense of certainty and determination. "We'll protect the Elements of Harmony," Twilight murmured to herself, a quiet vow that she made to herself. "Whatever it takes." As Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna made their way back to their car parked just outside Twilight and her friends' hangout, the mood inside the vehicle was somber. The engine purred to life, casting a soft hum over the quiet residential street. Mrs. Luna took the driver's seat while Mrs. Celestia settled into the passenger side, their expressions mirroring the seriousness of the conversation they were about to have. "Luna, do you think they're ready for this?" Mrs. Celestia asked quietly, her voice tinged with concern. Mrs. Luna gripped the steering wheel, her gaze focused ahead on the road illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. "I believe they have grown stronger, Celestia. Those breathtaking training you gave them must have resulted in something. Mrs. Celestia nodded attentively, rehearsing in her mind the resolute expressions of Twilight and her companions. "There's no doubt about their resilience. But this adversary…if it truly is who we suspect. Keeping her voice firm and low, Mrs. Luna's jaw tensed a little. "Chrysalis." The name hung heavily in the air between them, a reminder of a dark chapter from their past. "She seeks revenge," Mrs. Luna continued, her tone grave. "And she will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. The power of the Elements of Harmony is her target." Mrs. Celestia's expression hardened with determination. "We cannot underestimate her, we fought her once. We can't make the same mistake as before." As they drove through the peaceful streets, buried in their thoughts, silence descended upon them. Their conversation carried a great deal of weight. Mrs. Luna finally broke the quiet, saying, "We must remain vigilant." Her tone was determined. "And we have to have faith in Twilight and her companions. They are our strongest line of defense against this danger. Mrs. Celestia gave a nod of approval. "Yes, Luna. Despite our excellent training, they still need to demonstrate their worth as Guardians of Harmony." With a determined expression, Mrs. Luna turned to face Mrs. Celestia as they approached the stop sign at the end of the street. "Celesta, we'll help them out however we can. Kept them in touch too, and don't you have a daughter as well, Tia?" "What do you mean by bringing my daughter into this conversation?" Celestia wasn't offended, she was just curious why Luna bringing up her daughter. "How about trusting them just like the way you trusted your daughter?" And with that, Mrs. Celestia placed a reassuring hand on Mrs. Luna's shoulder. "Well then, I have faith in them, Luna. Together, I believe they can face anything." Author's Note That was one of the more mediocre chapters, right? Yes, I already thought that, so please leave your criticism and suggestions so that I can be even better :DD Thank you to my cousin and grammar websites for helping me write my first story lol. Bye yall^_^ A friend?The next morning, the sun shined brightly over the vast training field behind the home base, creating long shadows on the advanced simulation equipment. It was the ideal environment for Rainbow Dash to rehearse her speed test, with the sounds of chirping birds and the soft hum of machinery filling the air. With her brightly colored hair flowing in a mild breeze, Rainbow Dash was positioned at the starting line. She was dressed in her go-to sports attire, which included her rainbow-striped sneakers and blue jacket. Her gaze was concentrated on the zigzag track, the first test. Softly encouraging her, Fluttershy, wearing a pastel yellow outfit, stood to one side and waved a small flag. "You can do it, Dashie!" Seated at a nearby control panel, Twilight Sparkle fiddled with the simulation's settings, her glasses glistening in the sunlight. She looked up, nodding encouragingly to Rainbow Dash. "Everything is ready. Rainbow, be ready when you are!" With a deep breath, Rainbow Dash's muscles tensed with anticipation. "Let's do this!" She shot forward with a sudden burst of speed, her sneakers banging the floor as she darted through the zigzag obstacle course. Although Rainbow Dash's agility was unrivaled, the poles were positioned closely together. Her physique was a blur as she moved effortlessly between them. The next task required her to sprint across a 400-meter empty course at high speed. Instead of slowing down, Rainbow Dash pushed herself even harder, running at breakneck speed with her legs pumping. She felt as though the ground was flying under her feet, and before long, she had covered the entire distance, leaving a dust trail in her wake. She walked up to the wall-shaped simulation barrier without missing a beat. Despite the height and difficulty, Rainbow Dash didn't think twice. She launched herself into the air, feeling briefly as though she was soaring among the clouds as the wind whipped past her. She landed smoothly on the other side, barely breaking her stride. The last task was to create a tornado to destroy nine dummy targets that were arranged like bowling pins. Skidding to a stop, Rainbow Dash concentrated all of her energy. She started to spin so fast that she spun an air vortex. With one last strong thrust, she steered the whirlwind toward the dummies as it grew stronger and stronger. She unleashed her mini-tornado, toppling, knocking down, and even sending some of them flying. With a cheerful smile on her face, Fluttershy clapped her hands together. "That was fantastic, Dashie!" With a tablet in hand, Twilight Sparkle walked over. "Let's see how you did." She analyzes the simulation's data by tapping a few icons on the screen. "You ran with the speed of lightning, made an impressive jump, and completed the zigzag course in record time. As the whirlwind—well, you just destroyed all those drill dummies. Furthermore, you took 2:13.098 minutes in total. Ten seconds faster than the last time." With a triumphant fist pump, Rainbow Dash raised her hand. "Yes! My new record!" Twilight smiled, looking at her friends with pride, "Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna went all out on these facilities. With this, we can get a maximum training result." Fluttershy handed Rainbow Dash a bottle of water so Rainbow wouldn't get dehydrated from the training she had done, "Makes me wonder where all the amounts of money they got from. Are they vampire?" Twilight deadpanned at her friend's comment, "Just because someone is rich, doesn't that mean they are a vampire." "I'm joking, you know," She paused while sipping the water from the bottles and then handing it to Fluttershy after she was done, "Thanks, Flutters." Turned off all the training simulations with her tablet and then teleported it somewhere only she knew with her magic, "I'm glad we're far from town, or else we would disturb the town because of our training stuff." "Especially AJ training." "Definitely." Twilight's phone rang suddenly, playing a familiar tune. As she took it from her pocket, Spike's name appeared on the screen. She smiled in response. "Hi, Spike! What's going on?" Spike's voice cracked over the line, "Twilight, I'm at the store and I can't remember what cereal you wanted me to buy," Twilight gave an endearing roll of her eyes. "Spike, I have it noted down for you. Did you misplace the list once more? "Uh, maybe..." Spike sheepishly acknowledged. "Can you just tell me again?" "All right. I want that multigrain oat cereal with honey clusters, is that clear?" "I got it. Is there anything else?" Spike wondered. "Yes, remember the milk. Take some fresh fruit while you're at it. More Kiwis and apples are needed." "Why Kiwi though?" Asked Rainbow behind Twilight. "It got lots of Vitamin C." Answered Fluttershy. "Ahh, I see," A smirk appeared on Rainbow's face, "Egghead." "Screw you Rainbow." "Yes, Twi. Yes, and when will you be returning home? I was considering watching that new film with you tonight." With patience, her friends waited as Twilight cast a glance at them. "I'm going to be running a little behind. I'm still with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy at the 'Place'." Spike said, "Ahh, that 'Place'. Got it." "He knows?" Rainbow asked a little bit surprised at this. "Mrs. Celestia letting him know, but Spike was cast a spell by Celestia so he couldn't tell everything." Assured Twilight, "It was an accident in the first place." "Wait, you said with your friends right?" His tone turned into a teasing one, "Which one of your imaginary friends are you with this time? Mom said you once ha-" "Yeah yeah yeah, loveyoubyee." Twilight turned her phone off and went back to her friends. Rainbow Dash, who had overheard the conversation, burst out laughing. "Imaginary friends, huh?" Twilight looked away, blushing and slightly cringing at herself because she had done that before. "That was one time at kindergarten, for god sake." The trio of friends made their way back to their home base. Twilight sighed as they entered, her embarrassment turning to mild annoyance. Rainbow gave Twilight a side hug as they walked inside the home base. "Even though he was like that you love him dearly, right?" Twilight grinned despite rolling her eyes once more. "I guess so." Rainbow Dash tapped twice on her necklace as they entered. She changed from her training suit to her comfy t-shirt and shorts in an instant. Her first move was to collapse onto the couch and settle in. After putting the water bottle on the table, Fluttershy joins in by sitting beside Rainbow Dash. However, Rainbow saw this as an opportunity, she leaned over Fluttershy and used her lap as a pillow. "Now this is comfier." She reached for the TV remote to watch their favorite show, Daring Doo. With a gentle and tender touch, Fluttershy starts to play her hand on Rainbow's hair. Little by little she makes a little braid on the hair, she does it more than once. "How is it going at the Animal shelter? Heard you adopted another puppy." Rainbow turned her attention to Fluttershy. "Yep, the animal shelter getting merrier each week which sometimes made me worry about the space in the shelter getting more cramped." Explained Fluttershy still braiding on Rainbow's hair. "Even though every day people come to adopt them?" Asked Rainbow who was fiddling with one of the finished braids. Fluttershy nodded, "People only adopt one or two animals, and they can be picky sometimes. That's why sometimes a lot of animals we adopt than animals that got adopted." "You handle it pretty well, Flutters. No wonder nature suits you." She reaches up and gives Fluttershy a playful pinch on the cheeks. "Aww, You flutter me." and with that, Fluttershy has done braiding Rainbow's hair and now she's stroking Rainbow's hair gently, "What do you think, Dashie?" Rainbow Dash sighed contentedly, her eyes half-closing, "You're awesome you know that." They both giggle, and their voice blends with the background noise from the TV as they continue their little conversation. Meanwhile upstairs, Twilight was standing in the middle of the room, carefully observing, comparing, and analyzing the results of their training so far, using a series of hologram projections containing their training video that she manipulated with the help of her magic power. Various videos, statistics, and charts float around forming a three-dimensional array of information. "They're improving each day and I can't get prouder than this. This is amazing," Although she's happy with how everyone is doing, she can't help but worry for the future, "We still need more improvement," While analyzing, her phone rang loudly since she forgot to turn down the sound volume of her phone. With a snap, she made all of the hologram projections gone as she went to take her phone to see who was calling her. Flash Sentry? It's so rare for him to call me, unless.. Without further do, Twilight answered the call while cleaning the room, "Hello, Twilight here." "Yo Twilight, I hope I didn't disturb anything you do."/i] "No no, it's fine. I just happen playing with my phone now." After cleaning the room's mess with her magic, she got out of the room and went downstairs, "So, what's the matter?" "Okay, Sunny got sick yesterday. It seems she got a fever from whatever she was doing, so she tells me to call you and tell you that she's sorry she can't help your research for today or maybe tomorrow." Explained Flash. "SHE WHAT??" Thankfully her scream was not loud enough compare to the tv noise downstairs. "Before you freak out, she's in my room and I have been taking care of her since yesterday, don't worry." Assured Flash, "I think she's awake now, I'll update the situation." She let out a sigh, relieved that her pal weren't experiencing any serious problems. "I will visit her shortly after school, and appreciate you so much for taking good care of her." "No biggie, she's my girlfriend after all, so it's one of the missions." She chuckles when she hears Flash boasting about the woman he loves, "Yeah, go take care of your 'Girlfriend'." I'll see you later, Flash." As Twilight reached the living room, her footsteps became quieter as she went down the stairs. She discovered Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sharing a TV on the couch. Rainbow Dash's head was propped up on Fluttershy's lap, her colorful hair cascading over her legs as Fluttershy ran her fingers through it. Observing her friends in such a relaxed state, Twilight smiled and felt at ease. "Hey, you two," she said gently so as not to disturb the peaceful ambiance. With a warm smile, Fluttershy looked up at Twilight. "Hello Twilight, Twilight grinned at the scene, feeling relieved to see her friends at ease. "Hey, you two," she said gently so as not to disturb the peaceful environment. Fluttershy smiled kindly at Twilight as she looked up. "Hello Twilight. What's wrong?" " I just got a call from Flash." Twilight moved closer and sat on the edge of the couch in response to him saying, "Sunset is sick and can't go to school today." She cast a quick glance at Rainbow Dash, who had her eyes half closed and appeared perfectly content. "Oh no, poor her," Fluttershy remarked worriedly. "Are you planning to visit her?" Twillight gave a nod, saying, "I've already informed Flash that I plan to visit Sunset after school." Rainbow Dash cracked open one eye and gave Twilight a slack smile. "I think it would be great if you could get her a new book or something. She is as much of a nerd as you are, you know." Twilight saw Rainbow chuckling hysterically and gave her a sharp look. "How about the two of you? How is everything going over here?" Twilight's expression softened as she turned to face her friends. While still giving Rainbow's hair a gentle stroke, Fluttershy blushed a little. "We're operating successfully. simply taking in some peaceful time together. Since Dashy has been feeling a little tired lately, we're just lounging." "Yeah, gotta recharge, you know?" Rainbow Dash smirked, but her voice was genuine as she continued. "And hanging out with Flutters is always the best way to do that." Twilight’s smile widened, feeling a warm sense of contentment. "I’m glad to hear that. You two ought to get some shut-eye." Fluttershy gave a nod. "It’s nice to just be together and not worry about anything for a while." Twilight looked at the wall clock and saw that it was seven in the morning. She turned to face Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who remained propped up on the couch. "Hey, when are you two planning to head to school?" With a hint of worry in her voice, Twilight enquired. "It’s already 7:30, and school starts at 8:30." Fluttershy's eyes widened slightly as she glanced at the clock. "Oh, I didn’t realize it was that late already." This time, Rainbow Dash opened both eyes and leaned still against Fluttershy while sitting up a little "Twi, we have a lot of time. The school is just a twenty-minute walk away. In addition, we're practically set to go." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You two look pretty comfortable here." Fluttershy gave a quiet chuckle. "Don't worry, we'll start moving shortly. Before leaving, we simply wanted to spend a little more time together." Arms crossed over her head, Rainbow Dash stretched languidly, "Yeah yeah, we can handle this. There's no need to hurry." Feeling reassured but still a little nervous about the time, Twilight smiled. "Okay, just be careful not to be late.. We can leave together if you want to." Rainbow Dash grinned and said, "Nahh, you can go first," eventually sitting up straight. "We’ll be out the door in no time." Twilight then got up to gather her things, leaving Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to have one last peaceful morning together before Twilight had to go to school. Twilight decided to save some time while still donning her enchanted geode necklace. She felt the familiar sensation of magic swirling around her as she quickly focused her power. She teleported out of the living room instantly, leaving behind nothing more than a slight sparkle in the atmosphere. To what location does she teleport? an area that was unknown to everyone. Well, not everyone. She resurfaced in Pinkie Pie's room, which was decorated with balloons, streamers, and bright colors. A plethora of party supplies surrounded Pinkie Pie as she sat on her bed. "Twilight! I was just wondering when you were gonna pop in!" Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing up from her bed. "Literally! You always pop in like magic! And now you're here!" Though still a little taken aback by the unexpected teleportation, Twilight laughed. "Well, I thought it would be quicker than walking. Plus, this is the safest place I ever think of to teleport." Pinkie Pie clasped her hands together. "Excellent time, as always! I was just thinking about what sort of cupcakes to bring to school today. What are your thoughts? Chocolate chip or rainbow sprinkles?" Twilight shook her head and laughed softly. "Pinkie, it is already 7:30. We don't have much time until school starts." Pinkie blinked and glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh, okay! Silly me! I was so thrilled about the cupcakes that I nearly forgot!" "Don't worry, we've still got time," Twilight reassured her. "But we should probably get going soon." Pinkie nodded happily. "You've got it!! Let me get my stuff, and we'll be out the door in a jiffy!" Once Pinkie was ready, the two of them would head out and go to the school. Meanwhile, at Flash Sentry's residence, the atmosphere was much more subdued. With her fiery red and yellow hair spread out on the pillow beneath her head, Sunset Shimmer was curled up in a blanket on the bed. Her skin looked paler than normal, and beads of sweat dotted her brow. The fever that had been plaguing her for the past several days appeared to be worsening, and she shivered slightly despite the warmth of the blanket. Flash sat nearby, his face concerned as he carefully placed a cool, damp cloth on Sunset's forehead. He had been keeping an eye on her since she began feeling ill, but as her health worsened, his concern rose. "Sunset, how are you feeling?" Flash questioned softly, his voice full of concern. Sunset opened her eyes, her gaze faint but retaining a gleam of her customary drive. "Not great, honestly," she replied, her voice husky. "I didn't expect things would go this awful. I apologize for being such a nuisance." "Hey, don't apologize," Flash remarked immediately, shaking his head. "You're not a nuisance, Sunset. I am just worried about you. Perhaps we might think about taking you to the doctor." Sunset shook her head slightly, but even this minor movement appeared to fatigue her. "I will be fine, Flash. And you know why I refuse to see the doctor, right?" He know, he knows why, he knows pretty damn well. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he sat back in the chair beside her, "I know Sunset, I know." She closed her eyes for a moment, then murmured to herself, “I should’ve stopped doing… that thing.” Flash, sitting close by, heard her words and felt a pang of concern. He knew what "that thing" referred to—something that Sunset had been struggling with in secret, something he had already know from the start. "There's no point on worrying those again, Sunset." Assured Flash, "Just rest for now, it must be hard dealing with all of this on your own." Sunset's gaze moved over the room, eventually landing on a bright red microwave glove on the bedside table. It appeared out of place in the generally peaceful and comfortable surroundings. "What's that glove for?" Sunset inquired, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with wonder. Flash gazed at the glove before returning his gaze to Sunset, his expression a mix of nervousness and assurance, "Oh, that. I used it yesterday since your body temperature was really high. You were scorching up like boiling water, and I needed something to keep you comfortable while we moved you around." Sunset's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of nervousness and embarrassment appeared on her face. "I hadn't realized it was that serious. I am sorry you had to go through all that." Flash shook his head, offering her a comforting look. "It is not your fault, Sunset. I just wanted to ensure that you were as comfortable as possible. The glove was a temporary solution to alleviate the heat." Sunset's countenance softened in thanks, "Thanks, Flash. I appreciate everything you have done for me. It must've been difficult." Flash stretched out and softly took her hand. "That's okay. You are my girlfriend, it's one of the responsibilities I must do." Dork and Cheesy, but it worked for him. Sunset giggled and shove her arm lightly at Flash, "Thanks, dork. I can't wait to hear more of those." "Get well first, and then you will hear it more than you could expected." Said Flash showing his usual goofy smirk which made Sunset smile. Flash is the sweetest and the most efficient medicine Sunset has ever had. Every pain she felt vanished as long as he was with her. She loves him, and he loves her; they have mutual feelings that cannot be broken, even if a thousand storms strike them. Sunset will always love him, even if they don't breathe the same air or don't breathe at all. A knock on the door echoed throughout the house just as Sunset was settling back down. Flash looked over at Sunset and gently squeezed her hand before standing up. "I will see who it is. "Just rest, okay?" Sunset nodded weakly, her eyelids drooping as she attempted to conserve energy. When he opened it, he was met with three familiar faces, but something about their presence felt off. The Dazzlings—Adagio, Aria, and Sonata—stood on the porch, the morning light casting shadows on their faces. For a brief moment, they appeared almost ethereal, their usual vibrant energy subdued into something more serious and enigmatic. "Flash," Adagio said first, her voice smooth but filled with unusual seriousness. "We've heard about Sunset. We thought we should check in." Before Flash could respond, Adagio took a deliberate step forward, followed by Aria and Sonata, who exchanged an unspoken glance. As they walked in, the air seemed thicker with tension, and their expressions were unreadable. They're now right in front of Sunset, who is awake and aware of her surroundings, her eyes are fixed on Adagio with a serious expression. Meanwhile, Adagio can only smirk in amusement at Sunset's condition. The Dazzling now surrounds Sunset. "Haven't seen you like this ever since The Fall Formal, Shimmy," Adagio commented, which resulted in Sunset throwing a pillow at her face. "uGhh don't remind me that, that was two years ago, damn it." Even though she is sick, she still has the energy to be annoyed at her remarks. Aria, who had been watching Sunset, let out a low whistle. "Wow, Sunset, you look like shit." Sunset blinked, unable to suppress a small laugh. "Yeah, I might've overdone it." Flash then entered the room with four cups of tea and handed one to each of them, saying, "I didn't expect you all to arrive so early." "Expect the unexpected, dear. We're in a hurry, too." Adagio explained, "So, what did you do this time, hmm? Is it more reckless than before?" Sunset nervously looked at her boyfriend and then the tea that Flash gave her, "It's not that reckless, I actu-" "How many?" Adagia asked pressing Sunset to reveal more. "Wha-" "I know what you did, Shimmy. You're easy to read." With Adagio pressing Sunset even more, Sunset has no other option but to tell Adagio what she wants to hear. "Fine, so far I only did it twice and truth to be told it's been a pain in the ass. You happy now?" Answer Sunset with a little huff at the end of her sentence. It did make Adagio satisfied. "That wasn't so bad isn't, now go back to sleep, okay?" Adagio shifted her body to the side of Sunset's bed and grabbed her chin. When contact occurs, an unknown energy spreads from Adagio's hand toward Sunset which makes Sunset slowly lose her conscience. With the palm of her hand, Dagi placed Sunset's head on the soft pillow. "Sorry to put her to sleep with my spell, Flash." Adagio apologizes and Flash dismisses her with a shake of his head. "It's alright, she needs it." Flash covers Sunset with a blanket to keep her warm while sleeping, "Let's go to the living room, there we can talk about what happened with her." "Lead the way, Flash." Adagio and Flash soon leave the room along with Sonata trailing from behind but not with Aria. She is still at her spot, observing Sunset. She reaches Sunset's palm and massages it slowly. "Too bad we'll have to wait for you to recover," She reached into Sunset's pocket, putting a strange thing in it, "To keep you warm until later, nighty night Snow white." And with that, Aria was satisfied with what she did and immediately left the room. But of course, she still closed the door silently. " Of the two failed attempts, this one should succeed." Author's Note A/N:Sorry for the short chapter and a long time to update. School is so packed with activities that I only just got a little time to write. Also, I forgot a little how my story will go lmaoo. But I can improvise I guess haha... Thanks for reading ;D Queen Gloriosa part 1 The Everfree Forest was a great, wild region where magic grew freely without any caution, where the natural world was as untamed and unpredictable as the winds. At its edge, Celestia and Luna scanned the thick forest in front of them, each tree looming over them like a sentinel. With her arms folded and a doubtful look at her sister, Luna said, "I still can't believe you talked me into this." Celestia turned to her and smiled comfortingly. " Just trust me, Luna, you don't have to believe me. It has been far too long since we last saw Gloriosa." Luna's eyes narrowed. "Celestia, I'm not concerned about her. The forest is my concern. I believed we had made a deal to avoid the Everfree." Celestia responded in a light-hearted but strong tone, "Well, sometimes, old friends are worth the risk." "You are aware of her significance to us." Luna said, rolling her eyes, "Yeah, yeah." "I understand. But I'm going to blame you if we encounter any timberwolves." Before Celestia could react, there was a distant grumble, then another, and then a few more. There was no mistaking the sound, Timberwolves' loud, guttural roar. "You jinxed it, Luna," Celestia whispers to an annoyed Luna. Her eyes twitched as she narrows her eyes to Celestia, "Piss off will you." As she called forth a protective aura around herself, Celestia's eyes grew piercing and her hand glowed with golden energy. "We are not here to engage in combat. But if we have to.." The snarls intensified, and a few Timberwolves appeared from the thickets, their bodies made of ragged wood and their eyes glaring green, their motions rigid but swift. Snarling and snapping their jaws in hunger, they walked around the two sisters. The monsters sensed the energy coming from the two women and smelt the air. Ever the warrior, Luna smoothly pulled out her sword, its blade shining in the forest's low light. "You should've listened, Celestia. It would have been better for us to avoid the Everfree forest." Celestia held up a hand, the light surrounding it growing brighter. "Don't be shy Luna, I knew you've been itching to use your fabulous power, eh?" One by one Timberwolves try to attack them, but the siblings always manage to finish them of before they jaw could even touch them. "Why forest of all place?" "Because she lives there." "Why don't we just use email?" "Inconvenient." "Excuse me?" With their wooden jaws shattering, the Timberwolves sprang forward. Luna moved quickly, slicing through the air with her blade as she ducked one creature's blow. There was a sharp crack as the sword cut through the wooden mass, but the creature instantly rebuilt, its body growing again from the fragmented pieces in no time. Luna whispered, "Charming," deflecting another blow. "Is it not possible for you to kill them?" "They're made of magic," Celestia declared, striking a Timberwolf back with a burst of golden light. "They are regenerable, but you can harm them. We will need to figure out how to neutralize them." Luna, who was getting annoyed by the second, slashed her sword at the head of another Timberwolf, her movements elegant but tinged with irritation. "You always approach things calmly. I'm simply being the grumpy one here in the meantime. With their eyes brightening as they felt the excitement in the air, the Timberwolves were drawing closer. One of the Timberwolves leaped at Celestia with a roar. Luna moved forward in a flash, intercepting the creature's strike with her sword, which rang with unadulterated power as she diverted the force back into the Timberwolf, forcing it to crash into a nearby tree. "It was mine, you know, "Celestia said trying to annoy her sister more. "And let you have all the fun? Not a chance Tia." She pinched Celestia's cheeks before slashing another Timberwolves in the way. The Timberwolves were unrelenting, closing in on the two sisters from all sides, their snarls filling the air. "Should we use it?" "It won't be necessary Lulu, I don't want another burning forest." They were about to be surrounded by the Timberwolves when an odd, rhythmic chant erupted. They felt the ground beneath their feet change, and the trees around them started to shake. The Timberwolves stopped, feeling a presence. A woman with large earrings suddenly emerged from the trees, holding her staff high. From the earth, vines sprang up, encircling the Timberwolves' limbs and holding them back in a cocoon of live plants and roots. The animals screamed in exasperation but were unable to escape. She finally breaks all of their limbs, and for some reason, they won't grow back like they used to. Surprised, Celestia and Luna looked up to see the familiar face of the person who had rescued them. "Still holding back your power I see." The smiling woman said. "Zecora!" Luna sighed with delight and lowered her sword in an exclamation. "How on earth you find us?" Zecora moved forward, speaking in a composed but determined tone. "Just a suspicion. I rarely hear the Timberwolves' snarls so close to the center of the Everfree. But don't worry, they are currently contained." With an expression of gratitude, Celestia took a step forward. "Zecora, thank you. We had no idea that we would be up against these beasts so quickly." "You didn't expect to fight them, while I do, dear Sister." Luna is standing next to Celestia, looking irritated while Celestia is merely grinning. "Still fighting like usual I see. Good to see you two haven't changed at all." Zecora said, amused at the sibling's attic. Zecora lowered her staff to survey her surroundings. "There is never any predictability in the Everfree. However, you should exercise caution because these animals are attracted to the magic you possess. To them, the energy you radiate is a beacon." Still a little irritated but appreciative of the assistance, Luna glanced at Zecora. “Zecora, we aren’t exactly here to battle creatures. All we're doing is trying to see an old acquaintance. Queen Gloriosa." Zecora's face softened when Gloriosa's name was mentioned. "Oh, Gloriosa. The Everfree's queen. Indeed, I haven't seen her in person in a long time. However, I can direct you to her." Celestia's eyes become shimmering. "Zecora, thank you. We would be grateful. Too much time has passed since we last saw her. Zecora grinned as he turned to face the trail ahead, where the thick trees appeared to open just a little. "Then follow me. However, individuals who enter impatiently will not be treated kindly by the Everfree. We have to honor its flow. Zecora took the lead, the sisters trailing closely behind, the beasts already defeated. As they ventured more into the forest, the mood appeared to shift. There was a lot of magic in the air, but there were also whispers of something old and strong that lived inside the Everfree. Luna, still grumpy like before, asked Celestia about her plans, "Do you think she would be glad to help us? It's been a long time since we last saw her and all of sudden we showed up to asked some help." Celestia's face lightened as she nodded, "I think she will. Both of us and the whole world are impacted by this matter. It is advantageous for both of us if we are able to find it quickly." With the dark shadows of the trees looming over them, Luna nodded but kept her thoughts to herself as they proceeded down the meandering road. Finally, after trudging for what felt like hours, they came to a clearing. Standing in the middle was a huge, old tree with darkened bark and limbs that formed a natural canopy. The air around it buzzed with enchantment, and glowing tendrils twisted around its trunk. "That girl sure is improving now," Celestia said, looking at the tree fascinated. "She's more than improving for sure." Added Luna. There was a tall, majestic figure at the base of the tree, surrounded by the enchantment of nature. Her eyes glowed with an almost ethereal brightness, and her hair fell in thick vines. The forest's own life appeared to pulse through her, and she wore a crown of flowers and leaves. Celestia laughed, "Gloriosa," using a gentle, sweet voice. "It has been far too long." With a smile, the woman moved forward and met Celestia and Luna's gaze. "Luna, Celestia... It's nice to see you two again." It was a calm, tranquil evening in Canterlot, with the sky growing dimmer. But as masked criminals barged into the Canterlot City Bank, their cries reverberated throughout the structure, causing mayhem. As the robbers ran through the establishment, snatching cash and beating up anyone who tried to get in their way, the employees and patrons flinched, their expressions frozen in terror. The leader yelled, "On the ground, all of you!" and grabbed a bank teller by the shoulder, pushing her to her knees. Ignoring the security guard's agonized moan as he hit the ground, another robber kicked him out of the way. Too engrossed in his adrenaline rush to observe the stranger moving stealthily through the doorway, the leader yelled commands. Everyone in the room turned to face the back of the bank as a steady, purposeful clap echoed through the room. A black-and-red-clad entity stood there, a devil mask covering their face. The icy, sparkling eyes and sly smile of the mask conveyed an unnatural, ominous impression. With a low voice tinged with malicious enjoyment, the masked figure murmured, "Look what we have here. A small gang of rats running around with a toy in their hands, how cute." One of the criminals pivoted and aimed his firearm. "Get out of here, freak! It's none of your business!" The masked figure's voice darkened as they cocked their head in laughter. "Oh, you'll find it's entirely my business." With deadly speed, the figure suddenly sprang forward. The first robber was within a heartbeat of them, and they grabbed his wrist, twisted it till the air was filled with a painful crunch. The robber let out a cry and dropped his weapon, but the figure quickly and viciously struck him in the throat, silencing him. "I smell a lot of blood tonight. It might be worth it to run away from my cage for a while." The figure wiggles the body before throwing it away like trash. The other criminals opened fire, but the figure dodged each bullet, moving like a shadow across the room. Then took another robber by the collar, lifted him, and then slammed him down with bone-shattering force after kicking the next one hard in the chest and sending him smashing against the wall. There was only one robber left, stumbling to his feet, his face white. He attempted to flee, but the figure blocked his path by appearing in front of him. When the robber realized he was imprisoned, his breathing accelerated. "Why so hurry? I'm not done yet you know~" The figure steps on the criminal's hand and enjoys every part of it. "P..please...I..spare me ple-" A magazine chokes on her mouth by the figure to stop the criminal from speaking. "Did you ever thought about sparing someone's life before hmm?" The figure deepened the thrust into the man's mouth, "6 robberies and a lot of people's lives gone just for a hobby?" "I do make someone's lives gone, it's a nice hobby." The figure knelt low, "But it's different you know. I didn't kill children and innocent, I only want people like you to satisfy me." The more the figure talks, the more frightened the criminal looks, "Don't give me that face, sweetie. Trust me, fear only lasts when you are still alive. If you don't count hell of course." Leaning closer, their mask reflecting the robber's horrified face, the figure paused to allow the words to sink in. "Consider this mercy, nightmare won't bother you anymore. I'll end it here, for you." The masked figure snaps its finger. In a flash, flames burst out of nowhere on all of the criminal's body, dancing with a fierce, unnatural light. When the robber realized what was about to happen, his eyes widened in dread, but he had nowhere to run. The flames jumped to the heap of vanquished criminals and blazed it all down. As the flames crept over them, it consumed everything in its path, twisting and turning, almost alive. The figure looked one last time at the astonished survivors, who were huddled together in fear as the fire crackled and spread all over the criminal. The masked figure turned and vanished into the darkness without saying another word, leaving behind only the burning bodies and an unwavering horror. "Something can never change no matter how much you try, huh? I think it's about right, hmm hmm hmm."
The Threat is comingD̶͎̗͇̪̈͛̆͛͘a̴̫͖͖̖̣̜͔̜̼̙̳̬̰͕̟̗̒̓̅̋̕͘ͅŗ̶̙̯͈̫̱̤̞̮̱̜͎̝͉̐̃̇͗́̃̅ķ̷̡͖̰̠͖͇̯̍̏̓̄͒͗̕ ̴̡̡̛̯̼̫̱͖̠̞̝̤̾͆̄͒̏͌̑͛͜ͅP̸̨̡̩̲͕̮̜͕̫͓̫̖̟̩̺͉͖͌̋͋͌̇̂̿̽̾̽͝ḩ̵̩͍̘̮̈́̾́̈́̆̒̓͊͆̋͛̄͊͘̕͘͝͠ę̸̨̩̥̠̜̭͉̜̝͈̳̔̎͛̅̍͛̇o̸̘͕̣̦̼͓͛̏̓̈́͑̃̓͆̀̔͐̍̕͝n̷̢̰̱̤͙͙̩̰̙̘̊̓̾̅͌̈͂̔̈̒̈́͋̄̚͜ì̴̧̙̲͚̞͖̗̣̖̦̬̦̳̇̒̊͝͝ẋ̵̹͔̦̺̦̼̮:̵̨̰̙͙̩̲̳̯͉͚̉͑̿̎̒͌̍͆̈́̅̒̿̍̂́̕͘͝ ̵̦͇̘̏̓͑̔̓͒̔͐́̒̎͆͂̄̅͑͝͠R̵̰̜̽̑̽̿̓̓͂̑͒͑͋̚͝ḙ̸̢̖̫̺̝̳͓̗̉̍̊̈́̍̋̽̄͛̆̀̏̎̕v̶̨̨͍̹̞͓̲̦̠̞̪͉̝͚͔̖͙̈̈̔̾̋̀̃̽̎͜ë̴̼̻͙̩͖̙́̔͗́̊́͑̆͆̈́̎͊̂̓̓̌͝ṙ̵̢͔̺͇̦͑͛̆̉́̈̇̈́͐̌͊͝s̶̛̛̝̫̞̺̪̩̥̎̈́̔̽̀͆̓̇̓̊̕̚̚͠ą̸̼̣̥̳̞͇̺͍̭̒̇̃̋͑͋́̈́̋͌̇̈́̈́̐̚͝l̸͕̜̩̲̱̞̙̬̞͎͙̯̺̘͓̞͍͉̀̏̾͋̿̎̍̾̀̕ "Hello? Twilight? Hey, wake up you cute egghead." Sunset shimmers continuously poking Twilight Sparkle's head with a pencil a couple of times before she starts to remove Twilight's glasses which causes her to rise while she opens her eyes slowly. Smiling widely, Sunset then put the glasses back at her. "Wake up sleepy head, it's been 10 minutes since the last class started," Sunset said grabbing her bag from her feet. "Come on, my mom said you have a meet-up with others in 17 minutes. Better hurry right?" "W..what me...meeting?" Twilight said between moans but suddenly jolted up in a panic, "WHY DIDN'T YOU WOKE ME UP?!" "I'm not your boyfriend, though Timber is. But I already tried to wake you up since the class ended a couple of minutes ago, I even took a picture of your sleeping pose. Gosh, you look beautiful from every angle." Sunset sends Twilight sleeping pics to Twilight itself. Seeing this, of course, made Twilight embarrassed which caused her to blush so hard much to Sunset's satisfaction. "Well better hurry Sleeping beauty, didn't wanna break your attendance record eh?" Tease Sunset as she exits the class followed by a flustered Twilight. Twilight observes Sunset while walking together side by side when Sunset doesn't realize it, and she notices something from Sunset. From her observation, Twilight noticed how tired the look on Sunset's face even though she was always smiling, Sunset is good at hiding emotions with almost everyone except for some people like Twilight. "Are you tired or something Sunset?" Twilight dared to ask, "I just noticed it from the look of your face, are you sick?" "Wh-what? Oh, my head is a little bit dizzy after all those classes we've been through hehe.." She nervously said, hoping Twilight didn't ask further, "A-anyways, have you finished your 'Newest project' that you've been talking about it for about 1 month?" Even though Twilight seems a bit suspicious about the sudden change of topic, she still answers Sunset's question. She doesn't want to make Sunset uncomfortable further than it seems. "Now you mention it, it's been good I guess...Just need a little this and that and there you have it, the 'Magic Seaker'." said Twilight. "Basic name boo, I was hoping for an egghead name you always choose on every invention you've created." Sunset fake mocks Twilight to tease her about her and her inventions. "Hey! That's not nice, I never named my invention that nerdy." Twilight pouts. "How about the time when yo-" Instantly, Twilight covers Sunset's mouth to prevent her from continuing the unfinished sentence. Sunset only can muffled under Twilight's hands, She tries to free herself from Twilight's grasp and ends up licking Twilight's hands. "Ew... Sunset, that's gross." "Yo-you started it fi-first, Don't act like it was my fault," Sunset said catching her breath, surprised at how strong Twilight's grasp was which almost made her breathless. "You embarrassed me!" Twilight defended herself for a few logical reasons, but that was nothing to Sunset's ability to turn the table upside down. "You love it," Sunset smugly said, reaching the exit door handle. "Good luck with the meet-up Twilight, I have a date to attend," Before she and Twilight parted, Sunset stopped in front of the school door. "HONESTLY, I cannot help but wonder what was the meeting about. I mean, asked her at home but she just dodged the questi-" "OOPS GOTTA GO, I DON'T WANT TO BE LATE TO THE MEET-UP HEHE." Twilight nervously said, "You don't want to be late for the date, right?" "Well, technically I-" "BYEE!" Twilight hurriedly ran away from Sunset, leaving her clueless about what just happened, "Oh well, I guess it's that private." she brushed it off and went to her bike. As she went to her bike, she couldn't help but feel her consciousness start to fade away little by little. No matter how hard she tries to fight it, she can't hold it anymore. Luckily, when she felt her legs were about to give up, she was already at the parking lot. Leaning on her motorcycle, she reaches for her phone from her pocket trying to call someone for help. The only phone number she can think of now is her boyfriend, Flash Sentry. Hastly, her hand searched for Flash's phone number and dialed him. "P-pick it, Flash," Sunset begged in a low tone as her body felt increasingly weak. "H-hello? Sunny? Are you okay?" Gratitude washed over Sunset as Flash answered her call. Without skipping a beat, she urgently requested his presence, feeling the ebb of her energy like grains slipping through an hourglass. "M...me, meet me...school...hur-hurry..." On the other end, Flash's concern deepened with each hoarse word from his girlfriend. "I'm on my way, Sunny. Wait for me." A silent understanding hung in the air—Flash seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation. Sunset's consciousness teetered on the edge as the call closed, a delicate balance between awareness and the impending abyss. "Hopefully...th..this is the last...ti..time..." Finally, her body surrendered, and she crumpled beside her motorcycle. Twilight headed to the big, two-story house where she and her friends frequently congregated after saying goodbye to Sunset. Nestled amidst wide fields and forests, it was situated rather distant from the local settlements. The sky was painted with the hues of early twilight, and the air was crisp. She was drawn to the house because it was a location filled with so many happy and companionable memories. It was a place of soothing familiarity. The front door sprung open and Pinkie Pie ran out to meet her as she approached the path. "Twilight!" Pinkie yelled, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. "You've arrived! Come come inside!" Twilight was unable to reply before Pinkie, whose upbeat demeanor brightened the room, grabbed her hand and dragged her inside. "Everyone is present! Fluttershy and Rarity are in the kitchen baking the most incredible cake, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash are having an epic video game duel on the sofa!" Before Twilight could even take off her coat, she was swept across the hallway. The sounds of friendly rivalry emanating from the living room blended with the cozy, welcoming scents of cocoa and vanilla throughout the entire house. Twilight noticed that while Rarity skillfully piped icing onto cupcakes, Fluttershy was measuring wheat with great attention in the large kitchen. "Oh, hello, Twilight," Fluttershy replied, her hands moving swiftly, her expression soft. "We're making a special cake while we wait for everyone to arrive." With creative joy glimmering in her eyes, Rarity looked up. We need everything to be flawless, darling. It is inconceivable to have a meeting without a decent dessert. Twilight couldn't help but grin. She took a long breath of the pleasant aroma and remarked, "It smells wonderful in here." Unable to remain motionless, Pinkie Pie tugged at Twilight's sleeve once more. "Come on, let's check on AJ and Dashie!" Indeed, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were deep in a combative video game session in the living room. Their normal spot, strewn with controllers, food, and empty Coke cans, was the sofa area. "Hey there, Twi!" With her eyes fixed on the television, Applejack yelled. "You just in time to see me beat Dash at her own game." "In your dreams, AJ," hit back Rainbow Dash, her fingers skimming the buttons. "This is my turf!" Twilight chuckled as a sensation of satisfaction washed over her. With the voices of her friends and the aromas of baking, this house felt like home. As she sat down on the couch to watch the game, all of her anxieties seemed to vanish. She knew she was right where she belonged here, waiting with her pals for someone significant to arrive. She feels a little guilty about keeping this from her best friend, even though she kind of wishes she could be here too. Twilight's phone rang with a new message as they waited. She glanced at it fast and grinned. She said, "Mrs. Celestia and Luna are on their way," as she glanced up at her pals. Still focused on the game, Applejack turned to Twilight. "How long till they get here?" "Probably about twenty minutes," Twilight answered, casting a glance at the wall clock. Applejack said, "Great," when the game announced her as the winner. With a loud grunt, Rainbow Dash threw her controller onto the couch. "Aw, come on! I totally had you there," Rainbow Dash complained, but there was a good-natured grin on her face. She got up and sauntered over to the kitchen, where Fluttershy and Rarity were working. As Fluttershy was putting the final touches on a gorgeously decorated cake, Rainbow Dash approached her. "Flutters, that looks great. "May I sample some?" she inquired, her tone becoming playful. Fluttershy nodded despite blushing a little. "Of course you can, Rainbow. Try this out now." Rainbow Dash took a bite and closed her eyes in exuberant joy. "Wow! This is amazing! With a flirtatious grin at Fluttershy, she remarked, "You always know how to make the best cakes." Melting into a bright pink flush, Fluttershy giggled. "I'm grateful, Rainbow. I'm happy you enjoy it. As all of this was going on, Applejack entered the kitchen and turned to face Rarity. "Applejack, darling, I need your opinion. What colors do you think will work best with my new room decor? I am thinking about something elegant but with a hint of boldness." Applejack paused for a bit and tapped her chin. "Well, Rarity, how about a wonderful deep blue with gold accents? Like you, it's stylish and audacious." Rarity's gaze brightened. "Oh, that seems just right! I am grateful, Applejack. You have such a keen sense of these things." Twilight excused herself and headed upstairs as the pleasant hum of activities continued downstairs. She moved deliberately, her thoughts fixed on the work at hand. She needed to find something vital, which she had stashed away for safety. She came to a stop in front of an ordinary closet door at the end of the corridor. After making sure she was alone, she looked around, inhaled deeply, and put her hand up to a secret panel on the side. An elaborate vault set into the wall was visible when the closet door slid open. A tiny scanner at eye level showed the next step, and its smooth surface shimmered in the gentle light. Twilight lowered her head, permitting the scanner to glimpse her countenance. Her identity was verified by a mild beep, and the vault door unlocked with a gentle whir. The door slowly opened, showing what was inside, and she experienced a mixture of worry and eagerness. A brilliant purple necklace was tucked away inside the vault, in a box lined with velvet. Inside the vault, the soft illumination emanated from the jewel at its core, which pulsed with a faint, unearthly light. Twilight extended her arm and grasped it, her fingers quivering a little. To the touch, the necklace seemed warm—almost alive. There are another five box too inside the vault, an empty one to be specific. But she knows why the boxes are empty. Taking a deep breath, she fastened the necklace around her neck. The gem pulsed once, sending a wave of warmth through her body. She felt a surge of energy, her senses sharpening, and a newfound clarity settling in her mind. As she made her way back downstairs, the necklace's glow dimmed to a soft, steady light. She entered the living room, where her friends' laughter and chatter filled the space. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still engrossed in their video game, while Fluttershy and Rarity put the finishing touches on the cake. "Hey, everyone," Twilight called out, drawing their attention. "Do you all have your necklaces on?" They all looked up and, in unison, nodded. Each of them wore a necklace similar to Twilight's, each with a gem that matched their unique magic. Rainbow Dash's was a vibrant blue, Applejack's a warm amber, Rarity's a dazzling white, Fluttershy's a gentle yellow and Pinkie Pie's a lively magenta. "Of course, darling," Rarity said, adjusting her necklace with a smile. As Twilight settled back into the living room, she felt a rush of wind, and in a flash, Rainbow Dash was standing right beside her. The blue gem in Rainbow's necklace was glowing brightly, reflecting her super speed. "We put our necklaces on before you got here," Rainbow Dash said with a grin. "Just in case, you know? We thought it might be good to be ready." Before Twilight could say anything more, Rainbow Dash zipped back across the room to Fluttershy's side, her speed leaving a slight breeze in her wake. Fluttershy giggled softly as Rainbow rejoined her, the two sharing a quick smile. Knock!Knock! A peculiar knock echoed throughout the house. Because of its recognizable rhythm, everyone knew who it was right away. "I got it," Applejack called out and she went to the front door. Before anybody else could blink, Rainbow Dash used her super speed to zoom into the kitchen, retrieve the cake, and delicately place it on the table next to the couch. Subsequently, she promptly returned to her place beside Fluttershy, who grinned at her friend's impressive feat of agility. Twilight replied, "Perfect timing, Dash," staring at the exquisitely decorated cake that was now sitting on the table. The others appropriately sat down on the couch, realizing how important this time was. Pinkie Pie hopped into her place with her typical energy, and Rarity adjusted her skirt as she sat next to Pinkie. Back at Applejack, she opened the front door, a warm smile spread across her face. "Howdy, Mrs. Celestia, Mrs. Luna! Come on in." Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna stepped inside, their presence bringing an immediate sense of calm and assurance to the room. "Hello, Applejack," Mrs. Celestia greeted warmly. "It's so good to see all of you." Both Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia entered the living room with serious yet caring attitudes. "Everyone looks ready, just like we ordered," Mrs. Luna said, pointing to the glowing necklaces that each girl was wearing. "Please, have a seat," Applejack said, motioning towards the empty spots on the couch as she made her way to the kitchen to fetch some water. As she looked around the room, Mrs. Luna grinned slightly. "You've done an excellent job with this property. The fact that we gave you an empty home base just two weeks ago is unbelievable." In agreement, Mrs. Celestia nodded. "Yeah. It's amazing how cozy and tastefully arranged everything appears. It feels like you girls own it. The girls glowed with accomplishment. The last few weeks had been a blur of activity, turning the house into a warm and inviting place to live. Everything about the rooms—from the colorful drapes and cozy furniture to the small, individual touches that gave each one its character—had been meticulously thought out by them. Twilight responded, "Thank you," her voice full of appreciation. "We wanted it to be a place where we could all feel at home and work together." "Here you go," Applejack said after going to the kitchen earlier, handing out the glasses of apple juice. "Hope y'all enjoy it." Mrs. Celestia responded, "Thank you, Applejack," and she took a glass. "This looks delicious." The room's atmosphere gradually changed after a few more minutes of cheerful talk. The lighthearted banter altered to a more somber tone when Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia exchanged glances, indicating that the true reason for their visit was about to unfold. "Girls," Mrs. Luna said, a serious tone in her voice. We have an important conversation with you that has to be had. the rationale of your gathering here." The girls leaned in, realizing the seriousness of the situation, and the room fell silent. Mrs. Celestia inhaled deeply before speaking again. "A new threat has surfaced, and it has historical roots. It is important not to take this threat lightly. It could upend the harmonious element that we have all strived so hard to preserve." A shiver went down Fluttershy's spine. Her thoughts were already racing over the potential threats when she asked, "What kind of threat?" Mrs. Luna heaved a quiet breath. It's something or someone that we assumed had long since vanished. We need to be much more on guard since this threat has returned. It seeks to subdue the Harmony Elements and seize their power for itself. Rarity's gaze expanded. "Do you know who it is?" Mrs. Celestia gave a nod. "We need additional time to look into and validate our suspicions, but we have some. We need you girls to take care of the city and the Harmony aspect in the interim. It is more crucial than ever for you to fulfill your job as the Guardians of Harmony." Pinkie Pie bounced slightly in her seat, her enthusiasm undiminished. "We'll make sure everything is super-duper safe and happy!" Twilight turned to face the other girls and felt a wave of confidence and determination wash over her. "It is our responsibility to keep this city in harmony. There's a reason the Elements of Harmony choose us." Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna looked at each other again, their faces becoming softer with appreciation and confidence. "I'm grateful," Mrs. Celestia stated. "Knowing that the city is in good hands gives us the peace of mind we need to focus on uncovering the nature of this threat." Adding, "We'll be in touch regularly," was Mrs. Luna. "Remember that you're not by yourself. You can reach us by calling us at any time." The girls acknowledged the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to them by nodding. The air in the room cleared as Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna bid each other farewell with cordial blessings and sincere wishes. The reassurance of their backing had momentarily lightened the weight of their debate regarding the impending peril. As the two matriarchs stood up to depart, Rainbow Dash—always the impulsive one—sprang into action. She hurried to the table, where Fluttershy was finishing up a delicious cake, and yelled, "Wait just a sec!" Rainbow Dash placed the cake expertly into a solid box at her usual rapid pace, then came back with it balanced on one hand. "Here you go!" With a smile, Rainbow Dash gave the box to Mrs. Luna and Mrs. Celestia. "This dessert is something you must try. It's very fantastic, and it would be a shame if our efforts went unnoticed by you." Mrs. Celestia, moved by Rainbow Dash's gesture, laughed heartily. "I'm grateful, Rainbow Dash. It will be immensely enjoyed by us." Mrs. Luna gave a grateful nod. "Yeah. It appears to be quite tasty. I appreciate your hospitality, gals. Once they had the cake securely in their custody, Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna said goodbye and left the girls to resume their carefree evening in the quaint two-story home. Twilight found herself buried in contemplation again once she returned inside. Twilight's thoughts raced with tactics and plans to protect the Elements of Harmony and their city, while her friends chatted and returned to their customary hangout locations. She paced the room, occasionally flipping through her notes and consulting magical tomes scattered across the coffee table. Rarity and Fluttershy, having returned from the kitchen, joined Twilight on the couch. Rarity draped a blanket over Fluttershy's shoulders as they settled in, both observing Twilight with concern. "Twilight, darling, you look positively lost in thought," Rarity remarked, smoothing out a crease in the blanket. "Is everything alright?" Twilight paused, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm just thinking about what Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna said. This threat—they're targeting the Elements of Harmony. We need to be ready." Fluttershy nodded softly, her voice gentle yet resolute. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect them, Twilight. And the city too." Rainbow Dash flopped down on the nearby beanbag chair, munching on a leftover cupcake. "Yeah, we're not gonna let anyone mess with our stuff." Pinkie Pie bounded over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ooh! Maybe we should throw a surprise party for the Elements of Harmony! You know, to boost morale and stuff." Applejack chuckled, reclining comfortably in her usual spot on the floor. "A party might be a bit much, Pinkie, but a good plan is what we need. We gotta be one step ahead of this here threat." Twilight nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing with possibilities. "You're right, Applejack. We need to gather more information, strengthen our defenses, and be prepared for anything." As the evening wore on, Twilight and her friends discussed and debated strategies late into the night. They shared ideas, voiced concerns, and ultimately reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their home and the powerful artifacts entrusted to them. Hours passed, and the quiet hum of conversation mingled with the crackling fire in the hearth. Pinkie Pie pulled out a stack of board games, suggesting they take a break from their planning session with a friendly competition. Laughter filled the air as they played, their worries momentarily set aside in favor of camaraderie fun. But even as they laughed and played, Twilight's thoughts never strayed far from their mission. She knew that the challenges ahead would test their strength and unity like never before. Yet, with her friends by her side, she felt a sense of certainty and determination. "We'll protect the Elements of Harmony," Twilight murmured to herself, a quiet vow that she made to herself. "Whatever it takes." As Mrs. Celestia and Mrs. Luna made their way back to their car parked just outside Twilight and her friends' hangout, the mood inside the vehicle was somber. The engine purred to life, casting a soft hum over the quiet residential street. Mrs. Luna took the driver's seat while Mrs. Celestia settled into the passenger side, their expressions mirroring the seriousness of the conversation they were about to have. "Luna, do you think they're ready for this?" Mrs. Celestia asked quietly, her voice tinged with concern. Mrs. Luna gripped the steering wheel, her gaze focused ahead on the road illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. "I believe they have grown stronger, Celestia. Those breathtaking training you gave them must have resulted in something. Mrs. Celestia nodded attentively, rehearsing in her mind the resolute expressions of Twilight and her companions. "There's no doubt about their resilience. But this adversary…if it truly is who we suspect. Keeping her voice firm and low, Mrs. Luna's jaw tensed a little. "Chrysalis." The name hung heavily in the air between them, a reminder of a dark chapter from their past. "She seeks revenge," Mrs. Luna continued, her tone grave. "And she will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. The power of the Elements of Harmony is her target." Mrs. Celestia's expression hardened with determination. "We cannot underestimate her, we fought her once. We can't make the same mistake as before." As they drove through the peaceful streets, buried in their thoughts, silence descended upon them. Their conversation carried a great deal of weight. Mrs. Luna finally broke the quiet, saying, "We must remain vigilant." Her tone was determined. "And we have to have faith in Twilight and her companions. They are our strongest line of defense against this danger. Mrs. Celestia gave a nod of approval. "Yes, Luna. Despite our excellent training, they still need to demonstrate their worth as Guardians of Harmony." With a determined expression, Mrs. Luna turned to face Mrs. Celestia as they approached the stop sign at the end of the street. "Celesta, we'll help them out however we can. Kept them in touch too, and don't you have a daughter as well, Tia?" "What do you mean by bringing my daughter into this conversation?" Celestia wasn't offended, she was just curious why Luna bringing up her daughter. "How about trusting them just like the way you trusted your daughter?" And with that, Mrs. Celestia placed a reassuring hand on Mrs. Luna's shoulder. "Well then, I have faith in them, Luna. Together, I believe they can face anything." Author's Note That was one of the more mediocre chapters, right? Yes, I already thought that, so please leave your criticism and suggestions so that I can be even better :DD Thank you to my cousin and grammar websites for helping me write my first story lol. Bye yall^_^
A friend?The next morning, the sun shined brightly over the vast training field behind the home base, creating long shadows on the advanced simulation equipment. It was the ideal environment for Rainbow Dash to rehearse her speed test, with the sounds of chirping birds and the soft hum of machinery filling the air. With her brightly colored hair flowing in a mild breeze, Rainbow Dash was positioned at the starting line. She was dressed in her go-to sports attire, which included her rainbow-striped sneakers and blue jacket. Her gaze was concentrated on the zigzag track, the first test. Softly encouraging her, Fluttershy, wearing a pastel yellow outfit, stood to one side and waved a small flag. "You can do it, Dashie!" Seated at a nearby control panel, Twilight Sparkle fiddled with the simulation's settings, her glasses glistening in the sunlight. She looked up, nodding encouragingly to Rainbow Dash. "Everything is ready. Rainbow, be ready when you are!" With a deep breath, Rainbow Dash's muscles tensed with anticipation. "Let's do this!" She shot forward with a sudden burst of speed, her sneakers banging the floor as she darted through the zigzag obstacle course. Although Rainbow Dash's agility was unrivaled, the poles were positioned closely together. Her physique was a blur as she moved effortlessly between them. The next task required her to sprint across a 400-meter empty course at high speed. Instead of slowing down, Rainbow Dash pushed herself even harder, running at breakneck speed with her legs pumping. She felt as though the ground was flying under her feet, and before long, she had covered the entire distance, leaving a dust trail in her wake. She walked up to the wall-shaped simulation barrier without missing a beat. Despite the height and difficulty, Rainbow Dash didn't think twice. She launched herself into the air, feeling briefly as though she was soaring among the clouds as the wind whipped past her. She landed smoothly on the other side, barely breaking her stride. The last task was to create a tornado to destroy nine dummy targets that were arranged like bowling pins. Skidding to a stop, Rainbow Dash concentrated all of her energy. She started to spin so fast that she spun an air vortex. With one last strong thrust, she steered the whirlwind toward the dummies as it grew stronger and stronger. She unleashed her mini-tornado, toppling, knocking down, and even sending some of them flying. With a cheerful smile on her face, Fluttershy clapped her hands together. "That was fantastic, Dashie!" With a tablet in hand, Twilight Sparkle walked over. "Let's see how you did." She analyzes the simulation's data by tapping a few icons on the screen. "You ran with the speed of lightning, made an impressive jump, and completed the zigzag course in record time. As the whirlwind—well, you just destroyed all those drill dummies. Furthermore, you took 2:13.098 minutes in total. Ten seconds faster than the last time." With a triumphant fist pump, Rainbow Dash raised her hand. "Yes! My new record!" Twilight smiled, looking at her friends with pride, "Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna went all out on these facilities. With this, we can get a maximum training result." Fluttershy handed Rainbow Dash a bottle of water so Rainbow wouldn't get dehydrated from the training she had done, "Makes me wonder where all the amounts of money they got from. Are they vampire?" Twilight deadpanned at her friend's comment, "Just because someone is rich, doesn't that mean they are a vampire." "I'm joking, you know," She paused while sipping the water from the bottles and then handing it to Fluttershy after she was done, "Thanks, Flutters." Turned off all the training simulations with her tablet and then teleported it somewhere only she knew with her magic, "I'm glad we're far from town, or else we would disturb the town because of our training stuff." "Especially AJ training." "Definitely." Twilight's phone rang suddenly, playing a familiar tune. As she took it from her pocket, Spike's name appeared on the screen. She smiled in response. "Hi, Spike! What's going on?" Spike's voice cracked over the line, "Twilight, I'm at the store and I can't remember what cereal you wanted me to buy," Twilight gave an endearing roll of her eyes. "Spike, I have it noted down for you. Did you misplace the list once more? "Uh, maybe..." Spike sheepishly acknowledged. "Can you just tell me again?" "All right. I want that multigrain oat cereal with honey clusters, is that clear?" "I got it. Is there anything else?" Spike wondered. "Yes, remember the milk. Take some fresh fruit while you're at it. More Kiwis and apples are needed." "Why Kiwi though?" Asked Rainbow behind Twilight. "It got lots of Vitamin C." Answered Fluttershy. "Ahh, I see," A smirk appeared on Rainbow's face, "Egghead." "Screw you Rainbow." "Yes, Twi. Yes, and when will you be returning home? I was considering watching that new film with you tonight." With patience, her friends waited as Twilight cast a glance at them. "I'm going to be running a little behind. I'm still with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy at the 'Place'." Spike said, "Ahh, that 'Place'. Got it." "He knows?" Rainbow asked a little bit surprised at this. "Mrs. Celestia letting him know, but Spike was cast a spell by Celestia so he couldn't tell everything." Assured Twilight, "It was an accident in the first place." "Wait, you said with your friends right?" His tone turned into a teasing one, "Which one of your imaginary friends are you with this time? Mom said you once ha-" "Yeah yeah yeah, loveyoubyee." Twilight turned her phone off and went back to her friends. Rainbow Dash, who had overheard the conversation, burst out laughing. "Imaginary friends, huh?" Twilight looked away, blushing and slightly cringing at herself because she had done that before. "That was one time at kindergarten, for god sake." The trio of friends made their way back to their home base. Twilight sighed as they entered, her embarrassment turning to mild annoyance. Rainbow gave Twilight a side hug as they walked inside the home base. "Even though he was like that you love him dearly, right?" Twilight grinned despite rolling her eyes once more. "I guess so." Rainbow Dash tapped twice on her necklace as they entered. She changed from her training suit to her comfy t-shirt and shorts in an instant. Her first move was to collapse onto the couch and settle in. After putting the water bottle on the table, Fluttershy joins in by sitting beside Rainbow Dash. However, Rainbow saw this as an opportunity, she leaned over Fluttershy and used her lap as a pillow. "Now this is comfier." She reached for the TV remote to watch their favorite show, Daring Doo. With a gentle and tender touch, Fluttershy starts to play her hand on Rainbow's hair. Little by little she makes a little braid on the hair, she does it more than once. "How is it going at the Animal shelter? Heard you adopted another puppy." Rainbow turned her attention to Fluttershy. "Yep, the animal shelter getting merrier each week which sometimes made me worry about the space in the shelter getting more cramped." Explained Fluttershy still braiding on Rainbow's hair. "Even though every day people come to adopt them?" Asked Rainbow who was fiddling with one of the finished braids. Fluttershy nodded, "People only adopt one or two animals, and they can be picky sometimes. That's why sometimes a lot of animals we adopt than animals that got adopted." "You handle it pretty well, Flutters. No wonder nature suits you." She reaches up and gives Fluttershy a playful pinch on the cheeks. "Aww, You flutter me." and with that, Fluttershy has done braiding Rainbow's hair and now she's stroking Rainbow's hair gently, "What do you think, Dashie?" Rainbow Dash sighed contentedly, her eyes half-closing, "You're awesome you know that." They both giggle, and their voice blends with the background noise from the TV as they continue their little conversation. Meanwhile upstairs, Twilight was standing in the middle of the room, carefully observing, comparing, and analyzing the results of their training so far, using a series of hologram projections containing their training video that she manipulated with the help of her magic power. Various videos, statistics, and charts float around forming a three-dimensional array of information. "They're improving each day and I can't get prouder than this. This is amazing," Although she's happy with how everyone is doing, she can't help but worry for the future, "We still need more improvement," While analyzing, her phone rang loudly since she forgot to turn down the sound volume of her phone. With a snap, she made all of the hologram projections gone as she went to take her phone to see who was calling her. Flash Sentry? It's so rare for him to call me, unless.. Without further do, Twilight answered the call while cleaning the room, "Hello, Twilight here." "Yo Twilight, I hope I didn't disturb anything you do."/i] "No no, it's fine. I just happen playing with my phone now." After cleaning the room's mess with her magic, she got out of the room and went downstairs, "So, what's the matter?" "Okay, Sunny got sick yesterday. It seems she got a fever from whatever she was doing, so she tells me to call you and tell you that she's sorry she can't help your research for today or maybe tomorrow." Explained Flash. "SHE WHAT??" Thankfully her scream was not loud enough compare to the tv noise downstairs. "Before you freak out, she's in my room and I have been taking care of her since yesterday, don't worry." Assured Flash, "I think she's awake now, I'll update the situation." She let out a sigh, relieved that her pal weren't experiencing any serious problems. "I will visit her shortly after school, and appreciate you so much for taking good care of her." "No biggie, she's my girlfriend after all, so it's one of the missions." She chuckles when she hears Flash boasting about the woman he loves, "Yeah, go take care of your 'Girlfriend'." I'll see you later, Flash." As Twilight reached the living room, her footsteps became quieter as she went down the stairs. She discovered Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sharing a TV on the couch. Rainbow Dash's head was propped up on Fluttershy's lap, her colorful hair cascading over her legs as Fluttershy ran her fingers through it. Observing her friends in such a relaxed state, Twilight smiled and felt at ease. "Hey, you two," she said gently so as not to disturb the peaceful ambiance. With a warm smile, Fluttershy looked up at Twilight. "Hello Twilight, Twilight grinned at the scene, feeling relieved to see her friends at ease. "Hey, you two," she said gently so as not to disturb the peaceful environment. Fluttershy smiled kindly at Twilight as she looked up. "Hello Twilight. What's wrong?" " I just got a call from Flash." Twilight moved closer and sat on the edge of the couch in response to him saying, "Sunset is sick and can't go to school today." She cast a quick glance at Rainbow Dash, who had her eyes half closed and appeared perfectly content. "Oh no, poor her," Fluttershy remarked worriedly. "Are you planning to visit her?" Twillight gave a nod, saying, "I've already informed Flash that I plan to visit Sunset after school." Rainbow Dash cracked open one eye and gave Twilight a slack smile. "I think it would be great if you could get her a new book or something. She is as much of a nerd as you are, you know." Twilight saw Rainbow chuckling hysterically and gave her a sharp look. "How about the two of you? How is everything going over here?" Twilight's expression softened as she turned to face her friends. While still giving Rainbow's hair a gentle stroke, Fluttershy blushed a little. "We're operating successfully. simply taking in some peaceful time together. Since Dashy has been feeling a little tired lately, we're just lounging." "Yeah, gotta recharge, you know?" Rainbow Dash smirked, but her voice was genuine as she continued. "And hanging out with Flutters is always the best way to do that." Twilight’s smile widened, feeling a warm sense of contentment. "I’m glad to hear that. You two ought to get some shut-eye." Fluttershy gave a nod. "It’s nice to just be together and not worry about anything for a while." Twilight looked at the wall clock and saw that it was seven in the morning. She turned to face Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who remained propped up on the couch. "Hey, when are you two planning to head to school?" With a hint of worry in her voice, Twilight enquired. "It’s already 7:30, and school starts at 8:30." Fluttershy's eyes widened slightly as she glanced at the clock. "Oh, I didn’t realize it was that late already." This time, Rainbow Dash opened both eyes and leaned still against Fluttershy while sitting up a little "Twi, we have a lot of time. The school is just a twenty-minute walk away. In addition, we're practically set to go." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You two look pretty comfortable here." Fluttershy gave a quiet chuckle. "Don't worry, we'll start moving shortly. Before leaving, we simply wanted to spend a little more time together." Arms crossed over her head, Rainbow Dash stretched languidly, "Yeah yeah, we can handle this. There's no need to hurry." Feeling reassured but still a little nervous about the time, Twilight smiled. "Okay, just be careful not to be late.. We can leave together if you want to." Rainbow Dash grinned and said, "Nahh, you can go first," eventually sitting up straight. "We’ll be out the door in no time." Twilight then got up to gather her things, leaving Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to have one last peaceful morning together before Twilight had to go to school. Twilight decided to save some time while still donning her enchanted geode necklace. She felt the familiar sensation of magic swirling around her as she quickly focused her power. She teleported out of the living room instantly, leaving behind nothing more than a slight sparkle in the atmosphere. To what location does she teleport? an area that was unknown to everyone. Well, not everyone. She resurfaced in Pinkie Pie's room, which was decorated with balloons, streamers, and bright colors. A plethora of party supplies surrounded Pinkie Pie as she sat on her bed. "Twilight! I was just wondering when you were gonna pop in!" Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing up from her bed. "Literally! You always pop in like magic! And now you're here!" Though still a little taken aback by the unexpected teleportation, Twilight laughed. "Well, I thought it would be quicker than walking. Plus, this is the safest place I ever think of to teleport." Pinkie Pie clasped her hands together. "Excellent time, as always! I was just thinking about what sort of cupcakes to bring to school today. What are your thoughts? Chocolate chip or rainbow sprinkles?" Twilight shook her head and laughed softly. "Pinkie, it is already 7:30. We don't have much time until school starts." Pinkie blinked and glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh, okay! Silly me! I was so thrilled about the cupcakes that I nearly forgot!" "Don't worry, we've still got time," Twilight reassured her. "But we should probably get going soon." Pinkie nodded happily. "You've got it!! Let me get my stuff, and we'll be out the door in a jiffy!" Once Pinkie was ready, the two of them would head out and go to the school. Meanwhile, at Flash Sentry's residence, the atmosphere was much more subdued. With her fiery red and yellow hair spread out on the pillow beneath her head, Sunset Shimmer was curled up in a blanket on the bed. Her skin looked paler than normal, and beads of sweat dotted her brow. The fever that had been plaguing her for the past several days appeared to be worsening, and she shivered slightly despite the warmth of the blanket. Flash sat nearby, his face concerned as he carefully placed a cool, damp cloth on Sunset's forehead. He had been keeping an eye on her since she began feeling ill, but as her health worsened, his concern rose. "Sunset, how are you feeling?" Flash questioned softly, his voice full of concern. Sunset opened her eyes, her gaze faint but retaining a gleam of her customary drive. "Not great, honestly," she replied, her voice husky. "I didn't expect things would go this awful. I apologize for being such a nuisance." "Hey, don't apologize," Flash remarked immediately, shaking his head. "You're not a nuisance, Sunset. I am just worried about you. Perhaps we might think about taking you to the doctor." Sunset shook her head slightly, but even this minor movement appeared to fatigue her. "I will be fine, Flash. And you know why I refuse to see the doctor, right?" He know, he knows why, he knows pretty damn well. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he sat back in the chair beside her, "I know Sunset, I know." She closed her eyes for a moment, then murmured to herself, “I should’ve stopped doing… that thing.” Flash, sitting close by, heard her words and felt a pang of concern. He knew what "that thing" referred to—something that Sunset had been struggling with in secret, something he had already know from the start. "There's no point on worrying those again, Sunset." Assured Flash, "Just rest for now, it must be hard dealing with all of this on your own." Sunset's gaze moved over the room, eventually landing on a bright red microwave glove on the bedside table. It appeared out of place in the generally peaceful and comfortable surroundings. "What's that glove for?" Sunset inquired, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with wonder. Flash gazed at the glove before returning his gaze to Sunset, his expression a mix of nervousness and assurance, "Oh, that. I used it yesterday since your body temperature was really high. You were scorching up like boiling water, and I needed something to keep you comfortable while we moved you around." Sunset's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of nervousness and embarrassment appeared on her face. "I hadn't realized it was that serious. I am sorry you had to go through all that." Flash shook his head, offering her a comforting look. "It is not your fault, Sunset. I just wanted to ensure that you were as comfortable as possible. The glove was a temporary solution to alleviate the heat." Sunset's countenance softened in thanks, "Thanks, Flash. I appreciate everything you have done for me. It must've been difficult." Flash stretched out and softly took her hand. "That's okay. You are my girlfriend, it's one of the responsibilities I must do." Dork and Cheesy, but it worked for him. Sunset giggled and shove her arm lightly at Flash, "Thanks, dork. I can't wait to hear more of those." "Get well first, and then you will hear it more than you could expected." Said Flash showing his usual goofy smirk which made Sunset smile. Flash is the sweetest and the most efficient medicine Sunset has ever had. Every pain she felt vanished as long as he was with her. She loves him, and he loves her; they have mutual feelings that cannot be broken, even if a thousand storms strike them. Sunset will always love him, even if they don't breathe the same air or don't breathe at all. A knock on the door echoed throughout the house just as Sunset was settling back down. Flash looked over at Sunset and gently squeezed her hand before standing up. "I will see who it is. "Just rest, okay?" Sunset nodded weakly, her eyelids drooping as she attempted to conserve energy. When he opened it, he was met with three familiar faces, but something about their presence felt off. The Dazzlings—Adagio, Aria, and Sonata—stood on the porch, the morning light casting shadows on their faces. For a brief moment, they appeared almost ethereal, their usual vibrant energy subdued into something more serious and enigmatic. "Flash," Adagio said first, her voice smooth but filled with unusual seriousness. "We've heard about Sunset. We thought we should check in." Before Flash could respond, Adagio took a deliberate step forward, followed by Aria and Sonata, who exchanged an unspoken glance. As they walked in, the air seemed thicker with tension, and their expressions were unreadable. They're now right in front of Sunset, who is awake and aware of her surroundings, her eyes are fixed on Adagio with a serious expression. Meanwhile, Adagio can only smirk in amusement at Sunset's condition. The Dazzling now surrounds Sunset. "Haven't seen you like this ever since The Fall Formal, Shimmy," Adagio commented, which resulted in Sunset throwing a pillow at her face. "uGhh don't remind me that, that was two years ago, damn it." Even though she is sick, she still has the energy to be annoyed at her remarks. Aria, who had been watching Sunset, let out a low whistle. "Wow, Sunset, you look like shit." Sunset blinked, unable to suppress a small laugh. "Yeah, I might've overdone it." Flash then entered the room with four cups of tea and handed one to each of them, saying, "I didn't expect you all to arrive so early." "Expect the unexpected, dear. We're in a hurry, too." Adagio explained, "So, what did you do this time, hmm? Is it more reckless than before?" Sunset nervously looked at her boyfriend and then the tea that Flash gave her, "It's not that reckless, I actu-" "How many?" Adagia asked pressing Sunset to reveal more. "Wha-" "I know what you did, Shimmy. You're easy to read." With Adagio pressing Sunset even more, Sunset has no other option but to tell Adagio what she wants to hear. "Fine, so far I only did it twice and truth to be told it's been a pain in the ass. You happy now?" Answer Sunset with a little huff at the end of her sentence. It did make Adagio satisfied. "That wasn't so bad isn't, now go back to sleep, okay?" Adagio shifted her body to the side of Sunset's bed and grabbed her chin. When contact occurs, an unknown energy spreads from Adagio's hand toward Sunset which makes Sunset slowly lose her conscience. With the palm of her hand, Dagi placed Sunset's head on the soft pillow. "Sorry to put her to sleep with my spell, Flash." Adagio apologizes and Flash dismisses her with a shake of his head. "It's alright, she needs it." Flash covers Sunset with a blanket to keep her warm while sleeping, "Let's go to the living room, there we can talk about what happened with her." "Lead the way, Flash." Adagio and Flash soon leave the room along with Sonata trailing from behind but not with Aria. She is still at her spot, observing Sunset. She reaches Sunset's palm and massages it slowly. "Too bad we'll have to wait for you to recover," She reached into Sunset's pocket, putting a strange thing in it, "To keep you warm until later, nighty night Snow white." And with that, Aria was satisfied with what she did and immediately left the room. But of course, she still closed the door silently. " Of the two failed attempts, this one should succeed." Author's Note A/N:Sorry for the short chapter and a long time to update. School is so packed with activities that I only just got a little time to write. Also, I forgot a little how my story will go lmaoo. But I can improvise I guess haha... Thanks for reading ;D
Queen Gloriosa part 1 The Everfree Forest was a great, wild region where magic grew freely without any caution, where the natural world was as untamed and unpredictable as the winds. At its edge, Celestia and Luna scanned the thick forest in front of them, each tree looming over them like a sentinel. With her arms folded and a doubtful look at her sister, Luna said, "I still can't believe you talked me into this." Celestia turned to her and smiled comfortingly. " Just trust me, Luna, you don't have to believe me. It has been far too long since we last saw Gloriosa." Luna's eyes narrowed. "Celestia, I'm not concerned about her. The forest is my concern. I believed we had made a deal to avoid the Everfree." Celestia responded in a light-hearted but strong tone, "Well, sometimes, old friends are worth the risk." "You are aware of her significance to us." Luna said, rolling her eyes, "Yeah, yeah." "I understand. But I'm going to blame you if we encounter any timberwolves." Before Celestia could react, there was a distant grumble, then another, and then a few more. There was no mistaking the sound, Timberwolves' loud, guttural roar. "You jinxed it, Luna," Celestia whispers to an annoyed Luna. Her eyes twitched as she narrows her eyes to Celestia, "Piss off will you." As she called forth a protective aura around herself, Celestia's eyes grew piercing and her hand glowed with golden energy. "We are not here to engage in combat. But if we have to.." The snarls intensified, and a few Timberwolves appeared from the thickets, their bodies made of ragged wood and their eyes glaring green, their motions rigid but swift. Snarling and snapping their jaws in hunger, they walked around the two sisters. The monsters sensed the energy coming from the two women and smelt the air. Ever the warrior, Luna smoothly pulled out her sword, its blade shining in the forest's low light. "You should've listened, Celestia. It would have been better for us to avoid the Everfree forest." Celestia held up a hand, the light surrounding it growing brighter. "Don't be shy Luna, I knew you've been itching to use your fabulous power, eh?" One by one Timberwolves try to attack them, but the siblings always manage to finish them of before they jaw could even touch them. "Why forest of all place?" "Because she lives there." "Why don't we just use email?" "Inconvenient." "Excuse me?" With their wooden jaws shattering, the Timberwolves sprang forward. Luna moved quickly, slicing through the air with her blade as she ducked one creature's blow. There was a sharp crack as the sword cut through the wooden mass, but the creature instantly rebuilt, its body growing again from the fragmented pieces in no time. Luna whispered, "Charming," deflecting another blow. "Is it not possible for you to kill them?" "They're made of magic," Celestia declared, striking a Timberwolf back with a burst of golden light. "They are regenerable, but you can harm them. We will need to figure out how to neutralize them." Luna, who was getting annoyed by the second, slashed her sword at the head of another Timberwolf, her movements elegant but tinged with irritation. "You always approach things calmly. I'm simply being the grumpy one here in the meantime. With their eyes brightening as they felt the excitement in the air, the Timberwolves were drawing closer. One of the Timberwolves leaped at Celestia with a roar. Luna moved forward in a flash, intercepting the creature's strike with her sword, which rang with unadulterated power as she diverted the force back into the Timberwolf, forcing it to crash into a nearby tree. "It was mine, you know, "Celestia said trying to annoy her sister more. "And let you have all the fun? Not a chance Tia." She pinched Celestia's cheeks before slashing another Timberwolves in the way. The Timberwolves were unrelenting, closing in on the two sisters from all sides, their snarls filling the air. "Should we use it?" "It won't be necessary Lulu, I don't want another burning forest." They were about to be surrounded by the Timberwolves when an odd, rhythmic chant erupted. They felt the ground beneath their feet change, and the trees around them started to shake. The Timberwolves stopped, feeling a presence. A woman with large earrings suddenly emerged from the trees, holding her staff high. From the earth, vines sprang up, encircling the Timberwolves' limbs and holding them back in a cocoon of live plants and roots. The animals screamed in exasperation but were unable to escape. She finally breaks all of their limbs, and for some reason, they won't grow back like they used to. Surprised, Celestia and Luna looked up to see the familiar face of the person who had rescued them. "Still holding back your power I see." The smiling woman said. "Zecora!" Luna sighed with delight and lowered her sword in an exclamation. "How on earth you find us?" Zecora moved forward, speaking in a composed but determined tone. "Just a suspicion. I rarely hear the Timberwolves' snarls so close to the center of the Everfree. But don't worry, they are currently contained." With an expression of gratitude, Celestia took a step forward. "Zecora, thank you. We had no idea that we would be up against these beasts so quickly." "You didn't expect to fight them, while I do, dear Sister." Luna is standing next to Celestia, looking irritated while Celestia is merely grinning. "Still fighting like usual I see. Good to see you two haven't changed at all." Zecora said, amused at the sibling's attic. Zecora lowered her staff to survey her surroundings. "There is never any predictability in the Everfree. However, you should exercise caution because these animals are attracted to the magic you possess. To them, the energy you radiate is a beacon." Still a little irritated but appreciative of the assistance, Luna glanced at Zecora. “Zecora, we aren’t exactly here to battle creatures. All we're doing is trying to see an old acquaintance. Queen Gloriosa." Zecora's face softened when Gloriosa's name was mentioned. "Oh, Gloriosa. The Everfree's queen. Indeed, I haven't seen her in person in a long time. However, I can direct you to her." Celestia's eyes become shimmering. "Zecora, thank you. We would be grateful. Too much time has passed since we last saw her. Zecora grinned as he turned to face the trail ahead, where the thick trees appeared to open just a little. "Then follow me. However, individuals who enter impatiently will not be treated kindly by the Everfree. We have to honor its flow. Zecora took the lead, the sisters trailing closely behind, the beasts already defeated. As they ventured more into the forest, the mood appeared to shift. There was a lot of magic in the air, but there were also whispers of something old and strong that lived inside the Everfree. Luna, still grumpy like before, asked Celestia about her plans, "Do you think she would be glad to help us? It's been a long time since we last saw her and all of sudden we showed up to asked some help." Celestia's face lightened as she nodded, "I think she will. Both of us and the whole world are impacted by this matter. It is advantageous for both of us if we are able to find it quickly." With the dark shadows of the trees looming over them, Luna nodded but kept her thoughts to herself as they proceeded down the meandering road. Finally, after trudging for what felt like hours, they came to a clearing. Standing in the middle was a huge, old tree with darkened bark and limbs that formed a natural canopy. The air around it buzzed with enchantment, and glowing tendrils twisted around its trunk. "That girl sure is improving now," Celestia said, looking at the tree fascinated. "She's more than improving for sure." Added Luna. There was a tall, majestic figure at the base of the tree, surrounded by the enchantment of nature. Her eyes glowed with an almost ethereal brightness, and her hair fell in thick vines. The forest's own life appeared to pulse through her, and she wore a crown of flowers and leaves. Celestia laughed, "Gloriosa," using a gentle, sweet voice. "It has been far too long." With a smile, the woman moved forward and met Celestia and Luna's gaze. "Luna, Celestia... It's nice to see you two again." It was a calm, tranquil evening in Canterlot, with the sky growing dimmer. But as masked criminals barged into the Canterlot City Bank, their cries reverberated throughout the structure, causing mayhem. As the robbers ran through the establishment, snatching cash and beating up anyone who tried to get in their way, the employees and patrons flinched, their expressions frozen in terror. The leader yelled, "On the ground, all of you!" and grabbed a bank teller by the shoulder, pushing her to her knees. Ignoring the security guard's agonized moan as he hit the ground, another robber kicked him out of the way. Too engrossed in his adrenaline rush to observe the stranger moving stealthily through the doorway, the leader yelled commands. Everyone in the room turned to face the back of the bank as a steady, purposeful clap echoed through the room. A black-and-red-clad entity stood there, a devil mask covering their face. The icy, sparkling eyes and sly smile of the mask conveyed an unnatural, ominous impression. With a low voice tinged with malicious enjoyment, the masked figure murmured, "Look what we have here. A small gang of rats running around with a toy in their hands, how cute." One of the criminals pivoted and aimed his firearm. "Get out of here, freak! It's none of your business!" The masked figure's voice darkened as they cocked their head in laughter. "Oh, you'll find it's entirely my business." With deadly speed, the figure suddenly sprang forward. The first robber was within a heartbeat of them, and they grabbed his wrist, twisted it till the air was filled with a painful crunch. The robber let out a cry and dropped his weapon, but the figure quickly and viciously struck him in the throat, silencing him. "I smell a lot of blood tonight. It might be worth it to run away from my cage for a while." The figure wiggles the body before throwing it away like trash. The other criminals opened fire, but the figure dodged each bullet, moving like a shadow across the room. Then took another robber by the collar, lifted him, and then slammed him down with bone-shattering force after kicking the next one hard in the chest and sending him smashing against the wall. There was only one robber left, stumbling to his feet, his face white. He attempted to flee, but the figure blocked his path by appearing in front of him. When the robber realized he was imprisoned, his breathing accelerated. "Why so hurry? I'm not done yet you know~" The figure steps on the criminal's hand and enjoys every part of it. "P..please...I..spare me ple-" A magazine chokes on her mouth by the figure to stop the criminal from speaking. "Did you ever thought about sparing someone's life before hmm?" The figure deepened the thrust into the man's mouth, "6 robberies and a lot of people's lives gone just for a hobby?" "I do make someone's lives gone, it's a nice hobby." The figure knelt low, "But it's different you know. I didn't kill children and innocent, I only want people like you to satisfy me." The more the figure talks, the more frightened the criminal looks, "Don't give me that face, sweetie. Trust me, fear only lasts when you are still alive. If you don't count hell of course." Leaning closer, their mask reflecting the robber's horrified face, the figure paused to allow the words to sink in. "Consider this mercy, nightmare won't bother you anymore. I'll end it here, for you." The masked figure snaps its finger. In a flash, flames burst out of nowhere on all of the criminal's body, dancing with a fierce, unnatural light. When the robber realized what was about to happen, his eyes widened in dread, but he had nowhere to run. The flames jumped to the heap of vanquished criminals and blazed it all down. As the flames crept over them, it consumed everything in its path, twisting and turning, almost alive. The figure looked one last time at the astonished survivors, who were huddled together in fear as the fire crackled and spread all over the criminal. The masked figure turned and vanished into the darkness without saying another word, leaving behind only the burning bodies and an unwavering horror. "Something can never change no matter how much you try, huh? I think it's about right, hmm hmm hmm."
