MLP G5 Sunset: Make Your Mark

by JesusG0987

Rating: everyone
Tags: Mane 5, Sunset Shimmer, Opaline, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sunny Starscout, Mystery, Comedy, Misty, My Little Pony: A New Generation, Adventure
Length: 318876

What-IF? Sunset Equestria with her new generation of friends, but there are some things that would stop the magic.

This story takes place between after 'Sunny-Day Dinners' in MLP G5 Sunset: Tell Your Tale.

Months later, Sunset, Sunny and their friends embrace the new age of Equestria as the magic and the friendship has returned and the three tribes are together again. But there are someponies that doesn't like the change and wants things the way there were while there something out there that might cause the disaharmony and might cause trouble for the magic. Join Sunset and her new generations friends as their adventures continues to keep the magic stable and keep the magic of friendship sparkling.

Cover art from: BronySonicFan (I know Sunset isn't in a 3D thing like the cover but it's hard to find a 3D render Sunset so understand okay)

This story is an inspiration to Phantom-Dragon since it was his idea that inspired me to make this, so give credit to him.

Published 2022-09-12 21:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-11-30 03:21:12 UTC

Chapter 1: Make Your Mark Special (Editied 5/29/2023)

Author's Note

A/N: This takes place after chapter 10 of TYT.

Chapter 1: Make Your Mark Special (Editied 5/29/2023)

Chapter 1: Make Your Mark Special

"Twilight…Twilight…where are you? Can you hear me?" Sunset asked desperately.

The words burned on the pages of a journal, as Sunset Shimmer searched for her friends in the blinding darkness of her dream, on the face of Equestria, and the faded history of its past.

"I came back to Equestria because I wanted to pay my friend Twilight a visit," She narrated. "It's been, what? Many moons since last we've seen each other in the human world. I had just finished high school, with Twilight being there to witness the moment and congratulate me. What I didn't know was that it would probably be the last time I'll ever see her again…"

The hurt that can be heard in Sunset's voice is a reflection of the pain and regret that weighs heavily on her heart and mind.

"I came back to Equestria, to find that it has changed," Sunset continued to narrate. "The ponies were divided. Technology now exists in this world. And I'm stuck with more questions than answers on how this mess got started in my absence. Where did it all go wrong? Why did it all go wrong? How can we keep this from happening again?"

It was from a miracle that Equestria regained its magic, through the combined heroics of Sunny Starscout, Sunset Shimmer, and friends. But even with the magic restored, Sunset felt that it was only the tip of the iceberg. The start of something bigger than she, Sunny, or any pony in this modern age of Equestria could understand.

"Twilight's my best friend. She helped me on the right path to become a better pony, when I got lost in total darkness. I'll miss her…always. But until she and I are together again, the least I can do is to look after Sunny Starscout and watch over her progress. Just like how Princess Celestia once did for me…"

With the last words written of her thoughts, Sunset Shimmer retired for the night. But all the same, she thought to herself, deeply.

'Twilight. Wherever you are. I need a sign. Anything to point the way. I'm lost, trying to make heads and tails of this mystery. I wished I had your intuition. You always seemed to have an answer for everything."

With a sigh, feeling the sting of a tear, fighting to pour out from her eyes, Sunset fought the urge to cry.

'But now, I guess…I'll have to figure these out, on my own…goodnight, old friend.' She thought, missing Twilight and all the ponies she cared for.

In the skys on a nice sunny day, the winds are whistling, the birds are flying while chirping away, and then a whoosh went past them, which caught them off balance for a sec before regaining their balance, and as it turns out, Zipp is the one zooming past them as she fly ahead of the as she spread her wings while wearing two straps, one of her right front leg while the other is around her chest.

Zipp then hides in a cloud when a couple of pegasi with the same mane and coat colors while wearing glasses are looking at their phones fly past her. Once the coast was clear, Zipp got out of her cover, while having a puff of cloud on head until she shook it off as she flew away.

A little bit later, Zipp flew to Zephyr Heights as she headed to the castle while keeping cover. She made it to the top tower of the castle as she went to a window, while hanging upside down to see if the coast was clear.

Zipp then got in front of the window as she tried to budge it open by hitting it with her side, but so far no luck. "Hmmm…" She then thinks of another way to get in as she places a hoof on the window as she leans in, but then the window creaks open, which results in Zipp falling through it in the process. "Aah!" She cried out as she landed on the castle floor with a grunt, and then the radio on her strap frizz out as Pipp's voice spoke through it.

"So did you get it yet, Zipp?" Pipp said through the radio, apparently Zipp went to Zephyr Heights to grab something.

"Almost." Zipp answered.

"Well, hurry uuuuup!" Pipp frankly said, apparently in a hurry.

"On it." Zipp answered as she got up from the floor. "Maximum sneaky, engaged." She said with a determined smirk as she hears hoofsteps approaching in her direction as Zoom and Thunder are heading her way as they walk down the hall.

Zoom and Thunder approach the window, which Zipp somehow left, as they close it as they continue on. What they didn't know is that Zipp is right above them as she uses her wings to fly to the ceiling to stay hidden. Once the close is clear, she landed back to the floor and decided to move to the wall to pretend to be sneaky as she front flip to the other side past her family picture of her, her sister and her mother, Queen Haven when she and her sister were just fillies.

"Hey, Mom." Zipp said to the painting as she continued on when she saw Pipp's room door. She used her hoof of the scanner as the door opened up. Allowing Zipp to come in as she looks around her sister's room. "Uh…" She muttered to herself until she got her eyes on the prize. Pipp's microphone in a glass container next to the mirror. Zipp smirked as she lifted the glass up and snagged the microphone before racing down the hall with a victorious expression on her face. "Mission accomplished!" she declared.

"Good! Now fly fast!" Pipp called out, while telling Pipp to make it back as fast as possible.

Zipp chuckled at Pipp's words. "No problems with that." She said, fast is her specialty as she flew through the window as she flew away from the castle as she took to the sky, while performing her flying tricks along the way.

(Let's Make Our Mark Together! Song)

(Mane 5)
Hey!
You gotta let it glow!
You gotta let it shine!
Oh, let's make our mark together
Just riding on forever
Just keeps on getting better, better, better

Zipp did a big loop in the sky as she flew down, then gilded as she sped up her flying.

Everypony everywhere
You can feel it in the air
Find your spark and just glow and shine

Zipp then did another loop as she flew down, flew through the clouds before dividing with a twirl as she continued to take to the sky.

Make a mark that you can share
Hoof to heart, you know we care
Oh, ponies, come on, let's all unite (let's all unite!)

And then after some flying, she made it back to Maretime Bay as she flew over the ocean behind the Crystal Brighthouse as her hooves touch the ocean as she looks at the city of Maretime Bay below. And then she heard something that got her attention. "Aah! Watch out!" a voice called out.

Suddenly, Zipp saw two Pegasi fillies bump into each other as they started falling to the ground. Acting fast, Zipp then raced down to catch the two fillies in her hooves. "Heads up, everypony!" Zipp exclaimed as she flew to the ground, placing the fillies down safely.

"I'm so sorry. Thank you, Princess Zipp." The little filly pegasus thankec Zipp

"I'm so sorry. Thank you, Princess Zipp." One of the fillies said gratefully.

"Zipp. Just call me Zipp." Zipp stated, since the princess thing is never really her thing. "And don't worry about it. From what Sunset told me, the magic from the Unity Crystals in the Brighthouse is new to all of us. It takes practice." She replied, while according to Sunset, that ever since magic has returned, ponies are still getting used to it and are still learning their magic.

The unity crystals Zipp was talking about were displayed inside of The Crystal Brighthouse at the very top of it, but then, for some unknown reason, the crystals started glitching, and that wasn't a good sign.

And then somewhere in Maretime Bay, Pipp, with Hitch and Izzy beside her, helped up her phone in front of Sunset and Sunny, going to make a livestream with the two ponies who helped bring back magic and brought the three tribes together for an announcement they want to do, but they are waiting for Zipp to bring Pipp's lucky microphone to go along with it, which is the reason why she went to Zephyr Heights to get it.

Sunset grows impatient with this. "Pipp, are we going to do this livestream now or what?" She asked, seeing that this is taking a while.

"Yeah. Should we start now, or...?" Sunny asked as well, wanting to know if they could do it now or wait a little bit later.

Pipp groans, wanting to know the whereabouts of her big sister, and they need to start this livestream now. "Where is she? I really wanted to use my—" She was cut off when Zipp flew down beside her friends.

"Lucky microphone?" Zipp said with a smirk as she presented the microphone to her hoof as she twirls it around.

"There she is." Izzy proclaimed with a cheerful smile.

Pipp was happy that her sister had returned but was still demanding answers. "What took you so long? Don't tell me you were sneaking around the palace again." Zipp winked at her, giving her the answer as Pipp sighed. "You know you can just enter through the main doors. It's our house." She pointed out that she doesn't have to keep sneaking in their own home all the time.

"But if Mom knew I was there, I'd get stuck doing one of her random princess lessons." Zipp explained, giving the microphone over to Sunny, pointing out that if Queen Haven saw her daughter, she would want her to stay longer by giving her random princesses lessons, which is an excuse for her to let Zipp stay a bit longer than it needs to be.

"Good point." Pipp said, thinking Zipp's reasoning was justified, while also knowing that is exactly what their mother would do if she sees either of them.

"I would've done the sneaky thing, but I'm done sneaking into somepony place and taking something in it for one lifetime." Sunset pointed out her fair share of sneaking and stealing, one of how she stole the Element of Magic, Twilight's crown, when they first met and the second time when she and her friends stole the Pegasus Crystal from Queen Haven during their first adventure that brought back the magic and reunite the three tribes.

"Again. Good point." Pipp said as Zipp got beside Izzy as Pipp held up her phone while facing Sunny and Sunset. "Okay, you two. Just remember. Pretend you're both talking to us and not, like, all of Equestria, and you'll both do great." She assured the two ponies.

"Uhhh…" Sunny said, while feeling nervous about this as Sunset rolled her eyes.

"We gotta work on your choice of words, Pipp." Sunset pointed, seeing that her words were not comforting.

"Later, Sunset. You're both live…" Pipp said as she put her phone on livestream as she faced it in front of the two ponies. "...now!" She called out.

"Like, "now" now?" Sunny asked nervously as Pipp nodded in response as Sunny spoke to the live streamers. "Uh... Hey, everypony! I'm Sunny Starscout, and beside me is my mentor and sister figure, Sunset Shimmer, who is one of the legendary Guardian of Friendship from ancient Equestria." She started out as Sunset waved her hoof to the screen as Sunny continued. "We live here in Maretime Bay with my friends." She said while Pipp zoomed in on the two ponies before flipping the camera to show the rest of the Mane 6 as Izzy waved behind them with a smile and a laugh as the emojis on the livestream started popping up as Pipp flip it back to Sunset and Sunny as the two ponies smiled as Sunny continues.

"A lot has changed around here in the past few months." Sunny pointed out how much has changed ever since magic has returned. "Maretime Bay used to be the place just us Earth ponies live, just like how unicorns always stayed in Bridlewood and Pegasi never left Zephyr Heights. But when Sunset came into our lives and helped us on an adventure that changed everything, we found the three Unity Crystals and brought them back together, it brought us back together! All pony kinds were reunited in friendship!" She excitedly said while Pipp showed the ponies around Maretime Bay to prove her point. "Now anypony can live... anywhere! And... we have magic again!" She squealed in excitement while showing a Unicorn mare levitating two grocery bags, but then a Pegasus flew overhead causing the unicorn mare to lose her concentration that caused her bag to fall.

Sunset then spoke up next. "Equestria is now becoming the home that I remember. The magic, friendship, the three tribes together, this is what my old friend Twilight Sparkle would've wanted." She said with a fond smile, remembering Twilight, her old friend who showed her the magic of friendship. "When I first came to Equestria, it was not the place I remember or what Twilight told me about. It was divided, magicless and different from what I remember. When I first came back to Equestria, all of my friends were gone, along with the magic as well. But then when I met Sunny and the others, we journeyed to the three cities of each tribe of Equestria to bring back what Twilight dreamed of by reuniting the Unity Crystals, and once we showed friendship to the three tribes and brought them back together, it brought back the magic as well. Making Equestria as it used to be. Sure, all my friends that I once knew are gone, but I am glad to make new ones and help make Equestria the way it is supposed to be, to carry on Twilight's legacy." She finished with a smile, with Sunny and the rest of their friends smiling as well, being touched by Sunset's words.

"Doot-doo-doo!" Izzy spoke cheerfully as she levitated four oranges from the unicorn's grocery bags as Pipp turned her phone to her. "Well, the unicorns and Pegasi do." She giggles as she levitates the oranges high in the air as they fall down, one of them landed on her horn, not that Izzy mind. "Ta-daaaa! Now you both, Sunny and Sunset. Show everypony what you both can do." She said with an exciting look.

Pipp joins in as she faces her phone back to Sunny and Sunset. "Ooh, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah! Turn into an Alicorn, Sunny!" She squeals as she faces her phone to her own face. "That's an Earth pony, Pegasus, and a unicorn all in one!" She explained while combining three emojis of three ponies, one from each tribe, into Izzy that looks like an alicorn to show what she means. "You can see that Sunset is an alicorn herself. But let's see Sunny's alicorn form!" She excitedly said as she aimed her camera at the two ponies.

"Uhhh…" Sunny started as she laughed nervously. "You know it doesn't really work like that, guys. I can't just, uh…" She tried to remind them that she can't just summon her alicorn form quite yet, she can barely control it and doesn't know how to bring it out.

Sunset then spoke for her, seeing that she is nervous about that info. "Sunny is still learning her magic. I've been teaching her how to control it, but it's slow going. She can't bring out her alicorn half just yet, but she is improving." She said, while giving Sunny some explanations, apparently she's been having trouble controlling her alicorn half a the times and still needs practice.

"Right. Thanks, Sunset." Sunny said to Sunset, saving her the trouble as she faced the camera. "Anyway! The point is, magic powers or not, I think everypony can agree that our lives are way more magical now that we're together again." She pointed out as Pipp popped up on the screen.

"You know iiiiit!" Pipp sang before facing the two ponies in her normal voice. "Okay, Sunny and Sunset! Do the thing!" She said to them as the two ponies smirked as Pipp changed her phone to promotions.

Sunny then started first. "Do you like super fun times?" She asked while holding the microphone before letting it face Sunset.

"Are you interested in learning more about Earth pony traditions and tasting local treats?" Sunset asked the camera with a smile.

"Do you want to see ponies sing in a big concert?" Sunny asked as Izzy jumped in.

Yes! You bet! And yeeees!" Izzy cheered as she started scatting before striking a pose.

And then back to Sunny and Sunset. "Then you should come to our annual Maretime Bay Day Festival!" They both said in unison. Sunny gave Sunset the rundown of Maretime Bay Day before starting the livestream to help her get ahead of things as Sunny continued. "For a day of fun in the sunshine! It's going to be a blast! And we're not just talking about the fireworks show." She joked, which made her and Sunset laugh as Sunny continued. "All pony kinds are welcome!" She finished.

Hitch then came over next to Sunny, who was so excited as he grabbed the phone. "Oh! Oh! I love Maretime Bay Day! You gotta come check it out! The live Maretime music! The sand castle contest! The caramel ponycorn! Ah! It's the best!" He said in excitement, really love Maretime Bay Day as it is fun to be apart in.

Sunset smiled at this as she found Hitch's excitement cute. She looked at the Crystal Brighthouse with a proud smile, glad that Equestria is the way it's supposed to be and magic returned. But then suddenly, the rainbow from the Brighthouse glitch out a bit, clear as day for Sunset to notice, which makes her worried. "What the…?" She asked, before she could tell the group, a bird flew over Hitch as it chirped before grabbing Pipp's phone.

"Hey! Give that back!" Hitch called out to the bird, but it flew off, much to Pipp's distraught.

Pipp gasps at her phone being taken by that bird. "Hitch, my phone!" She dramatically yelled.

"After that bird!" Sunset called out as they gave chase to the phone stealing bird. The Mane 6 ran after the bird, making sure to avoid crashing into anyone along the way.

Sunset, Pipp and Zipp flew after the feathered animal, it then began flying near the ground around ponies making Zipp have to dodge them.

She and the bird flew up and Zipp almost caught it, but it then dived down. It flew through the train cart that was currently moving, causing Zipp to do so as well.

"Aah!" Both Zipp and the Conductor called out as Zipp flew through the train cart, but not before grabbing her hat in the process, which Zipp tossed it aside as they continued chasing the bird to get Pipp's phone back.

In the grass field just outside of Maretime Bay, the chase led just towards the distance of the house.

The bird slowly lost its grip on the phone and dropped it, causing Izzy to activate her magic. She managed to catch it but it wasn't fully working, she then tripped and slid forward into the garden that sat at the front of the house. The rest of the Mane 6 caught up and laughed. "Got it!" Izzy exclaimed, still holding the phone. The leaves covered her face as she blew them off smiling.

"Izzy, you really know how to make us smile. Never stop doing it." Sunset said with a smile, Izzy really just kept reminding her of Pinkie Pie in the early days.

"That will never happen, Sunset." Izzy replied with a smile as she levitated the phone down in front of her, to see it was still recording. "Oh, hey, look. It's still on." She laughed and levitated it to Pipp's hoof.

"See you at the festival." Pipp spoke to the phone before ending the recording.

"You okay, Izzy?" Sunny asked her unicorn friend.

"Oh, yeah, oh, yeah. I mean, a little ground glitter never hurt anypony." Izzy answered as she shook off the remaining leaves on her mane as she giggled.

"Well, thank hoofness for magic." Sunny said with a smile.

"Glad the magic is back. And it's been really helpful too.

"Oh, yeah!" Izzy agreed.

"Definitely." Pipp added.

"Fo' sho'." Zipp finished.

"Well, I, for one, do not agree." An angry voice called out. The Mane 6 turned and saw Posey step out of her house as she gave them an angry voice.

"Hey, Posey." Sunset rolled her eyes, there are times where she is sick of Posey's attitude of how she sees the Pegasi and Unicorns, thinking things are better off without magic, and it really gets on Sunset's nerves when Posey keeps complaining about it.

"Is this about your flowers, Posey?" Sunny asked. "It was an accident, but we'll fix them right away."

"No." Posey replied as she walked closer towards the group. "What I meant was that I wish magic had never come back. And I'm not the only pony around here who thinks so."

"Uh, what do you mean?" Sunny questioned.

"Yeah. Why is that?" Sunset said, with a little irritated look that Posey is bringing that up.

"You Pegasi are always flying too fast! O-Or too low! Or too high up!" Posey complained.

"What's wrong with flying high up?" Pipp asked in confusion, along with Zipp since they can fly and they questioned Posey's reason while Sunset raised an eyebrow at it.

"Ugh! I just don't like it, okay?!" Posey yelled out while getting into Pipp's face before she faced Sunset and Izzy. "And every time I'm at the market, there's some smug unicorn using their magic to shop!" She continued, referring back to something that happened to her earlier.

Flashback.

"I almost got hit in the head by a bag of floating apples yesterday!" Posey complained as she remembered when she dropped her smoothie as a Unicorn passed by with a bag of apples, she looked down at her now ruined smoothie before staring down the Unicorn angrily.

End Flashback.

"Well, maybe you should've just watched where you're going?" Sunset sarcastically asked, seeing Posey's complaints are just excuses for the new change of Equestria of returning to the way it is.

Posey rolled her eyes at that as she continued. "My point is, magic is not very safe. At least not for the rest of us ponies who don't have it." She said, while saying that Earth Pony doesn't seem to have magic while the other tribes do as she walked towards the only Earth Pony of the group. "Right, Sheriff Hitch?" She asked, wanting him to prove her point.

Hitch just scratched the back of his head with his hoof, not sure how to answer that. "Uh… I don't know if I would say that." He said, which made Posey growled, not expecting that answer.

"Everypony's just... still learning how to use it. That's all. Magic takes practice." Sunny explained, stating that ponies are still getting used to magic and it takes time to get used to it.

Posey, who had faced away from them, grew a snarl. "But that's not the worst part… she is!" She pointed her hoof at Sunset.

"What?! Me?!" Sunset called out, a little angry that Posey thinks she is the worst part, not seeing what she means by that.

"You suddenly showed up in Maretime Bay with your Unicorn friend here and the rest of you joined together and brought back the magic! And you think you are incharge of us because you are an alicorn!" Posey yelled out, pointing out her reasons

Sunset then got angry as she gave an angry look back at Posey. "1: You don't make the calls! 2: Don't tick off an alicorn! 3: I got seniority on all of you ponies considering I'm from the time when Twilight and the rest of the Guardians of Friendship were around! And 4: All those complaints are just excuses of something you don't like, Posey. You just can't seem to embrace the change on how magic is bringing harmony to Equestria. And you don't get to judge on how we do things, you're not in charge of our decisions." She scowled the yellow-pinked haired Earth Pony.

"Really? What are you gonna do, blast me with your magic…" Posey was cut off when Sunset used her magic to shut her muzzle, which startled her as Sunset gave her a mean glare that made Posey flinch.

"Don't tempt me. You're lucky I'm a friend of Twilight and I would never go that far. I returned to Equestria to find out so many changes and all the ponies I knew and loved, gone." Sunset started as she closed her eyes to fight back the tears before opening them and facing Posey again. "And when I help Sunny and our friends return the magic and all of the pony kind together again, it feels like I'm home. And it's up to us to keep Twilight's legacy alive and make sure that none of that will happen again, and it's a promise I intend to keep, to honor my friends' memories." She pointed out as she releash Posey's muzzle, allowing her to talk again.

"Hmph. Then they should do their magic somewhere else other than my garden!" Posey called out. And with that, she stormed off back into her house, slamming the door.

"Okay, wow. She was really nice, right, guys?" Izzy asked, she said between Zipp and Pipp, but they just gave a smile as they walked off.

"I'm not sure if that's the word I'd use, Izzy." Sunset replied, thinking of much better words to describe Posey, really don't like her on how she viewed other ponies and how she's been acting selfish in the past.

As the rest of the group walked off, Izzy decided to fix up Posey's garden and her broken mailbox with her magic, all the while humming to herself.

"Oh! Come on, Sunny, Sunset! Let's go home!" Izzy said as she galloped off.

Before Sunny and Sunset followed the group back to Maretime Bay, she glanced back and saw Posey shut her curtains, clearly not wanting to associate with them.

Sunset sighs at this. "Posey really needs to know to embrace the change and move on." She said, really don't like how Posey wanted things to be the way they are before magic returned and the tribes united again.

"I know what you mean, Sunset." Sunny agreed to Sunset's words, seeing that Posey really needed to give this new change a chance and not hate it. "Don't worry, Posey. We're gonna find a way to show you and everypony else just how awesome magic can be." She said with an encouraging smile.

"And we will prove it that this is how it is, and how it was meant to be." Sunset added as she and Sunny went to catch up to their friends as they walked back to the Brighthouse.

The Mane 6 made it back to the Crystal Brighthouse while Zipp was flying through the air. The Mane 6 opened the door as they entered their home.

Izzy trotted in front of them as she looked at Pipp and Sunset. "Pipp! Sunset! Pipp! Sunset! Pipp! Sunset! I want to show you both something!" She said excitedly as she led the two ponies upstairs.

Sunset, Izzy and Pipp entered their bedroom while following Izzy.

Pipp hums while they stop in front of Izzy's bed. "So what did you want to show us?" She asked Izzy.

"Yeah, Izzy. Is it something special?" Sunset asked, wanting to know as well as well.

"Well, I don't know if you two noticed, but I consider myself a bit of an artist." Izzy pointed out with a smirk.

"Of course, we've noticed." Pipp said with a smile as she sat on Izzy's bed. "All of this beautiful stuff was made by you. You're so creative, Izzy." She complimented her unicorn friend.

"Yeah, Izzy. You are the greatest artist pony that ever lived. You make things out of anything." Sunset added with a smile.

"And you're amazed at making new things out of old things." Pipp added while holding a homemade pillow Izzy made as she then gasps. "What do you call it again?" She asked, wanting to know the name of Izzy's artist skills again.

"Oh, yeah. Uni-cycling." Izzy said with a smile as she twirled in a circle.

"Uni-cycling! Yes, yes, that's it!" Pipp called out as she placed the pillow down.

"So, what is it you want to show us, Izzy? Because when you talk about your Uni-cycling skills, it means you have something of interest." Sunset stated, knowing well that Izzy wants to show them something.

Izzy then spoke as she turned a box next to her with some stuff in them as she tossed them out, searching for something. "So, the other day, when I was searching for my box of googly eyes in the basement, I found this!" She lifted up Sunny's old lantern, which has seen better days for sure.

Sunset and Pipp gasps in shock as Pipp spoke first. "Is that Sunny's old lantern?" She asked in wonder.

"Well, her dad made it for her when she was a filly!" Izzy stated, with adding a cute tone to the filly part.

"That you'd fix it up for her as Maretime Bay Day present?!" Pipp finished in amazement.

"Yup! But shhh! It has to be a surprise! Sorry." Izzy said, while also wanting to surprise Sunny by fixing the one thing her father made for her.

Pipp squeals. "I love surprises! Your secret is safe with me." She assured Izzy with her wings flapping, not wanting to ruin the surprise for Sunny, then gave a confused look to Sunset.

"Agreed. Sunny will love this, Izzy. You are a good friend to her." Sunset complimented to Izzy for fixing the one thing Sunny's father made.

"Thanks, Sunset. What are good friends for?" Izzy asked cheerfully.

"True that." Sunset said before going back on topic. "We don't tell Sunny this. It's a surprise that we will cover when Izzy reveals it to her. Right girls?" She said as she lifted her hoof.

Izzy and Pipp smiled as they touched their hooves together with Sunset and then placed them over their chests. "Hoof to heart." They said their promising words, making a promise to never spoil this surprise.

Sometime later, the Mane 6 are gathered in the kitchen with some upbeat music, making homemade pizza together. Sunset loves pizza, and making some really got her taste buds going as she smiled while flipping a dough in her magic.

"I love flipping some dough." Sunset said while also having some second thoughts, about what Posey just said and that weird rainbow glitch the Brighthouse did earlier. "What was that glitching about?" She asked herself, and can't seem to figure out what it means.

Zipp was at the other table in front of her friends as she groaned, having some thought in her mind. "Zipp?" Pipp's voice called out, but Zipp was too far in thought to hear. "Zipp!" Pipp tried again, but no response. Having enough, Pipp hopped next to her sister. "ZIPP!" She called out close to her ear.

"Huh?!" Zipp was snapped out of her little world and gave her sister a sheepish look, not knowing that she zones out for a bit.

"I have been asking you if you want extra cheese on your pizza for, like, ten minutes!" Pipp explained while also showing how long Zipp zones out. "What's up with you?" She asked in concern for her sister.

"Oh. Sorry." Zipp apologized. "Just thinking about something weird that happened earlier." She said, thinking about the two fillies Pegasi falling all of sudden.

"The thing with Posey?" Pipp said, thinking that must be the problem her sister is thinking.

"Oh, uh... yeah." Zipp stuttered while giving a fake smile to Pipp. "That." She said, making clear that wasn't what she was thinking.

Sunset saw this and can see through Zipp's stutter, clearly thinking the same thing differently when the Brighthouse's rainbow glitched out.

"Same here. How could she not love magic?" Sunny asked, wanting to know why Posey hated magic, since it would make everypony lives better and it was part of them for years.

"Earth ponies have never had magic before." Hitch stated as he was rolling the dough. "Maybe Posey's jealous." He suggested that Posey might be jealous that earth ponies don't have magic.

"Jealous?" Pipp asked as she, Zipp, Sunset and Sunny were giving Hitch a look.

"I know I am." Hitch admittedly said, saying he feels left out since he doesn't have any magic and Sunny got hers in alicorn bonus. "Magic seems a little scary, but it would be pretty cool to be able to levitate things." He stated as McSnip appeared before hiding back down.

"Like this? Whoo!" Izzy cheered as she laughed as she levitated the unbaked pizza in her magic and lifted it in the air as it whirled around as the rest of her friends watched. Izzy saw McSnip carrying a bowl away, but that caused her to lose her concentration as her magic stopped and she looked up. "Whoa! Whoops!" Izzy called out as the unbaked pizza landed on her horn with a splat. Which caused the rest of the Mane 6 to laugh at this display, not that Izzy mined as she licked a sauce that was on her muzzle with a smile. "Mmm! Worth it!" She cheered, with McSnip taking the pizza sauce/.

"Ah, you're right, Hitch." Pipp said with a playful expression. "That is soooo much better than flying." She said as she walked ahead.

Zipp then got to Sunset and Sunny as they both gave concerned looks. "So have you two figured out the whole 'magical wings and horn appearing at random times' thing yet?" She asked them, trying to see if they have any ideas of this whole magic glitching thing problem.

"Sorry, Zipp. We haven't figured out what is happening." Sunset said, stating that they got nothing yet.

"Yeah. And it's been getting worse." Sunny added with a worried look.

"I'll say. Remember that time at the smoothie stand, Sunny. Your magic just pops up all of sudden." Sunset reminded them of the moment when her and Sunny were working at the smoothie stand.

Flashback.

The birds are chirping on a nice sunny day while Sunset and Sunny are working in the smoothie stand while Sunny is giving a unicorn mare a smoothie. Before she is giving her smoothie, she gave Sunny the money to pay for it, and then all of a sudden, Sunny's magic began to shimmer as it boomed into her alicorn form, causing the smoothie to fell to the floor of the stand and everything else to fly out, but it amazed the unicorn mare who gasps in amazement at Sunny's form.

Sunny gasps, having no idea how she got into her alicorn form. "Uh…" She said, unsure what to say.

Sunset looked in shock at this. "Sunny, did your alicorn magic kick in on its own?" She asked in shock.

"I think it did, Sunset." Sunny said, still unsure how it happened as she looked at her wings. But she was so distracted, she slipped on the spilled smoothie and fell backwards. "Whoa! Oof!" SHe hit the back wall of herstand, which caused it to tilt backwards as Sunny and Sunset started screaming. The stand then crashed as the ponies around the stand cringe of the impact. Sunset and Sunny groaned as they crawled out of stand as two birds landed beside each of them as Sunny's alicorn magic then vanished, but then four smoothies landed on the two ponies and two birds heads from the sudden action.

Sunset groans at this. "We need to figure out a way to solve this problem." She stated as Sunny nodded in agreement.

End of Flashback.

"Maybe Posey has a point. Magic is unpredictable." Zipp said to the two ponies, might agree with Posey for thinking magic can be unpredictable.

"Hmmm." Sunny thought of what Zipp just said as the time dings, signaling that the pizza is finished as Sunny walked to the oven and brought out the pizza. "It may be unpredictable, but it's not dangerous." She pointed out that magic isn't dangerous if it's unpredictable. She brought the pizza in front of her friends as she tossed it in the air, and then Izzy used her magic to slice the pizza into six equal pieces and pass them out to their friends as they took a bite of their slice. "We just need to show the Earth ponies that magic is nothing to be afraid of. It makes Equestria a... a better place. And it's fun!" Sunny explained as she took a bite of her pizza.

Sunset was in thought of all this. "Magic doesn't just work one way, Sunny. I've had my experience that when somepony uses their magic the wrong way, it can be a disaster. And that's not all that I'm concerned about lately." She said, while having a thought that something is off.

"What's that, Sunset?" Sunny asks, wanting to know what got into Sunset's mind.

"Remember during the whole SproutMaximus robot problem? And in the speech, I said that even the earth ponies lost their magic?" Sunset asked them, they all nodded, remembering that day clearly since it was the day magic returned and the tribes reunited. "Well, lately we see only unicorns and pegasi having their magic. But for some reason, the earth ponies don't have their magic as well. So, the real question is, why hasn't the earth pony magic returned like the rest of the magic in Equestria?" She asked the million bits question, remembering that earth ponies can help grow plants and be fast on their feet with enough staniam to make run as fast to make the leaves drop in the fall.

"Maybe it hasn't returned yet, possibly because the Unity Crystals can only contain so much?" Sunny suggested, thinking that the crystals can maybe hold so much magic.

"Still, we might be guessing." Sunset said, thinking that theory isn't it, trying to figure out where the earth pony magic.

"Wow! Are you ponies thinking what I'm thinking?" Izzy asked in excitement as her friends looked at her with a smile.

"I think I might be." Sunny said with a smile, knowing that Izzy might be thinking .

"All right, everypony. On the count of three." Izzy said with a knowing smile. "One... two... three... Floating parade! Right?" She called out while raising her hooves in the air before placing them on her cheeks.

Sunny paused for a second since that wasn't what she was thinking, but just smiled and responded. "Not exactly, but close. We're going to use Maretime Bay Day as our chance to show off all the amazing things magic can do!" She declared as the rest of her friends looked at her as she continued. "Then everypony will remember just how special it is that we have friendship and magic in our lives again! Are you ponies in?" She asked, wanting her friends to join in.

"Yeah!" Izzy answered with a smile.

"Definitely, definitely!" Pipp said twice with a smile.

"I'm in!" Hitch called out, agreeing as well.

"You know I'm there, Sunny." Sunset adds with a smile.

Zipp's phone starts ringing, she look at her phone to see who's calling, and groans as, you know who, figure she might call

At the top of the Crystal Brighthouse where the Unity Crystals are, Zipp came up using the elevator while her phone kept ringing.

Zipp sighs as she answers her phone tablet, showing her mother, Queen Haven, but she got the camera facing her ears. "Zephyrina? Are you there? H-Hello? I can't see you." Queen Haven called out, while the camera was facing each one of her face, the ears first, then her mouth and then her eyeball, clearly not used to phones as she used to.

Zipp looked away for a bit, a little weird out that her mother can't use a phone property as she answered with a dry tone. "Hi, Mom." She said with a small smile.

"Oh." Queen Haven said once she got the camera right as she chuckled. "There you are."

At the throne room in Zephyr Heights, Queen Have sits on her throne in the center of the thrones her daughter sat on with Cloudpuff next to her with two of her royal guards in front of her, Zoom and Thunder, as she spoke to the phone with a smile.

"It's been ages since I've seen my fillies!" Queen Haven cheerfully said to the phone while Cloudpuff barked in the conversation, wanting the doggy treat Queen Haven had in her hoof. "At least Pipp answers her phone when I call her. You never do." She said to Zipp while giving Cloudpuff the treat, which he gradually ate, while also stating that Zipp never answered her mother's calls for a while since she and her sister moved to Maretime Bay with their friends. "And you haven't visited Zephyr Heights at all." She added, while stating that Zipp hasn't come and visited Zephyr Heights to see her either.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Zipp looked nervous at what her mother just said.

"Nope! You're right!" Zipp called out nervously. "I definitely have not been to Zephyr Heights!" She said with a nervous laugh, while not wanting her mother that she was at Zephyr Heights since she can't let her mother know that.

"Well, it's not like you can't fly now, darling." Queen Haven called out with an amusing expression, reminding Zipp that Pegasi can fly now when magic returned, and then Cloudpuff came in front of the camera as he licked the screen. "Oh! Cloudpuff wants to say hi!" Queen Haven spoke with a smile as she looked at Cloudpuff. "Who's Mommy's little baby?" She said with a baby tone to Cloudpuff as Zipp cringed at the sight, she knows her mother has a great bond with Cloudpuff like her and her sister but that's a little weird to see that.

At Zephyr Heights, Queen Haven nuzzled Cloudpuff as he flew close to her face.

"You are!" Queen Haven finished, but then realizes they are getting off topic as she regains her composure and looks at her daughter. "You were saying?" She asked Zipp, getting back on track.

Back at the Brighthouse, Zipp regains her composure as she speaks. "Oh, it was just—" She was cut off when her mother spoke again.

"Listen, Zipp, dear." Queen Haven started through the phone.

Back at Zephyr Heights, Queen Haven continued as Cloudpuff kept barking while backflipping in the air before landing back on the ground.

"I called because I'm gonna need you to move back home, okay?" Queen Haven spoke her reason for calling, wanting Zipp to move back to Zephyr Heights.

"What?!" Zipp asked in shock through her mother's phone. "No! No way!" She protested, not wanting to move back to home and leave her friends and little sister behind.

"I know you've had your fun with your new friends and all, but you're a princess, darling." Queen Haven pointed out, while understanding that Zipp wanted to be her friends but also reminding her daughter that she is the future queen of Zephyr Heights. "You're going to be queen one day." She added, saying that Zipp will one day be queen in the future.

Back in the Brighthouse, Zipp didn't feel like being Queen yet as she rolled her eyes at her mother in understanding.

"I know. What about Pipp though?" Zipp asked, saying that Pipp will be left behind and while also saying that she is a princess as well to Zephyr Heights.

"Well, your sister has a little salon project, and while I do like the idea of you being there to keep an eye on her, let's face it, she livestreams everything, so that's not really necessary." Queen Haven pointed out, stating that Pipp has to run Mane Melody and all she does is livestream everything to her Pippsqueaks, so Pipp is out of the question. "You're the one I need here, studying my every move and representing the royal family." She finished, stating that Zipp is the oldest and is heir to the throne and needs to learn more about being queen by learning those lessons from her mother.

Zipp is feeling conflicted about this as she felt like she would go back but also knowing that she can't leave her friends behind.

Back in Zephyr Heights, Zipp answered through her mother's phone. "But I'm not sure if I'm ready to leave just yet." She called out.

"And why wouldn't you be?" Queen Haven asked her daughter, wanting to know why don't want to leave.

Back in the Brighthouse, Zipp tries to think of her reason for not wanting to leave.

"Ummm…" Zipp thought of her reason before remembering Maretime Bay Day as she turned to her mother on her phone.

Back in Zephyr Heights, Zipp spoke her reason. "…there's a festival soon?" She said to her mother in an unsure way.

"Hmm." Queen Haven thought of that for a moment before speaking. "I do suppose festival planning does count as a useful skill for your future on the throne." She said, finding her daughter's reason fair since it will be part of her queen training as she smiled at Zipp. "As queen, you'll be responsible for arranging state dinners, teas, parties…" She listed out the reasons on how queens handle festival planning to Zipp.

Back in the Brighthouse, Zipp grows nervous at her mother listing out the planning, putting more pressure on her as she speaks out.

"Uh-oh!" Zipp's voice called out as she mimicked static sounds while shaking her phone. ""You're…! Breaking…! Up…!" She said she finished minicking while Queen Haven gave Zipp an unamused expression before Zipp ended the call. "Ugh." Zipp groans as she walks to the edge of the balcony as she looks at the view of Maretime Bay as she sighs.

A little bit ago, Sunny and Sunset are walking around the Brighthouse and heading to the top of it with an elevator installed after their pizza lunch as Sunset spoke.

"You know, Sunny. Ever Since I came back and the magic was restored, something has been going on lately. And not just the random magic incident, but for some reason, earth ponies don't have magic to go on for some reason." She said, trying to process how earth ponies don't have magic since back in her days, they used to have them.

"Yeah, I see what you mean. And what you told me about the many kinds of magic, earth pony should have them. Right?" Sunny asked.

"Well, they should. But since magic is restored, all the earth ponies don't have them. Which is strange to say the least. The bigger question is, where is the earth pony magic?" Sunset questioned.

"Uh, oh!" Zipp's voice called out as she mimicked static sounds, Sunset and Sunny turned and saw Zipp at the balcony at the top of the lighthouse where the Unity Crystals is. "You're…! Breaking…! Up…!" She said she finished miniking and ended the call on her phone, which showed Queen Haven giving Zipp an unamused expression before Zipp ended the call. "Ugh." Zipp groans as she walks to the edge of the balcony as she looks at the view of Maretime Bay as she sighs.

Sunny and Sunset came to Zipp with concerned expressions as Sunny spoke. "Is everything okay?" She asked Zipp.

Zipp turned and saw Sunny and Sunset coming next to her. "Yeah. It's just that... I love it here in Maretime Bay so much. I don't want to leave yet." She admittedly said with a little sad look.

"Leave? What do you mean?" Sunset asked.

"Go back to Zephyr Heights." Zipp pointed with a sad tone.

"But you just got here!" Sunny pointed out that Zipp just got here when she first moved.

"I know. I'm not ready to become a full-time, heir-to-the-throne princess yet. Not the way my mom expects me to be anyway." Zipp pointed as she walked to the side a bit. "But... I'm not sure if I fit in here either." She pointed out.

"Of course you do!" Sunny announced with a smile, knowing that Zipp really does fit in here.

"Even if all I do is fly around and try out new moves?" Zipp asked as she flapped her wings and did a little flying before landing back on the balcony to prove her point.

"It's what you love to do!" Sunny stated, knowing that's all that Zipp would have wanted. "As Izzy would say…" She then imitated Izzy in a tone. "It makes your sparkle shine really bright!" She repeated the tone on how Izzy sees other ponies sparkle.

"I don't know. Maybe my mom is right." Zipp said as she walked a bit around the balcony. "Maybe I should just go back to Zephyr Heights and really try to be the kind of princess everypony is hoping for." She said as she sighs. "I'm going to have to do it someday." She stated as she hated being a princess, she knew that she might become that princess one day, since it's only a matter of time.

Sunset then places a hoof on Zipp's shoulder for comfort. "Nopony like what they might become, Zipp. But it's your choice to be the princess everypony sees in you, or you can be yourself and choose your own path." She said some wisdom to Zipp, telling her that's her choice and not nopony else.

"Thanks, Sunset. But still, I don't know." Zipp said, not sure if she can make the right calls.

Sunny then spoke. "At least stay until Maretime Bay Day. Then you can decide." She said, wanting Zipp to have fun in Maretime Bay Day before she makes her choice.

"Okay, yeah. I guess I can't miss that." Zipp said with a smile, knowing she can't miss that special day.

"Now come on. We have a festival to plan, and it needs your magic, too." Sunny said as she walked back to the elevator as it went down. Sunset then gave Zipp a small smile.

"Don't worry, Zipp. You will know where you belong. It's not the mind that helps you make the choices, it's the heart that helps you choose who you are meant to be." Sunset said as she placed a hoof over her heart. "When I returned to Equestria, I was lost, alone, and so out of date of how much Equestria has evolved, that it felt like I don't belong here. But when I met Sunny and the rest of you, I found my place and purpose in Equestria again, and I must continue on to make sure the legacy of my old friend Twilight Sparkle lived on." She said as she turned to where Sunny walked off. "And I'll look after Sunny and the rest of you, while keeping the magic of friendship alive for the future sake of Equestria. We don't become who we are by what other ponies say, but we become who we are meant to be by being ourselves and doing what we need to do." She said, saying that anypony can become who they are by doing what they need to do and not do what other ponies tell them to do.

Zipp sighs, taking Sunset's words by heart as she can see what she is saying. "I guess you're right, Sunset. I'll think about it." She said, going to think of her choice before making her decision.

Just then, two Pegasi, one a mare and a stallion, their wings started glitching as they somehow stopped flying as they fell from the sky while screaming.

Zipp and Sunset gasp when they see it. "That's not good." Zipp said as she flew off the balcony to try and catch them, Sunset was about to follow, but then the two Pegasi flew again as they went on with their business. Sunset and Zipp looked at each other strangely. "Weird." Zipp said as she sighs as she flies back to the ground.

"Weird is right. And also strange." Sunset added, while placing a hoof over her chin, she then heard a glitching sound as she turned to the Unity Crystal, that looks okay right now. "What is going on?" She asked herself, wondering where are these glitches coming from as she went down with the elevator, unaware that the Unity Crystal glitch out again.

Sunset made it back downstairs of the Brighthouse and saw Sunny showing Izzy and Pipp on how they celebrate Maretime Bay Day.

"Ribbon wreaths are the traditional decoration of Maretime Bay Day." Sunny explained. "We hang them on our front doors, on Mane Street... Everywhere!" She pointed while also pointing out ribbon wreaths all over the Brighthouse to prove her point.

"Cuuuute!" Pipp cheered as she lifted one up, but coughed as some dust fell off it. "A little dusty, but cute." She corrected herself.

Izzy then gasps as she levitates a teaspoon over her head. "I once made a wreath out of old teaspoons!" She said to her friends.

"Loving that idea, Izzy." Pipp said with a smile and then she gasps, having an idea. "Maybe we can add some unicorn and Pegasus flair to these ones, too." She suggested, wanted to add all three flairs of each tribe together.

Izzy then gasped as she went through the kitchen cabinets and brought back a bunch of teaspoons while tossing some to her friends, who duck for cover, a handle she is carrying in her mouth while the rest is in her magic. "Now... where did I leave my suitcase full of glitter?" She asked herself with a mouthful as she went to find her glitter supply.

"Uh, anypony seen Zipp and Sunset?" Sunny asked, wondering where they are now.

"I'm up here." Sunset called out as Sunny and Pipp looked at her on top of the stairs, having heard Sunny about the flair thing. "But Zipp, don't know." She said once she went down the stairs.

"What's with all the spoons?" Speaking of said pegasus, Zipp flew down to the floor as she asked why there are so many spoons.

"Oh, we're uni-cycling these old decorations." Izzy explained while in front of her suitcase of glitter as she levitated some of the spoons. "Do you two want to try?" She asked them.

"Maybe later, Izzy. Because I gotta check on something." Sunset said to Izzy, wanting to try out, but with the glitches acting up, she needs to figure out what is going on and how to stop it.

Zipp however, feels unsure about it. "Uh, decorating things isn't really my strong point." She said as she started to walk by.

"We could do something else." Sunny said as she got next to Zipp. "What about baking Bay Day treats?" She suggested.

"I'm not very good at baking either." Zipp said as she kept walking.

"Or write a song for the big concert!" Sunny suggested again as Pipp flew next to her sister.

"Ooh! Zipp, you used to love writing song lyrics with me!" Pipp added, remembering how she and her sister used to sing lyrics to songs that Zipp wrote down.

"I-I don't think so." Zipp asked nervously as she kept walking to the door.

"Wait! I'm sure we can find something that you'd like to do." Sunny pleaded, wanting Zipp to have some fun with them as she continued to walk up to the door.

"Uh, maybe later. Bye!" Zipp said quickly as she walked out as she closed the door. Sunny gave a sad look at Zipp not wanting to join as Izzy brought up the spoon flair she made as she smiled cheerfully as some of the spoons fell off.

Sunset sighs at this. "I'll go with Zipp. Just to be sure she's okay. You guys have fun and save me some supplies for a flair of my own, okay?" She asked her friends as they nodded in saying yes. "Okay. I'll see you guys later." She said as she walked out the door to catch up to Zipp, knowing well what's gotten into her mind.

Sometime at the Sheriff Station, Hitch is walking to his station with a cheerful expression.

"Good morning, station!" Hitch cheerfully said to the building as he walked inside with his critters behind him. "Sheriff Hitch here, reporting for duty." He said to himself as he sat on his desk with a smile and adjust his desk a bit before his critters crew came in front of him as the two birds salute to him while McSnips just stand there as Hitch smiled at them. "At ease, deputies!" He said to them with a smile and hooves on his hips as the two birds lower their wings as Hitch continued. "So what do you say? Which Sheriff-y things should we do today in Maretime Bay? Hey, hey, heeeey!" He sanged as he twirled around in his seat with a cheerful expression.

At the same time, Sunset caught up to Zipp as Sunset spoke first. "Zipp. You know how our friends feel if we deny their request to have fun together. You can't just walk out on them like that." She said to the pegasus.

"I know, Sunset. I wanted to have fun with them too. But with what's been going on lately, I need to find some answers." Zipp said, stating what she saw earlier and trying to figure it out.

"You're not the only one. This glitching is becoming a nuisance to me as well." Sunset admitted. "Maybe we should talk to Hitch and see if he has anything to say." She said that maybe might have some advice they can use on this issue, if he doesn't know that is, at least he can give them some advice.

"My thoughts exactly." Zipp said as they made it to the station, but then they heard Hitch's voice through the door.

"At ease, deputies. So what do you say?" Hitch's voice said as he began to sing. "Which Sheriff-y things should we do today in Maretime Bay? Hey, hey, heeeey!"

Sunset and Zipp raise an eyebrow as they open the door as they walk in and see Hitch's sitting on his table with his animal crew. "Oof. Are you trying to rhyme?" Zipp asked with a raised eyebrow with Sunset smirking at Hitch's trying to rhythm.

"Oh, hey, Zipp. Hey, Sunset." Hitch greeted his friends. "Yeah, what did you both think?" He asked them what they thought of his song.

"Way too much." Zipp answered with a raised eyebrow, finding Hitch's rhyming a little bit much.

"I have to agree with Zipp, Hitch." Sunset said. "That was a good rhyme but a little bit too much. Try and dumb it down a bit next time." She advises.

"Cool, cool. Just trying something out. Didn't work. Good feedback and advice." Hitch said to them, going to have to work on his rhyming as he clears his throat. "So what can I do for you two?" He asked them, wanting to know what brings them here.

"I'm just here to keep Zipp company. But she's here for a reason, I just tag along." Sunset said, wanting Zipp to let out her worries on her own, since she can't force ponies to do that, that's not the princess way or what Twilight would do, and she did that before when she was a bully of CHS, and wanting to move past that.

Zipp then grew nervous again. "I came by because... well... Have you seen anything... strange lately?" She asked him.

Hitch grabbed a pencil in his hoof as McSnip brought his sheriff journal and wrote it down. "Strange? What do you mean?" He asked what she meant by that.

"Well, I was on the balcony earlier when…" Zipp tried to explain but stopped herself. "Y-You know what? It was probably nothing. Forget it." She said as she laughed nervously.

Sunset looked at her in disbelief as Zipp couldn't even reveal the strange glitches lately as she followed her out.

"Wait." Hitch stopped them as he spoke. "I know what this is about." He said as the two were caught off guard.

"You do?" Zipp asked.

"Yup. Mm-hmm. You're... bored." Hitch said, thinking that Zipp must be bored as Sunset and Zipp raised an eyebrow at each other, clearly Hitch didn't get it yet. "But you don't have to be shy. We're pals! We can totally hang out! I know. Let's order fries from three different diners and then decide which ones are the best!" He said excitedly as Sunset and Zipp gave him an amused expression as he gasps. "Or maybe a puzzle!" He excitedly said while holding up a puzzle. Zipp and Sunset give him a strange look, and finding it funny Hitch is going overboard until a phone starts to ring. "A call?" He said excitedly as he answered the call and cleared his throat as he spoke. "Sheriff station. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. I see. Really?" He asked as McSnip brought out his journal as he wrote down what the caller was calling. "How strange. At the beach? Well, I'll be right there." He assured the caller as he hung up the phone. "It appears we have a code eight-eighteen at the beach. Want to come on a trot-along with me, Zipp and Sunset?" He then looked at where they were and saw Sunset just standing there as Zipp went out the door as it closed.

"Um. She just went out the door." Sunset said with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, at least you can join, Sunset. But what's gotten into Zipp lately?" Hitch asked.

"Well, she's been thinking about something. But with what, I don't know. And this is something she has to figure out herself because she needs to know." Sunset said, while thinking this might have something to do with the glitch lately, and maybe she should give Zipp some space to figure out, and maybe she will too if the two ponies cover more ground to get some new clues, and she hate to not tell her friends about this but she needs more proof to really know what is going on lately. "Come on. Let's go to the beach and see what strange thing is going on." She said,

"Let's go then." Hitch said as the two ponies walked out of the building to head to the beach to see what was wrong.

Later on at the beach, ponies are having a fun time as Sunset and Hitch, along with the animal crew, walk down the path and into the sand as they look for anything out of the ordinary.

"Hmm. Looks normal to me." Hitch said, seeing nothing strange going on here.

"Keep your eyes peeled, Hitch. One must look before judging." Sunset said to Hitch, to look around for anything strange, even if it's not.

"What do you mean something strange happened?!" An annoying earth pony colt said to a unicorn mare, with an umbrella on a destroyed sand castle. "You did it on purpose!" He accused her.

"Okay, follow the sound of the angry colt." Sunset said as she and Hitch headed to where the two ponies were.

"I did not!" The unicorn mare tries to defend herself.

"I saw you use your magic to drop your umbrella onto my sand castle!" The colt exclaimed while pointing to his ruined sandcastle.

"I'm telling you, it wasn't me!" The nervous unicorn said. "I was carrying it, and then my magic just went away!" She tried to reason with him.

"I don't believe you!" The earth pony colt exclaimed, as some sand rustled from his ruined sandcastle as he gave her a look.

"But I'm telling the truth!" The nervous unicorn exclaimed nervously.

Hitch cleared his throat to get the two ponies attention as he and Sunset walked to them. "Is everypony okay over here?" He asked, wanting to know what was going on.

"Okay you two. What happened?" Sunset asked, wanting to know as well.

The nervous unicorn then spoke first. "Sheriff Hitch! Princess Sunset! I promise I didn't mean to ruin everything! My magic…" She tried to explain but was cut off.

"I worked on that castle all day!" The earth pony colt exclaimed, interrupting her.

Unknowingly to Hitch, Sunset and the two arguing ponies, Zipp is watching the whole thing with a bored expression, wanting to see what is going on, and then her phone starts ringing. "Aah! Huh!" She got startled as she grabbed her phone and saw that it's her mother again. "Argh!" She groans as she hangs up her phone, knowing that it's not the time for Queen Haven to call while she is investigating with Sunset to figure out the glitches, to cover more ground to find more clues, as she brings her phone close to her as she records what she knows with a detective expression. "Thursday, noon, beach. Second magical mishap with Sunset investigating personally with Hitch. Levitation glitch. Unicorn drops umbrella. Lots of upset ponies. Very strange. Must investigate further and report back to Sunset when I can." She said as she sneakily walked backwards after ending her recording.

Zipp got up as she spread her wings, ready to fly, but then her wings, along with the rainbow in the Crystal Brighthouse at this distance, started to glitch out as Zipp's wings began to glow and glitch, losing her ability to fly as she landed back on the ground with a worried expression.

"Oh, no! Please, no!" Zipp asked worryingly as she flapped her wings again, trying to fly, but her wings kept glitching. Landing back down, Zipp looked at her wings in worry as she turned and saw the Crystal Brighthouse's rainbow start to glitch out. Zipp gasped at this sight, now even more worried that something is wrong and the glitches are getting worse. She then flaps her wings again, this time, the glitching stops as she laughs with pride, glad that she can fly now as she flies straight to the Brighthouse at high speed.

After a little bit of flying, Zipp flew back to the Crystal Brighthouse as she landed right in front of the door, which she was greeted by Sunny who opened the door after seeing Zipp coming back.

"Zipp! There you are!" Sunny cheerfully calls out, glad that Zipp is back as Pipp watches from behind with a smile while Izzy jumps next to Sunny from the other door with a cheerful expression.

"Oh, hey! Coming to town with us to gather more supplies for the new-and-improved Maretime Bay Day?" Izzy cheerfully asked with wiggle eyebrows, wanting Zipp to join them on getting more supplies for the Maretime Bay Day decorations as Zipp walked back inside the Brighthouse.

"Oh. Wish I could, but—" Zipp started with an unsure expression, wanting to solve this glitching problem very soon, but was cut off when her sister spoke.

"Why can't you exactly? And where's Sunset?" Pipp suppiously asked, wanting to know why Zipp can't join them and wanting to know where Sunset is now.

"Because... I'm working on my surprise thing for Maretime Bay Day!" Zipp nervously lied with a nervous smile as she walked backwards while her friends gave her strange looks, not wanting to tell them yet until she found some more clues about this. "And Sunset is with Hitch helping with a little problem at the beach! Yeah!" She called out, with the part of 'Where-Sunset-is' true as she turned to the stairs. "H-Have fun!" She called out nervously as she then flew straight upstairs to where the Unity Crystals are, wanting to investigate them to see what is wrong.

At the top of the Brighthouse where the Unity Crystals are, Zipp is determinedly watching the Unity Crystals, wanting to find some hints and clues to this glitching problem as she figured the crystals could be the source since they are the source to the magic.

Zipp brought out her phone as she recorded what she learned without taking her eyes off the Crystals and going to tell Sunset this when she can. "Thursday, 12:15. Crystals – normal. Pris-beam energy – intact." She said before ending the recording as she walked to the windows while looking at the view as she sighs, still can't seem to find a clue yet.

Back at the beach, the two ponies kept arguing over the sandcastle while Sunset and Hitch tried to get them to calm down to give out a straight answer.

"Okay! Enough!" Sunset called out, which startled those two ponies as she continued. "One at a time and tell us the reason for this so we can know what is happening. Got it?" She called out, as the two ponies nodded their heads in saying yes.

"Okay. Tell us what happened. One at a time." Hitch said while also preventing the two ponies from saying something all at once as they pointed hooves at each other but lowered them when Hitch and Sunset said 'one at a time'.

"She tried to sabotage my sand castle!" The Earth Pony pointed at the Unicorn accusingly.

"No, I didn't! My magic was just gone!" The Unicorn retorted.

"Okay, okay. Everypony just—"Hitch tried to explain but he was cut off.

"Magic shouldn't even be allowed on the beach!" The Earth Pony continued.

A small Pegasus filly walked over to the Hitch and Sunset. "Is magic allowed on the beach, Sheriff Hitch?" He was about to answer, but then Sunset spoke up.

"Of course, it is!" Sunset explained, "In all honesty, while I know magic more than any of you. I do believe it can be a good thing if practiced enough, so all I can say is maybe a bit more careful when you use them." She called out, since these ponies only had magic for three months, they are still out of practice and are still getting used to them.

This caused the Pegasus filly to smile at her. "Thanks, Princess Sunset!" the filly said cheerfully.

Sunset chuckled. "Eh don't worry about it. And please just call me Sunset. I'm not one for formality." She told her, not one with royalty after all.

The Pegasus flew off afterwards, and Sunset faced the other Ponies who were surprised by what she had said before. "Listen not to sound rude, but can you please let it go and not accused of anypony of their magic. You all only had magic for three months, everypony is still practicing and it's just a sand castle, it can be rebuilt again. No harm, no fuss." She called out. After that was said, she began walking off with Hitch following behind him.

"Whoa, I can't believe you just said that!" Hitch exclaimed in amazement that Sunset managed to get that under control.

Sunset faced the Earth Pony sheriff with a smile. "I have ways to get everypony to calm down, Hitch. And honestly, that was gonna get really bad, so I just did what I could to diffuse it." She explained, having ways to get ponies to understand.

As the two ponies walked out of the beach, they saw something that caught their eyes as they saw an egg on the end. "Huh. You don't belong here, do you?" Hitch said to the egg as he turned to Sunset. "I've never seen an egg like this. Have you, Sunset?" He asked Sunset, wanting to know if she has seen this before.

"Can't say I have, Hitch. But it does look familiar for some reason." Sunset said, amazed by this egg as well but having a familiar vibe feeling of seeing this egg.

"What in Equestria are you?" Hitch asked the egg, but then suddenly a tie came in as it washed over them and Hitch's animal crew as Hitch grabbed the egg before it washed away with waves. "Oh!" He grunted as he placed the egg in his hooves as he smiled sweetly at it.

"Maybe you should keep an eye on the egg, Hitch. You do have ways with animals." Sunset pointed out since Hitch animal crew is proof and he always seems to be a critter magnet to these creatures.

"Good idea, Sunset." Hitch said as he looked at the egg with a smile. "I'll take care of you, little one." He said to the egg as he walked back to the station with Sunset behind him.

Sunset's phone started ringing as she picked it up and saw that Zipp was calling as she answered it. "Hey, Zipp. What's up?" She asked.

"Sunset. I'm at the Crystal Brighthouse and I think the crystals may have something to do with the glitches." Zipp answered through the phone.

"Wait. You mean that these glitches are somehow connected to the crystals?" Sunset asked, wanting to know if she heard right.

"I'm sure of it. Earlier today I saw the Brighthouse's rainbow glitched out when my wings started glitching too, losing my ability to fly for a brief moment. So I think something is wrong with the crystals. I'm keeping my eye on them to figure it out right now." Zipp stated what she is doing.

"Wait. I saw the Brighthouse's rainbow glitched out as well this morning, so you might be onto something. Keep watch on the crystals, I'll be there as soon as I can." Sunset instructed, wanting to see this for herself as well just to be sure.

"Sure thing. See ya." Zipp said as she ended the call so she could keep watch on the Unity Crystals.

Sunset kept walking as she followed Hitch, while processing what she just learned. "This is getting worse than I thought if this has something to do with the crystals. I better catch up with Zipp when I can." She said to herself as she and Hitch walked back to the station.

Back at the station, Hitch has placed the egg in his closet with a blanket at the bottom and a lamp post to keep it warm as Sunset watches on .

"That's better." Hitch said as he turned one the lamp. "All roasty and toasty. I'll just keep you safe here until we can find who you belong to, okay?" He said to the egg with a smile.

"You are really good at taking care of critters, huh." Sunset asked as she smiled, seeing much of Fluttershy in Hitch every now and then, and a little bit of Applejack in him as well.

"I have my moments, Sunset." Hitch said with a chuckle.

"Sheriff Hitch!" Posey's voice called out as Hitch slammed the closet quickly as he ran to his plant and his cup as he pretended to water it as he chuckled nervously as he and Sunset saw Posey coming at it. "What were you and Sunset talking about?" She asked.

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Hitch lied through the teeth, going to keep the egg a secret while Sunset looked at Posey.

"What are you doing here, Posey?" Sunset asked, wanting to know what she wanted now.

Posey then glared at Sunset before speaking. "I was just trotting down Mane Street when I noticed that my hooves were stuck to the sidewalk. I tried and tried to move, but I couldn't for, like, a really long time." She explained her complaint on what happened to her, which drove Sunset into a loop.

"Okay. That is strange and oddly specific." Sunset said while thinking. 'First the rainbow glitched, the magic glitched, the Unity Crystals glitched and now ponies are stuck to the ground while being unable to move, this is getting worse by the minute.' She thought.

"You could say that." Posey said as she continued. "I think somepony's pranking me. Probably one of those unicorns. I'd like to file a complaint." She said to them.

"Okay. The complaint box is over there on the wall." Hitch answered as she pointed to the complaint box next to the door as more complaints fell out of the box, having taken up much room.

"Well, I'd prefer if you took it down yourself." Posey said to Hitch, wanting him to solve the problem personally.

Hitch then looked nervous. "I would, but I'm late for an important meeting at the Brighthouse. Sunset came here to remind me of it." He said while giving a wink to Sunset, telling her to play along as Sunset winked back. "Duty calls!" He then went to his desk as he placed his plant down and opened his closet to whisper to his bird critter. "Keep an eye on that egg for me, would you, deputy?" He asked his critter friend as the bird chirps and salutes to him as he closes the door and then laughs nervously as he and Sunset walked out of the station as Posey watches them go with a look.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny and Izzy are in the kitchen as they are baking some baked goods for Maretime Bay Day as Sunny spoke. "Maretime Bay Day is going to be great with these treats!" She stated.

"How could it not?" Pipp asked from the stairs as she flew down. "We've literally thought of everything. And I've been working on the all-new anthem for Maretime Bay Day! Whoo!" She sanged before turning to her friends. You wanna hear it? Too late! Doing it anyway!" She said before the two ponies could answer as she cleared her throat. "A-five, six, seven, eight!" She then started singing.

(soulfully)
Maretime Baaaaaay, yeah! Hey! Heeeeey!

"And then it's like…"

Somethin' about the sunshine and sea

"And then it's like…"

(progressively higher-pitched)
Somethin', somethin', somethin', somethin', SOMETHIN'!

"Then…"

(extra soulfully)
Somethin', somethin', somethiiiiin'!

Pipp sanged as she got close to her friends while striking a pose until she gave an exciting look to her friends, wanting to know how she did.

"Uh... yeah, I don't like it." Izzy started with an unsure look before going excited. "I love it! What?!" She yelled out excitedly.

They then hear the door opened as they see Hitch and Sunset coming in as Hitch starts to hum the song Pipp sang. "Catchy! Somethin', somethin'...Yup. Very catchy. She's good." He said, linking that song.
A timer dings as Sunny brought out some freshly baked tarts. "Mmmm! Miniature glimmerberry tarts! Great idea, Izzy!" She said to Izzy, complimenting her for this idea.

Izzy giggled as she spoke as she placed some purple sticks on the tarts. "Aww! Ta-daaa! Ooh, now they're a true work of 'tart'." She jokingly said.
Hitch then grabbed one as he ate it, liking the taste. "Mmm. But how do you make 'em taste like magic?" He asked, saying that they do taste like magic.

"The secret ingredient…" Izzy started as she whispered. "Magic!" She said, saying she used her magic to make the tarts taste like magic.

"We have to make cloud candy next!" Pipp excitedly said as she held up the recipe. "It's Zipp's favorite! Um, where is she, by the way?" She asked, wanting to know where her sister was all day.

The three ponies looked at each other before giving a 'I dunno' sound, Izzy followed after Hitch and Sunny. "As a matter of fact, where is Sunset? Wasn't she just here?" Sunny asked, but the gang shrugged, not knowing where Sunset could've gone this time since she was here.

Zipp is then looking at the Unity Crystals, looking very tired from looking at the crystals for this long. "Hour five... Still nothing…" She said as she continued to stare at the crystal. "Hour five and one minute... Still nothing…" She said after a minute as she closed her phone as she sighs.

"Nothing on the crystals yet, Zipp." Sunset's voice was heard, as Zipp turned and saw her coming up the elevator as Zipp stood up.

"No. Nothing. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe there's no pattern to it. Just a glitch. Ugh." Zipp said as she was starting to give up.

"I don't know, Zipp. There must be a connection to it." Sunset said as she placed a hoof on Zipp's shoulder. But then they heard whirring sounds that got their attention.

"What in the wingfeathers?" Zipp asked in disbelief as she and Sunset turned and saw the Unity Crystals drawing in some magic.

"What in Equestria?" Sunset asked in disbelief as well as they saw the Unity Crystal drawing in some magic as it began to glow.

Back in the kitchen, Sunny, Izzy, and Pipp are laughing as they are preparing for the next baked goods, with Pipp chomping one down, but what they didn't know is that some magic are drawing out of them and heading towards the Unity Crystals.

Back to where Sunset and Zipp are, the Unity Crystals starts to pulsate as it begins to glow bright.

"Ah!" Zipp and Sunset called out as they covered their eyes enough to get a proper view as they saw the Unity Crystals start whooshing out some magical green vine-like lines around the area.

"Whoa!" Zipp said in amazement.

"Amazing." Sunset said as she never saw this before as her and Zipp took a closer look at the vine-like lines.

"I don't believe this!" Zipp said in amazement as Sunset nodded her head in agreement as they both went down the elevator to tell their friends.

Sunset and Zipp flew downstairs as they went to their friends. "Everypony, quick! Come upstairs! You have got to see this!" Zipp called out.

"There you are." Pipp said in relief.

"What happened?" Hitch asked, wanting to know what was going on.

"No time to explain!" Sunset exclaimed.

"Just hurry!" Zipp called out as she and the others raced off to where the Unity Crystal is.

At the top of the Brighthouse by using the elevator, but what they saw is not what Sunset and Zipp were expecting, because all of the magic vines are gone.

"Wow! What are we looking at?" Izzy asked.

"There were all these vines growing on the wall! And they were glowing!" Zipp explained to her friends.

"Glowing vines?" Pipp asked, not sure what Zipp is saying.

"Zipp. You have to tell them." Sunset said, seeing that Zipp has to tell them about the glitching problem.

"Okay. I have a confession." Zipp said to her friends. "I've been monitoring the Crystals, and I think something is wrong with them." She said to them while looking at the crystals.

"What? No, there isn't." Sunny said, thinking that nothing is wrong with the crystals.

"None of you have noticed that magic seems kinda weird lately?" Zipp pointed out to her friends how strange magic is lately from the glitches. "Like it keeps switching off or something." She said to them.

"Hmmm... Nope!" Izzy answered after thinking with a smile, haven't really noticed it.

"Me, neither." Pipp said, oblivious of what has happened.

Zipp then turned to Sunset. "Sunset. Back me up, have you felt any glitches in your magic lately?" She asked, hoping Sunset could clear this since the glitch might have affected her as well.

Sunset thought of it for a moment and then she spoke with a weird look. "Actually, Zipp. Other than what has happened lately, I haven't felt any glitch, not even a little. My magic hasn't even been going wonky, not one bit." She said, stating that she hasn't felt any of the glitching in her magic at all for some reason.

"Really?" Zipp asked in disbelief, not just that her friends don't believe her or Sunset, but for some reason, Sunset magic hasn't glitched one bit.

Pipp's phone then chimes as Pipp answers it. "Sorry, sis." She said to Zipp while looking at her phone.

Zipp then turned to Hitch. "Hitch? I saw what happened at the beach the other day along with Sunset. Didn't you take—?" She was cut off when Hitch spoke.

"What?! I didn't take anything at the beach!" Hitch said while losing balance, thinking that Zipp knows about the egg.

"...down a report?" Zipp finished with a raised eyebrow at Hitch's panicking.

"Oh. Right. A report." Hitch said, now embarrassed from that as he went to the elevator. "Actually, that reminds me. Gotta go file that report!" He said as he went down the elevator.

"Hey, you wait a second!" Izzy called out as Hitch went down. "You were gonna teach us how to make life-sized gummy bunnies!" She said as she jumped down while Pipp flew down after him, leaving Sunset, Sunny and Zipp alone.

"I know it sounds weird, but I know what me and Sunset saw!" Zipp called out as she paced back and forth. "And what we've been seeing! Like the other day, when I was flying back from Zephyr Heights, these two Pegasi crashed into each other, and I think it—!" She cut off when Sunny spoke.

I'm sorry, Zipp. I've been so caught up in all the festival planning." Sunny said. "This is all my fault." She said with a guilt tone.

"That magic is glitching?" Zipp asked.

Sunny scoffed at that question. "Magic is not glitching." She said, thinking that magic can't be a glitch.

Sunset then facehooved herself as she groaned. "Sunny! You really need to pay attention to these things! Magic never glitched and this kind of thing never happened before in my own time in Equestria." She said, pointing that magic wasn't glitching before back in her days when she was in Equestria.

"Yeah, Sunny. And you said it yourself. Your Alicorn magic keeps appearing randomly." Zipp pointed out. "You don't find that strange? At all?" She asked.

Sunny was unsure how to respond to that. "No, I-I think that's just because I'm still learning. We all are." She suggested as the three ponies looked at the crystals.

Sunset then turned to Sunny. "Sunny. Just because there is a tiny glitch, does not mean it's not a threat. You can't just judge something by its cover, you have to see if there's a problem. And right now, you and the others were so distracted on preparing for Maretime Bay Day, you don't see the bigger picture." She pointed out that their friends were so busy preparing for Maretime Bay Day, they were oblivious to what has been happening lately.

"W-what?" Sunny asked. "What do you mean by that? Magic hasn't been glitching, and I'm still learning my alicorn magic, so I don't have control of it from time to time." She tried to reason.

"Sunny. We hardly know a thing about the crystals. Me and ZIpp have been around Maretime Bay all day just to see what is going on. And frankly, we found some clues and theories lately, and you and the others aren't taking this seriously." Sunset stated about the events that occurred.

Sunny then spoke again. "Sunset. Magic is just magic, that's how it is. And we are still learning it." She stated.

Sunset then groans at this. "Fine. If you think that way about this, then don't help. I'm gonna go to your father's notes and moderate the crystals to figure out what is going on." She said as she turned to Zipp. "Zipp. You go find more clues, glitches, the green vines, or anything. If you do, report back to me." She added, Zipp nodded as she flew off from the Brighthouse. Sunset then turned to Sunny for a sec before watching the crystals before heading downstairs.

"Sunset, wait. Don't you think you worried too much?" Sunny asked.

Sunset stops for a sec before turning to Sunny. "That's a thing when it comes to being an alicorn, Sunny. You must investigate and solve this problem before it gets worse. Not ignore it even with the slightest bit. Something you need to learn from, when you can't seem to trust me or Zipp about this matter and don't believe a word we said." She said as she went downstairs to do the research, leaving Sunny deep in thought of what she said, seeing how she doesn't see the bigger picture of what Sunset and Zipp have been doing and didn't see the slightest problem with it. Feeling bad for making Sunset and Zipp feel this way.

Meanwhile at the streets of Maretime Bay, Zipp is looking around for any signs of glitching that Sunset tasked her too while the birds are chirping and ponies going about their day, but so far no clues.

"Uggghhh." Zipp groans of lacking any leads to this magic glitch as she brings out her phone to record her progress. "Report. Nothing new to report to Sunset. No more signs of mysterious glowing vines or Crystal glitches." She stated, while saying that Sunset hasn't reported any crystal glitches and neither of them have seen any more magic glowing vines as well. Zipp's phone then started ringing, startling her as she looked at her phone and see her mother calling again "Uggghhh!" She groans again, seeing that this is the worst time Queen Haven should be calling, but can't keep her mother waiting as she flips her phone tablet open, answering the call as seen by Queen Haven close to the camera again. "Hi, Mom." She greeted her mother.

"Zipp! There you are!" Queen Haven said to her daughter with a smile, but then zoomed out as she gave Zipp a stern expression. "Have you been ignoring my calls, young filly?" She asked, guessing that Zipp had been ignoring her calls lately while investigating the glitches.

"No, no!" Zipp quickly said with a nervous smile, lying that she has so she won't make her mother mad or face her wrath for ignoring her. "Just busy, Mom! I'm actually helping Sunny and Sunset with decorations right now, so I gotta go." She lied with a nervous laugh, clearly haven't been helping Sunny with the decorations but she is helping Sunset, but not with decorations as she needs to continue her investigation on the magic glitches she and Sunset are searching about as she reaches to end the call.

"Well, I can't wait to see them!" Queen Haven said excitedly, which caused Zipp to stop from pressing the 'End Call' button in the process.

"See what?" Zipp confusingly asked her mother.

"The decorations!" Queen Haven answered obviously, but then realizes why is Zipp confuse about it. "Oh, didn't Pipp tell you?" She asked her daughter as she continued as her camera accidentally zoomed into her mouth. "I'll be attending this Maretime Bay Day Festival." She answered.

Zipp grew nervous as her mother is coming for Maretime Bay Day Festival. "You will?! Why?!" She nervously called out with a spread of her wings, really nervous that her mother was coming.

Cloudpuff the pop on screen next to Queen Haven as he barked excitedly as Queen Haven turned to him with a smile. "Yes, it is treat time! I know, I know!" She said to Cloudpuff with a baby tone, which gives Zipp a bore expression that her mother is adoring Cloudpuff in a conversation. "See you there, darling!" Queen Haven said to Zipp before ending the call.

"Come on!" Zipp called out as she put her phone away, getting back to the investigations of the glitches in hoof. "There's gotta be something!" She said as she brought out her binoculars as she looked around the area she was in for any clues to help find the answers her and Sunset are seeking to these glitches.

Zipp sees a couple of ponies laughing on a table, a tolley bell ringing as the conductor and a pink earth pony mare smile at each other as Zipp around some more. "Everything on Mane Street appears normal." She said to herself as she zoomed in to the Sheriff station with Dahlia and an Earth Pony stallion walking out, but then turned and saw Hitch hiding behind some barrels. "Huh?" Zipp questioned what she saw as she saw Hitch dragging a bag into the station once the close was clear. "Hmmm. Except that. Huh." Zipp said with a smirk, wanting to know what Hitch is hiding.

Inside the Sheriff Station, Hitch is in the closet cabinet where the egg he and Sunset found is as he gives it a smile.

"Here you go, little one. I brought you some sand to make you more comfortable." Hitch said to the egg, wanting to keep it comfortable with some sand that he collected from the beach. "I thought maybe you'd like that." He said to it, thinking that the egg needed something it's familiar with as he put a crab plush toy next to it as McSnips-a-Lot came to the other side of it. "Lookin' rosy and cozy! Now who wants to hear a story?" He asks with a baby voice to the egg.

"I do." Zipp called out with a smirk behind Hitch, saw the whole thing.

"Aah! Zipp!" Hitch called out in a startle as he turned to Zipp and closed the cabinet door. "Wow. You are sneaky." He said with a nervous smile, finding Zipp's sneaky side impressive. "What are you doing here?" He asked nervously, wanting to know why Zipp is here.

"I had an instinct, so I followed it." Zipp answered causality before she smiled and pressed her hooves on the table as she spread her wings. "And I was right. You have been hiding something!" She said to Hitch while getting on the table and flew on top of the cabinet while smirking down at Hitch before opening the cabinet, still smirking at him.

"Hey!" Hitch called out at Zipp's finding out what he was hiding as Zipp looked upside down and saw the egg.

"Whoo!" Zipp called out as she laughed with pride after seeing the egg. "So, uh... what is it?" She asked Hitch, having no idea what this egg is.

"No clue." Hitch answered as he turned and walked a bit to the side. "Me and Sunset saw it on the beach, and we just knew it needed help and she trusted me to keep an eye on it. So I just—" He explained how he and Sunset found the egg and his reason for keeping an eye on it, but Zipp spoke up with a smirk as her wings spread with a knowing expression.

"Had an instinct and followed it?" Zipp asked Hitch with a knowing expression with a smirk, knowing that feeling as well.

"Yeah." Hitch answered with a smile as Zipp flew down from the cabinet and right in front of Hitch as he continued. "Hey, uh, would you mind keeping this between us for now? Sunset already knows this since she was with me the whole time, but let's not tell the others, okay?" He asked Zipp to keep this secret for now, not wanting the rest of the girls, san Sunset, to know about the egg yet until he figures out what it is.

"Sure. I can 'Zipp' it." Zipp answered with a smirk and joked on using her name with a zipp it expression as Hitch shook his head in amusement at Zipp's pun. But then Zipp continues to smirk as she leaned her head closer to Hitch with a teasing expression.

"What?" Hitch asked with a smile, wanting to know why Zipp is looking at him like that.

"So... you gonna read us that story now or what?" Zipp playfully asked, wanting to know what kind of story Hitch wanting to tell as Hitch embarrassedly smile, not sure if he could tell it now after what just happened as McSnips clipped his calls while the bird chirped in responds, wanting to hear that story as well as Hitch continued to embarrassedly smiled while Zipp smirked that his critters are siding with her.

Just then, Zipp's phone starts chiming as it got Zipp and Hitch's attention as Zipp brought out her phone, and then the two ponies gasped at what they saw on it as it is a message to Pipp, and it looked dire with some emojis with sweat and angry faces while '!' on top.

"Oh, no!" Zipp said with a nervous look, worried for her sister and that if the messages are this dire to her.

A few minutes ago around the same time Zipp finds out Hitch's egg secret, Sunset is in the crystal room with some notes on the ground, trying to find a hint of the glitches while keeping an eye on the crystals for any glitch, but so far no luck.

"No glitches so far. But that doesn't mean it has stopped. And no response from Zipp either. This is concerning." Sunset said to herself, a little worried that no glitches had happened lately, but now that it's only a matter of time before anything unexpected happens. Sunset then heard hoofsteps as she turned and saw Sunny coming in with a guilt expression. "What is it, Sunny?" She asked.

"Sunset. I wanted to say I'm sorry. I should've realized what you and Zipp have been through when the glitches happened." Sunny apologized. "And I guess you're right. Me and my friends don't know anything about magic yet since we just got them back. And I guess I was so distracted in preparing for Maretime Bay Day, that I didn't realize that I was talking back to the expert in magic, a member of the Guardians of Friendship, and I should've listen to your theories instead of putting them aside." She said, regretting for not paying attention to either Sunset and Zipp as she and the others weren't helping at all in the matter.

Sunset sighs as she speaks. "Sunny. You may have read about magic, but you and the others only know so little about them and some of them are not really magic. Frying brains, that was one of them. I've known magic since it was a part of me and my time in the old days. And magic never glitch without a reason, and right now, this is getting worse. Which is why me and Zipp are investigating the matter to see what is wrong. And you and the others think we might be paranoid that we might be in over our heads." She said as she turned to the other side of the room.

"No, no! We don't think you two were paranoid." Sunny assured, not wanting Sunset to think that she and Zipp might be paranoid. "We just thought you two were just stressed. And I shouldn't jump to conclusions like that. I'm a beginner at magic. I only know so little through my father's research, and I'm barely able to control my alicorn magic. I thought we had nothing to worry about when the glitch happened. I just thought it was from out of practice." She reasoned.

Sunset took a deep breath. "Sunny, I love you as a friend and you have great intentions. But you still have a lot to learn to figure out how magic works. While I don't blame you since Equestrian Magic was gone for generations from what you told me, this is a sign that can't be ignored. Believe me, I learned that the hard way, many times." She reminded herself as she ignored the possible threat and jumped to conclusions without thinking clearly and finding proof of it. "Just remember to take things seriously, even if it's the smallest one." She said to Sunny with a hoof on her shoulder for comfort.

Sunny looked down a bit while processing Sunset's words before looking up as she nodded. "Okay. I'll try." She said, going to be serious on the matter.

Just then, their phones chimed as they saw they got a message from Pipp, and it looked dire with some emojis with sweat and angry faces while '!' on top. "Speaking of which…" Sunset said as she and Sunny went down stairs.

A little bit later, the Mane 6 rushes to the living room where Pipp is at as Hitch spoked. "We rushed right here! So what's the emergency?!" He said urgency.

"Well, everypony seems really stressy lately." Pipp started. "We clearly need a break. And luckily, I know just the place. I planned a surprise for you! You're welcome!" Pipp said to her friends with a smile.

"Oooooh!" Izzy awed, while the others thought of Pipp's surprise as interesting.

"That's it." Sunset whispered, since Pipp is one for dramatic things, this is not what she thought of.

Zipp however was nervous if she thought about one thing her sister thought about. "Please don't let it be makeovers. Please don't let it be makeovers." She said to herself.

Sometime later, the Mane 6 are in Mane Melody as the girls are having their mane dry in the mane dryer seats while Hitch is getting his hoof filed.

"I knew it." Zipp said in deadpanned, had a feeling that this would happen.

"But this is soooo relaxing!" Izzy said as she read a magazine. "And informative! Did you ponies know that there are over a thousand different kinds of hermit crabs?! 'Cause I... did not!" She pointed to herself.

"Great to hear, Izzy." Sunset said with rolled eyes from this.

Hitch then started laughing from Jazz filing his hooves. "Sorry, Jazz! I'm so sorry! So ticklish!" He apologized, which Jazz didn't mind as she smiled in understanding.

Pipp laughed at this as she turned to her friend. "Don't you ponies love it here at Mane Melody?" She asked them.

"Yeah-huh!/Mm-hmm!" Izzy and Sunny answered in response while Zipp and Sunset stayed quiet.

"What's wrong, girls? Not a fan of Mane Melody?" Rocky asked Sunset and Zipp.

"No, no. We like it." Sunset answered to assure they don't hate it.

" Yeah. It's awesome." Zipp said. "Pipp has done a great job here." She added.

Pipp then gasped when her sister said that and went to her. "You really think so?" She asked happily.

"Yeah. I do. And, hey, We're sorry if me and Sunset haven't been helping out. Our mind's just on other things." Zipp apologized on behalf of her and Sunset.

"Yeah." Sunset said in agreement with all the stress they've been through.

"Like the Crystals?" Pipp asked knowingly.

"Something weird is going on." Zipp said as she tried to reason again.

"And it's about to get worse." Sunset added.

"Ugh. You both worry too, too much." Pipp dismissed.

"Pipp. Something bad is about to happen." Sunset pointed out.

"Yeah." Zipp spoke next. "And if something happens to those Crystals, we'll lose magic again for good. Then it'll be no more flying and—"

"Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys. You both need to chill. Nothing is going to happen." Pipp reassured the two ponies and flew to her music stage where Rocky and Jazz are as Pipp stands between them. "We've got our friends back, we've got magic back, and we've got…" All three ponies sang in sync vocalizing. "Muuuuusiiiiic-kuh!" They sanged.

"At Mane Melody…" Pipp started.

"...we siiiiing…" Jazz sang next.

"...while we style!" Rocky finished.

"Pipp-Pipp-hooray!" Both Hitch and Izzy cheered while Sunset, Sunny and Zipp are still worried, Sunny is taking Sunset's words by heart to take things seriously and not ignore it.

"This one goes out to my paranoid big sis Zipp and our friend Sunset." Pipp said, while the two ponies find that offense to it.

(Everything is Gonna Be Okay Song)

(Pipp, Jazz, and Rocky)
Shoop, shoop! Hey! Shoop, shoop!
Shoop!

(Pipp)
I know you're feelin' like there's somethin' wrong
But don't you worry, I have just the song for you (Mm-hmm!)
So kick those hooves up in this comfy chair
And you'll forget about those cares in a minute or two
Yeah! That's what you'll do-ooh-ooh

[Jazz)
You've got a lot on your mane, and that's kind of tragic
But with a little bit of caring and a touch of magic

(Rocky)
You'll feel brand new
And you'll forget what's been troublin' you

(Pipp)
So put your hooves up high
'Cause we're feelin' alright (hey!)
Everyday is awesome in Maretime Bay
So put your hooves up
Put your hooves up (hey!)
Everything is gonna be okay!

"Enough of this!" Sunset called out, which startled her friends from the outburst. "None of you are taking this seriously!" She yelled out.

"Sunset's right! You don't get it do you?! We can't just sing a song and ignore everything! If we lose magic this time, we may never get back and something else could take away you and everyone else again and it'll be our fault..." Zipp expressed finally letting her worries be free.

"What are they talking about?" Izzy asked

"Lose magic?" Sunny said, remembering what Sunset said, really listening this time.

"Whose fault?" Hitch commented before a loud crash was suddenly heard from outside and the group came out to see a cluster of ponies, including Windy, a red Pegasus.

"Are you ponies okay?" Pipp asked as they got up.

"Windy, what happened?" Sunny asked the pegasus.

"I don't know. I was just flying along and before I knew it I was down here on the ground." Windy explained.

"Me too. Because you fell on us." a unicorn frowned, giving Windy a glare.

"I'm sorry everypony. I'm usually a good flier." Windy apologized.

"Clearly she's not." Posey snarked as she appeared again. "This is what I've been saying, what everypony's been thinking. If Pegasi and Unicorns can't be respectful. Then they shouldn't be allowed to use their magic in Maretime Bay."

"She's right."

"I'm not sure."

"Yeah, no more magic."

"It's not fair. We Earth Ponies don't get any magic and the ones that do have it don't even know how to use it. Or use it to prank us." Posey snarked again.

"Yeah."

"Posey's right." two more Earth Ponies stated.

"Everypony wait!" Sunny exclaimed.

"And now they want to ruin our special Earth Pony holiday too." Posey accused.

"That's not true!" Sunny exclaimed.

"And neither is what you just said about Unicorns and Pegasi not being able to control their magic, you don't make the calls. And may I add that my friend Twilight has to learn new spells before using them and she and her friends learn of the magic of friendship that brought peace and harmony to Equestria, and lead Equestria when she was crowned." Sunset pointed out, frowning at Posey. "Not to mention that I still have complete control over our magic." She added, not feeling the slightest glitch one bit.

"She's right." the unicorn agreed with her.

Posey scoffed before she insulted Sunset. "Says the pony who suddenly turned up after leaving us for many moons only to suddenly show up and bring back the magic and probably don't even deserve to be in Equestria at all let alone lead us back to how she sees it and who is going to ruin our holiday too!" She yelled out.

"Sunset would never do that!" Sunny said defendly for Sunset. "She is a Guardian of Friendship and was a friend of Twilight Sparkle, who helped me and my friends to overcome our fears and bring back the magic and has been a mentor and sister figure to not just me, but to all of us. That's the reason we're together again." She pointed out.

"Well maybe things would have been better if Sunset never came back to Equestria! So do us all a favor and get rid of them!" Posey declared, Sunset tried her best to keep her cool and not explode in anger like which seemingly caused the formation of dark storm clouds the skies above.

"And Maretime Bay Day should be a magic free!"

"Like a no fly zone!"

"Or Alicorn and no Sunset zone!"

"Yeah she should leave Equestria!"

"Or else we're not coming!" Posey declared as a flash of thunder made her and the ponies run for cover while the Mane 6 saw this, with Hitch's critters huddled to the sheriff while Sunset starts to have a familiar vibe to this.

"Oh no." Sunset said in worried, having read about these sudden clouds from old books from her time in Canterlot as she looked at Sunny, who gives a worried look back as they look at the sky.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the Mane 6 are in the Unity Crystal room as Zipp spoke up.

"I think I know why and what's happening to magic. Why its' glitching." Zipp stated.

"You do?" Sunny asked.

"Then lay it on us, Zipp." Sunset said, wanting to know how the glitching is happening.

"It's the Crystals. They might be powered by ponies" Zipp claimed while pointing to the Unity Crystals.

"Whaaaaaat?" Hitch said, finding that theory strange.

"Are you sure, Zipp?" Sunset asked, wanting to see if it's true.

"Okay. Check this out." Zipp then turned to her sister with a smug look. "Pipp, when we were fillies, I used to steal Mom's chocolate-dipped cherries and blame it on you." She admittedly said.

Pipp then gave a deep gasp in shock before glaring at her sister. "I knew it! You got me grounded, like, twelve times!" She angrily said.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Zipp said as she walked back a bit before facing her sister again. "And guess what. I don't like karaoke! It's the worst! UGH!" She called out, receiving another deep gasp from Pipp while Izzy glared at Zipp.

"Hey, you take that back! Karaoke is a fun activity for every age and skill level!" Izzy angrily yelled, knowing that karaoke is one of her favorite singing styles.

"Zipp's allowed to like what she likes." Sunny defends Zipp as she continues. "Just because we enjoy something doesn't mean she has to." She pointed out as Hitch then spoke.

"Sunny, there's no need to get all huffy about it." Hitch tries to calm the matter. "Izzy was just trying to stand up for Pipp." He said.

"Don't call me huffy!" Sunny called out at Hitch, not liking being called huffy.

"Ugh! I didn't call you huffy! I said you were being huffy!" Hitch retorted while Sunset and Sunny saw the Crystals fizzling out. "There's a difference, and— Whoa." Hitch said as he saw the crystals frizz as the rest saw this as well as Sunny turned to Sunset and Zipp.

"You... You two were right." Sunny said, now seeing why Sunset and Zipp are so worried as the rest of the Mane 6 now understand.

"So, when ponies aren't treating each other with kindness…" Izzy started.

"When we aren't vibing…" Pipp was next.

"...the Crystals get weaker." Zipp said with a serious look.

"And the more unstable magic becomes in Equestria." Sunset finished with what's happening and why the glitching was suddenly appearing.

"Which causes Pegasi to lose their flight and fall on other ponies!" Sunny listed out.

"And unicorns to drop stuff onto things like sandcastles!" Hitch said next.

"And weather changes!" Pipp said and then gasped. "Like a rando thunderstorm?!" She asked, while remembering the thunderstorm outside.

"Yup! Everything is all out of whack!" Zipp declared while looking at the still frizzing crystal.

"And that's not all." Sunset spoke as the group looked at her. "I recognized this kind of thing before. But only on a Hearth's Warming Eve tale. The ponies hating each other, magic going out of whack, the sudden weather changes. We are gonna have some Windigos to deal with!" Sunset declared.

The Mane 6 gasped, remembering that tale really well since it was written down in Sunny's father notes. "You mean those Windigos that cause sudden storms and disaster in Equestria when the ponies fight one another?! But why aren't they appearing now!?" Izzy asked the million-dollar question since this hasn't happened before since the three tribes were separated.

"Well, I can think of two ways. One: Maybe because since magic disappeared, the Windigos must've vanished in the process, so when the magic returned, so has the possibility fo Windigos. Or two: Maybe because each tribe were afraid with one another since Windigos are summon by hate." Sunset listed off, since she knew that tale really well that when the first time the tribes were divided before they found Equestria, they hated each other which caused the Windigos to appear, and that since the magic disappeared, that must be why the Windigos haven't appeared until now.

"I wonder if this had anything to do with why the Crystals were separated all those years ago." Sunny then thought that this might be the reason the crystals were separated by not really sure. "Ugh. Or why I still can't seem to figure out my Alicorn magic." She added that this might be the reason why she can't seem to control her alicorn magic.

"I don't know. I want to find out." Zipp declared. "And Sunset is somewhat immune to the crystal's effects since she was out of Equestria because when she came back, she still had her magic." She pointed out as Sunset nodded her head in agreement, seeing that theory fair. "But if we want to keep magic in Equestria for the rest of ponykind, first we need to get everypony back on the same page." She said to her friends.

"Because if the ponies don't agree with one another, things could get ugly." Sunset added.

"Zipp and Sunset are right." Sunny said, agreeing with the two ponies. "We can't give up. We can still make Bay Day the celebration it's supposed to be." She announced.

"A day of friendship!" Izzy cheered.

"And haaaaarmooooony!" Pipp sang while flying above them.

"Yeah!" Hitch, Izzy, and Zipp both cheered.

"Let's do it!" Pipp cheered as the Mane 6 brought their hooves together. "Hoof to heart!" They declared, going to make sure the magic stays and everypony gets along.

The next morning, the girls are sleeping on their respective beds as Izzy wakes up as she gasps and gets out of bed quickly as she goes to her friends. "It's here!" She cheered to Sunny as she started scattering as she woke up her friends. "The big day is here!" She repeated as Pipp yawned while Sunset rubs her eyes while Izzy went to Zipp. "The big day is heeeere!" She cheered.

Zipp yawns with a sigh as she smiles at Izzy's wakeup call then goes to check on the crystals. "Don't worry. I got you." She assured the crystals, not gonna let it down.

"We all got it, Zipp." Zipp turned and saw Sunset behind her with a smile as Zipp smiled back. "Now come on, we have a lot of work to do." Sunset said as she and Sunny caught up to their friends.

After breakfast, the girls walked out of the Brighthouse to begin their mission. Before Sunny could get far, Izzy called to her.

"Sunny! Sunny, wait!" Izzy called out as Sunny turned to her unicorn friend as Izzy brought out a present in her magic. "Happy Maretime Bay Day!" She announced.

"We don't usually exchange gifts." Sunny said with a grateful smile as Izzy gave her the gift.

"I know, but just open it!" Izzy encouraged with a smile.

Sunny then tears the paper of the gift, and then gives a shock at what it is. "It's... It's the lantern my dad made for me." She said with a smile with joy as she saw the newly restored lantern her dad made as there is a crystal glowing inside it as she looked at Izzy with joy. "I-I thought it was beyond repair. Thank you so much, Izzy!" She said gratefully.

"Sometimes, when you add a little bit of magic, you can fix anything." Izzy pointed out with a smile.

"You're right. Now let's go add some magic to today and fix this." Sunny declared as she held up her lantern.

"Mm-hmm!" Izzy said in agreement.

At Maretime Bay, ponies of all kinds are having fun at the festival, as blow horns are heard while streamers are in the air as the crowd cheered. A unicorn mare gives a filly a teddy bear, a Pegasi, a mother and her son, are looking at the three flairs from each tribe while the Earth Pony stallion give a weird look while a couple of unicorns are walking by chatting with each other while one of them are eating a carrot dog.

Izzy is giving a pony a snow cone as she looks around with her friends. "Oh, look! Look, look! Ponies showed up after all!" She cheered to this many ponies and then gasped when Queen Haven and two of her guards, Thunder and Zoom, landed. "And there's the queen!" She cheered as trumpets were heard while the crowd cheered for Queen Haven. "Hello, your Majesticness!" She called out as she and others walked towards her to greet them.

Pipp looked away from her phone as she gasped as she saw her mother. "Mom!" Pipp cheered as she headed towards her mother, Zipp however grew nervous as she trotted away, not wanting to face her mother yet.

Somewhere in the festival, Sunny, Hitch and Sunset are waving to the crowd.

"Happy Maretime Bay Day, everypony! Welcome!" Sunny cheered.

"Hope you have a fun time!" Sunset called out.

"So far, so good." Hitch said, seeing the festival doing okay.

"For now." Sunset pointed out that it's only a matter of time.

"Now we just gotta keep it up." Sunny said to her friends as they heard Dahlia's voice.

"Spoons in the wreaths? Ugh, yuck!" Dahlia said as Sunset and Sunny saw her, Posey and an Earth Pony Stallion looking at the wreaths. "I liked the old decorations better." She said, not liking the others.

"I could not agree more." Posey said as her, Dahlia and the earth pony walked off pass Sunset, Sunny and Hitch as Sunny looked down in despair while Sunset gave off a growl with a glare, really hating Posey for making things worse.

Meanwhile the Mane 6 are at the beach, Izzy and Sunset are admiring the sandcastles, the ponies madam having done nice work on them.

"Ohhhh! Ooh! Oh! Oooh! Wow!" Izzy awed as she and Sunset saw Windy with her biggest sandcastle yet, as it looked like the Crystal Bright House as the pegasus put a seashell on top of it for the Unity Crystal touch.

"Amazing." Sunset said, liking this sandcastle as a Unicorn stallion admired the look as well as giving a trophy to Windy for doing a great job. But the crowd grumbled since they didn't win, Posey and her group didn't like that as they came to Windy with glares.

"Ahem!" Dahlia coughed.

"Hey!" Mayflower groaned, wanting to know what the deal was.

"Pegasi have an unfair advantage!" Posey accused, which caused ponies to argue over this.

Sunset then groaned as she glared at Posey. "What do you know?! All she did was reach high places! That's not an unfair advantage and it isn't cheating! You just can't seem to figure out the meaning of it!" She yelled out.

"Really! That's a lot coming from you!" Posey retorted as she glared back, but then the storm began to grow worse as thunder boomed from the sky, startling the ponies in the process.

"Hmmm…" Zipp said, seeing that this is getting really bad.

In the middle of the festival, ponies are enjoying themselves as some of them head to the stands. And then in an ice cream stand, a unicorn mare gives an Earth Pony stallion a green moss look ice cream.

"Moss ice cream?" The stallion questioned as he licked it to taste it, but regretted it. "Bleghhh!" He cringes from the taste, tossing it away, not liking it one bit.

Then three other earth ponies each tried out different types of treats, but cringe in disgust, not liking it as they throw them away in the trash, before the tart was thrown in, a Unicorn stallion grabs it. "Waste not, want not!" He said as he ate the tarp before chomping in the trash, Toots and an earth pony stallion next to her are grossed out.

Sunset saw this, as she is even she is gross out by this. "Okay, that's disgusting. How low have the unicorns gone down to?" She asked herself as the winds then started to get strong. "Huh?" She asked, seeing that the storm is getting stronger as Toots and her stallion friend lost their cotton candy in the wind.

"Oh, no!" Pipp called out as she tried to fly up and catch them, but her wings started glitching as she lost her ability to fly as she hit the floor. She grunts in an effort to flap her wings to fly, but nothing happens. " My wings won't work!" She cried out.

Hitch then tries to move to help, but he can't move as he sees his hooves stuck to the ground by some kind of magic. "Neither will my hooves!" He cried out.

"Heeeelp!" And Earth Pony cried out as the Mane 6 saw the same thing happening to Hitch is happening to the other earth ponies.

"Our hooves... are stuck!" Another one cried out, and then their hooves were freed from the magic grip but was afraid of what was happening. "What's going on?!" The Earth Pony asked in fright.

"The glitches!" Zipp cried out as the wings grew stronger. "They're getting worse!" She added as thunder boomed.

"And that's not all! Look!" Sunset cried out while pointing up to the sky, the Mane 6 were seeing three ghostly figures circling around, and those figures Sunset knew too well. "The Windigos are starting to form! If we don't find a way to fix this, they will take form and put all of Equestria into chaos!" She cried out as the Mane 6 are even more worried that this is happening.

At the music stage, the ponies crowd gathered around as Sunny looked at the stage with a nervous look before turning to her friends, who were backstage as well.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Sunny asked Pipp in concern. "Nothing has gone to plan today." She pointed out that things haven't been good at all.

"I have to give it my best shot." Pipp announced. "We still need all the positivity we can get, right?" She asked, but a little worried on how this plays out.

"That's true, Pipp. We need to keep the magic of friendship alive. And turn this negativity around to keep the magic going." Sunset stated, meaning that they have to do everything they can to keep harmony balanced.

Zipp then came next to her sister while holding her microphone. "Maybe this will help." She said while giving it to her sister.

Pipp gasps. "My lucky mic! Okay!" She said as she did some vocal warm-ups and trills. "Yes, we're ready! All right! Showtiiiiime!" She sanged as her friends smiled at her.

"Break a hoof, Pipp!" Izzy called out as Pipp flew off to get started with her song. "But not really. Actually, be really careful." She corrected herself while Sunset and Sunny walked up to the front of the stage.

Sunset is the first to announce. "Okay, Everypony! Thank you all for coming to hear a song for Maretime Bay Day!" She called out as Sunny spoke next.

"Everypony, please welcome pop star Princess Pipp Petals to sing the brand-new Maretime Bay Day song!" Sunny announced as Pipp landed in front of the stage beside Sunset and Sunny, but then the crowd, only the Earth Ponies, started muttering as a result.

"New song?" One of them asked.

"What?" The other asked.

"That's my daughter!" Queen Haven cheered on with Cloudpuff in her hooves as she flew over the crowd as they looked at her.

Before Pipp could sing, Dahlia's voice spoke. "We want to hear the real Maretime Bay song! Sung by an Earth pony!" Dahlia said with Posey and the stallion on both sides of her as the crowd then grumbled and argued as the clouds grew darker and thunder started booming stronger, witches startled the ponies as the Unicorns' horns started to frizz out while some ponies ran off in fright as the Windigos above them starts to form faster until they are shown to everypony as they circle around in the sky.

"The Windigos!" Somepony cried out as that tale never died so they all know about it, but thinks it was just a little filly's tale as they begin to be scared.

At the Crystal Bright House, things are looking better as the thunder trailed down the rainbow and it gets worse as the crystals begins to crack from all the negativity of the ponies fighting among each other, meaning that something bad is happening.

The rest of the Mane 6 got out of the stage when things got worse.

"Hey! Be nice! Sheriff's orders!" Hitch called out to the crowd.

"Are you on their side?!" The Earth Pony mare accused.

"There are no sides!" Zipp pointed out as thunder boomed again as it got worse while the ponies started arguing with one another.

Sunset is so fed up with this as her face grows red, when it reaches its breaking point, she unleashes her Royal Canterlot voice to the crowd. "ENOUGH!" She yelled out as the crowd stopped arguing as they were startled by Sunset's yell. "EVERYPONY IS HERE IS TO BLAME FOR THE WINDIGOS BEING HERE AND THE MAGIC GLITCHING! ALL OF YOUR HOSTILITY AND HATRED FOR EACH OTHER COMING BACK HAS BROUGHT THE WINDIGOS HERE AND CAUSING THE MAGIC TO GLITCH OUT! YOU ALL ARE CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN!" She yelled out, which got the ponies to mutter while processing Sunset's words. "I PROMISE TO MAKE SURE TWILIGHT'S LEGACY LIVES ON! AND I'M GONNA KEEP THAT PROMISE! AND KEEP THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP ALIVE!" She added, vowing to keep her promise to keep Twilight's legacy alive.

Sunny then spoke once Sunset was finished. "We know that magic returning hasn't been easy for everypony, that Equestria is really different, but that's a good thing! It's so much better now—!" She tried to explain but then thunder boomed as she and the rest of the Mane 6 saw the Brighthouse from here, and it wasn't good. "Whoa! No, no, no! T-The magic! It's dying!" She called out as the Mane 6 saw the rainbow in the Brighthouse start to frizz out as the Windigos gave off howlers.

"This is bad! This is very bad!" Sunset cried out, seeing that this is chaos.

Lightning then strikes the police station as Hitch gasps. "Eggy!" He cried out as he ran to the station to save the egg.

And then from the center of the Windigos' circle, lighting strikes the ground in front of the stage as a portal starts to open up and expand as it starts to suck everything in.

"This is familiar!" Sunset called out, never having seen this kind of chaos before, but is having some deja vu as she remembers something similar happening in the Friendship Games.

"What is that thing?!" Queen Haven pointed out in shock.

"It's some sort of void!" Zipp theories as they saw nothing in the portal as it grew in bigger sizes.

"Everypony, get back!" Sunny called out to the crowd.

"Everypony, run! Get clear from the portal!" Sunset cried out as the ponies started running and screaming as they tried to get away from the portal. But the Earth Ponies's hooves got stuck to the ground by some kind of magic grip.

"But we're stuck!" One of the Earth Ponies cried out as they tried to get free.

"Please let us go!" Another Earth Pony mare pleaded to a unicorn next to her, thinking they were doing it.

"It's not us!" The unicorn pointed out that it's not them doing as they saw lightning strike a tree, destroying it.

Posey tries to free her hooves with a grunt effort, but can't seem to budge as Windy comes next to her. "Can't you ponies with magic do something?!" She pleaded, for the first time in her life, she would like somepony to use their magic to help them.

"Ugh!" Windy tried to fly but couldn't. "Our magic isn't working!" she cried out.

"Everypony! Help the Earth Ponies! I'll see if I can hold off the portal!" Sunset cried out as the rest of the Mane 6 and the other Pegasi and Unicorns tried to help free the Earth Ponies while Sunset then used her magic to try and slow it down, but portal to the void continues to grow while the Windigos increase the wind speed.

"Agh! The portal's too strong! I can't hold it!" Sunset cried out as she tried to stop the portal but it was too strong for her, even with her alicorn magic alone.

"Aah!" Hitch cried out as he held the eggs in one of his hoofs, but the rest of them were stuck on the ground as well. "I do not like this! No! I do not!" He cried out before a newspaper hit his head before it flew with the winds.

The portal continues to grow as it draws closer to Posey and Windy, the latter tries to get Posey free, but then they fall to the portal once it gets close to them, causing the two ponies, since Windy can't fly, to scream as they fall to the void. "Posey! Windy! No!" Sunny cried out as the girls came to her, Hitch still stuck, as they saw Posey and Windy falling to the void.

"We gotta save them!" Sunset shouted, as much as she doesn't like Posey's attitude, she doesn't deserve this.

"Come on, Alicorn magic! Work!" Sunny called out, trying to bring out her alicorn half.

"But the magic! Besides Sunset, I-It's gone!" Zipp called out.

"But we can't let those ponies perish as well, Zipp!" Sunset pointed out, not going to let those two ponies perish.

"Then I'll have to try without it! I'm going in!" Sunny said with a determined expression, going to save Posey and Windy without her alicorn magic.

"Not alone, Sunny!" Sunset called out as she placed a wing on Sunny, not wanting to let her go in alone.

"And not without the rest of us!" Izzy called out, and then her horn starts to shimmer as they saw it glow.

"That's it!" Zipp said as she realizes now how to save the day. "The magic will come back to us if we can work together!" She pointed out with a hopeful smile.

"The magic of friendship is what gives us strength!" Sunset added, getting what Zipp is saying. "The more ponies work together and accept one another, the stronger the magic gets!" She said, while seeing that if negativity is causing the magic in the crystals to fade, positivity can make it strong again.

Zipp then spoke to the ponies in Maretime Bay closest to them. "Come on, unicorns! Come on, Pegasi! Help the Earth ponies!" She called out as the two tribes, unicorns and pegasi, helped the earth ponies to get unstuck.

Izzy then used her magic to get one of the earth pony stallions free as it got free from the magic grib, giving her a 'thank you' look before trotting off. Zipp and Pipp then worked on freeing Hitch as they grunt in effort, and then got him free. "It's working!" Zipp said as she and her sister started to fly and Zipp flew to where Sunny and Sunset were. "You both got this, Sunny and Sunset!" She called out to them.

Izzy then came next to them as she levitated Sunny's lanter. "It's too dark in there! Take this!" She said while giving them the lantern in her magic as thunder boomed, and then Izzy's magic glitch out again as the lantern fell into the void.

Sunny is brave enough to jump and grab her lantern in her teeth as she falls into the void. "Sunny!" Sunset cried out as she jumped in after Sunny, leaving the rest of their friends worried for them. Sunset fell close to Sunny as she grabbed her once she was close enough.

"Sunset! You're crazier than I am! What are you doing?!" Sunny screamed while holding her lantern, wanting to know why Sunset is doing this.

"I'm not letting you do this alone, Sunny! We're friends, and we stick together! I'm not losing you like I lost Twilight and my friends!" Sunset cried out, if Sunny's doing this, she won't be alone. Sunny feels touched as she hugs Sunset, who hugs back. And then between their hugs, Sunny's lantern begins to glow as Sunny's cutie mark did as well. And then in a flash, Sunny's alicorn form then appeared, giving her the ability to fly as Sunny flew next to Sunset after they broke the hug, they watched in amazement of what happened. "You're alicorn magic is back!" Sunset cheered.

"I guess it is!" Sunny cheered with a smile, glad to have summoned up her alicorn magic as she gave Sunset a determined look. "Now let's go save Posey and Windy!" She declared to Sunset, who nodded her head in agreement as the two alicorns flew down to save the two ponies.

Posey and Windy continued to scream as they fell into the abyss. Sunset and Sunny saw them as they flew closer to them as they grunt in effort, combining their magic as its magic aura appeared around them as they tossed that magic sphere to Windy and Posey as it got them in the sphere, levitating them as they stopped falling.

Back on the surface, the earth ponies are free thanks to ponykind working together as Posey and Windy are levitated out of the portal as the ponies watch in awe as they are placed safely on the ground as the magic sphere fades.

Once Posey and Windy are safe, the ponies and the rest of the Mane 6 are looking at the portal, they grow worried for Sunset and Sunny since they haven't made it up yet. "Sunny? Sunset?" Izzy called out worriedly as she looked at the portal.

And then suddenly, a magic rainbow flew out of the void as Sunset and Sunny flew out after it before the portal closed. The ponies watched in amazement as the rainbow took out the Windigos as they disappeared and right into the Crystal Brighthouse. Inside the Brighthouse, the magic vines appeared in the walls of the Brighthouse before heading into the Unity Crystals, which gives off a magic explosion as the magic vines spread from the Brighthouse and into the rest of Equestria as the Earth Ponies saw their hooves sparkled green once the vines made contact with them. The Earth Ponies watched in awed as their hooves sparkled.

Hitch laughed as the magic vines came to him as well as he laughed."That tickles!" He said after feeling the tingly sensation of the vines as Sunset landed next to him.

"Are you and the egg okay, Hitch?" Sunset asked in concern.

"We are now, Sunset." Hitch answered with a smile as he saw his animal crew crawling out from under a box, using it for cover after what happened as one of the critters chirped at them as they came to Sunset and Hitch. "I know, I know! I totally agree with everything you guys are saying." He said to them, but was caught off guard at what he just said as Sunset widened her eyes at Hitch as he drew closer to his critters. "Did you just... talk?! Did I just... understand you?! Whaaaaat?!" He said in amazement and shocked at the same time.

Sunset then gasped at this as she knew this ability very well. "Hitch. Those magic vines must've given you the ability to talk to animals! That was something Fluttershy could do!" She said in amazement and an exciting smile.

"For real?! Wait. Are you saying that…" Hitch stopped once Sunset continued for him.

"That you are related to Fluttershy!" Sunset pointed out. "Talking to animals runs in her blood. You're related to her, her descendant!" She declared, now knowing that Hitch is really related to Fluttershy since talking to animals is Fluttershy's, both human and pony, would do.

"Amazing!" Hitch said in awed, never knowing that he was related to one of the Guardians of Friendship, the Element of Kindness as one of Hitch's birds chirped at him, telling him something he should know. "Wow, that's a lot of information. Well, nice to meet you, Kenneth. I'm Hitch!" He introduced himself as the bird continued chirping to him as Sunset smiled, seeing that Hitch really is related to Fluttershy as she turned to Posey.

Posey looked at her new green glowing hooves and gently tapped the ground, creating roses out of thin air, "Flower power...?!" she gawked in awe as two more Earth Ponies used their new magic to restore the tree that was destroyed from the lightning strike.

Sunset and Hitch watched in amazement as the rest of their friends came to them as they saw this new magic Earth Ponies can do now. "Earth Pony Magic!" Sunny smiled in amazement next to Sunset and Hitch.

"But that's never happened before!" Izzy grinned as she hopped next to Sunny.

"Earth ponies had magic before, guys. But this is a new one." Sunset said, as she knows Earth Ponies can handle gardening and are fast on their hooves, but have never in her life they would have magic to grow plants this quickly.

"Maybe when we come together, we can create new magic." Zipp theories with a smile.

"You're right, Zipp." Sunny said as she continued. "Actually, you and Sunset were right about everything. I'm sorry I didn't believe you two. I should've been a better friend and listened." She apologizes to the two ponies for not taking things seriously, she and Sunset may have forgiven each other but she wants Zipp to hear it as well. "I was just so focused on hoping magic was okay that I lost sight of everything else." She said as she came close to them. "Can you two forgive me?" She asked them.

Zipp and Sunset chuckled at Sunny's question. "Obviously./We sure do." as Sunny laughed as she gave Zipp a hug before hugging Sunset.

And then they heard Queen Haven's voice. "Zephyrina!" She called out as the Mane 6 turned and saw Queen Haven coming to them with Thunder and Storm behind her and Cloudpuff. "There you are! My hoofness, what an ordeal!" She exclaimed of what had happened. "Gather your things. We need to hit the sky if we're going to make it back to the palace by sundown." She said to her, wanting Zipp to return to Zephyr Heights so that she can train to be a true princess.

"Mom! I'm not going back with you!" Zipp stated, as she doesn't want to go.

"We agreed that you were to resume your studies." Queen Haven reminded her daughter of their talk from the other day.

"My place is here in Maretime Bay with my friends." Zipp said while looking at her friends before facing her mother. "I just need more time to figure things out. To investigate magic. To explore who I am before I take on my royal duty. And... you know what? I think who I am is somepony who likes figuring things out." She spoke from her heart, having found her purpose on staying in Maretime Bay other than flying as she likes to discover new things and figuring out.

Queen Haven give her daughter a proud smile, understanding her daughter choice, and proud of her. "Yes, you certainly are, my little princess investigator." She said while placing a hoof under Zipp's chin as she placed her hoof down.

"Mom? Would you do me a favor?" Zipp asked her.

"Anything, darling." Queen Haven answered, going to do anything for her daughter.

"Would you mind just calling me Zipp for now?" Zipp asked, wanting her mother to just call her Zipp instead of 'Princess'.

"Of course... Zipp." Queen Haven obliged her daughter's wishes with a smile as Cloudpuff crawled to the rest of the Mane 6 as he barked at Hitch, who is the only pony who can understand him.

"I'm sorry, it's a what?" Hitch asked Cloudpuff again as the dog barked again, and then the Mane 6 saw the egg Hitch was holding shakes as it sparkled up as it began to hatch. Once it hatched, a magic dust cleared out as a baby dragon cooed at them, the baby dragon is a green baby dragon with a light green underbelly. He has four horns which all curl backwards with swirls on them. He has low, long ears with pink insides. He has a pair of bat-like wings. "A dragon...?!" Hitch said in amazement as did the rest of the Mane 6 as Sunset smiled in excitement.

"But dragons haven't been seen in Equestria for generations!" Sunny stated with an exciting tone and barely contained herself at how cute the baby dragon is.

"I haven't seen another baby dragon after Spike for a long time! And he's the first we have seen in Equestria!" Sunset said in excitement, finding the baby cute and with knowledge that the other creatures of Equestria might still be out there somewhere if this baby dragon is here.

The baby dragon cooed as he hugged Hitch as Hitch smiled fondly at this baby dragon.

"He's so cute!" Izzy cheered, squealing at the baby dragon.

"Adorbs!" Pipp added as she takes a closer look at the baby dragon while he and Hitch are hugging as he got on Hitch's back with Hitch helping him as he cooed and hugged his back as the Mane 6 smiled at the baby dragon cuteness.

"Hey, everypony." Posey said as she got next to the Mane 6. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the way I acted." She apologized to them for her attitude and how she treated other ponies "I think I just felt…"

"Left out?" Zipp answered with a forgiving smile.

"Jealous?" Sunset added.

"Yeah! Exactly to both of those!" Posey agreed as she continued. "And I let my feelings get the better of me which nearly brought back the Windigos and destroyed Equestria." She said as she turned to Sunset. "And I'm really sorry for what I said to you, Sunset. I should've embraced the changes and given other ponies a chance instead of things how they were before. You are a great alicorn and a great leader that helped us get back our magic and keep the harmony. I should've put aside my feelings instead of letting it get to my head." Posey apologized to Sunset for everything she said to her, now seeing why Sunset is here and is helping keep the magic alive and the friendship as well, now knowing the purpose of the Guardians of Friendship.

Sunset places a comforting wing on Posey as she gives a forgiving smile. "Me and the others forgive you, Posey. You were just left out when Earth Ponies didn't have magic before, and you and the others feel left out for it. But you aren't anymore now that Earth Ponies now have magic and the magic in Equestria is now stabilized." She said, forgiving Posey and she could understand how she felt.

"And we'll make sure that doesn't happen again." Sunny promised as she looked at her friends. "Right, guys?" She asked her friends, who all spoke in agreement, wanting to make sure something like this never happened again and would keep magic alive.

Posey then came in front of Pipp to ask her something. "Pipp? Would you mind... singing your new Maretime Bay song?" She asked, wanting to start fresh with new things and wanting to hear Pipp's version of the Maretime Bay Song.

"I will on one condition – if you'll sing it with me." Pipp said with a smirk as she presented her lucky microphone to Posey, wanting her to join in on the song as well.

"I'll do the harmony!" Posey said excitedly as she and the Mane 6 went back to the stage to continue where they left off as the crowd came back to listen to the new Maretime Bay song as they enjoy the rest of the festivities.

In a dark castle throne room, a tall mare who is an alicorn with a long, slightly curved horn that is colored paler towards the tip. She is deep purple with dark blue eyes and glittery blue eyeshadow. Her mane is white with light streaks of cyan and is parted into two side sections with thin braids wrapped around her ears, looking at the screen showing Maretime Bay.

"Hah. Those little ponies finally figured out how to stabilize the magic." She said to herself and to her unicorn friend next to her throne, who is the unicorn is blue with purple hooves, she has kinky navy blue and teal hair. Her mane swoops to her right and she has three cornrows on the left side of her scalp. She also has teal-green eyes, dark blue eyebrows, and a long blue horn with a pink gradient towards the tip and pink swirls. In addition, she has freckles on her cheeks, a pink belly, and pink fetlocks, as the evil alicorn mentions that she was watching the Mane 6.

"And it looks like this Sunset is more than meets the eye. Something I am familiar with." The evil Alicorn said, referring that Sunset's actions remind her so much of the former Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle "Took them long enough." She said as she gave an evil smile as her unicorn friend watched. "And now that they have, it's time to take back what is mine!" She declared while laughing evilly as she continues to watch Maretime Bay.

Sometime later after Maretime Bay Day, Zipp, with her straps and radio on her, is setting up one of her posters next to her bed.

"It looks brilliant!" Izzy cheered from behind with the rest of the Mane 6, with the baby dragon on Hitch's back.

"You think so?" Zipp asked Izzy with a smile as her friends smiled back at her.

"We're so glad you're staying in Maretime Bay, 'Detective Zipp'!" Pipp said to her sister with a smile for making the right choice and finding her right place.

"Me, too." Zipp replied with a smile. "We have a lot to learn about magic and how it works." She said while looking at her golden detective pin she had gotten and put on her strap that is on her leg as she looked back to her friends. "I'm just glad I'll be here to figure it out with my best friends." She said to her friends, while Izzy is playing around with one of her friendship bracelets over the baby dragon, who is trying to grab it as Izzy gives it a cute friendly face.

"We started this together, we will figure it out together." Sunset said with a smile, since their first adventure, they started it so they will work together to figure out some more clues.

"Well, I definitely still have a loooot of questions." Sunny spoked next. "Like why does my Alicorn magic disappear?" She asked, wondering why her alicorn magic disappeared in the first place.

"Yeah!" Hitch said in agreement as the others turned to him. "Like why is it that I have the magical power to understand every animal except for this adorable baby dragon?" He said the 'dragon' part with a cute baby voice as he looked at the baby dragon, who then grabbed his muzzle out of curiosity, while also getting from Sunset that after finding out that Hitch is related to Fluttershy, the magic from the Unity Crystals from the magic vines must've unlocked his ability to understand animals like Fluttershy once did with the Earth Pony magic to go along with it, but not knowing how he can't understand this baby dragon. "Ow, ow, ow." He cringes, not blaming the dragon since he is a baby after all.

"Or... where did magic come from?" Zipp asked as she got into her detective mode as she paced back and forth. "Who made the Crystals anyway? And how did they get separated? Why didn't Earth ponies have magic before?" She asked the many questions that needed to be solved.

Sunset then spoke. "Well, I don't know about the rest of those questions yet as well, but I do know the answer to yours, Hitch." She said as Hitch listened after getting the baby dragon to let go of his muzzle. "From what I learned from Fluttershy is that she can understand animals, but this dragon is just a baby, he can't talk yet. And dragons can talk like anypony could. I should know since I know Spike the Dragon could talk." She pointed out that since this dragon is just a baby so he can't talk yet while saying that dragons could talk like anypony could like Spike did before."

"Ooohhh. Now I get it." Hitch said while nodding his head in agreement while amaze that this baby dragon will talk like they could when he gets older.

"But for the rest of those questions, it's unknown, even to me." Sunset said, not having all those questions. "This is something that needs to be discovered." She said to them, stating that they need more clues if they are ever to find the answers to this mystery, and maybe more clues on what happened to Twilight and the others on how Equestria became this way.

"Well, at least we already know one thing for sure." Sunny said with a smile to her friends.

Izzy gasps as she excitedly comes close to Sunny. "What's that?" She excitedly asked.

"No matter what lies ahead, we'll face it together!" Sunny announced to her friends as the rest of the Mane 6 cheered.

"And we face whatever comes our way as the magic grows stronger than ever as long as we're together." Sunset said with a smile as she looked up at the rainbow where the Crystals are. "Right, Twilight?" She asked happily to the rainbow as the Mane 6 smiled while huddling together, knowing that Twilight is watching over them in spirit.

At the top of the Brighthouse, the Unity Crystals shine bright while emitting the rainbow right to the sky from the Brighthouse for all Equestria to see as the Mane 6 will be ready for anything as they will figure out this mystery as the magic of friendship grows.

End of chapter 1.

Chapter 5 Ep 4: Father in the Bridlewood

Chapter 5 Ep 4: Father of the Bridlewood

In Bridlewood at the Crystal Tea Room, the Mane 7 and Discord came out while Zipp and Pipp were talking to their mother, after some intense lecture of course, while Misty and Alphabittle were catching up for lost times as the others were watching the two.

“Oh, I can’t believe it…” Alphabittle said, still bursting in joy. “My daughter, Misty, has returned! Hoo!” He happily exclaimed. “Well, back then, I used to call you Misty-Wisty, be we can retire that nickname if you like.” He suggested.

“Oh! Um…” Misty said in surprise since she didn’t remember that. “I’d like that very much. For now at least.” She said with a small smile.

“Okay, Misty-Wisty! I mean… Misty.” Alphabittle corrected himself with a smile. “Ah, there’s so much to catch up on…” He stopped himself as he remembered something. “Oh uh… I gotta go get something.” He said as he walked back into the Tea Room.

Queen Haven gave a laugh from this. “How wonderful is this!” She said to her daughters in joy. “Oh, I wish I didn’t have to fly off so soon to attend to some royal duties!” She said as she flew between Misty and Alphabittle, who is carrying a box of things it in while Haven smiled at them.

“I’m so happy for you both! Nothing beats having a daughter.” Haven said with a smile. “Except maybe having two.” She joked as she and Alphabittle laughed as Haven brought the two Unicorns in a hug as she walked up to Zoom and Thunder, who were waiting for her. “Well, I must be off! Ta-ta!” She said as the three pegasi flew off.

“Gotta love these family moments.” Sunset chuckled, loving these family moments.

Alphabittle then brought out a red nose from the box and put it on. “Remember when we went to the circus and you thought this was the funniest thing ever?” He asked.

“Huh?” Misty asked in confusion as he chuckled nervously, since she couldn’t remember that memory.

Alphabittle took off his clown nose as he look at the box again. “Oh, and you loved this painting from the Unicorn Art Museum!” He said as she brought out a picture of a familiar unicorn wearing a guard helmet, which Sunset and Discord knows all too well.

“Hey, that’s Twilight’s big brother, Shining Armor!” Discord called out in surprise.

“Oh, is that what his name was?” Alphabittle asked in surprise.

“Yeah.” Sunset said in surprise as well. “He was Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guards before he was married to Princess Cadance and ruled along side her in the Crystal Empire. He helped his sister and her friends before in the past.” She said, having heard from Twilight and learned more about her brother, which she called him B.B.B.F.F. in the past while he returned the gestured, including some funny moments her brother did.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” Sunny said with a big smile.

“Same here.” Alphabittle said in agreement as he look at the picture of Shining Armor. “I must say, Misty, you had incredibly advanced artistic taste for such a young filly!” He complimented as he gave his daughter a smile.

“Oh, um…” Misty said slowly while looking nervous. “Those memories are a little fuzzy for me, Alphabittle.” She honestly said.

Alphabittle gave an assuring smile as he palace Shining’s picture away. “Hey! No more Alphabitle here. From now on, call me ‘Dad’.” He said as he and Misty smiled at each other.

“Okay, Dad!” Izzy spoke up, which got the two and the rest of the others attention as they turned to her. “Oh, you meant just Misty. Got it!” She said cheerfully.

“Sorry, I don’t remember… um… Dad.” Misty said with a small smile.

Alphabittle gave Misty a smile. “We just need to jog your memory, kid.” He stated as he have an idea. “I know! Let’s have the most incredible father-daughter day.” He declared. “Then I guarantee it’ll all come flooding back. What do you say?” He asked with a smile.

“I would love that!” Misty answered happily. “Wow… first my Cutie Mark, and now this.” She noted as she then hopped around happily as the others watched in amusement. “I’m so over-the-luna-moon to be reunited!” She cheered happily as she gave Alphabittle a joyful smile as he returned the gestured.

The rest of the Mane 7 and Discord watched in joy. “Adorbs.” Zipp spoke first.

“So cute!” Pipp happily said.

“So heart wrenching.” Discord said with tearful eyes.

“Such a happy reunion.” Sunset said while wiping a tear as the others watched with joyful gasped while Hitch wide his tears of joy.

Izzy then came to them while moaning happily as Misty and Alphabittle touched hooves. “I am just feeling so many emotions!” She said as the others exclaimed happily and laughed at Izzy while agreeing with her.

Alphabittle then move the box while giving a thoughtful look. “Where to begin with re-connecting and re-membering?” He asked himself while trying to think of an idea. “You were always better at coming up with games and fun things to do…” He noted.

“I was?” Misty asked in surprise.

“Yeah!” Alphabittle confirmed with a smile. “That’s the whole reason I play games in the Crystal Tea Room! Because of you.” He revealed.

The others all exclaimed in surprise and happily. “So thoughtful. I can’t take it!” Sunny exclaimed heartily as she whole Sunset in support.

“That explains the games you kept playing time and time again while making bets, because you wanted to stay connected with Misty.” Sunset said with a big smile, now getting the reason why Alphabittle play games in the tea shop.

“I don’t remember that… or the last time I even played a game!” Misty stated, since she haven’t played a game in a long time while being raised by Opaline. “Unless you count ‘The Evil Plotting Game’ where you have to strategize and take over the whole world and all of ponykind?” She asked as she pace around. “Opaline does love that one.”

That caught the others attention when she said that, knowing it was Opaline while Alphabittle looked confused by that. “Um…” The group gave awkward looks at Misty.

“Hmm…” Zipp said in thought from that.

“Wait. That’s not a real game… is it?” Misty asked embarrassedly, having just realize that wasn’t a game from Opaline.

“No, it really wasn’t Misty.” Sunset said as she and Sunny walked up to her.

“We know you’ve been through a lot, Misty.” Sunny said softly.

“There are somethings that you haven’t tried before or haven’t tried in years.” Sunset added.

“And there’s still so much to unpack.” Sunny added with a smile.

Alphabittle gave a chuckle. “Seriously! I got another twenty of these Misty memory boxes.” He stated while gesturing to the box he brought out.

“Twenty boxes? Wow, Misty sure has done a lot as a filly.” Sunset said in surprise while Misty gave a sheepish chuckle.

“I guess I do.” Misty said sheepishly.

“I mea, more mentally and emotionally, but yea, those too!” Sunny said, not what she had in mind but in agreement as well.

“Speaking of, mind giving me a hand, daughter?” Alphabittle asked Misty with a smile as he levitated the box.

“Oh. Anytime dad-abitle…” Misty said before she realizes what she said. “Heh, I mean, Alpha-dad!” She said mixed up again as she gave a sheepish smile. “Uh. Sorry, still getting used to it!” She apologize.

Zipp then turned Sunny and Sunset to her. “Did you two hear what Misty just said?” She asked suspiciously.

“Yes!” Sunny said with a smile. “Dad-abittle? Ha! To funny!” She said in amusement.

“Heheh, that is funny. And a good one.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“No, no, not that.” Zipp said as she shook her head. “About Opaline taking over all of ponykind!” She pointed out about what Misty said of Opaline’s planning. “Maybe this game they played can give us clues to her plan?! Then we can get ahead of her! What are we really doing ot protect Equestria?” She questioned as she turned to the Tea Room. “I have to ask Misty right now.” She declared as she was about to walk to Misty.

Sunset however, stood in front of her. “Whoa, slow your wings, detective. No questioned Misty right now.” She said firmly.

“What? But we need to find out…” Zipp tried to defend before Sunny spoke.

“Zipp, you are a brilliant detective.” Sunny spoke. “But you should ‘detect’ that this isn't the time to interrogate Misty!” She pointed out.

“Sure it is!” Zipp said with a smile.

“No it’s not!” Sunset said firmly, which made Zipp flinch a bit. “Zipp, we get we need to know Opaline’s plan, but questioning Misty 24/7 is taking it a little too far and uncomfortable for her!” She pointed out with a look.

“What do you mean?” Zipp asked in confusion.

“We mean, your tactics with Misty lately have been a little ‘extreme’.” Sunny explained.

“A little, more like ‘overkill’.” Sunset corrected as Sunny nodded. “But seriously, Zipp, you’ve been at Misty’s neck for more questions about Opaline.” She said.

“Pssh, what are you two talking about?” Zipp asked in confusion as she not getting what they meant.

“How about we think back at the times when you kept questioning Misty after her secret of being with Opaline was revealed?” Sunset suggested with a brow as they think back of the times when Zipp kept questioning Misty about Opaline.

Flashback.

At Grandma Figgy’s place, Hitch’s grandmother is showing Misty a photo album of Hitch when he was a foal, which are surprisingly similar to his same cookie house on Wishday, but different with Sparky while Sparky sat next to Misty while eating a cookie.

Zipp then appeared as she push the book down. “So about Opaline…” She started.

“Ah!” Misty yelped in startled as she fell on her back.

In Hitch’s Station, Misty is stacking some cards into a pyramid with Hitch’s animal crew as she levitated two cards to the top.

But then Zipp appeared beside her. “About that Opaline…” She said again, but she startled Misty again.

“Ah!” Misty yelped and fell to the floor as the card pyramid collapse.

And then after getting a smoothie from Sunny and Sunset, Misty’s cup began to shake as it popped open to reveal a drone, which caused her to scream.

“Hey Misty!” Zipp spoke through the drone as Misty tried to run away from it until she saw in front of Zipp. “Tell me about Opaline right now!” She demanded before Sunset flew in.

“Zipp! Enough!” Sunset yelled as Zipp flinched from her outburst.

End of Flashback.

Zipp went wide eyes at what she been doing to Misty with the whole ‘interrogating’ her about Opaline since she didn’t realize she did that many times.

“I guess I have come on a bit strong.” Zipp admitted, seeing their point.

“A bit?” Sunset said with a brow.

“Okay, maybe too strong.” Zipp concede, now feeling bad for how she’s been questioning Misty.

“Right now, she just needs our support.” Sunny said with a smile.

“And also, she and Alphabittle just reunited, so now is not the time. Let them have their moment together.” Sunset added, since Misty just found out Alphabittle was her father and wanted to catch up for lost times.

“And when she’s ready, she’ll tell us everything we need to know.” Sunny assured as Zipp nodded in understanding. “Maybe we can do some more digging on our own?” She suggested while nudging Zipp with a smirk.

“Great ideam, pals!” Izzy cheered from behind a crystal as she jumped from behind it as they turned to her with a cheerful smile. “We Unicorns always say, ‘the past is the key to the present’.” She said dramatically before she spoke normally. “It’s very important to understand the history of somepony, for everypony’s choices echo in time… time… time…” She said as she repeated the world while spinning on her hindlegs as Sunny, Sunset and Zipp listened.

“I… guess that’s true.” Sunset said slowly with a shrug.

“Echo in time?” Zipp asked in confusion as Misty turned to them.

“Yes, time.” Izzy confirmed. “And I know just the pony you need to talk to.” She said with a smirk. “Follow me!” She cheered as she walked on the field. “Oh! Gather some grass and watch your hooves for stinky weeds along the way! It’s in season!” She warned cheerfully as she started picking up some grass and weeds. “Ooh ooh! And you! Oh! And you’re coming with me.” She spoke.

The three ponies looked at where Izzy went off to in amusement. “Well, when it comes to Izzy, she always surprises you, so let’s follow her.” She said as the two nodded and follow Izzy across the forest.

Somewhere in Bridlewood, Alphabittle and Misty walked through the forest with Pipp, Hitch, Sparky and Discord following way behind.

“How wonderful to take a stroll with you down memory lane today!” Alphabittle said to his daughter happily. “You used to love this play.” He noted.

“I did?” Misty asked in surprise. “What’s it called?” She asked her father in interest.

“Memory lane!” Alphabittle answered with a smile before he saw something. “Oh! And look there.” He gestured to a tree with a heart carved in it with a picture of Misty and Alphabittle together. “We carved this together! With the tree’s permission, of course. I’ve passed it every day since you’ve gone missing.” He said fondly while looking at the carving as Misty smiled at it. “Oh, I can’t wait to start full-time dad-ing again!” He cheered as he and Misty continued on with Discord, Hitch and Pipp trailing behind.

“I have never seen this grumpy guy act so happy.” Hitch commented to the two. “Not even with Queen Haven!” He added as Sparky babbled in agreement.

“Iv’ve never sene Misty this happy either!” Pipp said as she held her phone while recording Misty and Alphabittle.

“Those two have been apart, so it’s made them really happy to be together again.” Discord said, really love touching moments, wishing he could do the same with Fluttershy if she was still around.

“Maybe we should let them reconnect in peace?” Hitch suggested with a smile.

“Good idea. Let’s leave the father and daughter time alone.” Discord said in agreement.

“I can’t understand why we should…” Pipp argued as she kept recording before Hitch cleared his throat as he and Discord gave Pipp a look.

“Pipp…” Discord started with a brow and his arms crossed.

“What? She’l want this later! It’s adorable!” Pipp said in defense as she saw the looks the boys are still giving her as she realizes what they mean. “And I guess a little invasive. Fine!” She said as she turned off her phone as the two boys smiled in approval.

“We’re gonna head out so you can have some quality family time together!” Hitch spoke out to the two unicorns.

“So you ponies could catch up with lost times.” Discord added as he, Hitch and Sparky walked off.

“And privacy!” Pipp added as she realizes what she said. “But don’t ask why I brought that up. We’re just a call away if you need us!” She finished as she trotted off after the boys.

“Did you hear that? Family time. Just the two of us.” Alphabittle said happily as he place a hoof on Misty’s cheeks as said unicorn mare smiled. “Like it used to be!” He exclaimed as he started hopping forward happily like a foal.

Misty laughed at her father happily as she hopped as well as she followed him.

A little bit later, Alphabittle lead Misty to his tree home, or their home since it was Misty’s house as well.

“Welcome back to your home, kid!” Alphabittle as he opened the door as they entered as Misty looked around at her real home. “II want to make everything as comfortable as possible for you.” He said.

Misty entered the house as she gasped in wonder as she looked around, noticing three doors and a couple of trophies on the walls with some books shelved she looked on with a smile as she gasped at her real home.

“Oh, wait!” Alphabittle spoke out. “Wait till you see the best part!” He said as he lead Mist to a door as they enter a room. “Ta-da!”

Misty looked around with a smile as she notice a bed with stuff animals, w window and some other things like toys. “Wow… is this…” She said in stunt.

“Your old fillyhood room!” Alphabittle announced as Misty gasped with a smile at seeing her old room. “Left exactly as the day you went missing…” He said while giving a down look at the thought of his daughter missing again as Misty looked around her old room while looking at her old stuff. “...but with more dust bunnicorns now I guess.” He added, since he haven’t been in Misty’s room since she disappeared.

Misty came up to her bed as she saw her stuff animals longingly as she pick up a bunnicorn plushie.

“I’ll just call up Dusty, the cleanup pony, and hire her to help out.” Alphabittle stated as he walked out of the room to let Misty enjoy it. “I promise, it will be in mint condition soon. Do you still like mint?” He asked before he shrug it off and came back to Misty. “Anyway, now that you’re settled, let’s get to the fun stuff!” He announced as he walked into the room. “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life! Who-hooo!” He said happily as he walked out the room again.

Misty watched her father go with a nervous chuckle and a smile before she look at her plushie. “He has no idea who I am now!” She said to the plushie, since she knows that Alphabittle is her real father, he doesn’t know the new her since she was away when she was a filly. .But I have to go along with it. I want this to be the best day for him.” She said as she squeeze the plushie.

Misty giving a determined smile. “Okay, Misty, you’ve mastered the fake smile, so use it. And go!” She said to herself as she put the plushie down and waved her hoof in front of her as she gave a force smile with her teeth showing. “Heh.. Ow, ow… It hurts.” She muttered as she walked out of her room while smiling widely.

A little bit later, the two are now walking across Bridlewood as ponies are enjoying their day.

“This here is my daughter, Mist! Remember her?” Alphabittle as the ponies around them. “Say hello to my little filly!” They then walked up to a random unicorn stallion. “Hey! This is my long-lost child! Giver her a hoof!” He said.

The stallion lifted his hoof to Misty as she did the same while feeling embarrass as they tapped hoof as the stallion move on.

“Alphabit… I mean, Dad.” Misty said while feeling embarrassed. “Could we maybe, uh, tone it down? I’m not sure I love all this attention on me.” She stated.

“Oh! Uh, of course!” Alphabittle said in understanding. “I’m so sorry. You used to love when I pranced around and did this.” He explained with a smile. “I’ll dial back on the shouthing. But not on the pride!” He stated as Misty gave a small smile. “Oh! I’ve got something really exciting in store.” He said as he continued on with Misty following.

“What is it? Maybe a trip to the unicorn library?” Misty asked in wondered. “I’ve never been to one of those before. Or is it…” She trailed off when Alphabittle stopped as she gulped. “We’re… at a playground?” She asked in confusion since there are some foals playing in the playground.

“Exactly! We have so many fond memories together here.” Alphabittle said to his daughter with a smile. “You used to love the seesaw.” He pointed to a seesaw.

“Wee…” A foal said boredly as he and his friend played on the seesaw.

“And going down the slide.” Alphabittle continued as he gestured to the slide, which a filly slide down. “Wee… Oh..” She said in disappointment.

“And the spinning on the filly-go-round!” Alphabitle added while gesturing to a grown stallion on the merry-go-round, who is looking down. “How about you give it another ol’ spin, with the ol’ stallion? Please?” He asked while giving a puppy eye to Misty.

Misty felt off by it but gave a smile to Alphabittle. “Heh… Of course.” She said while giving herself a fake smile as she walked up to the merry-go-round. “Um… do you mind if I borrow this?” She asked the stallion.

“Aren’t you a little old to be using this?” The stallion asked.

“Heh. Yeah, but… wait…” Misty then realize something. “Aren’t we the same age?” She asked in confusion.

“Oh what about it?” The stallion asked again before Misty grabbed the merry-go-round as she stopped it, while making the stallion flinch from it.

“Listen, after being filly-napped and brainwashed for years, I am feeling so many feelings right now and I just really need this, okay?!” Misty explained frantically to the stallion.

The stallion just look at Misty boredly before he spoke. “Feelings…” He said as he started sniffling and look in a distance. “I understand those well.” He said while playing a hoof to his chest.

Misty just raised a brow at the unicorn stallion weirdly, not sure what he meant as the stallion continued.

“May the turnstile of emotions guide you from eternal darkness to light.” The stallion said to Misty while getting off the merry-go-round as he walked off.

“Sure, okay.” Misty said weirdly as she sat on the merry-go-round as Alphabittle walked up to her. “Ready!” She said with a smile.

Alphabittle smiled as she then pulled the merry-go-round really hard that it started spinning her really fast.

“Wee!” Misty screamed before she started retching as her cheeks turned green as she screamed again before her face turned completely green as she was getting dizzy. “Alright, that’s enough!” She called out.

Alphabittle stopped the merry-go-round as Misty got off while feeling dizzy as she move around while keeping balance while her eyes spinned. “Hmm. You used to have a stronger stomach.” He said, seeing that Misty stomach isn’t as strong as it used to as Misty tried to keep her lunch in. “Maybe that’s enough playgrounding for today?” He suggested.

“I’m fine! Hah. Totally fine.” Misty assured, lying a bit since she doesn’t want to ruin this as she still look green before she prevented her lunch from coming out as her color returned. “That was super fun. Yay!” She added.

“Why don’t we try something else?” Alphabittle asked with a small smile.

“Yes! I l’d love that.” Misty said with a smile, feeling relief that their skipping the playground.

“I’m between cave-exploration or extreme tree-climbing.” Alphabittle listed before he gave a smile at another thought. “Or, maybe we can ger back into fire-swallowing again.” He suggested.

Misty eyes shrunk a bit uneasily at the last part her father suggested as she blinked a bit and gave a nervous smile as she gave a panic look while trying to keep him from knowing.

A little bit later, Izzy lead Sunny, Sunset and Zipp to a tree home as they were at the front door as Izzy then knocked calmly with a smirk before she knocked hard.

“Uh… Izzy, where are we?” Zipp asked in confusion since they never been to this part of Bridlewood before.

“Shh! Shh!” Izzy shushed her as she then levitated the three grass woven baskets. “Also, hold these wild grass woven gift basket-baskets.” She said as she gave her friends the three baskets.

“What for?” Sunset asked in confusion before the door knocked from the inside before it opened to show and elderly unicorn mare who has a light purple coat long sliver mane and tail and maroon hooves. She has magenta eyes and her cutie mark is of three rubies, it was Elder Flower.

“Well, lookie who we have here, Dizzy!” Elder Flower said while moving her hooves around as her eyes rolled.

“Oh, it’s Izzy, Elder Flower.” Izzy corrected to her with a smile as she got between her three friends. “This is Sunny, Sunset, and Zipp! Sunny, Sunset and Zipp, meet Elder Flower!” She introduced to the elderly unicorn who is sleeping while standing as she snored. “The most elderly-est pony in town, so much so that it’s even in her name.” She said cheerfully as she hopped forward a bit.

“So that’s Elder Flower, huh?” Sunset asked with a small smile as Sunny and Zipp smiled as well. “Heh, reminds me of Granny Smith.” She added quietly.

Sunny then gave a slight bow. “We’re so honored to meet you Elder…” She tried to say before Izzy gasped and stopped her.

“That’s not the Bridlewood-Elder way!” Izzy spoke out as the three flinch as they look in confusion. “Pass her your baskets.” She said as they let go of their baskets as Izzy levitated them to Elder Flower.

Elder Flower was still sleeping while standing before she saw the baskets as she woke up before she smiled. “Wild grass woven gift basket-baskets?!” She asked happily as she accepted the baskets in her magic. “How very thoughtful. And respectful!” She said as she place the baskets inside with the others.

“You’re welcome, ma’am.” Sunset said with a smile before turning to Izzy. “Izzy, what are we doing here anyway?” She asked in wonder.

“Because Elder Flower is the storyteller in Bridlewood!” Izzy stated with a smile. “She has tales hat have been passed down through generations and generations of little ponies!” She cheered with a wave and a smile. “Like, all past is in her mind. Can you belizzle that?!” She asked cheerfully.

“This reminds me of the tale when the raccoon bit the snake.” Elder Flower suddenly said as she gave a bit crazed look.

“Oh! That is such a good one!” Izzy perked up as the others looked confuse by that as she whispered to them. “I know that some of her stories might not make sense right away, but I promise she’ll help you understand more about Equestria’s history.” She assured as her friends gave a smile.

“Well, it would be interesting to get to know her, so let’s give it a shot.” Sunset said with a small smile, going to give Izzy’s plan a shot and to get to know Elder Flower more.

“Great!” Izzy cheered as she turned to Elder Flower. “These pals of mine could really use your help! WOuld you be willing to spin some yarns?” She asked with a smirk.

“I will on one condition.” Elder Flower said as she gave an exciting expression. “I wanna visit the big city!” She exclaimed with her hoof raised

The others gave her small smiles from that. “Zephyr Heights?” Zipp guessed.

“That’s the one!” Elder Flower confirmed. “Can you take me?” She asked.

“We’d love to be your chaperones!” Sunny said with a smile.

“Oh, wee, yippy!” Elder Flower said excitedly. “Oh and then I gotta get packing. Do they still wear poodle skirts there? She asked as she enter her home to get ready.

The three look at each other with smiles. “Well, we just made and elder pony’s day.” Sunset said with a smile, not only will they get some information, but they get Elder Flower to have fun as the two girls nodded in agreement.

At the Crystal Tea Room, Misty and Alphabittle entered shop as Onyx is doing a poem while Dapple played the bongos.

“The injured cat says, meow-ow.” Onyx started. “Ow.”

“Me-ow-ow.” Dapple finished as the crowd clapped to them light applause as Misty and Alphabittle came up to the counter.

“No doubt this will bring back memories.” Alphabittle said with a smile as Misty sat down on the table as a armadillo passes by with a tea cup that she grabbed. “A specialty special-tea testing at my Crystal Tea Room!” He announced as he gave a thought. “Now, let’s see if I remember…” He said as he look at his stand.

Alphabittle then started tapping on some things in his stand, some bottles, turning the tea kettles, setting a clock time, grabbing two controllers and move the handles, and playing a tiny piano with a drumstick.

Then clicking sounds can be heard as at the bottom counter, a secret door appeared, leaving a compartment with a bowl that has a pink vase in it as Alphabittle sigh in relief.

“Phew. It still works.” Alphabittle said in relief as he opened the vase and put some tea leaves in Misty’s cup as he brought out a tea kettle and pour some hot water in it.

Misty gulped nervously as she looked at Alphabittle, who is smiling giggly at her as she gave a force smile and drink the tea, which made her go wide eyes at the taste, that it tasted bad as she shook her head and gave a force smile.

“Mmm, yummy.” Misty said.

“I knew it!” Alphabittle cheered as he look at his counter. “You still love ‘Misty’s Mys-tea-ry’. I named it after you and haven’t let anypony drink it since.” He explained as he didn’t see Misty coughing from the tea taste as she toss the tea away without him looking as Alphabittle turned back to her.

“But I can’t remember for the life of me what’s in it!” Alphabittle said as he look at Misty’s empty cup. “Gone already? Wow!” He said while Misty is still giving her fake smile. “Looks like you need another cup.”

Misty panicked as she pushed her tea cup away with a force smile. “I’m all tea’d out, Alpha… uh… Dad.” She quickly corrected as she leaned on her cheeks casually. “Any chance there’s something else, anything else, on that list of yours?” She asked, wanting to do something else other than that old tea.

Alphabittle gave a smile from that. “In fact, there is!” He said as he tapped his hoof to the ground as a light shine on Onyx and Dapple.

“Ow-owl, says the injured owl!” Onyx declared.

“Oh! Owl…” Dapple finished as the crowd clapped to them as Alphabittle and Misty walked next to the stage.

“Slam poetry! Your favorite!” Alphabittle said to his daughter. “Remember when you won the youth slam with your performance of ‘Reflections of Glowpaz Crystal’?” He asked her.

“No. I do not.” Misty said in confusion. “That actually sounds awful--” She was cut off when Alphabittle gave her a side hug, which startled her.

“Awfully cute?” Alphabittle guessed with a smile. “I know! It was! Here.” He said as he pushed Misty to the stay.

“Wait, I…” Misty tried to explain as she was push on stage right in front of Onyx and Dapple as more lights shine on her as look at the ponies watching in as got nervous. “Uh… Um… Uh…” She stammered as she stood up and was about to speak through the microphone, but stopped as she has nothing to say since she doesn’t know a poem. “Uh…” She said as the crowd looked at each other in confusion.

The Marestream flew at high speed to Zephyr Heights as it landed someone where in the city as the four ponies walked out and went into town.

“You sure did enjoy that Marestream ride, huh, Elder Flower?” Zipp asked with a smirk.

“Oh I did!” Elder Flower nodded with a smile. “It was just like the time I went hoof gliding!” She said.

“Yeah, anypony would enjoy the Marestream, except for Posey, of course.” Sunset said with a chuckle from when Posey hated snow but also afraid of flying when she panicked in the Marestream.

“So, now that we’re finally here, we have some questions for you about the--” Zipp tried to ask before Elder Flower gasped.

“Can it be?” Elder Flower asked with a smile as she look around the city of Zephyr Heights and walked ahead. “Shopping on Mane Avenue! What a wonder ot finally see such an iconic play. Look!” She said happily as she trotted ahead to a fashion shop as she gestured to the display with a coat with red flowers on it as the three ponies caught up to her.

“Did you know that style was in fashion when I was a filly?” Elder Flower as she gave a laugh as the three looked at her with a smile. “Incredible to see its return!”

“That how I would feel if I saw something familiar.” Sunset said with a small smile, wishing she was like that when she saw the ruins of Canterlot in better condition, feeling sad of her old home as Sunny patted her back in comfort, understanding Sunset as the two ponies smiled at each other.

“Right…” Zipp said with a smile. “So I was wondering about this ancient evil Alicorn Opaline” She said as Sunny and Sunset nodded in agreement.

“Hmm.” Elder Flower thought for a moment with her hoof to her chin before she gasped as the others perked up.

“What? You know something?!” Zipp asked urgently with a smile as Sunny sat while bringing out her book as the three ponies waited for a respond.

“I cannot believe that Pegasus.” Elder Flower said as the three were confuse before they turned and saw a pegasus hat. “They’re wearing a vintage ‘Carousel Boutique' hat.” She stated as she turn to the. “Do you know how hard those are to find? And look!” She cheered happily as she ran off. “This music shop…”

The three ponies turned to each other as they turned around and huddle in close. “Sunny, Sunset, this is going absolutely nowhere.” Zipp stated as Elder Flower look around the shop. “Trying to keep her focus is one thing, but these stories? They’re complete nonsense!” She pointed out as Elder Flower tried to catch a pegasus pig before she fell to the floor facefirst.

“Yeah, they’re a little…” Sunny said as she trailed off with a hummed and a chuckle.

“Well, can you blame her, she elderly. They do these kinds of things, but they are more wise then us.” Sunset pointed out, since she knows elderly like Applejack’s grandmother, Granny Smith.

“Yeah, that is true.” Sunny said before she smile. “But remember what Izzy said? Let’s see what she has to say. Which seems to be a lot.” She said sheepishly.

“Not to mention Elder Flower is like an Elder Izzy.” Sunset noted before she realize something. “Actually, that make a lot more sense.” She said in thought, now getting where Izzy got her personality from.

“I guess that’s true too.” Sunny said in agreement, seeing a connection there too.

Zipp then started thinking of an idea. “Hmm. If we get her to the old hanger, maybe she’ll be inspired to spill some of the Opaline-beans?” She suggested.

“That could actually work. That hanger was a remnant of Twilight’s regin before the fall from Opaline. Maybe there’s a hint.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Good idea!” Sunny said in agreement. “That could help jog her memory.” She said as the three ponies then notice that Elder Flower wasn’t with them. “Uh, speaking of jogging…” She trailed off as they saw Elder Flower jogging off. “Wait up!” She called out.

“Uh, slow down!” Zipp called next.

“Don’t leave us hanging!” Sunset finished as the three ponies chased after her. “Wow, that pony could move!” She commented as they were surprise how Elder Flower could move fast for a pony her age.

Back at the Crystal Tea Room, Misty is still frozen as she the crowd still watches as she was nervous.

“Hu-huh. Rad.” Dapple commented as Onyx turned to him. “Such a dedicated choice.”

“Uh…” Misty kept going nervously before she finally snapped. “I’m sorry! I can’t do this anymore!” She cried out.

“Huh?” The audience called in confusion as Misty ran out the door as the crowd started camping to her, thinking she did a poem as Aphabittle get on stage in confusion.

“That was… brilliant!” Dapple cheered.

“I am overwhelmed with emotions.” Onyx said naturally.

“What… what was it about?” Alphabittle asked Onyx, since she and Dapple can tell the words and expressions ponies make.

“It was a commentary on the loss of identity.” Onyx explain.

“Imbed with undertones of fear about a newfound fragile father-daughter relationship.” Dapple added as he clap his hooves together.

Alphabittle cleared his throat when he heard that. “You, uh… got all that?” He asked as Onyx and Dapple nodded as he turned to stage. “I see.” He said guilt, now getting how Misty was feeling the whole time as he walked off.

“She also could have been saying something about um-brellas.” Onyx commented.

“Yeah, that too.” Dapple said in agreement.

Back at Alphabittle’s home, Alphabittle entered his home as he hear Misty crying in her old room as as he entered and saw Misty on her bed crying her tears out as Alphabittle gave a solemn look.

“I thought you might be in here.” Alphabittle said as he entered the room as he sat on the edge of the bed. “What happened? You love performing.”

“No, I don’t!” Misty cried out as she turned ot him. “At least, not anymore. I hate the spotlight. I hated the playground!” She cried out as Alphabittle flinch back a bit. “I’m sorry, but… this whole day has been a struggle.” She said as she held her bunnicorn plushie.

“You didn’t like any of the things we did?” Alphabittle asked in surprise.

“No, I didn’t.” Misty honestly said as she turned away sadly. “The truth is… I don’t actually know what I like! Or even who I am…” She said as she look at her own hooves and then held her plushie again. “I haven’t really had the chance to figure it out yet.” She stated.

Alphabittle looked up in surprise. “Wow, Onyx and Dapple was right.” He said as he look at his daughter in sympathy. “I just want you to feel at home.”

“But I don’t feel at home.” Misty said as she gestured to her old room. “I barely know this place. I barely know myself!” She pointed out as she turned to her father. “And you barely know me. So much time has passed, so much has happened. Whatever filly you used to love isn’t here anymore.” She said sadly as she look at her plushie and put her face on it. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She muttered through the plushie.

Alphabittle looked at his daughter in guilt for not knowing how she felt. “I didn't realize… I was just trying to show I cared. But I understand. You want to be alone.” He said as he stood up from the bed as he walk out of the room as the door shut.

Misty looked at her plushie sadly as tears were dripping from her eyes before she quickly rushed to the door and opened it to her father. “No! I don’t want to be alone anymore. That’s all I’ve ever been and ever felt.” She said, which surprise Alphabittle as he turned ot his daughter in surprise. “And now I have you. I somehow have you. My dad!” She said with a smile as she rushed up to him.

Alphabittle caught Misty as the two shared a warming hug as Alphabittle held his daughter. “Oh… my Misty-Wisty!” He said joyfully as he held her close. “You’re right. I’ve been holding onto the past. Onto the pain of losing you, which made me hard-headed.” He said as they broke the hug as Misty listened deeply. “You just ask anypony in town how grumpy I’ve been all these moons…” He stated jokefully as the two nuzzled.

“Let’s start over. My name is Alphabittle, and I am your father.” Alphabittle said as Misty smiled tearfully and heartfelt as she wipe her tears. “Though I know nothing about you, someday when you’re ready, I want to hear all about your life and experience and who you are now.” He said with a smile.

“It’s a pleasure to re-meet.” Misty said with a smile. “I’m Misty. Tea for short.” She said playfully as she move in a circle.

“Tea?” Alphabittle asked playfully as he laugh. “I like that.” He said.

“I do too. I just made it up!” Misty said cheerfully.

“Hey, there’s still a little bit of the father-daughter day left.” Alphabittle said as he smiled at his daughter. “What would you like to do?” He asked.

Misty thought for a moment before she smiled at her father.

At Zephyr Heights, Sunny, Sunset and Zipp led Elder Flower to the station where they first found out about the Unity Crystals, which recently been restored to it’s former glory after the unity of ponykind and when Zipp showed her mother about it that she gladly restored it.

“The old station, it’s been a while since we’ve been here.” Sunset said with a fond smile.

“Where it all started from finding out about the crystals.” Sunny added with a smile as well.

“And now we have somepony else to remember.” Zipp said as they all turned behind them. “This way, Elder Flower! We want to show you something.” She said as Elder Flower came to them as they continued on.

Elder Flower was holding a couple of bags she bought while doing her shopping. “Show me something? Well then, let me put on these new glasses I went with the Classic design.” She said as she put the bags down and pout on some glasses with purple lenses. “Super hip! Speaking of hips, I gotta stretch.” She said as she spread her legs and start doing some stretches as some bones cracked.

“Wow, she’s is spry. And chatty.” Zipp commented, looking surprise that an elderly like Elder Flower can be so chatty and spry.

“No kidding. She is full of surprise.” Sunset said in agreement.

“Once, I attended a super fancy sparkly wedding, but all the ponies kept changing shapes and I almost threw my hip! Ha!” Elder Flower said as she kicked her back legs as the others watches with smiles.

Sunny then turned to her two friends. “If we’re hoping to learn something, this has to be the place for it.” She said to them as they smiled in agreement before Elder Flower came next to them.

“Now, let’s see…” Elder Flower said as she took off her glasses and gasped in awed at seeing the stain glass, which have been restored as well, except for the middle where the Earth Pony and Unity Crystals should go to with an open window.

“My-oh-my. This hanger is beautiful.” Elder Flower said in awed as she turned to the three ponies. “It reminds me of when all these lands were united.” She started.

“Finally…” Zipp said in relief, finally getting Elder Flower to tell a story related to Opaline. “Here we go!” She said in interest as Elder Flower walk to a chair.

“A long time ago, there was a magical bat named Dawn.” Elder Flower said as the others listened. “She was surrounded by other bats like her, but one of the bats refused to get along with the others.” She stated as she levitated her glasses and flying them around as the three ponies duck. “This bat wanted to fly around, and eat all the fruit herself. So Dawn spoke to a spider, who wove a beautiful web to keep the mean greedy bat away.” She said.

Zipp, Sunset, and Sunny looked on since her story was something similar to Opaline as they smiled to each other. “In the end, Dawn was able to protect their nest, yet the greedy bat continues to this day to try and break the web.” Elder Flower continued while making faces. “Which is why some bats eat fruit and some bats eat insects.” She added as the three ponies look at her in confusion. “That’s it!” She said.

The three were silent before Zipp broke it. “That… was a beautiful tale.” Zipp said slowly.

“Very interesting on bats.” Sunset said with a nervous smile.

“Yes.” Sunny said sheepishly. “Thank you for sharing your story with us.” She added politely.

Elder Flower nodded as she stood up and walked up to the stain glass as Zipp sighed in disappointment. “It really was beautiful. But it held no clue.” She pointed out, since there wasn’t a clue about Opaline.

“Hey, we tried!” Sunny assured with a smile.

“Not everything can be easy, Zipp. We tried our best, but not everything can come up in a day.” Sunset said with an assuring smile, since finding a clue wouldn’t be easy.

“And at least Elder Flwoer has had a nice time here.” Sunny added as they turned to Elder Flower, who is smiling happily while looking at the station. “She seems happy.”

“She did have a good time going to the big city.” Sunset said with a smile.

“And really, doing something like this for her? That’s a win in my book.” Zipp said in agreement with a smile, even with no clues about Opaline, at least Elder Flower have fun.

A little bit later, the four ponies walked back to the Marestream while Elder Flower is levitating many bags of things she bought while shopping.

“Thank you so much for giving me the trip of a lifetime, fillies!” Elder Flower said happily to them.

“We’re so glad we could help.” Sunny said with a smile.

“Anything for a friend of Izzy.” Sunset added with a smile as well.

“You deserved it.” Zipp finished.

“It’s turelly one to remember.” Elder Flower said before she remember what she saw. “Especially since I got to see that new Together Tree! So lovely!”

That got the three ponies attention. “Sorry… what?” Zipp asked in confusion.

“A Together Tree?” Sunset asked while scratching her head in confusion.

“Uh, Yes!The Together Tree.” Elder Flower repeated. “Over there.” She pointed to the palace’s garden to the tree Misty and the others grew together at the ending of the Cutie Blossom Bash. “Just like our beautiful Wishing Tree in Bridlewood.” She stated.

“What’s a Together Tree?” Zipp asked in wonder.

“Yeah, because I’m drawing a blank. I never heard of a tree like that before.” Sunset said in wonder, since she never heard of such trees before.

Elder Flower then begin her story as she started to picture in her head of a tree the Mane 7, sin Misty, grew in Maretime Bay during Hitch’s no magic rule incident, the Wishing Tree in Bridlewood, and now the tree Misty grew in Zephyr Heights. “These trees are very powerful. Created only when ponies come together through true friendship. Together Trees communicate and connect magically to each other, through their roots underground.” She said as they pictured the roots of each Together Trees’s roots coming together from each pony tribe hometowns as they tangled together in the middle while forming a heart. “They are our great protectors. And we, in turn, must protect them.” She finished.

“Whoa!” Sunset, Sunny and Zipp all said in awed as Zipp jumped a bit.

“We never knew these trees connected us that closely. Looks like there’s more to them than we thought.” Sunset said in awed at what they learned about the Together Trees.

“Yeah, these trees are more special and amazing.” Sunny said in agreement.

Zipp nodded as she turned to Elder Flower. “Elder Flower, thank you so much for teaching us that.” She said gratefully.

“All in a day’s work existing with the knowledge of my unicorn ancestors!” Elder Flower said with a smile. “Especially Great Great Great Great Auntie Moondancer. She sure is a lot.” She said with a smile.

Sunset went wide eyes from that. “Wait, your related to Moondancer?!” She asked in shock.

“Yes, deary. Why you’d ask?” Elder Flower asked in confusion with a smile.

“Well, it just that… Moondancer was a classmate I knew back when I attended Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns!” Sunset spoke in shock since Moondancer was one of her old classmates before Twilight stepped in and took her place after she went rouge.

“Hey, that’s right. You told us about her.” Sunny said in surprise, since Sunset told them about Moondancer during their first trip to Bridlewood when they went to get the Unicorn Crystal.

“Huh, so that explains why she was telling me she knows you.” Elder Flower said as she look up into the sky. “Quit your yapping, I hear ya! And I will tell Sunset you said hi!” She said as the three ponies looked at each other strangely.

“So that’s where Izzy gets it.” Sunset said as the three mares chuckled in amusement.

At the Crystal Tea Room, Misty and Alphabittle returned as Misty is on the counter making something while Alphabittle sat on the table with two armadillos next to him with his eyes closed.

“Oh, I know I said I was a patient stallion, but I cannot wait to see what you’ve up your sleeve.” Alphabittle said in excitement as Misty finished making a tea as she place it in front of Alphabittle.

“Okay, open your eyes!” Misty said with a wave of her hoof.

Alphabittle opened his eyes as he look at the tea Misty gave him. “Tea?!” He said in surprise as he got closer to it. “Hmm, tea.” He then exclaimed happily.

“Not just any tea.” Misty said as it got her dad’s attention. “A new bled designed and crafted by me. Try it!” She offered.

Alphabittle smiled as he then took a sip of the tea as he smiled widely. “Ah! Delicious.” He said as he then spins in his chair while in thought. “At first, it has a bitterness. But then, it softened into a warm, comforting cup.” He noted as he turned to his daughter.

“My tea-metaphor for you.” Misty said with a soft smile.

“Aw… It’s like poetry!” Alphabittle said while feeling tough. “I am so grateful to get this second second-chance with you.” He said to his daughter with a smile. “You’re home!” He said as he touch Misty's hoof.

Misty then gave a thought as she spoke. “Honestly, I still don’t really feel at ‘home’ here. I don’t know why?” She wondered, since Bridlewood is her home, she still doesn’t feel like home for her.

Alphabittle had a thought as he smiled and stood up. “I know just what to do. Just need to make a little phone call.” He said as he walked of while Misty looked on in confusion.

Sometime later at sunset, Misty and Alphabittle arrived at the Brighthouse as they stopped at the front door.

“Ta-da-da!” Alphabittle said with a smile. “Get it? Da-da?” He added with a chuckle.

Misty just looked confused. “Huh? The Crystal Brighthouse?” She asked in confusion as they entered the Brighthouse.

Alphabittle and Misty then entered the bedroom while Misty is still confused before she heard squeaking sound and turned to see something that made her gasped in surprise.

What Misty is seeing is that her bed and the things she have all in the bedroom with her bed in front of a butterfly window while Discord, Izzy, Hitch and Pipp are setting up her tings.

“Hey!” Pipp said once they saw Misty as she put the box down. “Sorry we don’t have everything unpacked yet. You have some…” She said as she tried to lift the box again, but it was pretty heavy as she grunted in effort. “...heavy stuff.” She finished as she flopped to the floor as she panted a bit. “What’s in this?” She wondered as she opened the box.

Once Pipp opened the box, she startled back a bit once she saw Sparky in it with some barbells in the box as he babbled and tried to lift one up ass it was pretty heavy for him as Hitch look in the box with Pipp.

“Sparky, put those down! You’ll stub a claw.” Hitch said to his baby dragon as Sparky sigh from that.

Izzy picked up the barbell Sparky was holding as he sneeze and fell to the floor on his back as the sneeze released one of his dragon fires as it turned the barbell Izzy was holding into three balloons as they smiled cutely at him.

“Good try though, little dragon.” Discord commented as he ticked Sparky’s belly as the baby dragon giggled from that.

“What is all this?” Misty asked her father in confusion with a smile.

“I reach out to your pals about living here.” Alphabittle answered with a warm smile. “They’d love for you to stay, if that’s what you want.” He explained.

Misty turned to her father in surprise as she turned to the others with a smile. “Really?!” She asked happily as the five nodded in respond with a smile as Misty laughed and ran up to her bed while jumping on it. “I do!” She exclaimed as the critters came ot her to join the fun.

“I just made the bed!” Hitch cried out as he shook his head in amusement as he calmed down while Sparky joined Misty. “Heh, whatever!” He said in amusement.

“Glad to know your learning, Hitch.” Discord said with a smile as they all watched Misty happily.

Misty then got off her bed as she came to her father. “You don’t have to live with me in Bridlewood. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” Alphabittle said with a smile as he sat down and grab Misty by the shoulder as she smiled at him as he held her cheeks. “You’re a grown pony, now. Not my baby filly. And that’s okay.” He said tearfully as he sigh and let her go. “Just promise you’ll call me every week. Also, I filled the fridge downstairs with healthy meals. Oh, and you were so good at making that tea, I left you a giant box full of dry herbs and flowers so you can make your own blends at home!” He listed out as he gestured to one of the boxes with a herb and flower pictures on it as he place a hoof on Misty’s shoulder.

Pipp was moving a box as she was next to the box of the herbs and flowers as she gave a nervous look. “Um… fun!” She said while knowing that this will be heavy.

“I’m going to miss you so much!” Alphabittle said to Misty with teary eyes and a smile.

Misty returned the gesture as she smiled at her father. “I’m going to miss you too, Dad.” She said as she hugged her father as he returned the gesture happily.

“Still got it.” Alphabittle said happily.

Then the three ponies and Discord all exclaimed in joy as they and Sparky joining on the hug. “We want in too!” Pipp said in joy.

In the sky, the Marestream was flying thigh speed as Elder Flower look out through one of the windows.

“North Wind! How I’ve missed you!” Elder Flower said happily to the wind as she went back inside as she turned to Sunny and Sunset. “You know, there’s a story about the North Wind went up against the South Wind in a dance-off that turned into a tornado.” She said to them.

“Hmm?” Zipp said in the cockpit with in interesting smile while wearing her glasses. “Dance-off? Sounds like some story!” She said, remembering the dance-off Sunny went against Alphabittle when they tried to win for the Unicorn Crystal.

“And a familiar one.” Sunset said as she nudge Sunny playfully with a smirk as the Earth Pony chuckled sheepishly, remembering that day all to well.

The Marestream then landed at the Brighthouse as they walked up to the entrance. “Is there some deep, hidden message to decode in this one?” Zipp asked Elder Flower in interest.

“There’s always messages in the wind, dear.” Elder Flower answered as Sunny and Sunset are at the front door. “If you fly directly into on a Thursday, you’ll see what I mean.” She said as she walked up to Sunny and Sunset.

Zipp gave a thought as she smiled and entered the Brighthouse.

In the back of the Brighthouse, the group were laughing while spending time together while drinking tea as Sunset, Zipp, Sunny and Elder Flower came from the door to them.

“You’re back!” Izzy cheered.

“Hey, pals!” Hitch said with a smile.

“We missed you!” Pipp added as she turned away from her phone.

“How was you’re day?” Discord asked.

Sunny then gasped when she saw Misty and Alphabittle. “Yay, Misty’s here!” She cheered.

“Welcome back, Misty. Hi, Alphabittle.” Sunset greeted them with a smile.

Zipp then came to them with an an exciting look. “Hi, Alphabittle! You’ll never believe what we learned.” She said to their friends as they turned to Elder Flower. “Elder Flower, would you like to do the honors?” She asked with a smile.

Elder Flower smiled as she levitated her glasses and a fork. “It all starts with a magical bat…” She started, about to say the bat story again before Sunny stopped her.

“I… think she means the other one.” Sunny reminded her with a smile.

“The one after the bat.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Oh!” Elder Flower said in realization with a chuckle. “Uh, the Together Trees. Well.. They’re all magically connected…” She started to tell her story about the Together Trees.

The Together Tree in Zephyr Heights then have a flower glowing as it bloomed with sparkles flying off as it was the first flower to bloom.

End of Chapter 5 Ep 4.

Chapter 6 Ep 3: Roots of All Evil Part 2

Chapter 6 Ep 3: Roots of All Evil Part 2

In the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny looked in shock at the missing yellow stripe from the rainbow that's supposed to represent the unity and harmony that exists all across Equestria.

"Hitch! No!" Sunny cried out with panic and worry.

Meanwhile, Misty is comforting Sunset and trying to calm her down because of her panic attack. Misty has had a few in the past, since she has woken up from nightmares where she's back at the lair with Opaline, and her friends had comforted her to calm down. It's finally time to return the favor.

"Sunset, I need you to take deep breaths and look at me, okay?" Misty called out, while Sunset did so.

The Alicorn mare began to take deep breaths. The first few of them were shaky and forced, but little by little, they became genuine, until she's finally breathing normally again and can feel her mind focusing as it should.

Once Sunset felt she was back to stay calm, she looked over at Misty. "Thanks, Misty. Sorry for almost losing it..."

"Eh, I think you're fine, really," Sunny said with a forced smile because she looked at the rainbow light of the Brighthouse, which was missing the yellow line that represented Hitch's magic.

"You worry for him, don't you?" Sunset asked her after noticing her expression.

"I'm sure he fought 'till the very end, and yet... I'm worried, Sunset..." Sunny said with a sigh. "What if she hurt him after removing his Cutie Mark?!"

"Sunny, Sunny!" Sunset called out. "Panicking is not the answer right now! I know I just did that a few seconds ago, but we need to stay calm and focused, okay?"

"Sunset is right, Sunny," Misty agreed with concern. "Opaline got Hitch's Cutie Mark for now, but we may be the next!" She then gasped at a horrible thought. "Or even our friends!!!"

"But I can't be calmed right now!" Sunny said panicked. "Hitch is out there alone, with no magic to protect himself or the town's ponies! How can I focus when I know that he's on his own out there?!"

Seeing that Sunny's concern for Hitch seemed to be too big, Sunset and Misty looked at each other, but then they smiled and nodded, before looking back at Sunny.

"Well, then you should go on and make sure that your Sheriff is doing fine, Sunny," Misty said with a determinate look, that's also mixed with a teasing smirk.

Sunny's eyes widened after hearing this. "I'm sorry, what?" She asked confused.

"You say that you want to make sure he's fine, right?" Sunset asked, also with a determined look and a smirk. "Then go and do that! Misty and I will stay to protect the Brighthouse with everything we have. You just go and make sure your stallion is fine, okay?"

"Sunset..." Sunny complained with a frown, but also with a slight blush.

"Hey, you're the one that wanted to go and check on him!" Misty pointed out. "Just do that! I'm sure Sunset and I will be fine."

Sunny didn't want to leave her two friends on their own, but she certainly needed to make sure that Hitch was fine. In the end, she groaned and stomped her hooves like a filly that got mad over something.

"Fine! But if something happens, I'll rush here ASAP!" Sunny declared.

"I know you will, 'sis'," Sunset teased with a smirk and a wink, making Sunny smile and roll her eyes. "Now go to meet your Sheriff, girl!"

Sunny blushed a bit from the teasing, but she still nodded and trotted away toward the town, leaving Misty and Sunset on their own to watch over the Crystals and make sure that Opaline wouldn't take them away...

Yet right after Sunny left the Brighthouse and no sign of her was in sight, an evil laugh echoed from the sky, which made Misty gasp with wide eyes. "Opaline... She's here!" She said with concern.

"We have to protect the Crystals!" Sunset declared, lifting up Sunny's lantern with her magic.

“No…” Misty said as Sunset looked at her in surprise. “I think she’s here for our Cutie Marks.” She said as they walked up to the balcony and saw Opaline, Jade, and Lava flying towards them, “Sunset, I don’t know if I can face her,” She said uncertainly.

“You never know unless you try, Misty,” Sunset said.

Opaline and the two dragons landed in front of the Brighthouse as she gave a maniacal laugh with her horns lit up as Jade and Lava flew up in front of the Brighthouse.

“That must be Lava and Jade!” Sunset cried out as Twilight appeared from the necklace.

“Look at their eyes! They’re under her control!” Twilight cried out when she noticed the two dragons' eyes were purple.

Lava and Jade then breathed out fire at the Brighthouse, but then, a magical rainbow shield formed as it canceled out the fire attack, which surprised the three mares. “Twilight, you’re protection spell is still working!” Sunset cheered in relief.

“Yes, for now. And if they get through my protection spell…” Twilight stopped herself as she couldn’t finish her words since they all knew what happens when they do.

“There’s no place left to hide.” Opaline spoke up as the mares turned and saw Opaline flying up towards them with a smirk as Misty backed away nervously, “Once I have you and your friends Cutie Mark Magic, nopony in Equestria will be able to stop me.” She stated as she gave another laugh as she flew closer to them, but then she was hit by the protection spell as it showed Twilight’s Cutie Mark as she groaned in frustration.

Opaline’s necklace containing Hitch’s Cutie Mark fell to the ground, which Misty noticed as she sneakily went downstairs as Sunset spoke. “You’re still locked out of the Brighthouse, Opaline!” Sunset boasted with a smirk.

“As long as we’re in here and the protection spell is up, you can’t touch us!” Twilight exclaimed seriously.

“That spell can’t protect you Guardians forever.” Opaline sneered as she turned to Jade and Lava, “Dragons! Light it up!” She ordered as the two dragons breathed fire at them again as Opaline laughed again as the barrier kept the fire back as Twilight’s Cutie Mark showed again as the barrier shook again.

The Brighthouse shook a bit as Sunset held onto the railing. “Opaline is really not holding back this time!” She called out.

“More! More!” Opaline called as Lava and Jade kept shooting around the Brighthouse as the barrier kept protecting it.

“The dragon fire is so strong!” Twilight called out in concern as the dragons kept shooting at the Brighthouse, “I don’t think the spell is going to hold much longer, Sunset!” She cried out.

“This just got serious! I don’t think we have a choice but to face her head on!” Sunset called out as she looked around, “Misty, I need you to promise us and Sunny if we can’t stop her, you have to take the Unity Crystals and…” She trailed off as she noticed that Misty was gone while Opaline laughed, “Misty?” She asked.

“Where did she go?” Twilight asked as they looked around as the dragons kept blasting.

“Don’t stop until you break through!” Opaline ordered as the dragons kept blasting.

What Opaline didn’t know is that her necklace with Hitch’s Cutie Mark was levitated off the ground, “Hey, Opaline!” Misty’s voice called out as Opaline turned and looked in shock at Misty wearing the necklace. “Is this necklace new?! It’s pretty!” She mocked with a smile.

Opaline gasped as she noticed she was not wearing the necklace and turned to Misty in shock, “Misty!” She asked in shock.

“Ha-ha!” Misty laughed as she then trotted off with the necklace.

“Misty!” Opaline yelled in rage, “After her!” She ordered as she and the two dragons flew after Misty.

Sunset and Twilight looked out in shock by this, “Misty!” Sunset called out.

“Be careful!” Twilight called next as they were worried since Misty is being chase by Opaline and two dragons.

Meanwhile, as Misty dealt with Opaline, Sunny rushed to Maretime Bay's Sheriff Station, bursting through the doors and panting heavily after practically rushing for her dear life towards this zone. Once there, she saw Hitch with his animal crew, and while she did notice his blank flank, he seemed fine, just searching for something in his office.

"Sunny?" Hitch called out confused. "What are you––"

Yet whatever he wanted to say died off as soon as Sunny rushed to him and hugged him tightly, as if she feared that he'd disappear from one moment to the other. Hitch was confused by her sudden entrance and hug, but seeing that she was not planning to let him go, he smiled warmly, then proceeded to hug her back.

"Seems like somepony was worried for me," Hitch commented after a while, and that actually managed to get a chuckle out of Sunny, who broke the hug and looked at Hitch with a smile.

"Well, how couldn't I? Your Cutie Mark was stolen! I... Was so worried that Opaline did something to you, and I wasn't here to protect you..." Sunny replied with concern and a sad expression, something that managed to get through Hitch.

"Hey, even if Opaline did hurt me, it wouldn't be on you," Hitch tried to comfort her. "I didn't go down without a fight, you know? Yes, I still lost my mark, but Opaline did struggle with me!"

This, once again, managed to crack a giggle from Sunny, a noise Hitch adored to levels he could never really describe. Again, maybe that's what happens when you're in love.

"I'm glad that you're not hurt, Hitch..." Sunny said with a genuine smile, one that slowly faded away. "It doesn't really change the fact that I could've done something... Anything! I-I could've tried to help you!

"Or you could've lost your mark too, giving Opaline more power," Hitch pointed out with a slight frown. "I'm not saying me losing mine was good, just that both of us losing our marks at the same time... You really think that would've been better?"

Sunny realized what Hitch meant, and she sighed while shaking her head. "No... You're right. Two guardians of the Unity Crystals losing their Cutie Marks would've been worse, but it doesn't change the fact that I..." She sighed again and hugged Hitch tightly again. "I was so scared to lose you, Hitchy..."

Hitch's heart jumped from happiness, his eyes widened, and his cheeks burned in bright red. It's been years since she called him like that, and even after all this time, the nickname still has the same effect on him it always had. He hugged her back, even nuzzling a bit with her to comfort her, and she nuzzled back slightly.

However, as they finished nuzzling, Hitch looked over at Sunny, thinking about what he talked with Sunset earlier about talking with Sunny what was bugging him. Is something he tried to talk out with her ever since magic came back but he was too cowardly to do it, as much as he hates to admit it. He's ready now, though, and he's willing to talk things out to close that wound.

So, taking a deep breath, Hitch looked down at Sunny. "Hey, Sun? Now that you seem more cooled down, can we talk for a moment?"

Sunny felt confused on the request, but she still smiled. "Sure thing. What you wanna talk about?"

With that being said, Hitch took another deep breath and then let out a sigh. "Look, I, um... There's a thing we need to talk about. Something that's been bugging me ever since it happened, and I don't know why it took me this long to finally ask you into talking about it, but––"

"Hitch, Hitchy, you dorky and handsome stallion~" Sunny cut him off with a smile, not noticing her nicknames made Hitch's face go bright red, but she only giggled at his reaction, and Hitch's heart melted at the sound of her giggle. "How about you avoid talking too much and just go to the point, huh?"

"R-Right... That sounds like a good idea, actually..." Hitch chuckled sheepishly, also scratching his head a bit. "Listen, Sunny. I know you technically already forgave me about it, but I... I feel like I don't really deserve to be apologized for after what I told you..."

"Hmm?" Sunny tilted her head confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about how I put our friendship in danger the very same day we met Izzy and Sunset!" Hitch replied concerned. "It doesn't matter how many times you, our friends, or even I tell myself that you forgave me. I haven't done it to myself! And how could I?! Because of my stupid and reckless words, I... I said we wouldn't be friends anymore if you didn't stop sharing what you love, and I regret that ever since."

Now realizing how serious the thing actually is, Sunny gasped a bit, and she looked concerned at Hitch. "What do you mean you haven't forgiven yourself? I thought we both knew you said what you said because you were afraid I could get myself hurt! I thought you already got it over..."

"Is hard to when you constantly fear to say something similar on a daily basis..." Hitch said with worry. "I have tried to understand that you forgive me Sunny, that the past is in the past, but... The idea of me hurting you with my own words scares me so much that I can barely stay calm knowing I almost screw up our friendship..."

"Oh, Hitchy..." Sunny muttered with concern, and even though the nickname did make Hitch blush a bit again, it faded away once his concern kicked in once more. "Ever since when you've been dealing with the idea of saying stuff like that to me again?"

"Ever since magic came back..." Hitch replied a bit ashamed, making Sunny gasp in shock. "I know, I know, I shouldn't have kept this to myself, but did you really expect me to just come to you and apologize for almost destroying our friendship? I know for a fact already that you would forgive me, but I cannot do the same for myself. I could never do that knowing I almost hurt you..."

"What are you so afraid of, Hitch?" Sunny asked, stepping closer to him and placing a hoof under his chin so he would face her at any cost. "I can see in your eyes that you're afraid of something, but I don't understand what. So, please help me to understand, then we can think of a solution together," She smiled and moved her hoof to caress his cheek.

Hitch felt like a little colt falling in love again, or like a kid that's being treated as such by his mom. Sunny's always been like this with him, even before they fell for each other... Is one of the many things he loves about her, how caring she is with everypony that matters to her, especially to him.

The Sheriff sighed but then smiled warmly at Sunny. "Okay..." He said, then he sat down on the floor, and Sunny did the same. "Look, the reason why I insist on all of this, and why I can't forgive myself is... Because I'm afraid of losing you, Sunny. You are one of the pillars of my life, and the simple idea of never seeing you again because of me and my stupid mouth... It terrifies me like you don't have an idea..."

Sunny gasped a bit, even covering her mouth with her hooves for a moment. "Aw, Hitchy..."

"I know it may sound dumb and cheesy for some pony like me, but it's the truth, Sunny," Hitch said with a nervous smile and a slight blush. "I... I literally have no idea of what could I ever do if you're not in my life anymore."

Sunny blushed as well after hearing Hitch saying that, but she also smiled and went over to nuzzle her face on his chest, which made Hitch's blush increase... But he still smiled and nuzzled back with her. They were used to nuzzling, just not in such a romantic way like they're doing right now.

"Hitch, I'm really flattered that you consider me one of the pillars of your life..." Sunny said happily. "In fact, you are one of the most important pillars of my life as well. And I don't know what I'll ever do without you, either. If I'm being honest, I was afraid to lose you that very same day I made a mess in Canterlogic again."

"And again, I regret having said those things ever since..." Hitch reminded ashamed.

"But you already demonstrated to me that you regret having said that and that you're still my friend despite what you said," Sunny said with a smile, making Hitch blush a bit in surprise. "I've forgiven you ever since the campfire we had before reaching Bridlewood to get the Unicorn Crystal."

Now that made Hitch's eyes widen in surprise. "Ever since that?!" He asked shocked.

"Mm-hmm!" Sunny nodded with a smile. "Since the very moment you said you wanted to make your part with us, I knew that nothing you said about not being my friend anymore was true. You left Maretime Bay to follow me and 'arrest me', but I can tell you only wanted to make sure I was safe. Only a real friend is able to put their friendship above anything else when it matters that much to them."

"Well... You matter to me, Sunny. So much that I still fear I can lose our beautiful friendship... Or something else..." Hitch said although he muttered the last part to himself.

"Aw, Hitchy!" Sunny nuzzled with him again, and he nuzzled back without hesitating this time.

"I'm serious, Sunny. I... I cannot tell you something like that ever again. If I do, I doubt I'll be able to forgive myself..." Hitch said with honesty and a sad smile.

"But I will be able to," Sunny assured him, and then she went a bit more ahead and kissed his cheek, making him blush a lot, and she blushed as well. "If you need to talk about anything else bugging you, I'm all ears!"

With that being said, she nuzzled against him again, then stood up and passed her tail on his face, making his blush increase a lot, while Sunny walked out of the station with a content giggle that made Hitch's heart melt again.

He stared like an idiot at Sunny leaving for a while, before he finally got back to reality and realized what happened... That went better than he could ever expect, and he liked that. So, he started to hum happily to himself and then went back to look at what he was looking for before Sunny even came in.

Around the same time of the moment with Sunny and Hitch, Misty jumped into the community garden as she hid out of sight as Opaline landed in the middle of the garden.

“You little thief!” Opaline yelled out in rage, “Give it back!” She ordered as the dragons stood at the side while searching for Misty.

“Wasn’t it you who taught me how to steal, Opaline?” Misty called out in hiding as Opaline looked through the bushes.

“Quit hiding! Show yourself!” Opaline demanded as she kept looking around.

“Aw, I thought you liked it when I was sneaky?” Misty mocked as a bush rustled, which made Opaline smirked as she jumped beside the bush.

“Gotcha!” Opaline yelled, but all she saw was a bunnicorn as it squeaked and ran off.

Misty then spoke from behind the barrels with a smile, “So, I guess now’s a good time to tell you that I’ve been sneaking around behind your back!” She called out with a smirk.

“You what?!” Opaline yelled in rage as she kept looking around while shocked at what Misty had been doing all this time.

“I’m not on your side anymore, Opaline,” Misty called out while Opaline searched the area.

Opaline then saw a barrel move, “Ah-ha.” She said with a smirk as she pointed to the barrel as the two dragons flew to them.

“I’ve got friends now! Real friends!” Misty continued before the dragons breathed fire at the barrels, which burned them to a crisp as it revealed Zipp’s drone holding the necklace as Opaline groaned in frustration. “And a new few tricks that Sunset and the others taught me! You can’t take that away!” She yelled from behind Opaline and the dragons.

Opaline growled as she blasted a beam at the drone, cutting the rope as she caught her necklace and put it back on as Misty saw this and gasped before she hid again. “Little traitor.” She said firmly as Opaline began to walk off with the two dragons beside her. “I’ll show her! Once I have the last of the Cutie Mark Magic and get rid of the last of the Guardians of Harmony, I’ll come back here and show everypony!” She declared as she, Lava, and Jade took off.

Misty got out of hiding as she rushed out of the garden and followed after Opaline, which Sunset and Twilight saw, “Misty!/Misty!” The two Alicorns cried out.

“Misty! Wait! It’s too dangerous to face her alone!” Sunset cried out as she reached her hoof to her in concern since she saw Misty at Zephyr Heights facing Opaline in her vision, knowing what might happen to her.

Around the same time, Sunny exited the station, happy that Hitch seemed to be fine, and she was also happy she had that conversation with him.

Unfortunately, though, she also noticed three shadows from the sky passing by, and when she looked up, she gasped in panic and concern, because Opaline, Lava, and Jade passed by, “To Zephyr Heights!” Opaline called as she and the dragons crossed a portal open in front of the Together Tree.

Yet if this wasn't bad enough that shocked Sunny, Misty also passed her while rushing towards the portal with determination, and when she crossed it, the portal closed.

Sunny was left behind, speechless and with her jaw dropped. "...What the hay just happened?!" She cried out in shock as she rushed back to the Brighthouse to ask Sunset what happened.

In Zephyr Heights, the Pegasi are all gathered in the throne room with Zipp and Pipp with them. “Everpony, we know this is scary,” Zipp spoke up.

“But we’re going to be okay!” Pipp assured them with a smile.

“No matter what happens, we’re Zephyr Heights.” Zipp declared with a determined expression with her sister smiling proudly at her, “And Zephyr Heights never--”

“Never stood a chance.” Oplaine’s voice interrupted, shocking the two sisters as they turned to see Opaline, Jade, and Lava flying into the throne room.

The ponies all then panicked and ran away in fear while hiding as they looked at Opaline in fear as she faced the two sisters.

“Are you ready to surrender?” Opaline asked them with a smirk as she lit up her horn.

“Uh-oh,” Zipp muttered before Zoom and Thunder stood in front of them with their wings spread while protecting the two sisters.

Pipp whimpered as she looked at her Cutie Mark before she gave a smile, having a plan, “I’ve got an idea!” She quickly said as she flew up, “Hey, Opaline!” She called as Opaline looked up at her, “You want our Cutie Marks? You can have them!” She cheered as Zipp flew to her in confusion, “But if you want to capture the most potent Cutie Mark Magic, you should let my sister and I sing you a song,” She stated with a smile.

“What?!” Zipp asked her sister in disbelief at her suggestion.

“Oh, come on. A song? Opaline asked in annoyance as she rolled her eyes at Pipp’s offer.

“That’s when our sparkle shines the brightest!” Pipp explained as she started singing as Oplaine lit her horn, but then she saw Pipp’s Cutie Mark glowing from her singing.

Opaline then changed her mind as she spoke, “So sing!” She called, accepting Pipp’s offer.

“Not here!” Pipp said with a smile and wave of her hoof, “This room has terrible acoustics.” She said as Zipp gave a nervous smile and nodded as Pipp’s voice echoed throughout the throne room as Opaline gave a bored expression at her as Pipp gave a nervous laugh, “Awful, huh? Okay, follow me!” She quickly said as she and Zipp flew off while Opaline raised a brow at them.

In the station where the stained glass of Twilight’s Cutie Mark and the Unity Crystals, the two sisters, Opaline, and the two dragons are inside, Opaline despises the room since it has her old enemy’s Cutie Mark as Pipp did some singing exercises with Opaline watching her and Zipp.

Zipp then raised her wing up so she could talk to her sister, “You do have a plan, right?” She asked uncertainly. “Are you gonna let me in on it or…” She asked as Pipp continued to exercise her singing as she nodded to her sister and flew up as Zipp gave a confused look.

Opaline groaned impatience since Pipp kept exercising singing, “Hurry up!” She yelled out with her wings spread and her horn still alit. “It isn’t wise to test a Fire Alicorn’s patience!” She called out.

“We’ve seen how Sunset is when she lost her patience. And trust us, when she gets mad, her face turns red,” Pipp said with a chuckle as she looked at her phone to pick up a music.

“Oh, that’s good to know. Then you know what happens when Alicorns get angry. So you better hurry before I get angry.” Opaline sarcastically said as Pipp turned to her sister with a smile, “Or we’ll just skip the song and dance and…” She trailed off as Pipp pressed her phone to play the music.

Pipp then flew up as Opaline gasped as she saw Pipp flying around and started singing.

(Magic in Us Remix Song)

(Pipp)
Hey ponies listen to me
Ya gotta hear what I’m sayin’

Pipp started as Zipp was surprised by this as Opaline gave a bored expression as she leaned back as Pipp twirled around as she flew around the stained glass.

You’ve got the sparkle deep inside
You’ve got a talent worth displaying

Zipp started moving to the music as Pipp flew to her sister with a smile as she flew around her before grabbing her hooves and lifting her sister up as the sisters danced around in the air.

Sometimes it feels a little hopeless
But things aren’t always what they seem

Pipp continued as she and Zipp held each other's hooves as Zipp smiled at her sister as they then twirled up into the air and danced around as Opaline watched them with a bored expression as the two sisters flew around her and the dragons.

Can you feel it, the energy
Yeah the power is growing

Pipp and Zipp then went up to the stained glass window again as they than twirled around before they let go as Pipp flew around again.

Don’t look now
Things are getting better
So hold my hoof ‘cause we’re growing together

Zipp smiled at her sister, realizing her plan as flew off to do something while Pipp distracted Opaline and the dragons as she kept singing as her Cutie Mark began to glow again.

We’ve got the strength
To take on whatever
Cause we’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us

Zipp then flew up to one of the curtains while Zipp began to vocalize as she twirled and kept singing as she lowered herself to the ground.

We’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us

Zipp then flew in with the curtain as she gave a yell right before Pipp finished singing as she flew out of the way before Zipp placed the curtain over Opaline and the dragons as the two sisters tied it up with a rope as they flew in front of it.

“We did it!” Zipp cheered as she and her sister smiled at each other and high-hooved each other, “Let’s go and…” She tried to finish but was cut off.

They turned to the curtain and saw Opaline burning it to ash with a groan as she spread her wings with a yell and lit her horn up. The two sisters looked in fear as they were about to fly away, but Opaline tied their hooves together with her magic, which caused Zipp and Pipp to fall to the floor with a yell as Opaline walked up to them.

“I must admit, you two put on a pretty good show,” Opaline honestly said with her chin up, finding the sisters’ performances impressive. “But you forgot the first rule of performing.” She said with a smirk as Zipp and Pipp looked at each other nervously. “Never turn your back on the audience!” She finished with an evil smile.

“Please!” Zipp pleaded, but it was ignored as Opaline lit her horn up and her eyes glowed purple and removed the two sisters’ Cutie Marks from their flanks

“No!” Pipp cried out sadly as their Cutie Marks flew to Opaline’s necklace as they were placed between Hitch’s as Opaline freed Zipp and Pipp from their binds and then Zipp got close to her sad sister with a wing over her while glaring at Opaline.

“Not so confident or courageous now, are we, princesses?” Opaline mocked to the depress sisters as she flew to the dragons.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunset, Twilight, and Sunny are in the crystal room, where the formers explain what happened when Sunny went to check on Hitch, as they then saw the rainbow lose two colors at the same time.

“Oh no!” Sunny cried out.

“Pipp! Zipp!” Sunset cried out in horror, seeing that they lost their Cutie Marks too, “Them too! Not good!” She cried out before Twilight groaned a bit, “Twilight, what’s wrong?” She asked in concern.

“The magic from the Unity Crystals are being taken,” Twilight groaned as she shook her head, “Sunset, Sunny, you two and the others are connected to the crystals, and if Opaline gets all of our friends’ mark and every magic in Equestria…” She trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.

Sunset and Sunny looked at each other in concern, knowing what Twilight was saying as they were fearing the worst.

Back at the Zephyr Heights station, the two sisters stood up as they glared at Opaline, “You’ll never get away with this!” Pipp cried out.

Opaline then removed the curtain and freed Jade and Lava from the curtain. “I’ve heard that one before,” Opaline said with a smile as she and the dragons flew out of the window before she turned back to the sisters with a mocking smirk, “Maybe try a different tune next time,” She said with a laugh as she and the dragons took off, leaving the two sisters in defeat.

At the Zephyr Height’s Together Tree, a portal opened up as Opaline and the dragons walked towards it, “To Bridlewood!” Opaline called out.

“Get away from my tree!” Misty’s voice called out seriously, which made Opaline stop as she turned and saw Misty behind her while glaring.

“Your tree?” Opaline questioned as she turned to her.

“I won’t let you do this to me. Or my friends!” Misty said seriously, having enough of Opaline as she bravely walked towards her.

“Your friends?” Opaline questioned again as she walked up to Misty as the two former friends stared down at each other.

“They showed me what it means to care about somepony!” Misty continued while stomping her hoof down as Opaline looked at her with a surprised look.

“Huh?” Opaline asked before she looked at Misty’s flank and gasped when she saw Misty’s Cutie Mark, making her realize what Misty was saying as she growled angrily. “There’s so much you’ve been hiding from me.” She said as she as she circled around MIsty, “Your tree… your friends…And your Cutie Mark!” She called as she pointed her wing to Misty’s Cutie Mark. “And all this time, I thought we were friends,” She said as she got closer to Misty’s face.

Misty wasn’t scared one bit as she got closer to Opaline’s face in return with a look, “No! We weren’t! You lied to me that you would give me a Cutie Mark when I could’ve earned it by just by being myself and being who I want to be and be using me for just your own goals!” She yelled as she moved back a bit with a frown, “It’s so sad. You’ve got all the power in Equestria and you still haven’t ever felt true friendship.” She said.

Opaline just kept her look at Opaline as she flew up between Lava and Jade, “Ha! I have friends.” She scoffed while gesturing to the dragons, who were glaring at Misty with their wings spread.

“You have to force others to pretend to be your friends!” Misty retorted, not intimated one bit as Opaline kept her glare, “Like me. That’s control! And you know what, I find Sunset a better Alicorn than you would ever be! At least she cares about her friends and being nice to them and showing the true meaning of friendship and she and my friends help me reunite with my real family!” She yelled in anger, fed up with Opaline’s way and tricks of being abused and used for so many moons.

That made Opaline even more angry as she lit up her horn and glared at Misty, “You ungrateful little pony!” She yelled as she flew up straight to Misty as the two kept their looks.

“You were by yourself for so many moons! All alone.” Misty said with a frown as Opaline kept looking at her, “I actually feel really sorry for you.” She said in sympathy.

“Wow, Misty. All grown up!” Opaline sarcastically said with rolled eyes as she flew up as Opaline kept her glare, “So empathetic. So kind!” She added as she lit up her horn with a grunt.

“Ah!” Misty yelped as her hooves were tied together and was lifted up to Opaline as the Evil Alicorn used her magic as Misty looked at her flank as her Cutie Mark was removed.

“I always told you… if you want your Cutie Mark, you have to do what I say.” Opaline said to Misty as she levitated Misty’s mark next to her and looked at it, “You used to be a good and loyal helper. You can do that again. Hmm?” She questioned as Misty kept her firm look.

“You didn’t give me my Cutie Mark, Opaline,” Misty said seriously, “Like I said and what Sunset explained, I earn it by helping my friends. And that’s something else you can’t take away from me!” She declared.

Opaline gave a look at Misty, “Is that so?” She questioned as she moved Misty’s Cutie Mark underneath Hitch’s as a new hole was made as Misty’s in place.

Misty gasped as she looked at her magical binds that disappeared as she fell on her rump with a yelp as she looked up at Opaline.

“I can take whatever I want. And I’ll show Gaurdian Sunset who’s the better Alicorn!” Opaline called with an evil smile before she waved her hoof teasingly at Misty, “Ta-ta!” She taunted as she went through the portal with Lava and Jade following after her as the portal closed.

Misty sat there in sadness as she looked at her blank flank, sad that her Cutie Mark was taken and was back to how she was before.

In Bridlewood, the portal opened up as Opaline and the dragons flew out as they looked around and saw the area was empty, not a single pony in sight.

“It’s almost as if nopony wants to see us,” Opaline mocked with a smirk as she walked around with the dragons following. “Come on out, little ponies!” She called out.

“Bing-bong! Bing-bong!” Voices can be heard quietly as Opaline looks around and hears them in the trees as a fog appears around them as Opaline stops in curious while she raises a brow.

“Bing…. G-g-g-g…” Izzy’s voice spoke up as Opaline looked ahead and what looked like Izzy up ahead, “Bong!” She called out.

Opaline raised a brow from this, “Is this how you’re going to do this, Unicorn? All creepy-like?” She questioned bordely, since she was expecting something more impressive as she flew towards “Izzy’. “Is that what your sparkle comes from? Spookiness?” She asked in amusement as she turned ‘Izzy’ around.

But it wasn’t Izzy, it was Senor Butterscotch with a hari and party hat that looked exactly like Izzy, which surprised Opaline. “Huh? Ugh.” Opaline groaned as she looked around for the real Izzy.

“No…” Izzy’s voice can be heard as Opaline turns to a bush, “Let’s jam!” She called as she toss a tub full of jam at Opaline with her magic.

Opalien gasped from this as she didn’t have time to react as she was hit by her and fell to the ground with the jam tub on top of her as she landed with a groan before she got up and tossed the tub away, but she was already covered in jam, “Yuck!” She groaned before some other stuff was tossed at her, “Ugh!” She yelled as she turned and saw Izzy standing on a rock.

“My sparkle comes… from creativity!” Izzy cheered before she brought out a bucket full of glitter, “And glitter!” She called as she threw the bucket of glitter at Opaline.

“Ah!” Opaline yelled in startled as the bucket hit her on her horn as the glitter fell on her.

“Yes!” Izzy cheered with her hoof raised.

Opaline got her bearings and looked at Izzy with a glare as her right eye twitched as she growled as Izzy backflipped into the forest with a cheer before Opaline turned to Lava and Jade. “Catch that unicorn!” She yelled in rage before she shook the bucket off her horn as the dragons flew after Izzy.

But before they could get any further, the dragons were hit by some fruits as Alphabittle and the other ponies all threw them at the two dragons, even some of the critters as the dragons were forced them land. But then Onyx and Elder Flower came up with a rope as they tripped the two dragons into the ground.

“Yeah!” Izzy cheered.

Opaline groans as she uses her magic to clean herself up but objects are still being tossed at her before a tennis ball lands on her horn as she looks up at Izzy, who is levitating some balls of yarn, “We could be using all this yarn to knit cool stuff if you weren’t just a big, mean jerk!” She yelled in anger as she threw the yarns at Opaline.

Opaline grunted as she got hit before she had enough, “Enough!” She yelled out as she spread her wings and turned to Izzy, “Ah!” She called as she used her magic to wrap Izzy’s hooves and bring her over as the unicorn yelped with a whimper. “I don’t have time for arts and crafts!” She yelled as Izzy looked at her fearfully. “Now give me what I came here for!” She ordered as she used her magic on Izzy’s flank and removed her Cutie Mark.

“No!” Izzy cried out.

Opaline looked closely and her eyes widened when she saw Izzy’s Cutie Mark was a fake, “What… what is this?!” She demanded.

Izzy gave a smirk, “Felt, hot flue, and a really big button!” She explained as she turned around and showed her real Cutie Mark as Opaline growled in irritation as Izzy made her horn glow.

Just then, honking sounds could be heard, which surprised Opaline as she turned and saw Izzy’s scooter being levitated towards her, which made Opaline scream as she moved out of the way, but lost her concentration, which freed Izzy as she flipped onto her scooter and put on her helmet as she stood up and pointed at Opaline.

“There’s always time for arts and crafts!” Izzy triumphantly said as she sped up, but then Jade and Lava blocked her path as Izzy screamed and stopped her scooter.

Opaline gave a laugh from this as she flew close to Izzy, the unicorn whimpered as she tried to get away, but Opaline got her in her hooves as she moved Izzy towards her, “If you insist!” She said as she used her magic and removed Izzy’s Cutie Mark, which made Izzy gasp as her Cutie Mark was placed on the top part of the necklace, where two empty holes in the middle remain.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny and Sunset looked at the rainbow as the purple color faded, which only left the red and orange color remaining, which made the mares gasp.

“Oh, not Izzy too!” Sunset cried out as Sunny lifted up the lantern, which was down to its last two colors.

“We’re the only ones left,” Sunny said sadly as Sunset placed a wing over her in comfort, feeling sad that their friends lost their Cutie Marks.

Sunset growled, “Opaline’s gonna pay for this! And that’s a promise!” She vowed as Sunny went closer to her and nuzzled her as she calmed down a bit as Sunset nuzzled back, having a feeling they both might need it as the Unity Crystal was still shining with its last two colors of the rainbow.

At Zephyr Heights, Zipp and Pipp ran into the garden where they saw Misty slouching on the ground, “Misty!” They both cried out as they rushed towards her as MIsty turned to them sadly.

“She took my Cutie Mark,” Misty said sadly as she stood up.

“She took everypony’s,” Pipp said as she and Zipp lifted their wings to show their blank flanks.

“What are we gonna do without them?” Misty asked them desperately.

“Cutie Marks aren’t the only thing that makes us special,” Zipp said with a small smile.

“And nopony can take away what makes us special on the inside,” Pipp added while placing a hoof on her chest with a smile.

“You said that,” Zipp said to Misty about her speech in Bridlewood earlier.

Misty took their words by heart before her ears dropped with a frown, “But I just feel so helpless.” She said sadly as Pipp placed a hoof on her shoulder as the Pegasi from the castle came to them.

“Hey! Get away from the tree!” Zipp called out to them, “You’ll make Opaline stronger!” She pointed out.

Pipp, however, looked at the tree as the flowers were glowing as she had an idea, “Zipp, are you sure about that?” She asked her sister.

“Of course I’m sure!” Zipp said as she turned to Pipp, “We know that the trees are connected.” She reminded her as she brought out her phone of the picture of the tree, “And then the roots, they’re leaching the power from the ponies!” She added.

Pipp looked at the picture for a moment before turning to the tree and gave a smile, “I think we might have it backward,” She said as she zoomed in on the pictures of the ponies, who were smiling, “Look! Do those ponies look like they’re losing their powers? No! They look happy!” She pointed out.

Zipp realizes what Pipp is saying as she looks at her phone, “Like their happiness is what gives the trees their power?” She asked.

Misty realizes what that means as she turns to them, “Their friendship! This tree right here!” She gestured to the Together Tree, “It grew out of the true friendship you ponies showed me on the day of The Cutie Blossom Bash,” She reminded them with a smile.

“And the tree in Maretime Bay!” Pipp added with a smile. “It grew when all of us worked together!”

Zipp looked at the picture again as she realized what that meant, “The Ponies’ Unity powers the trees!” She exclaimed as she turned to her friends, “We have to tell Sunny and Sunset before it’s too late!” She said.

“There’s no way we can get there faster than Opaline!” Misty stated since Maretime Bay is too far away for them to reach by flight or hooves, “How are we gonna tell them?!”

Pipp and Zipp looked at Misty strangely as Pipp brought out her phone, “We could… just call?” She suggested with a small smile.

Misty now felt embarrassed as she rubbed her head, “Oh. Right.” She said with a small sheepish chuckle, completely forgetting that they have phones.

Pipp looked at her phone as she started facetime her friends in a group facetime as they appeared on the screen, “Hello? Hello?!” Hitch asked first as he appeared.

“Ah-yell-o!” Izzy cheered as she appeared next with a cheerful smile.

And then Sunset and Sunny appeared next, “Pipp!” Sunny called.

“Are you all okay?!” Sunny asked as she and Sunset were still with the Unity Crystal.

“Did Opaline hurt any of you?!” Sunset asked in concern.

“I sang a song to distract Opaline and it almost worked!” Pipp said with a smile before Zipp grabbed her sister’s phone.

“We have a new plan,” Zipp said, getting back on topic.

“Really? Like?” Sunset asked hopefully.

“Instead of staying away from the trees, we need everypony in Equestria to join together at them,” Zipp explained as the three looked at the Together Tree.

Misty then moved the phone to face her, “We might not have Cutie Mark Magic anymore, but Opaline can’t take our friendship.” She declared with a smile.

“And that’s true pony magic,” Pip finished as their friends smiled at their words.

Sunset and Sunny looked at each other as they tapped each other’s hooves and placed them on their hearts as Sunset spoke, “Opaline can take all the magic she wants, but she can never take our spirit or freedom,” She said with a determined smile.

Twilight said with a small smile, “The magic of friendship is power, it can take on many impossible odds, even when things are bleak, they always strike back,” She said to them.

“And that is the true magic,” Sunny finished as she turned back to her phone, “Zipp, we trust your instincts.”

“We sure do,” Sunset said with a smile, “Sunny, I think it’s time to show the light of friendship in the dark. Don’t you agree, ‘sis’?” She asked with a smirk.

“I couldn’t agree more, Sis,” Sunny said with a smile as she grabbed her lantern.

“Hitch, gather the Maretime Bay ponies!” Sunny said while Hitch held his critters before he saluted to Sunny with a smile, going to do just that.

“Zipp, Pipp, and Misty, you three round up Zephyr Heights!” Sunset continued as she and Sunny went down the elevator as the three mares nodded with smiles.

“Izzy!” Sunny added as she and Sunset went down.

“Bridlewood ponies to the Wishing Tree.” Izzy finished for Sunny as she stood up and jumped up with a smile. “On it!”

“Good. Because we need all the help we can get to pull it off,” Sunset said as she and Sunny entered the bedroom.

“We know you ponies can do it,” Sunny said to them as they entered the bedroom before Sunny looked at the heart amulet the Breezie gave her when she, Zipp, and Sunset went to the Night Market to find clues on the map to the Dragonlands.

Sunset saw her expression as she looked at the amulet as well and the two nodded, “We’re going to Opaline. Together.” They both said in determination.

“What?!” The rest of the Mane 7 asked in shock at what the two mares just said.

“It’s too dangerous!” Pipp pointed out in worry.

“Nopony is alone who has friends,” Sunny assured them with a smile.

“If Opaline wants our mark, we’ll give them to her,” Sunset added with a smile as well, “We’ll be okay.” She promised.

“Hoof to heart,” They both said as they placed their hooves on their phones and placed them on their chest.

“Hoof to heart,” The rest of the Mane 7 all said together as they gave each other smiles.

Sunny and Sunset looked at the amulet for a bit before they nodded as Sunny grabbed it and they trotted out of the Brighthouse, once outside, Sunny summoned her Alicorn form as she and Sunset took to the air and flew off to Opaline’s Castle together.

“We’re ending this, together,” Sunset said as she and Sunny looked at each other as they held hooves.

“Together,” Sunny repeated as they flew off to their worst enemy’s home for a final showdown.

In Opaline’s Castle, in her throne room, they are filled with everypony’s Cutie Marks while Opaline is in the dungeon with Jade and Lava while Spike and Discord, and Sparky whom Opaline doesn’t know yet, are still trapped in the shield.

“You see what I did, Discord?” Opaline questioned the Lord of Chaos, who was glaring at her in rage, “I have nearly all of the magic in Equestria!” She announced as she gave a laugh.

“Only because you stole them!” Discord yelled while slamming his fists into the shield, “If my magic was dampened by this shield, I turn you into a purple pillow and set you on fire for what you did to the ponies, Spike, the dragons, and my friends! Both old and new! And for ruining Twilight’s utopia for the division!” He yelled.

Opaline gave another laugh from that, “Oh, I like to see you try,” She said as she looked at the Dragontone with a smirk, “And once I take down Sunny Starscout, Guardian Sunset Shimmer and get rid of Twilight, I’ll have the last of the Cutie Mark Magic and the Unity Crystals at once!” She declared as she kept laughing while Spike still gave a stiff expression while Sparky was hiding underneath Spike’s wing.

“They will stop you. I know it,” Discord said firmly while giving a firm look.

“Oh, I like to see them try,” Opaline taunted before the door opened as they turned and saw Sunset and Sunny in the air.

“Opaline,” Both Sunny and Sunset said with serious expression.

“And here they are now!” Opaline said with a smirk, “Right on schedule,” She said.

Twilight then appeared with a firm look, “We figure we save you the time from coming to us. So we came to you,” She said to her.

“Girls!” Discord called out as the three mares looked in his direction as they saw him and Spike trapped in the shield, which made them gasp.

“Discord! Spike!” Both Sunny and Sunset cried out as Twilight glared at Opaline.

“What did you do to Spike?! Release him and Discord now!” Twilight demanded in anger.

“Oh, I think not.” Opaline said with a small smirk, “And as for your dear Spike, Sparkle, I just simply took control of his mind. Though, while Discord is trapped, he can’t do anything to snap him out of it,” She said with a chuckle.

“I would if I knew how!” Discord yelled out.

The mares then saw Sparky underneath Spike’s wing as he gurgled at them with a smile, letting them know that Opaline didn’t know he was there as they turned back to Opaline.

“You have to stop this!” Sunny called out.

“This power-craze tyranny needs to stop now!” Sunset added with a serious look.

Opaline just gave them a laugh again, “Stop this?!” She asked in amusement as she charged her horn at them, which made Sunset move out of the way but Sunny wasn’t so lucky as her hooves were tied as she fell to the floor.

“Sunny!” Sunset cried out before she got caught too as she fell next to Sunny as the two Alicorns growled at Opaline.

“It’s already over!” Opaline called as she walked towards her as Sunny and Sunset struggled to break free while they and Twilight glared at Opaline, who stood in front of them, “I have all of the magic in Equestria! Expect, these little bits right here,” She said as she circled them while Opaline looked at Sunny and Sunset’s Cutie Marks.

“You don’t have to do this!” Sunny spoke up, “And you don’t have to be alone. We can all live in Unity.” She stated, trying to reason with Opaline.

“Oh, I’m not alone! You’re both here,” Opaline mocked as she walked around them as Sunset kept her guard up, “And you three are just… like… me.” She said to them as she turned and faced them again and walked up to them again, “You want power too. It’s what all Alicorns want,” She said as she leaned close to them.

“Ugh! We are nothing like you, Opaline,” Sunset said firmly.

“And Alicorns don’t take power or rule by fear, we protect and lead our subjects to a better future,” Twilight added.

“And you may have known Twilight, but you don’t know anything about us,” Sunny pointed out with a look on behalf of her and Sunset as Opaline walked around the Dragonstone.

“Oh, don’t I?” Opaline challenged as she looked at the Dragonstone and then at them, “You both don’t study magic and collect powerful artifacts? You both don’t keep the Unity Crystals in your lair, locked away behind a magic spell? And you Sunset, you haven’t been wanting to take power like me before you came back?” She questioned with a smirk as the mares gasped at them.

“How did you…?” Sunset questioned as Opaline continued.

“I’ve watched you both,” Opaline spoke as she walked up toward them, “You two reawaken all the magic in Equestria! And look at you two, you got more of it than any of your friends!” She declared as she flew up in front of them.

“That’s not what we wanted.” Sunny shook her head.

“Not even all the magic in Equestria can replace our friends!” Sunset said with a firm look while Sparky whimpered nervously.

“I just wanted to protect our friends and understand magic!” Sunny pointed out.

“And I’d helped bring back the magic and helped our friends bring ponykind together again!” Sunset yelled as well, “When I came back, I wanted to see Twilight, but then I came to an Equestria that lost its magic, and the tribes were divided and her friendship legacy was ruined! But thanks to the help of Sunny and our friends, we brought that vision back from your mess and are carrying on that legacy!” She declared with a firm look.

“You tell her, girlfriends!” Discord cheered them on.

“Couldn’t have said it any better myself,” Twilight said with a smirk.

Opaline just gave them a chuckle, You two seek knowledge! I see!” She said as she flew in front of them. “And tell me, little pony and Guardians, what is knowledge?” She questioned before she yelled with her wings spread and horn lit, “It’s power!”

Both Sunny and Sunset then flew up as they focused their magic and freed themselves from their magical binds, “No it’s not, Opaline! Power isn’t everything, and we’re gonna stop you!” Twilight spoke out.

“Oh, is that so?” Opaline asked with a challenged look.

“We know so,” Sunny said with determination.

“This time, we’re ending your reign once and for all.” Sunset finished.

Opaline gave them a smirk, “I like to see you try,” She said as she screamed and blasted a beam at the two Alicorns.

Sunny quickly brought out her shield as they were pushed back while Sunset helped Sunny by pouring some magic in, which caused all three Alicorns to strain as Opaline stopped her beam and started firing at them, which Sunny and Sunset quickly separated as they dodged the lasers.

“Keep moving!” Sunset called to Sunny while Opaline laughed at them as they stood together as Sunny brought out her shield again as she blocked.

“We’re not like you!” Both Alicorns yelled in unison as they charged at her as Sunny blocked her blasts while Sunset fired back at Opaline as the three Alicorns flew around while Discord and Sparky watched the fight.

“Get her, girls! Wipe that smug look off the fire pony!” Discord cheered them as he turned and saw Sparky still hiding, “I know, but I hope they win too,” He whispered to them.

Sunset and Sunny are still dodging Opaline’s blasts as Opaline groans in frustration and fires a strong one at Sunset, which knocks her into a wall with a painful groan.

“Sunset!” Sunny called out in worry, but that got her distracted long enough for Opaline to tie her hooves together and drag Sunny towards her as Opaline laughed.

“Sunny!” Both Sunset and Discord cried out as Sparky started climbing onto Spike with Opaline distracted.

“Fine!” Opaline yelled out as Sunny tried to break free, “If you two really don’t care about power, then watch me take it all!” She called as her eyes glowed.

“No! Ah!” Sunny cried out as Opaline used her magic to remove Sunny’s Cutie Mark as Opaline started laughing, “Please!” She pleaded as her Cutie Mark floated next to Opaline, “Ah! No!” She called as her Alicorn form disappeared as she started falling with a scream.

“Sunny!” Sunset cried out as she quickly flew to Sunny and caught her before she hit the ground, but she dropped her amulet in the process, “You okay?” She asked in concern.

“I’m fine. But my mark…” Sunny said while looking at her blank flank, what they didn’t notice was that Sparky got on top of Spike and stood on his muzzle as he nuzzled him.

“And then there’s one!” Opaline said as she placed Sunny’s Cutie Mark on the necklace.

Sunset growled as she stood up and glared at Opaline, “You have gone too far, Opaline!” She yelled. “That much power is making you crazy! But from what MIsty told us, you’ve always been like this for power!” She yelled.

“Power is what makes us superior, Sunset!” Opaline yelled as Sunset flew up and the two Alicorns faced each other as they circled around while Sunny moved aside, seeing that there’s gonna be a fight, “Like “You could’ve had it all, Sunset, and yet you threw it all away after a single defeat! You were exiled from your world, as was I from Skyros, so we really aren’t all that different, you and I, and yet you lost your way and decided that unity meant more than power! Pathetic.”

Sunset stopped and thought for a moment before she spoke with a serious look, “The only thing that’s pathetic is your refusal to change, Opaline. In the past, it was my own craving for power that almost cost me everything! I lost control of myself, and it was only with Twilight’s help that I was able to make amends for my mistakes!” She added while looking at Twilight with a smile, which she returned as she glared back at Opaline, “Since then, I’ve wanted to do better, to help ponies and humans uncover their better selves, and not let their desires lead to their own destruction, which I know is bound to happen for you.”

“Are you challenging my ideals, Sunset?” Opaline asked with a challenging look.

“I’m offering you a chance, Opaline,” Sunset stated, “Because if you don’t accept it, we’ll have to stop you.”

Opaline could then smirk as she answered, “Oh, I doubt you can stop the fire!” She taunted as she lit up.

Sunset didn’t back down, “Then let’s finish this once and for all, one shall stand…” She started with narrowed eyes.

“And one shall fall, you Guardian!” Opaline yelled as she charged at Sunset with a battle cry.

Sunset charged next as the two Alicorns punched each other in the face at the same time, which caused them to scatter back a bit before they exchanged blows as Opaline tried to blast her with her horn up close, but Sunset kept swatting her to stop her horn as Opaline did the same thing as they kick punching each other before Sunset then did a spin kick, which Opaline barely dodged as she formed a shield around herself to protect herself from Opaline’s blast as the two alicorns than a blast at the same time, creating a flash that pushed them back between the rooms.

Sunset got her bearings, as did Opaline as the two stared at each other before Opaline fired magic blasts at her, but Sunset blocked them with her shield as she advanced toward Opaline. Sunset then jumped up high with her wings spread as she and Opaline blasted their magic rays as they stood each other at a standstill as they tried to outmatch each other’s strength.

Opaline gave Sunset a smirk, “You’re defeat will be most pleased for today’s great victory. What was the old saying the ponies wrote? The weak shall perish?” She mocked.

“Do not believe everything you read. And I’m not going down that easily,” Sunset growled as she kicked Opaline back as the two Alicorns exchanged blasts or kicks, but some were either blocked or dodged.

Sunny and Discord watched in awe, “Have you ever seen Sunset fighting like this before?” Sunny asked Discord in awe.

“No. But she’s definitely putting up a fight with Opaline.” Discord commented as he enjoyed the show, “And if Spike wasn’t in a mind trance, he would have popcorn,” He joked, “But even I can tell in he is enjoying it in his mind control trance. His body may be stiff, but his mind can still see things.”

“And I’m sure he’s loving this,” Sunny said with a nod.

Sunset and Opaline kept clashing as Sunset kicked Opaline back as she was going for a punch, but Opaline caught her with a left hook and then kicked Sunset back into a short distance from her.

Sunset got her bearing as she charged at Opaline at high speed, dodging her blasts before she hit Opaline in the stomach as she fell to the floor. Sunset gave a yell as she stomped at Opaline while charging up her horn, but the Fire Alicorn managed to grab Sunset by the face and tossed her aside she stood up.

Opaline gave a smirk as she wiped her lips, “I admit, you have some skills, but not enough to stop me,” She said as she lit up her horn.

“Funny, I was gonna say the same thing to you,” Sunset retorted as they charged at each other as they blasted at each other again, but they seemed to be an even match as they flew around the chamber while Disocrd, Sparky, and Sunny kept watched the duel.

A little bit later, Opaline and Sunset looked at each other in the distance as they glared at one another, waiting for one to make the next move. Opaline realized that this might go on forever, so she turned to Sunny and gave a smirk.

“You impress me, Sunset. But let’s see how you deal with me with your friends in harm's way!” Opaline called as she lit up her horn and fired at Sunny, who screamed as she covered herself in fear.

“Sunny! Watch out!” Discord cried out, but Sunny was too stiff to even move.

Sunset's eyes widened from that as she flew towards Sunny, “Nooo!” She cried out as she flew in front of Sunny, but when the blast hit her, her hooves were tied as she was forced up to Opaline.

“Sunset!” Both Sunny and Discord cried out as Sunset struggled to break free.

“Let me go!” Sunset yelled as she tried to move her hooves as she floated next to Opaline.

Opaline just gave a smirk, “Oh I will when I take this,” She said as she used her magic to remove Sunset’s Cutie Mark and let Sunset go as she fell on her stomach as she groaned before Sunny rushed to her.

“Sunset, are you okay?” Sunny asked in concern.

Sunset groaned as she stood up, “I’m fine, but not so much for my Cutie Mark,” She said with a glare at Opaline.

“She played dirty! That’s not fun or fair!” Discord cried out as he slammed his fists into the shield.

"Now I have the whole set!" Opaline declared as she put Sunset's cutie mark into her necklace. "I win!" Opaline's wings flared up with immense power. "I am the Fire Alicorn! I have power! Hahahahah!"

Sparky moved onto Spike's head, using his dragon magic on Spike, which got his spikes to glow as Spike’s eyes returned to normal, snapping him out of his mind control before Discord turned to him in surprise he gave a small smile as Sparky tapped him before pointing to the Dragonstone, which he and Discord saw as well as they nodded at each other silently.

"And nothing can stop me from taking your precious Unity Crystals either and getting rid of the remaining Guardians of Harmony!” Opaline called with a laugh as Sunny and Sunset growled angrily at her while Spike, Sparky, and Discord looked in shock.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Twilight growled as she and her friends glared at her.

“Oh, but I do!” Opaline called as she flew up, “I’ll shut down every protection spell in Equestria!” She called with a laugh as she created a huge magic blast, which caused them to cover themselves from the wave as it hit the shield that Sparky, Discord, and Spike were in disappeared as the blast expanded all throughout Equestria.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the wave hit the Brighthouse as the protection spell around it disappeared as the Unity Crystal separated into three as they fell to the floor.

After the wave, Sunny and Sunset looked up before they heard groaning as they looked down and saw Twilight glitching as she was fading. “Twilight!?” Sunset asked in concern as she, Discord, Spike, Sparky, and Sunny looked at her in dread.

“T-The magic… It’s… gone.... The Crystals...” Twilight managed to say as she looked at herself as she faded away as the necklace closed.

“Twilight! NOOO!” Sunset cried deeply as tears began to fall as she held the necklace closely in tears Sunny gave her sister figure a hug as her tears fell as well as Discord started weeping while Spike fought back the tears at seeing Twilight vanish again.

Opaline looked at the downcasted heroes with an evil smile and laughter, “And that marks another Guardian of Harmony off the list!” She taunted as they all glared at Opaline with a growl. “And I’ll rule over you little, powerless ponies and creatures and destroy the remaining Guardians of Harmony once and for all… for all eternity!” She declared loudly with a crazed smile as she gave a maniacal laugh as they all glared at her.

At the Together Trees with the darkened skies, all of the ponies of Maretime Bay gathered together as Seashell came closer to one of the trees and touched her hoof to it as her friends and Hitch smiled at her as she started singing.

(Magic in Us Song)

(Seashell)
Hey ponies listen to me
You gotta hear what I’m sayin
You’ve got that sparkle deep inside
You’ve got a talent worth displayin

Hitch, Peach Fizz, and Glory then join in with Seashell as they sing.

(Everypony)
We just need a little hope

In Bridlewood, Izzy and the other ponies are at the Wishing Tree as they started singing as well.

We just need a little unity
We just need to find the ma-agic that’s inside of everypony

In Zephyr Heights, Zipp, Pipp, Misty, Queen Haven, and the other ponies all started singing to their Together Tree too as the Royal Family nuzzled each other.

Sometimes it feels a little hopeless
But things aren’t always what they seem
Can you feel it, the energy
Yeah the power is growing

Just then, the Pegasi wings and Msty’s horn started glowing as magic and then started flowing into the Together Tree, which returned it to its rightful color and purged from Opaline’s dark magic.

Sunset, Sunny, and Discord stood up and they wiped the tears from their eyes as they glared at Opaline. “You can take our Cutie Marks, but you can't take away what makes us… us." Sunny said.

Opaline scoffed. "Uh-huh"

“And there’s is hope for everypony,” Discord said seriously.

"Hope for a better future.” Sunset added with a natural look.

“For all ponies to make their mark, that's why you and us are never going to be the same, Opaline.” Sunny spoke next on behalf of her Sunset.

“Because we have hope and we have friendship!" Discord stated.

"And it can overcome any magic, including yours and that's your biggest weakness." Sunset firmly said. “We will keep moving on.”

“For our friends,” Discord started.

“For our family,” Sunny added.

“For Equestria!” All three declared.

Just then, they all heard the ponies singing from the roots of the castle.

(Ponies)
Don’t look now, things will get better

Misty and Alphabittle held hooves as they and the other Unicorns’ horns magic glowed through them as they Wishing Tree, returning to its original state.

So hold my hoof
‘Cause we’re growing together
We got the strength to take on whatever

Cause we got the magic
We got the magic in us

At Zephyr Heights, the pony’s magic continued to pour into the tree as Queen Haven, Zipp, Pipp, and Cloudpuff flew up to the tree as it returned to normal as Pipp did a backflip in the air.

So everypony everywhere

At Mareime Bay, everypony kept singing to their tree as it returned to normal as well as they all smiled to one another as they kept singing.

Now is the time to raise your voices
You know its time to show your courage, yeah
And nopony’s gonna stop us, no
Cause there is hope when we’re together
And it grows stronger when we sing
So raise our voices in unison.
Raise our voices in harmony, yeah

Don’t look now
Things will get better

The group still listens to Sunny's Heart Pendent begins to glow and beat before she and Sunset smirked at each other and turned to Opaline, "And what is Friendship, Opaline!" Sunny barked.

“You’re about to find out!” Sunset barked as well.

Cause we’re goring together

The amulet opened and released the rainbow of Light which circled Sunny and Sunset in the shape of a heart before encased Opaline with its own powerful magic.

"What?!" Opaline growled.

"Now Sparky." Spike stated and Spike breathed his fire onto the baby dragon as he was teleported to the Dragonstone.

"WHAT?!" Opaline roared before Sparky grabbed the stone, "B-But you're under my spell!"

“Yeah, he’s isn’t now,” Discord said with a smirk as Spike got up with a confident smirk.

"Spike!" Sunny and Sunset smiled before Sparky babbled and used his dragonfire on the stone and took back all of his magic from Opaline.

"What?!” Opaline cried out with a gasp as destroying the necklace and freeing the Mane 7's cutie marks. “NOOO!” She yeled outthe Cutie Marks as they flew back and out of the tree. Sunny and Sunset's marks returned to their owners restoring Sunset and Sunny's magic and Alicorn form.

“Yeah! Sunny cheered.

“Now that’s more like it!” Sunset said with a smile.

Sparky turned and breathed their magic at Lava and Jade, freeing them from the spell, much to Opaline's anger while the baby dragon smirked and breathed their fire at Opaline's tree and began to return the cutie marks to the proper owners.

Don’t look now, things are getting better
So hold my hoof cause we’re growing together

we got the strength to take on whatever
Cause we got the magic, we got the magic

All around Equestriam from Maretime Bay all the way to Zephyr Heights of the Together Trees, the Cutie Marks returend to their respective owners, especailly the rest of the MAne 7 as the ponies were overjoyed that their Cutie Marks have returned to them.

Don’t look now, things are getting better
So hold my hoof cause we’re growing together
We got the strength to take on whatever
Cause we got the magic, we got the magic
Just take another look, things are getting better
We’re growing stronger, growing together
We’ll always have each other forever
Cause we got the magic, we got the magic in us (Pipp: Don’t look now)
Yeah we got the magic, we got the magic in us (Pipp: Don’t look now)

And at the Crystal Brighthouse, the Unity Crystals then levitated on their own and were put back together as the Birghthouse shot its restore rainbow in the air as the dark clouds cleared up.

We’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us

Opaline's Tree began to crumble and shake and Spike gasped as did Opaline.

“The whole place is gonna collapse!” Sunset cried out.

"We should go!" Spike called as Sparky leaped onto his nose as the dragons began to leave. Sunny picked up her Heart Pendent which closed and glowed revealing her own cutie mark in the middle.

Opaline was free from her rainbow prison as she glared at the heroes with a growl as they glared back

"Looks like you finally lost Opaline, after all these years." Discord laughed. "Time to say goodbye forever!"

"And Opaline, we are not friends," Jade added and Oplaine snarled. "Just wanted to clear that up."

“Goodbye, Opaline,” Sunset said with a frown as she held her necklace, “This is for Twilight.” She mutterd as she turns to Spike, “Get us out of here, Spike.”

“Roger that,” Spike nodded as he teleported everyone out with his fire and Opaline screamed in anger at the loss of all of her magic cause of them as the roots of her Together Tree snaked around her. She groaned and moved but she became blocked and her cutie mark was taken by one of the roots.

"No! My mark!" Opaline chased the root into a tree truck opening, "My power! Come back!" She cried before she found herself trapped within the tree where she would remain forever cause of Sparky's unleashed spell.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" Opaline cried as she was sealed forever inside of the Together Tree she grew. Opaline Acrana was finally defeated

Outside, the Together Tree changed completely into a beautiful tree and the landscape around her castle became filled with light as the castle was completely destroyed.

Blaize, Fountain, and Luxxe returned to their friends and grinned as their dragon shimmers were returned to full strength and Jade and Lava free from Opaline, "Spike, I thought you were under her spell, how did you break it?" Sunny asked Spike.

“Yeah, dude. We thought you were still being controlled,” Sunset added in agreement while giving her old friend a smile

"Come on, girls. You two think this my first run-in with an evil villain?" Spike chuckled. "It was Sparky here who broke the spell and saved me!” He said as he kneeled down and Sparky gave him back the Dragonstone which he teleported back to the Dragonlands with his fire. "Seems like he turned her spell into one of his own."

"He turned Opaline's Dark Castle into a brand new Together Tree. So she's very much defeated for good, she's lost all of her power." Discord smirked seeing Opaline was finally defeated.

“Yeah. Opaline is finally gone.” Sunset said with a smile, “And this Together Tree is just so beautiful,”

“Yeah.” Sunny beamed. "I just wish our friends were here to see it."

Spike smirked before he breathed his flames and Pipp, Zipp, Misty, Hitch, and Izzy appeared as they gaslped in surprise before they smiled when they saw their friends.

"We're here!"

"Huh?"

"Woah!"

"We're here!" They cheered as they came around Sunny and Sunset.

"And it worked!" Hitch cheered seeing their plan worked and Opaline was defeated for good.

"Sunny, Sunset, I can't believe you two went and faced Opaline alone." Pipp praised the two Alicorns.

"We were never alone. You were all with us in our hearts and you never lost hope." Sunny grinned as her friends smiled at her. “We did it together.”

Hitch looked over at Sunny and smiled, then approached her and nuzzled, before Sparky jumped into his hooves, then the rest of the Mane 7 approached and nuzzled all together while cheering for their victory.

Then, the baby dragon babbled happily while extending his little arms to the Earth Pony mare, something that caught the two group's attention.

"Guess someone's happy to see you, Sun!" Hitch said with a smile, while Sparky giggled and touched Sunny's muzzle with his little baby hands.

"Aww, I'm glad to see you too, Sparky!" Sunny said with a smile, picking up the baby dragon with her hooves and happily nuzzling her face with his.

The other girls and dragons noticed this, and while some of the latter group said, "Aww!" at the scene, the rest either rolled their eyes or openly gagged in disgust.

Yet when everything seemed normal so far, the most unexpected thing happened...

"Mmm... Mama!" Sparky said happily as he kept hugging Sunny.

Of course, this earned loud gasps from literally everyone else who wasn't Sparky himself. They also stared at Sparky in shock, although Sparky just kept looking happily at Sunny, as if she was really his mom.

"...G-Guys?! P-Please, tell me that you––" Sunny tried to ask.

"Yes, Sunny. We heard it," Sunset replied in shock and with wide eyes. "He, uh, he called you his 'mama'," She chuckled a bit.

Sunny giggled a little too, but then she immediately burst into laughter and shed a few tears of joy. Why does this make her so happy when she's not even Hitch's girlfriend? Why doesn't Sparky call other girls that? She would understand Izzy just because she dragon-sits him so often, but why her?

It didn't matter though, because she smiled and snuggled up next to the baby dragon, and Hitch couldn't help but smile as he looked at her and his adopted son.

He was blushing like crazy, and he wasn't paired with Sunny...yet, but he definitely wouldn't mind Sunny being Sparky's mom. Why would he do this? He had no interest in another mare that wasn't Sunny.

“Boy I love all these happy moments,” Discord said with tears in his eyes at this heartful moment.

"And Opaline is finally defeated. She'll never hurt anypony again." Sunset vowed before she found as she looked at her necklace, “I just wish Twilight was here to see this," She said.

Just then, the necklace suddenly opened up again as Twilight than appeared again as she looked around in surprise, "Twilight!" They all cheered in joy at her.

"You're okay!" Sunset cheered as well.

"Yes. And I am proud that Opaline is finally defeated," Twilight said as she the others are surprised as she looked at the Together Tree, "And I see that the Together Tree that Opaline has abused has sprouted into something beautiful,"

"It sure is, Twilight," Spike said with a happy smile as they looked at the tree.

"Indeed, Spike. And it's a sight I will forever remember to this day and beyond, especially getting to see you again, Spike," Twilight then gave a smile to her friends as she turned to her friends, "And now, I leave Equestria in your hooves," She said as they all looked at her in confused by what she said.

"Wait, Twilight? What are you saying?" Sunny asked in confusion.

"Opaline is finally gone, and Equestria is finally at peace. And for that, I must go on," Twilight said to them,

"Wait, wait, Twilight." Discord said as the others were shocked by what Twilight is saying, "But we just..." He tried to reason.

"It's great to see Equestria in peace and unity again with my old and new friends watching over them," Twilight said with a sad smile, "Goodbye, everypony. And remember, Friendship is Magic, always," She said as she disappeared back into the necklace as it closed.

They all poked at the necklace as they were speechless by what just happened, "Wh-Why did she leave like that?" Misty asked in shock.

"I don't know. I thought she would stay and celebrate Opaline's defeat together, but she just left as soon she saw that Opaline was gone," Sunset said sadly as she pressed on the necklace, but Twilight isn't coming out. "And she's not coming out,"

"Knowing Twilight, when the deed is done, she returned to rest," Spike said with a small smile, knowing Twilight long enough as she had a habit of laying down her wings to finally rest.

"But why she couldn't stay?" Sunset asked.

"You tell me." Spike said with a chuckle and a small shrug, "Twilight has always have a habit of not explaining things clearly before she left. So how about we honor instead," He suggested.

Sunset looked at her necklace while feeling sad that Twilight was gone again and she left the moment she got back, just like that and she doesn't know why.

Izzy then went up to Lava and Jade while she levitated two friendship bracelets to them as she put them on their paws.

“Again, we are so sorry we fell under the spell of an evil villain like that.” Jade apologized as she and Lava gave guilty looks. “That’s our bad,” She added as she chuckled nervously.

“Happens to the best of us,” Misty assured them with a smile, knowing from experience when Opaline was using her.

“Yeah, this isn’t the first time this mind control thing has happened,” Sunset said with a small smile, “And I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last,” She added as they all shared a small laughter, which they all joined in.

After laughing, Hitch looked down at Sparky as he and Sunny both were incredibly proud of him, "Hey, buddy. You were very brave." Hitch said him.

“So brave, Sparky,” Sunny added with a small smile.

"Not just brave! A hero." Spike said with a smile, seeing so much of himself back in the old days in Sparky.

"We know he’s supposed to grow up with the dragons but we'll miss you every day, Sparkaroniz," Hitch said with a smile as Sunny gently cried as they gave him one final hug.

Spike gave a small smile at them, “You know. Hitch, Sunny. Sparky knows better than us.” He said to them as Sunset spoke.

“Spike’s right.” Sunset said in agreement, “Let Sparky choose who he wants to stay. It’s his choice after all,” She advised before she and Hitch put the baby dragons down to let them decide whom they wanted to be with.

Both ponies noddedSparky looked at Spike before looking at his adoptive family who took care of him since he hatched as he looked at the badge Hitch gave him. He may think they belonged with dragons, but he already had a family.

Sparky then ran back to Hitch and Sunny as he hugged their legs and looked up at him, "Home..." He cooed

Both Sunny and Sunset gasped shedding tears of pure joy as they hugged Sparky heartfeltly.

Spike chuckled as he walked up to them, “See? I know that he’s in very good hooves with you, ponies.” He said as the ponies all smiled at Spike and the other dragons. “We have always had a lot to learn from each other,” He said with a smile.

Sunny then gave a smirk, “I guess that means we’ll be seeing you soon?” She asked knowingly as Spike gave them a wink and a smile, answering her question.

“Well, it’s great seeing you again, Spike.” Sunset said with a smile as she walked up to him, “Maybe when you get the chance, how about you come over and visit us in Maretime Bay while we find time to visit you the other dragons?” She asked.

“You know I wouldn’t miss it, Sunset.” Spike said with a smile as he leaned down towards her, “And don’t worry, even though Twilight is gone, at least we’re here to carry on her legacy. She wants us to be happy and to be together,” He said to her with a soft smile.

Sunset gave a sigh as she smiled softly, “You’re right on that, Spike. As you always do,” She said as she raised her hoof, “Hoof to heart?” She asked.

Spike raised his paw and gently touched Sunset’s hoof, “Hoof to heart, Sunset,” He promised.

“Hey, Spike?” Discord asked as he walked up to them, “You think I can hang out with you and the other dragons for a bit? We do have a lot of catching up to do. And it would be great to play this game again,” He added as he summoned a familiar board game that Spike was way too familiar with.

“Dungens and Dragons?!” Spike asked in surprise as he smiled in excitement, “You still have it!?” Where did you get this?!” He asked excitedly.

“I got it from the Breezies at the Night Market. They manage to save a copy of the game,” Discor explained with a smile as he noticed Spike’s shocked look at the mention of the Breezis as he laughed a bit, “Like I said, we have a lot of catching up. And if you want, I can make it so real like how we used to at Guys Night like we used to do with Big Mac,” He suggested with a smirk.

“You kidding?! I would love that!” Spike cheered as smiled at Discord, “You are so coming with us buddy,” He said to him.

“What’s Dugenuons and Dragons?” Foutnain asked in worry before Discord spoke.

“Don’t worry, it’s not that kind of Dugenoun. We’ll show you how to play when we get to the Dragonlands” Discord assured her as Fountain sighed in relief as he turned to his pony friends, “You ponies wouldn’t mind if I go with them, would you?”

The Mane 7 smiled at Discord as Sunset spoke, “Have fun you guys,” She answered as the ponies nodded in agreement.

“Alright!” Discord cheered as he flew up, “Let’s go dragons! And don’t worry, ponies! We’ll bring the Marestream back when we can!” He assured them as he, Spike, and the other dragons flew off.

“Thanks! See you later!” Sunny called with a smile as they all waved to them as they flew back to the Dragonlands with Discord wanting to hang out with Spike.

TheMane 7 then turned to the new Together Tree where Opaline’s castle once stood, “Who would’ve ever thought that Opaline’s creepy old lair can turn into something beautiful?” Zipp asked while still amazed by how Opaline’s castle turned into a Together Tree.

“I know right?” Sunset asked in agreement, “This is even better than having her castle there. And the tree is so beautiful as well.” She added.

“With true unity magic, everything looks beautiful!” Misty cheered as they all looked at the Together Tree as for a bit.

“Come on, ponies. Let’s go home,” Sunset said with a smile as they started to walk back home.

"Hey everypony look!" Izzy cried as she was poking at something. The group turned and saw it was a snowy white portal with snowflakes coming out of it. "It's like glitter… but snow!" She cheered as she touched one and in a flash her appearance changed to her mane and hooves gained purple glitter shading, and she gained a small necklace with blue and purple gems on it.

"Wow!" The rest of the Mane 7 said as they gasped in awed at seeing Izzy’s new look.

"What is it? Do I have something in my teeth?" Izzy asked innocently oblivious to her new look.

Opaline’ may have been defeated, but a new adventure awaits for the Mane 7.

End of Chapter 6 Ep 3.

Author's Note

Yes, I know some of you are sad that twilight is now gone, but twilight knows when it time to rest

Chapter 2 Ep 1: Izzy Does It

Chapter 2 Ep 1: Izzy Does It

In the magical land of Equestria, the three kingdoms of each tribe, Zephyr Heights, Bridelwood, and Maretime Bay, Ponies live in peace and harmony as Equestria’s Magic is now powerful than ever as it grows stronger by friendship and ponies living together.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, one of Hitch’s crew birds, Kenneth, flew to it as it landed on a pillow, but revealed to be a mountain of junk as Izzy searched through it as she mutterly sang happily to herself.

“And a little more of this. And less of that.” Izzy sings to herself with a smile as she tosses junk out of the way as she is shown to be wearing her glasses. “And this piece makes no sense.” She sang while levitating a spactual out of the junk pile. “Unless it’s upside down!” She sings as she flip the spatula rightside up as she places it back on the junk pile. “Now we’re cooking.” She cheered to herself as she started laughing as she then climbed to the top of the junk pile as Kenneth flew out of the way as Izzy sat down while levitating more junk around.

Zipp then flies in while holding her phone as she gives an interesting look at Izzy. “Hmm.” She hummed to herself, wondering what Izzy was doing.

Sunset walked out of the Brighthouse and saw Izzy and her junk pile while raising an eyebrow at this. “Okay. Somehow, I’m not surprised.” She said to herself, seeing this coming as Izzy did something strange with her Unicycling skills.

Hitch walked to the Brighthouse with his dragon, Sparky Sparkroni, on his back while looking at the junk pile Izzy made while Kenneth and Zipp landed next to him as Sunset walked to them as Kenneth chirp at them, with only Hitch would understand him, about this junk pile Izzy made.

“Good question, Kenneth.” Hitch said with a smile as he turned to Zipp and Sunset as he translated Kenneth’s question. “Hey, Zipp, Sunset, do any of you know what Izzy’s doing up there?” He asked them, not sure what Izzy was doing.

“Not. A. Clue.” Zipp answered.

“Not sure either.” Sunset added. “Usually when Izzy does this kind of thing with her Unicycling skills, I just go with the flow.” She finished, something similar when Pinkie Pie is doing something strange, she just let it slide and not question it.

Sparky cooed as he got out of Hitch’s back and walked towards Izzy’s junk mountain. Zipp saw this as she spoke. “Hitch, uh, what’s your dragon doing?” She asked as Sparky started climbing the junk.

Izzy didn’t know see Sparky coming as she grew excited. “This is going to be the best birthday present because I finally have a friend and it’s her birthday!” Izzy cheered as she meant that today is Sunny’s birthday as she levitates a book she stacked and places it somewhere on the pile as her Cutie Mark glows.

Zipp then flew high enough to get a view of what she was seeing as she started recording Izzy and saw her glowing Cutie Mark on her phone. “Huh?” She asked herself, surprised that Izzy’s Cutie Mark is glowing.

Izzy saw Zipp as she waved to her with a smile. “Hi, Zipp!” She cheered, but then her pile started to lose balance. “Woah!” Izzy cried out as her pile was about to fall.

Zipp gasped, seeing that Izzy was gonna get hurt.

Then it revealed that Sparky took out a ball of yarn from the pile as he rolled down with it, which is why the pile starts to lose balance.

The mountain of junk loses balance as it collapses, and Izzy starts falling when she loses her balance as she starts screaming, losing her glasses in the process.

“Izzy!” Sunset cried out worrying as Izzy about to get hurt from her fall.

“No!” Hitch cried out, and then unknowingly to him, his hooves started to glow green as his Earth Pony Magic kicked in on instinct. Hitch saw his earth pony magic kicking in as it dragged him by surprise to Izzy.

“What the…?” Sunset asked in surprise before she started moving to save Izzy, she saw Hitch being dragged by his own Earth Pony Magic.

“No!” Izzy cried out as she kept falling, right before she was about to hit the ground, Hitch was being dragged towards her with his earth pony magic as he went under Izzy before she fell, landing on his back.

“Yes!” Both Izzy and Hitch cheered, glad that Izzy is safe and nopony got hurt.

“Wow.” Sunset said in amazement, seeing that Earth Pony Magic can do more than just grow plants.

“Huh.” Zipp sighed in amazement as she kept recording and saw Hitch’s cutie mark glowed. “More glowing Cutie Marks. And random Earth Pony plant magic.” She reviewed what she saw as Izzy and Hitch just listened.

“The Cutie Marks and Earth Pony magic are having more surprises popping out of nowhere.” Sunset added, seeing how magic has been developing and how Cutie Marks have been glowing up lately.

“Yeah.” Zipp said in agreement. “And also, somepony’s going to have to clean this up.” She pointed out the mess Izzy’s pile made after it collapsed as the ponies looked around and saw the mess all over the front of the Brighthouse as Sparky waddle around.

Hitch sighs as he speaks. “Don’t worry, Izzy. You’re safe now.” He said to Izzy with a smile, glad that she’s okay.

“I know.” Izzy answered with a smile as she got up and off Hitch. “I was just screaming ‘No’ because I lost my crafting glasses.” She said to her reason of the ‘No’, oblivious that she was about to get hurt, that she lost her crafting glasses in the process. But she didn’t have to worry because her glasses landed back on her face. “Double yes!” She cheered as she smiled and walked off.

“Oh, Izzy.” Sunset chuckled as she shook her head in amusement.

“I wish I could figure out earth pony magic.” Hitch said as he started to get up, wishing he knew how this new magic works so he can control it better. “I don’t like how crazy it is.” He added, but before he could get up fully, Sparkly jumped over from a pile of junk, he landed on Hitch’s back with the ball of yarn in his paws, knocking the wind out of Hitch after he flopped back to the ground from the sudden jump on his back from Sparky.

Sunset chuckled at this. “Not as crazy as handling this adorable curious dragon, here.” She said as she rubbed Sparky’s head as the baby dragon cooed at the touch.

“Okay. Second to craziest while handling things.” Hitch corrected himself, finding it fair since taking care of Sparky is a full hoof.

Izzy sighs, didn’t hear Hitch or Sunset as she looked at the pile. “But not triple ‘yes’.” She pointed out. “I didn't get to finish my amazing birthday tower of friendship for Sunny!” She stated, seeing that she was making a tower of friendship for Sunny for her birthday, but turns out it didn’t go so well, obviously. Izzy tapped a pile with her hooves in sadness, but then the pile shook as it made a piece of it fall, and that piece looked like a bracelet as it fell and landed on Izzy’s horn, who smiled at this outcome. “Accidentally awesome! It’s perfect!” She cheered, finding that amazing and found the perfect gift for Sunny. The Brighthouse front door opened as Izzy gasped as Sunny started to walk out of the Brighthouse.

Sunny walked out, with a tired look, meaning that she just woke up. “Did anypony hear that?” She asked her friends, having heard the piled crash from even inside their home. “It shook the whole Crystal Brighthouse!” She called out, meaning that pile crash was loud enough to shake the entire Brighthouse as she stopped when Izzy got in front of her with a smile.

“Happy birthday, friend!” Izzy announced to Sunny as said Earth Pony smiled at Izzy as Izzy gasped. “And happy first-time-saying-happy-birthday-friend to me!” She whispered happily to herself, seeing that this is the first time she would say that as she spoke up again. “I made you a present!” She cheered as she levitated the bracelet off her horn and gave it to Sunny.

Sunny gasped in amazement at the bracelet Izzy gave her. “Aww, Izzy!” She said in happiness as Izzy giggled, knowing that Sunny would react like this as Sunny placed the bracelet on her mane. “This is the best amazing birthday gift ever!” She happily said as she and Izzy hugged each other necks in joy. “I need to show it off!” She said, wanting to show the ponies this as she gasped. “Wanna go to the Maretime Bay Craft Fair?” She asked Izzy happily, wanting Izzy to join her and show off her crafting skills at the craft fair.

“With my friend on her birthday?!” Izzy happily asked Sunny as she smiled and turned and jumped a bit forward. “Of course I want to go to that!” She happily answered Sunny’s question, wanting to do anything with her best friend.

And then Sparky playfully roared as he ran with a bucket on his head with Hitch chasing him as the girls watched them as Hitch skidded to a stop as he got the bucket off Sparky as the dragon tripped to the ground with the ball of yarn as he played with it.

Hitch turned to Izzy and Sunny with a smile. “Alright, you two have fun.” He said to them, wanting them to enjoy the fair. “Sparky and I will clean up all this.” He pointed to the mess Izzy made when the tower collapsed.

Sparky whines as he drops his ball of yarn, seeing that his fun is over as he sits on the ground.

Sunny and Izzy giggled as they walked off, but then Sunny turned back as she looked at Sunset. “Sunset. Are you coming?” She asked, wanting Sunset to join in on the fun as well.

Sunset looks at them before turning to the pile of junk all around the Brighthouse. “Maybe I should stay and help…” She was about to suggest staying and helping Hitch clean up, but was cut off when Hitch spoke.

“Go with them, Sunset.” Hitch said with a smile as Sunset turned to him with a shock expression.

“What?” Sunset asked, wanting to make sure she heard right.

“Go along.” Hitch said. “It’s Sunny’s birthday, so go have fun with her and Izzy. I’ll take care of this mess.” He said, wanting Sunset to have fun with them since it’s Sunny’s birthday and Sunset and Izzy are the first non-earth pony friends she had at the start of their first adventure.

Sunset smiled at Hitch. “Thanks, Hitch.” She smiled before turning to Sparky. “See ya later, Sparky. Stay out of trouble you little dragon.” She said in a cute baby tone as she rubbed the baby dragon’s head as Sparky cooed at the touch as Sunset catched up to Sunny and Izzy. “C’mon girls, let’s have fun.” She cheered as she, Sunny and Izzy walked off to the fair with giggles.

Zipp then starts recording on her phone again with a smirk while flapping in the air next to Hitch and Sparky. “One case solved: Hitch is going to clean all this up.” She said to her phone, taking her detective side more so often that she recorded the records that she saw.

“Zipp will help too, right Zipp?” Hitch asked out, not wanting to do this alone.

Zipp's expression fell as she landed on the ground. “Okay, fine.” She said in a dry tone, not wanting to leave Hitch alone to clean this up. “Reminder to Zipp: Leave and then take notes.” She said to her phone, making a note to take notes after leaving as she put her phone away.

Sparky then starts cooing as he starts to walk away, but Hitch sees him as he grabs the baby dragon and brings him back as Sparky whines as Hitch shook his head in amusement while Zipp smirks in amusement at Sparky’s cuteness.

With Sunset, Sunny and Izzy are walking down the path from the Brighthouse to the fair, Sunny spoke to Izzy as Sunset flew over them.

“Thank you again, Izzy. I love this custom mane-cessory so much.” Sunny thanked Izzy again, thinking the bracelet is a mane-cessory.

“And I didn’t even know that’s what it was.” Izzy admittedly said, didn’t see the bracelet could be used as a mane-cessory as well. “How awesome is that?” She asked, finding that great.

“It’s better than awesome. It’s Izzy-tastic!” Sunny added with a wide smile as the two girls laughed with one another as Izzy’s Cutie Mark began to glow again, Sunset however frowned at this in concern.

"But Izzy, you-" Sunset started but Izzy quickly covered her mouth and said ‘Shhh…’ Implying she wanted to keep Sunny thinking she made it instead of it just falling into her hooves...or horn. Sunset muttered not liking Izzy's idea of lying but she would wait to see how this played out. Sunset then spoke to Izzy. "Hey, Izzy, wasn't Sunny's birthday not long ago?" She asked in confusion, since they already have a party for Sunny's birthday last time.

"Oh. We did, Sunset." Izzy answered with a smile. "But that was an early party for Sunny's birthday since she had the time off. Since today is Sunny's actual birthday, she have to work at her smoothie stand, which is why we had a party for her earlier." She explained her reason why they had a party for Sunny early since today is her actual birthday.

"Oh. That actually make sense now." Sunset said, making sense on why they had Sunny's party early since she has to work on her actual birthday today as the three ponies continue on their path to the fair.

And then, a pony behind them, Misty, the Cutie Mark less, blue female unicorn that has a kinky navy blue and teal hair as her mane swoops to her right with three cornrows on the left side of her scalp. She also had teal-green eyes, dark blue eyebrows, and a long blue horn with a pink gradient towards the tip and pink swirls. In addition, she has freckles on her cheeks, a pink belly, and pink fetlocks, who is hiding in a bush looked at Izzy’s glowing Cutie Mark with her binoculars as she takes a closer look at them as she put the binoculars down and watch them go and brought out a mirror that has Opaline’s face on it, it’s a magic communication mirror so Misty and Opaline can keep in contact.

“It’s true. Magic has returned to Equestria like you said.” Misty said to Opaline. “And you’re right, this Sunset Shimmer is an alicorn like that Sunny pony.” She added after seeing Sunset as an alicorn up close.

“Excellent.” Opaline said to Misty sinisterly. “Then we shall proceed with our plan.” She added.

Misty closed the mirror and then gave a sinister smile as she looked at where the three ponies went off to as she started following them.

Sometime later, Sunny, Sunset and Izzy made it to the craft fair as Izzy trotted around, looking at all the stands as she starts exclaiming and aweing the the fair and giggled as she walked past the smoothie stand Sunny is in with Sunset up front of it as they waved to Izzy.

An elderly stallion came walking up to the two ponies as he smiled at them. “Howdy, Sunny, Sunset. Got your smoothie parts ya ordered.” He said to them while gesturing to his carts full of fruits and veggies, stating that he got their smoothie supplies delivered.

“Nice.” Sunset said to the stallion with a smile.

“Great!” Sunny cheered. “Uh, just drop them in the bin.” She said to the stallion, but then hearing thudding sounds as Sunny came out as Sunset watches with wide eyes as they see a lot of fruits and veggies, but jumbo size, way big. “Earth Pony Magic just keeps getting… bigger!” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“At least we won’t run out of supplies for a while.” Sunset said, really finding it weird that this many fruit can grow to this size, really surprising on how Earth Pony Magic can be this effective.

Sunny chuckled at what Sunset just said. “How about you go enjoy the fair with Izzy, Sunset. I’ll handle things here, I brought you here to have fun, after all.” Sunny said with a smile.

Sunset looked at Sunny when she said that. “You sure, because this seems big for you to do on your own, literally.” She pointed out, while also clearing that these supplies are big.

Sunny just smiled at this. “Don’t worry, they’re just more pieces for the smoothies. I can handle this. Go join Izzy.” She said, having this covered since the fruits are enough for everypony.

Sunset just smiled at Sunny’s kindness offer. “Well. Okay. But if it’s too much for you, don’t be too afraid to ask, Sunny.” She said to Sunny as she rushed off to catch up with Izzy.

“You know I will!” Sunny called out with a smile, giving Sunset some free time to have fun since for her, she hasn't been home to Equestria for generations so she wanted Sunset to have much fun to catch up, and enjoy the new festivities as well to see how fun they are.

At the other part of the fair, Izzy is looking around as she sees every stand there is. “Wow, look at that! Oh and that!” Izzy cheered as Sunset came next to her.

“Hey, Izzy. Sunny told me that I can hang out with you.” Sunset said to Izzy while placing a wing over her.

“Really! That’s great!” Izzy cheered, but then she didn’t see where she was going as she bumped into Pipp, who was looking at her phone while also enjoying the fair. After the sudden bump, Izzy smiled at Pipp. “Oh! Pipp!” She cheered.

“Hey, Pipp.” Sunset waved with a smile.

“Izzy! Sunset!” Pipp said with a smile, happy to see them.

“You knew about the craft fair, too?!” Izzy asked in excitement, thinking that Pipp is here to join in the fair too.

“It’s the only place to be!” Pipp answered to Izzy as she looked at her phone. “That’s what I’ve been saying on my socials.” She said that's what she’s been saying to her Pippsqueaks as she went live while showing the fair to her followers. “That’s right, everypony! The Maretime Bay Mane Street craft fair is the only place to be for the hottest craftables, wearables and snackables!” She announced as she pointed the camera to Izzy and Sunset. “Tell them, Izzy, Sunset!” She said to them.

“It’s a fun place to have a fun time and enjoy the fair for all of ponykind to try!” Sunset announced with the follower with a smile.

Izzy then spoke next. “Couldn’t say it better myself, ‘cause I don’t remember what either of you said!” She said with a smile as Pipp ended her livestream.

“And post!” Pipp announced as she put her phone away as she and her two friends started walking. “So, are you two here to shop, or browse or---” She started off to see what brings them here before she gasped dramatically as she placed a hoof, blocking Izzy and Sunset as she saw something as Sunset and Izzy look to where Pipp is seeing. “Oh, my hoofness!” She said in amazement as she brought out her phone again and livestream Sunny and the bracelet on her mane as Sunset and Izzy smiled at this outcome. “What is Sunny wearing?” Pipp asked as Sunny placed a giant strawberry into the smoothie blender as Izzy got in front of Pipp’s phone.

“The birthday present I made her!” Izzy answered with a cheer as she moved aside for the camera to see Sunny again. “It was a bracelet, but she put it in her mane. So it’s that now.” She said to Pipp and the camera as she got clear from it.

Pipp smiled as she flapped her wings in the air. “It’s everything!” She sang as she held out her phone as Sunset and Izzy smiled as well. “I’m calling it: this mane-cessory is the trend of the day.” She said to her friends and her followers as she faced the camera again. “Come down to craft-fair and get one for yourself, Pippsqueaks!” She said while facing the camera to Sunny again and her mane-cessory, as well as Sunny trying to turn on the blender as she slam it, but only get one turn due to the giant strawberry as Sunny fell to the floor of her stand with some utensils falling on her, which made Pipp giggled a bit as Sunny got up with a smoothie shaker on her head as she smiled, finding it funny as well as Pipp let Sunset and Izzy look at her phone of the comments and likes she has. “Look at all of these likes, Izzy! Sunset!” She said as she placed her phone down as they looked at Sunny smiling as more ponies came in after seeing the video. “And look at that.” Pipp said with a smile as Sunset nodded her head in impressively while Izzy chuckled nervously, and then gulped as she felt nervous about this.

Sunset saw this as she turned to Izzy. “You okay, Izzy?” She asked in concern.

“I’m fine, Sunset. Hey, you think you can go ahead and get some of my things from the Brighthouse?” Izzy said to Sunset, seeing that she will be busy and will need her Unicycling supplies.

“Sure thing. See you in a few.” Sunset said as she flew off at high-speed back to the Brighthouse so she and Izzy could get Izzy’s Unicycling supplies.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Hitch and Zipp are putting Izzy’s things away into the closet while Sparky frolics around.

“So you know how my hooves glowed when the ground moved and then I heroically saved Izzy?" Hitch began while pridefully placing his hoof on his chest, explaining what happened today.

"Heroically." Zipp replied as she dragged her box inside.

"Good. That's how I remember it too.” Hitch said as he dragged the box inside with Sparky behind them, and then suddenly, Sunset came flying by as she landed next to them. “Hey, Sunset. You’re back.” He greeted Sunset with a smile.

“Hey, guys. Just stopping by to grab something. So how’s it going?” Sunset asked them as she went to Izzy’s Unicycling tools on Izzy’s desk.

“Just cleaning.” Hitch said before asking another question. “Hey, Sunset. You or Zipp think all this Earth Pony Magic stuff is safe, right?" He asked them, wanting to know that this kind of Earth Pony magic is safe.

“Of course!” Zipp is the first to answer. “You Earth Ponies can grow plants with your hooves!” She pointed out with a wave of her hoof.

“Yeah. This kind of magic is great and it can grow plants much faster. It’s not dangerous.” Sunset added while grabbing some things from the closet.

“She’s right, Hitch.” Zipp said, agreeing with Sunset. “How could that be bad?” She asked him why he was worried about it as Hitch brought in the spatula and put it on the ball of yarn. “But I’m still investigating what else our powers can do…” She said, still figuring out what else the magic has.

“And I’m still figuring out how this all happened when the crystals were still divided and what happened to Twilight and her friends so that we can find the answer to all this.” Sunset added as she, Zipp and Hitch walked out to grab some more boxes.

And then suddenly, Sparky then started muttering happily as he grabbed a toy blox and then surprisingly carried an entire box out of the closet without the three ponies looking.

Zipp then gives Hitch a smile as she places a wing on him to bring him closer to her to see her phone with Sunset looking from the side. “But we do know one thing for sure: whenever anypony’s ‘sparkle’ really starts to shine, their Cutie Marks glows!” She said while scrolling through the pictures she has taken of ponies using their magic and the one with Izzy levitating some things with her magic as her Cutie Mark was glowing.

“But why?” Hitch asked, wanting to know the reason as he grabbed something from the box with his muzzle while Sunset grabbed some things as well.

“Still a mystery.” Zipp answered as she flew in the air while leaning with a smile as she looked at her phone, unknowingly to either of the three ponies, Sparky grabbed three boxes with his surprise strength as he walked past them. “But I can’t wait to figure it out.” She excitedly said, can’t wait to solve the mysteries of this.

“Even I’m surprised at how the Cutie Marks glow when ponies use their magic.” Sunset admittedly said to them, haven’t not seen that kind of thing before, sure she heard from Twilight that whenever she and her friends go on a friendship quest, their Cutie Marks begin to glow after they are summoned or solved a friendship quest, but this is new, even for Sunset.

Hitch then spoke as he saw nothing but empty boxes in the closet. “Can either of you figure out why everything we just put away isn’t put away?” He asked them.

Sunset and Zipp turned around after what Hitch asked as they gave an unamused expression, which made Zipp bunch lightly at Hitch as she pointed behind the three ponies as Hitch followed along. What they saw is Sparky carrying a box full of junk as he put them down as he cheerfully spoke in baby gibberish as he put a spatula next to a ball of yarn as he put his paws in the air.

Hitch gasped while Sunset and Zipp just gave a look, while Sunset is surprised that Sparky can carry that much weight for a dragon his age. “Sparky Sparkeroni! That’s not helping.” He scolded the baby dragon.

“Sparky… Sparkeroni?” Both Sunset and Zipp asked, having heard Sparky’s full name for the first time.

“Yep.” Hitch answered with a smile. “Name him myself. Good, huh?” He asked them as Sunset and Zipp raised an eyebrow at that, wondering where Hitch came up with that name.

“That reminds me of Macaroni.” Sunset commented, hearing a rhyme to it.

Sparky then starts whimpering and then starts crying, a sign that he is tired.

Sunset and Zipp watched as Hitch spoke with a fatherly tone to Sparky. “This baby dragon needs a nap!” He said with a smile.

“Well, I gotta go. Izzy’s probably waiting for me.” Sunset said as she flew off the door.

“See ya, Sunset!” Hitch called out as he turned to Zipp. “Zipp. You wanna keep putting this stuff away while I tuck him in? Thanks.” He said while tossing a cloth to Zipp before she could even answer as he walked towards Sparky.

“Hmm.” Zipp said, didn’t get a chance to answer as Hitch picked up Sparky and placed him on his back as Sparky immediately fell asleep as he started snoring while Hitch walked off to tuck him. “Ugh.” Zipp groans as she takes out her phone again. “Another mystery to solve: How do I always end up cleaning up?” She asked herself, wanting to know how she keeps getting the clean up part.

Back at the Craft Fair, Sunny has just finished a smoothie for an earth pony customer, finally able to use the fruits in blends, before Sunset came flying towards her.

“Hey, Sunny. How was the smoothie thing?” Sunset asked Sunny with Izzy’s crafting

“It’s great, Sunset.” Sunny answered to Sunset as she gave the smoothie to the customer. "Here you go." She said to the stallion.

Handing it to the pony, he slurped it and commented, "You're smoothies are the best. What's your secret?" He asked as he kept slurping.

"Well, first I took a really big strawberry and then--" Sunny began not seeing Izzy, who somehow snuck into her truck, before she whispered to her and Sunset.

"Psst! Sunny! Sunset" Izzy whispered, which made Sunny and Sunset look at her in surprise as Izzy dragged Sunny to the ground while using her magic to get Sunset inside.

"WOAH!” Both Sunny and Sunset cried out as they were dragged to the floor of the smoothie stand.

“Izzy! Why are you hiding?” Sunny asked in surprise, wanting to know why Izzy is hiding.

“That’s what I like to know.” Sunset said, wanting to know as well.

“Shh!” Izzy shushed, wanting them to keep quiet as she whispered to the two. “Pipp told everypony how great the gift I made for you is and now everypony wants one!" She whispered in panic that Pipp made everypony want the same thing Sunny has on her mane.

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Sunny whisperly asked in confusion while Sunset raised her eyebrows at this.

“No!” Izzy cried out. “I made that one for you, Sunny.” She pointed out that she made that gift for Sunny, she didn’t want to make it a hit, she just wanted to give a special gift to a special friend, not make more to make it a hit to anypony else. “It was lightning in a glue bottle!” She cheered at the experience while Sunset and Sunny smiled at Izzy. “What if I can’t make another one?” She asked nervously, as she’s not sure if she can make another bracelet like Sunny’s.

Sunny gives a comforting smile to Izzy. “Aw, you don’t have to be afraid to share your special talents with everypony!” She reassured Izzy.

“She’s right, Izzy. You don’t need to show them to everypony if you don’t want to, they’re your designs.” Sunset said with a comforting smile, before they could continue any further, Pipp came up from the stand after hearing them.

“Right?” Pipp said. “We Pegasi always essay let your creativity fly!” She sang before she giggled as she grabbed Izzy out of the stand. “Come on, I’ll show you.” She said to Izzy.

“Woah!” Izzy cried out surprisingly from the sudden grab.

Sunset sighs at this and needs to go with them. “I better get going to see how this plays out. See you later, Sunny.” She said as she flew out of the stand while Sunny waved them good luck as they walked down the fair.

Up on the Maretime Bay bridge, Misty is still spying on the girls from a distance with her binoculars, with a stallion beside her as he playfully mimicked Misty’s binoculars’ expression before she sneakily crouched down and moved away to get in close, confusing one male pony.

Back at the fair, Izzy is walking through the fair with a worried expression with Sunset walking beside her while Pipp flying next to her as Pipp spoke.

"Oh you're overthinking it, Iz.” Pipp said to Izzy about her being nervous about this. “You don't have to make anything new, you just have to make the same thing but better!" She advised that all Izzy has to do is make the same designs instead of making new ones, but make them better with a twist.

“Like… I just have to copy myself?” Izzy asked to be sure she gets what Pipp is saying.

“Are you just saying that Izzy would just make the same thing but with a twist, Pipp?” Sunset asked to see if she got what Pipp was saying.

“Yeah, with a twist to it as you said, Sunset.” Pipp answered to both of them as she flew to an empty stage as she landed on it with her Pippsqueaks on both sides. That’s what I do with my songs. Like this one!” She announces as she brings up her phone and starts playing a song to it as Seashell, Glory, Peach Fizz, Izzy and Sunset listen to what Pipp is about to sing a new song she was working on.

(All You Need is Your Beat Song)

Pipp started singing as she twirls into the air as she spreads herself before curling herself as she floats back down.

(Pipp)
First thing's first, you gotta look for the spark
That bit of magic way deep down in your heart

Pipp flew backwards to the others as she straightened herself as she flew around the fair as she sang while flying to a Unicorn who levitated a rose flower to her.

You gotta follow your beat (beat, beat)
And then soon you will see (see, see)

Pipp then flies to Seashell, who is bobbing her head to the song as Pipp places the rose on Seashell’s ear as she hugged her.

You won't have that far to go
Until your song starts to grow
All you need is your beat (your beat, your beat)

Pipp and Sunset bobbed their heads to Pipp’s song as they liked it. Peach Fizz and Glory bobbed to the music as they were listening to Pipp’s song as Pipp got between her two Pippsqueaks.

All you need is your groove (groove)
Hey, come on!
To get them stomping their hooves (hooves)

Pipp let go of the two fillies as they stomped their hooves to the music. Pipp then flew around Izzy and Sunset as Izzy and Sunset’s horn began to glow.

And then the next thing you'll know
Imagination will flow

Pipp flew around as she landed back on the stage as she looked at the ponies as she kept singing as they cheered to Pipp.

All you need is your beat
All you need is your beat (beat)
All you need is your beat
Ba-da-da, ba-da-da

Pipp finishes singing as applauses are heard as she starts panting from the song she just sang as she looks at Izzy with a smile. “So? What do you think? Do you like the song?” She asked.

“Pssh!” Are you kidding?!” Izzy asked with a smile. “”It’s exactly like the last one, but better!” She cheered, liking that twist.

“Yeah. Great twist to it, Pipp.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Yeah. What can I say? I know my brand.” Pipp said, with a little laugh, to her two friends with a little smile as she leaned closer to them.

“And now I know what I have to do.” Izzy cheered as she turned to Sunset and grabbed her tools from her saddle bag as continues. “But I’m gonna need to go to the Crystal Brighthouse for more supplies!” She cheered as she placed her front hooves on the stage.

“Oh! I’ll go too.” Pipp said as she smiled. “I need to write a new hit.” She said as she flew off to the Crystal Brighthouse as Izzy trotted behind her.

“You coming, Sunset?” Izzy called out to Sunset, who turned to her and sighs with a smile.

“Okay, I’m coming.” Sunset said as she followed the two ponies from the air. “And maybe clean up once Izzy finds the things she needs, because I think up until now, she needs a break from cleaning.” She said to herself, knowing that Zipp would finish cleaning up by now once they head back to the Crystal Brighthouse.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Izzy is grabbing the stuff Zipp just put away out of the closet with Zipp and Sunset looking from behind.

“Need this. Oh, gotta have this.” Izzy said as she grabbed some things as she grabbed a hoof shoe with a wide smile with her glasses over her head. “And this is extra-necessary!” She cheered as she tossed it.

“I literally just finished putting all of that in there.” Zipp groans, seeing that her work is undone again.

Sunset then pat Zipp’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Zipp. I’ll clean up next.” She assured her.

“Thank you, Sunset.” Zipp thanked her for saving the pain of cleaning up the third time.

“Has anypony seen my crafting glasses?!” Izzy asked her friends, oblivious that her glasses are on her head, but then her glasses landed in front of her eyes as she gasped. “Never mind! Got ‘em!” She called out as Zipp walked out. “Time to get to work.” Izzy said as she looked at the stuff in front of her. “Okay, okay, okay, okay. Now it’s time to make something that’s better than another thing.” She said while levitation some stuff to help to make something better as she’s thinking.

“This is gonna be a while.” Sunset said to herself, seeing that Izzy will be busy for a while as Izzy grabbed what she needed and walked to her craft table. “Well, time to put the extras away.” She said as she used her magic to poof all the extra junk back into the closet. “Piece of cake.” She said with a prideful smile.

In the bedroom, Pipp was warming up her vocals while working on her new song.

Pipp sang but then stopped. “No. No.” She said as she kept singing while writing it down and searching some lyrics on her laptop as she stopped again. “That is not it. Ugh!” She groaned in frustration before her phone pinged with a message, "Oh a message. I guess I can take a tiny break." Answering it, she saw the message. “‘When will your next new hit drop?’” The question made her more frustrated that she had writer's block, "Oh I'll respond to that later. What I need now is a snack! Then make the new hit and then respond!" Pipp planned out before she fluttered out of the room.

Pipp flutters down to the stairs as she sees Izzy frustrated at her craft table with Sunset calming her a bit. “Ugh. No, that's not it.” Izzy said, can’t figure out what she’s supposed to do to make it better.

“Easy, Izzy.” Sunset said, calming the unicorn down as Pipp came to the two.

“What’s up, Izzy?” Pipp asked Izzy, wanting to know what’s wrong.

"Oof! I can't decide what to make!" Izzy sighed, feeling a blank coming in for creative ideas.

"Ah, I know what's wrong. You have a creative block." Pipp replied to Izzy, knowing that feeling.

Izzy gasped in shock. “Is it permanent?” She asked, hoping it’s not permanent.

Sunset sighs. “No Izzy. Creative’s block is just some feeling that you might have no inspiration to come up with an idea yet. And it’s not permanent, you just need to be inspired to create something.” She said, knowing that feeling since she had it from time to time when she first had trouble creating a comic book of her and her friends being superheroes with their powers.

“Oh.” Izzy said with a smile in relief, glad that it’s not permanent.

Pipp smiled at Izzy as she spoke. “And, lucky for you, Izz, I have the solution! You just need to listen to your fans and do what they want.” She advises, with Sunset raising an eyebrow at Pipp, seeing that’s her way of being inspired since Izzy doesn’t have fans.

“Uh, Pipp…” Sunset tried to give that wrong advice but Izzy spoke before her.

“Okay, that’s, that’s brilliant!” Izzy said with a smile, thinking Pipp’s idea is what she needs. “Did you come up with that when you had a creative block?” She asked Pipp.

Pipp raised an eyebrow. “Me? I’ve never had a creative block?” She admittedly said while thinking, stating she never had a creative block until now.

“Well if you ever do, then you should listen to yourself, because that totally helped.” Izzy said to Pipp as Pipp smiled as she looked back at her supplies. “Now I just have to figure out how to bring all these supplies to the Craft Fair so I can find my inspiration from pony fans.” She said as she lifted up two paper fans on her face. “Because these… did… they didn’t work.” She said sheepishly as she placed the fans down as she searched for no supplies. “Don’t know why.” She said, didn’t know why that didn’t work.

Pipp then picked up a paper fan that had her face in it as Sunset spoke. “Are you sure your advice will work for Izzy, Pipp?” She asked in concern.

“Well, she has to find her inspiration at some point, Sunset.” Pipp stated. “Okay, what do I do?” She asked while fanning herself “I'm so good at solving other ponies problems, but not my own." she wondered.

“You have to find some inspiration, Pipp.” Sunset said as she walked to the door. “I gotta go help Sunny with selling smoothies, I’ve left her alone long enough. See you around.” She said to Pipp as she flew to the door.

“See ya, Sunset!” Pipp called out as she thought. “Okay, for me to think of an idea, I should listen to…” She paused as she looked at the fan with her face on it as she gasped with a smile. “Myself! That’s it! I gotta go to the place that makes my heart sing to find my sound!” She announced with a smile as she took flight as she starts singing, leaving Izzy behind as she looked at Pipp in confusion.

Sometime later at Mane Melody, Pipp is on the stage with Jazz and Rocky watching as she practices her music, but having trouble finding the right beat as she sang an off-key tune and made a little feedback.

"That was almost it?" Jazz trailed, don’t know what to say to Pipp.

"You're sweet.” Pipp said to Jazz through the speaker. “But that was so not it." She cried dramatically, finding that tune terrible.

"But you'll get there!" Jazz called as she and Rocky smiled encouragely to Pipp.

Pipp paced a little before she gasped as she remembered what she said to Izzy. "Wait, wait! What was that amazing advice that Izzy gave me that I gave her? Oh yeah! Listen to what the fans want!”” She called as she looked at her phone, and saw her Pippsqueaks in them.

"Make a new hit!" Peach Fizz excitedly said as Pipp slid her phone to the next message.

"Just like the old one!" Glory added as Pipp slid to the next one.

"But better and different!" Seashell finished.

".....That didn't help." Pipp said with a deadpan look and tone, seeing that those messages didn’t help at all. "Huh...at least Izzy is having better luck." She said, thinking that Izzy is doing great as she is.

At the Craft Fair, Izzy managed to create a bracelet that was of similar structure to the one she gave Sunny and gave it to a customer.

“And ta-da!” Izzy cheered as she gave the bracelet to the stallion customer.

“Eh. This isn’t the special thing you made before.” The pony pointed out it wasn't the exact same one she created for Sunny before. “I’m gonna pass.” He said while tossing the bracelet back to Izzy and walked off, much to her dismay.

“Okay. Thanks for being honest!” Izzy cried out cheerfully, before flopping her head to the table as she sighed as ponies around her gave her a sympathetic look, feeling sorry for the unicorn. "I am just not feeling it." she frowned as she touched a yarn ball. “No. But it’s not about me. Gotta make stuff to please everypony else!” She cried out determinedly as levitates some of the objects on her table as she tried again to make something better.

At the smoothie stand, Sunny and Sunset are giving three ponies their smoothies. “Here’s your berry cantaloupe.” Sunny started, giving one of the smoothies to the pony on the right.

“A tootie fruity.” Sunset added, giving the smoothie to the pony in the middle.

“And a jicama-pear-shake.” Sunset finished, giving the last smoothie to the pony on the left as the three ponies smiled at their smoothies. “Do you like your smoothies?” Sunny asked them with a smile.

The three ponies slurp their smoothies. “Big flavors!” The pony on the left called out with a smile.

“Yummy fruit!” The pony on the right side said.

“Delicious!” The pony in the middle finished.

“Tastes like magic!” The pony in the background called out, drinking a smoothie as well.

And then some barrels and stuff being levitated as they see Izzy using her magic to carry that many supplies. Sunset and Sunny looked at each other as they both had the same thought.

“Uh… Be right back!” Sunny told the customers as she and Sunset walked out of the stand to where Izzy is.

Izzy set the supplies down as she flopped on her desk, with some sticky notes on her mane and a ball of yarn on her horn as Sunset and Sunny came to her.

“Uh… Izzy?” Sunset called before Izzy turned to them.

"Do I look desperate?!" Izzy asked with a crazed look as one of her eye’s twitched, making Sunny and Sunset flinch.

"A little..." Sunny and Sunset trailed in unison with nervous smiles.

Izzy then speaks with a wide smile. "Good, because I am super desperate! And I have no idea what I'm doing!” She said to them as she then gave a sad look. “I mean even my piles aren't towers anymore! Doesn't that say it all?" She frowned as she stated that she’s out of ideas, with the ball of yarn falling off her horn.

“Izzy, come on, don’t be like that.” Sunset said in assurance to their unicorn friend.

“Yeah. Don’t you see?” Sunny asked as she lifted Izzy’s chin to make her look at the two of them. “Nopony does it like Izzy does!” She encourages her friend.

“Yeah, Izzy. You make the best crafts your ‘Unicycling’ skills can make. And they are amazing!” Sunset said with an encouraging smile.

“Making a mess of things?” Izzy asked them with an unsure expression.

“No!” Both Sunset and Sunny said to her to not think of that.

“We mean that you can dream up such unique creations because of who you are.” Sunny pointed out to Izzy of how special she is.

“Yeah, Izzy. Your creations are so amazing, that nopony can do what you can. You are one of a kind.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing so much of Pinkie in Izzy, since Pinkie is great at making parties and treats, Izzy is great at creating new things that are amazing. “You just need some inspiration to come up with new ideas, Izzy.” She added.

“Yeah.” Sunny said in agreement. “Dig deep and just… go back to your roots!” She encouraged Izzy to do something that got her inspiration in the first place.

Izzy gasped in realization as she used her magic to get the sticky notes off her mane as she smiled. “Sweet sauce horseshoe toss!” She announced as she looked at the confused Sunny and Sunset, since they don’t know what Izzy is thinking. “Are you saying what I think you two are saying?” She asked them with a wide smile.

“We… yes.” Both Sunset and Sunny said. “Yes, we are!” they confirmed, even though they did not know what Izzy was thinking.

Izzy chuckled as she smiled at the two. “Thanks, Sunny, Sunset. You two are the best.” She said as she touched Sunny's cheek. “Also, Sunny: Happy birthday, friend!” She cheered to Sunny again, who smiled in response, and then Izzy placed a hoof on her cheek. “Oh, that is so fun to say.” She said to herself as she used her magic to levitate her supplies as she walked off as Sunny and Sunset smiled at this, thinking they had helped Izzy with her problem.

Back at the smoothie stand, a group of ponies chattered to each other as they walked off, revealing Misty who is sneaking around the smoothie stand as Sunny and Sunset returned back in to continue their smoothie sales.

Misty brought out a golden compact mirror wrapped in a ribbon as she gave a smirk and looked to see if the two ponies weren't looking as she placed it down on the smoothie stand as she kept smirking.

Sunset then felt something off. “Hey, Sunny. You get the feeling somepony is watching us?” She asked Sunny, which made Misty flinch, a little scared that Sunset must’ve sensed her.

“I don’t think so, Sunset.” Sunny answered. “We are in the fair, everypony is watching from the stands at times.” She pointed out the amount of ponies in the fair.

“Huh. Maybe I’m just overthinking it.” Sunset said as she rubbed her chin, finding Sunny’s words true while wanting to know what that strange feeling came from.

Misty sighed in relief as she got out of sight, not wanting to push her luck since Sunset is the most experienced Alicorn magic user in all of Equestria.

At Mane Melody, Rocky and Jazz saw the Pippsqueaks outside the window, waiting for Pipp's new hit in excitement.

"The Pippsqueaks are waiting!" Jazz urged, seeing that Pipp’s fan’s are too excited to wait for Pipp’s next song.

"But we mustn't rush her process!" Rocky replied, pointing out that interrupting Pipp’s process will be disastrous as the duo turned to Pipp, who is sitting on her stage while looking at her phone, trying to come up with some ideas.

“Ooh! How about a power ballad?!” Pipp called out as she thought of an idea, but dismissed it. “No! That'll never work!” She said to herself as she checked her phone, and then her Cutie Mark stopped glowing. “Oh no, Oh no..." She whimpered as Jazz and Rocky looked at her worryingly. "I'm finally out of hits!" she panted, out of ideas and hits to come up with a new song, meaning she got nothing to show for her Pippsqueaks.

Meanwhile at Opaline's Dark Castle, the dark alicorn herself was sitting on her throne as Misty came in.

"So nice of you to come home Misty." Opaline began. "You've been gone so long I thought you got lost...." she leaped off her throne and spread her wings, "Like the time I rescued you as a filly! So kind of me to do that." She said while reminding her of the time she found Misty as a filly as the said unicorn looked at her surrogate/adoptive mother, "Well, what have you found?" She questioned Misty.

"Uh, Uh I think....the stronger magic has something to with the Cutie Marks, Opaline." Misty replied, stammering a bit in a voice while saying how the Cutie Marks are connected to the magic.

"Don't 'think', you sound foolish." Opaline scolded.

"Maybe...if I had one I could figure it out and--" Misty tried to explain but was interrupted.

"Enough!" Opaline snapped, making Misty shrink a little. "How could the magic have anything to do with Cutie Marks?" She asked.

"They glow then it happens." Misty replied. "And the Earth Ponies, they can control the plants!"

"Hmmm..." Opaline muttered as she used her magic on the magical water pool in front, "New Magic. Well then..... even more reason to begin the plan. And when we're done...you'll get your cutie mark." Misty joined her adoptive mothers' side as they looked at the magical water. "And I'll be even more powerful than I was before!" Opaline added.

“But, Opaline. Earlier today, this Alicorn you speak of, Sunset Shimmer, nearly sensed me today before I placed the mirror on the smoothie stand.” Misty stated what happened earlier.

Opaline looked at Misty when she said that. “Sunset Shimmer. She nearly spotted you today?” She asked, wanting to know she heard right.

“Yes. I was lucky to get out of sight.” Misty answered.

Opaline thought for a moment while seeing that Sunset Shimmer might be an issue. “Sunset Shimmer is a surprising pony. But be on our guard, because since this Sunset is an Alicorn like me with magic along with this Sunny Starscout, if she finds out our plans and figures out who we are, then the plan will fail, meaning you won’t get your Cutie Mark and I won’t have my full power back!” She called out to Misty, telling her to be on guard and stay focused while undercover so that Sunset Shimmer won’t figure out and spoil her plans to get her full power back to take back what’s hers.

Misty got frightened by Opaline as she spoke with fright. “Yes, madam.” She said with a little nervous tone.

“Great! Now let us proceed as planned.” Opaline said before laughing maniacally as she and Misty are in front of a swirling magical blue and purplish pond.

Back at the fair, Sunny and Sunset gave another customer a smoothie.

“Mistic me Melon, from us to you!” Sunny said as the unicorn customer levitated the smoothie to him, after paying, he walked off as he enjoyed his smoothie.

“Enjoy your smoothie!” Sunset called out as she and Sunny waved at him.

Sunny then spotted the compact mirror and smiled at it as she picked it up. “Aw, look Sunset. Pipp must have left me a surprise birthday gift!” She said as she took off the ribbon, which showed a picture of an alicorn with a pink gem in it.

“Huh. That’s strange.” Sunset said, feeling suspicious about this. “I was with Pipp most of the day, Sunny. But she didn’t mention this as a surprise gift. Where did this come from?” She asked, feeling odd that this was on their counter.

“Maybe she wanted it to be a surprise.” Sunny suggested as she opened up to be revealed to be a compact mirror.

“Well, I suppose you’re right. But I can’t shake off the feeling that something strange is going on.” Sunset said, having a feeling about this mirror showing up out of nowhere. “But I’ll figure it out later. Come on, let’s go home. Our shift is over.” She said to Sunny, going to figure out this strange feeling later and mention that their day is over so they can go back to the Brighthouse.

“Coming.” Sunny said as she and Sunset walked out of the stand and walked all the way home.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny and Sunset returned home, with Sunny pulling her smoothie wagon, as she and Sunset saw Zipp at the front door.

“Hey, Zipp!” Sunny called out as she unstrap her smoothie wagon as she and Sunset walked next to Zipp, who was holding her phone as she looked at the note in the front door. “What’s that?” She asked what’s on the door.

“Izzy left a note: ‘B.R.B’ Uhh…” Zipp answered as she grabbed the note and read it, but stopped a second as she kept going. “‘F.B.B.B’ What do you think that means?” She asked the two in confusion, since this is Izzy’s note.

“We have no idea, Izzy never could get a straight answer with her ‘Izzy Codes’.” Sunset said as Sunny took the note.

“That’s true. But I hope it’s ‘Izzy code’ for being inspired again.” Sunny said, hoping that it means that Izzy got inspired again.

In the path outside of Maretime Bay, Izzy’s galloping out in the open back to Bridlewood.

“Sunny and Sunset are right! All I need to do to find my creativity again is go back to my roots. Tree roots!” Izzy said to herself, while wearing her crafting glasses, as she saw Bridlewood in the distance, thinking that she needs to find her inspiration by going back to her ‘roots’, thinking that she needs to go back home to find her inspiration, something that wasn’t what Sunset and Sunny are saying. “To Bridlewood!” She announced as she kept galloping back to her hometown, running past a bush that a butterfly was on as it followed her.

“This is great! Yeah. Nothing like a Creative walk to cure Creative Block!” Izzy said to herself and stopped once she saw a butterfly and looked at her surroundings as she chuckled. “Fresh air! Fluffy clouds!” She listened as she saw a bird pasting by. “Birds…” She said as she then gasped when she saw a bird and a cloud that looked like a cat on top of the bird. “Birds! Bird hats! Hats for birds?” She asked hopefully as the bird chirped and flew away as Izzy sighs. “Yeah, you’re right. That is not it.” She said as she kept walking, didn’t like that idea one bit as she didn’t see where she’s going as she bumped into something head on, which made her gasped in pain as she fell to the floor and her glasses landed on her as she rubbed her head from the head bump as she got up. “Oh no, another creative roadblock!” She cried out as she picked up her glasses and looked at the thing that bumped her, which appears to be a rusted up motor scooter as Izzy looked at it in amazement. “Whoa!” She said, and then corrected herself. “I mean, I mean, oh yes!” She cheered as her Cutie Mark began to glow as she used her hooves to picture the scooter as she examined it. “An actual roadblock!” She cheered, finally having an idea. “I can work with that!” She said as she walked to the side of the hill as she tried to move the scooter with her horn, grunting in effort as the scooter is heavy, with some effort, she managed to move it as she dragged it across the field.

Back at the Brighthouse, Sunset, Sunny and Zipp are moving the supplies Izzy left on the front of the Brighthouse before she left, much to Zipp’s despair of having to clean up again.

“You two really didn’t have to help me clean up Izzy’s stuff.” Zipp said to them as they brought Izzy’s stuff inside.

“Oh, we don’t mind, Zipp. It's what friends do.” Sunset said with a smile, wanting to help friends in need.

“Yeah. Besides, I got to spend time with you after spending time with Sunset and Izzy!” Sunny said with a smile, wanting to spend as much time with her friends.

And then a cup fell off the cart as the three ponies see it rolled across the floor as it stopped in front of Sparky, with the animal crew around him as Sparky giggled and place the up over his head like Kenneth wearing a can for a hat as they cheered Sparky on, but then the cup fell off his head as Hitch picked it up.

“Where is Izzy? She really should be the one to pick up her stuff.” Hitch stated that Izzy really needed to clean up after herself as he walked over to the group and placed the cup back in the box with Sparky and the animal crew behind him.

“Dunno.” Sunny answered. “She left a note.” She added.

Hitch grabs the note as he reads it. “‘B.R.B.F.B.B.B.’? What?” He asked in confusion while giving a strange look, and didn't understand what that meant as Sunny took the note back.

“Sometimes Izzy’s a total mystery.” Zipp said to them with a playful smirk as she brought out her phone again. “Note to self: Learn to speak Izzy code.” She said as she and the others laughed at that, finding it funny and true at the same time.

What they didn’t see is that Sparky sneezed some kind of green dragon fire that hit Zipp’s phone, which turned into a mushroom pizza. Sparky cooed as he grabbed the phone-turned-pizza, which Zipp or the others didn’t see, but right before he was about to take a bite, he spits out another dragon fire that turned Zipp’s phone back to normal. “Woo-hoo!” He cheered as he bit on it, only to realize it’s back to being a phone as he started crying that he didn’t get to have a bite.

“I know, Sparky.” Hitch said as he leaned close to the baby dragon. “You love Izzy, too!” He said to him, thinking he is crying for Izzy.

Sunset then thought of something. “This is weird. Izzy shouldn’t be out for this long, even by her standards. Where is she?” She told the group that Izzy’s been gone for a long while and hasn't returned yet.

“Maybe we should check on her to see if she needs any help?” Sunny suggested as Zipp picked up her phone.

"I'm on it!" Hitch instantly volunteered before turning to her animal friends. "Deputies, keep an eye out for Izzy!" They saluted and got to work, except for the turtle as he got into a slower pace. “Uh… maybe you stay here and be our eyes on the ground, Curtle.” He said awkwardly as the girls looked on strangely as Sparky smiled at the turtle.

Zipp then gave Hitch a look after saying that. “You named him ‘Curtle Turtle’?” She asked him, weird since those two names rhyme.

“‘Curtle’ yes.” Hitch answered with a smile. “But Turtle is his family name.” He added.

“What is it with naming your critters that rhyme?” Sunset asked in curioust, since Hitch naming animals is weird.

“It was his name when he spoke to me.” Hitch shrugged, saying that what Curtle told him since Hitch is the only one who can speak to animals.

Zipp raised an eyebrow at that. “Uh-huh.” She said to Hitch. “New mystery: Why did that actually make sense to me?” She asked herself.

And then Pipp came flying in as she opened the door. “I feel terrible! I gave bad advice to Izzy!” She cried out as she landed right in front of her friends, thinking she gave the wrong advice to Izzy about Creative Block.

Sunny then came up to her while placing a hoof on her shoulder. “You were only trying to help a friend.” She assured me with a smile, calming Pipp down. “I’m sure she will come back soon.” She added.

"Oh no! She's not here?!" Pipp exclaimed, devastated. "She's probably avoiding me..." She said, thinking Izzy is avoiding her.

Just then, the door opened. “So it turns out bird hats are not a thing, but guess what I made!" Izzy exclaimed to her friends with a smile as she walked in.

“Izzy!” The five friends called out in unison, happy that their friend is safe and sound.

Sparky came to Izzy as he hugged her legs as Izzy chuckled at her friends' reactions. “No, I didn’t make Izzy, sillies! I am Izzy.” She said to them with a smile as she placed a hoof on her chest to gestured herself.

“Where have you been?” Sunny asked where Izzy has been lately.

“Yeah. We haven’t seen you since the fair.” Sunset added the amount of time Izzy’s been gone.

“Didn’t you read my note?” Izzy asked in confusion, since she left them a note.

Sunny brought out the note as Pipp gasped and saw what it said. “B.R.B.F.B.B.B?!” She asked in confusion, not really sure what that means herself.

“Yeah. We’re not sure what that means Izzy. What does it stand for?” Sunset asked Izzy what she meant in this note.

“‘Be Right Back From Bridlewood, Best Buddies!’” Izzy answered with a smile while Sparky was sitting on her back.

Then that hit them. “Ooh…” All five ponies said in unison, now realizing what that meant.

“So that's what it means.” Sunset said, now understanding it.

“Yeah, I was never gonna crack that one.” Zipp said, knowing that she would never crack that code.

“Yeah, that might have been obvious with the 'go back to your roots' advice we gave her Sunny." Sunset quipped, remembering the talks they’ve given her of getting her inspiration back.

"I realized I had to be more creative about being creative! And I needed more supplies." Izzy explained to her friends how they helped her get inspired again.

"So it wasn't something I said?" Pipp questioned Izzy about the advice she said to her earlier.

“It was everything you said.” Izzy answered with a smile. “You three taught me that in order to feel all sparkly and creative, I just need to be Izzy!” She stated.

“We did?” Sunset, Sunny and Pipp asked as they looked at each other in confusion, didn't remember saying that to them while giving her advice.

Izzy then turned to Zipp and Hitch. “And you two made me realize that I outgrown that little closet.” She said to them sheepishly, saying that she’s been packing too much stuff in the closet.

“We didn’t mean to say you weren’t welcome, Izzy.” Zipp assured Izzy as she landed on the ground.

“We just didn’t like all your junk everywhere!” Hitch stated, which earned a kick to the side by Zipp using her hind hoof and a slap to the face by Sunset for saying that sensitive remark. “Oof! Ow!” He cried out.

“Can you be any more sensitive to your words already, Hitch?” Sunset rhetorically asked, hating how Hitch didn’t think of his words before he spoke.

“Sorry.” Hitch apologizes to both Sunset, for not thinking what he said, and to Izzy for making that sensitive.

"You ponies were right.” Izzy said to her friends with a smile. “My style was cramped, and so it was cramped yours too. Sometimes a pony needs open spaces for maximum craftability!" Izzy cheered as her friends smiled at her. "Look!" She said to them as she hopped out of the brighthouse as her friends followed her outside.

Outside the Brighthouse, the group followed the hopping Izzy as she showed the fixed up motor scooter outside.

“Presenting… Izzy Does it, does it, does it!” Izzy announced with a little eco whispering as she showed the fixed up motor scooter that has a big square in the back with her cutie mark on it with some flowers as well.

Her friends looked on in confusion as Sparky cooed in amazement as he cooed and clapped at her creation.

“I love it! Ah! It’s perfection, like wow!” Pipp is the first to speak with a smile as she giggled before turning to her sister with a confused look. “Wait, what is it?” She asked as Zipp shrugged, not sure either.

Izzy hopped on the scooter as she smiled at them. “My Unicycling Cart!” She answered as she honked the horn.. “My trailer of treasures!” She displayed multiple compartments built into it, for her supplies for crafting along, and her tools to make them. “My wagon of whimsy!” She added as she used her magic to bring out a retractable table in it. “My--” she was about to say as Sunset and Sunny spoke for her.

“Carriage of creativity?” Both Sunset and Sunny guessed with a knowing smile.

“Boom! Zing! You both got it!” Izzy cheered with a wide smile as her friends laughed in response.

Pipp then saw something else in her cart. “Ooh. What’s this?” She asked as she saw a small sash on the retractable table as she took a closer look.

Izzy used her magic to levitate it off the table and wrap it around her waist. "My crafting sash!" She smiled, which made the others awed at this while she was displaying the items inside of the small pouches as she put on her glasses. "Glasses? Check. Tape? Check. Glitter? Whoo! A-check” She cheered as she threw some glitter in the air. “And a lot of other things I'd need on the go. Or even on the stay." She displayed a small sketch frame with Sparky and Hitch's faces painted on it as she placed it down in front of the table.

Sparky giggled as he ran towards the sketch frame as he looked at it with a smile.

“So cool!” Pipp announced with a smile. “I need to post about this.” She said as she brought out her phone.

Izzy then gasped as she had an idea with a smile. “Pipp! You just inspired me.” She said as she got next to Pipp as her Cutie Mark began to glow as she grabbed Pipp’s phone and trotted off, which made Pipp surprised that Izzy grabbed her phone without asking.

“You inspired her to steal?!” Hitch asked Pipp in disbelief.

“I’m just borrowing!” Izzy called out from a distance after she heard that, assuring that she was just borrowing Pipp’s phone for something.

“That’s okay, then.” Hitch said with a smile, relief that Izzy isn’t stealing.

“Yeah it is.” Sunny said with a smile. “Everything’s okay.” She added as she turned to Pipp. “And Pipp, I almost forgot. Thank you for the mirror! I love the Alicorn design.” She added about the detail of the mirror.

Pipp was confused by this. “Mirror?” She asked.

“The one you left on my cart this morning!” Sunny stated while showing the mirror to her.

“Oh, oh right!” Pipp said with an awkward chuckle, completely forgetting to bring Sunny a gift since it’s her birthday. “That one! Yeah! Yeah, yeah. Uh Happy Birthday, Sunny.” She said with an awkward smile, playing along since she didn’t give any gift for Sunny’s birthday.

Sunset and Zipp are however suspicious since they can tell that Pipp didn’t give that mirror to Sunny.

Sunset then spoke in a whisper tone to Zipp as she leaned closer. “We both know that Pipp is a terrible liar. I’ve been with her most of the day before going to Sunny to help with her smoothie sales, and She’s been working on coming up with new hits ideas that she didn’t get Sunny a gift at all.” She said about the things that happened today and knowing that Pipp didn’t give Sunny that mirror. “At the stand, I had a feeling somepony was watching me and Sunny, and when we turned around, we saw the mirror on the stand but didn’t know where it came from and Sunny thinks it was from your sister. It’s really strange for it to be there suddenly.” She said Sunny.

“Yeah. That is strange.” Zipp said in agreement as she turned to Sunset.

Sunset then placed a hoof on her chin as she thought of something. “But, if Pipp didn’t give Sunny that mirror, and neither of us did since Izzy already giving Sunny a gift, you and Hitch been at the Brighthouse all day cleaning up, and you know I didn’t give it to her since I didn’t know either, that who did gave Sunny that mirror?” She asked the million bits question of that mystery of where did this mirror come from.

Zipp then brought out her phone again. “Note to self: Pipp forgot something she bought and that mirror suddenly appeared on the stand from what Sunset told me? Suspicious.” She said to her phone, now she’s going to have to solve that mystery of that mirror.

Sunset and Zipp got next to Sunny as Pipp spoke. “Well, try it out, Sunny!” She cheered to Sunny as she opened the mirror.

“Looks great!” Sunny said with a smile as the mirror showed her, Sunset, Zipp and Pipp in it, and then the four gasped as they saw Izzy and Hitch popping up from behind them as they all laughed to each other, Sunset stopped as she is getting a strange vibe in this mirror, feeling something off.

‘Who gave this mirror to Sunny? And why do I have a bad feeling about this mirror?’ Sunset thought of herself, thinking something off about this mirror and is getting bad vibes to it.

At the dark castle, Opaline watched the whole thing thanks to the mirror connection to her magical pool with Misty behind her.

“So these are the weak little ponies that brought back magic?” Opaline questioned, couldn’t believe that these are the ponies that brought back the magic. And one look at Sunset’s suspicious face brought Opaline a raised eyebrow. “And....there's something unique about that Alicorn… She seemed familiar for some reason, as well as her magic." Opaline looked closely at Sunset, almost feeling a familiar vibe of how Twilight Sparkle used to be.

"Almost like anypony could do it." Misty chimed in about everypony doing magic.

"Sure, if they have a cutie mark." Opaline scoffed, making Misty turn sadly at her blank flank. And then, Sunny closed the mirror, much to Opaline’s distress as it returned to the image of the Crystal Brighthouse. “What?! No! Why did it stop?!” She demanded.

Misty then got to Opaline’s side as she spoke. “They went inside. Maybe the Crystal Brighthouse won’t let us watch?” She suggested.

“Did you just make that up?” Opaline asked, not pleased as she looked at Misty with a scowled look.

“I was just guessing…” Misty tried to explain but Opaline cut her off.

“Well stop, because you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Opaline scolded as she looked at the magic screen again. “They must have put a cloaking enchantment on the Brighthouse…” She thought.

“Like the one that used to be around Equestria?” Misty stated, meaning that there was a cloaking enchantment all over Equestria, preventing Opaline from searching around and taking what’s hers when magic first faded. So meaning that since magic returned, the cloaking enchantment must’ve disappeared in the process.

Opaline then thought of another plan. “If it won’t let me see inside from here…” She said aloud while looking at the Brighthouse as she smirked. “...then one of my allies must find a way in.” She said as she smirked

Misty widened her eyes as she looked at Opaline. “Me?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

Opaline was taken back at Misty’s question. “Don’t be presumptuous Misty. It’s unbecoming.” She frowned as she walked away, leaving Misty behind as she frowned, lowering her ears and watching the holographic image of the Crystal Brighthouse.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the Mane 6, except for Izzy who isn’t there at the moment, and Sparky are at the dining table celebrating Sunny’s birthday as there are balloons around as the group, except for Sunny, wears party hats as they are digging in on the cake.

Sunny squeals in joy at this. “This has been the best birthday in moons.” She cried in joy. “Thanks, everypony.”

“Anytime, Sunny. Happy birthday.” Sunset said as she ruffled Sunny’s mane with a smile.

Sunny chuckled with a smile. “Thanks. And I’m so happy Izzy’s back and inspired again!” She added.

“So am I!” Pipp said with a small chuckle before she gave a dramatic sigh. “But there’s still one problem…” She said, giving a down expression.

“What’s that?” Hitch asked in confusion as the group looked at Pipp.

“I haven’t figured out my new hit song.” Pipp said to them. “It just hasn’t clicked.” She added, haven’t figured out a new hit yet.

The doors then open as Izzy's voice is heard. “Pipp!” Izzy called out as the others turned and saw that it looked like a record player with a pony hula bobble head on top with Pipp’s phone in the center of it. “Try this out.” She said to Pipp with a smile.

“Huh?” Pipp asked with a smile, curious at what Izzy just made as she flew to it. Pipp tapped on her phone as it played one of her old songs, but it’s a little different. “Izzy-- it’s my old song, but it’s…” She stopped as she looked at Izzy with a smile.

“Oh yea!” Izzy answered with a smile while nodding her head.

“Unicycled?” Pipp asked excitedly as she smiled at Izzy. “Um, genius!” She cheered.

“Sing it, Pipp!” Izzy encourages as her Cutie Mark begins glowing, Sparky, Zipp, Hitch, Sunny, Sunset and Izzy start dancing as Pipp sings her new hit song to everypony with her microphone as her Cutie Mark begins to glow as she sings.

(Pipp)
Glowing hooves, all the earth po-onies
Unicorn lights beneath the trees
We're not just one (not one, not one)

Pipp then flew around the room as her friends danced as her Cutie Mark glow left a trail as she flew around.

It's you and me (it's you and me)
(Ponies living large)
In unity-ty-ty-ty (Ooh oo-oh)
All you need is your beat

The Mane 6, and Sparky, enjoy the party as they dance around the Brighthouse, enjoying the rest of Sunny’s birthday.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 1.

Chapter 2 Ep 2: Growing Pains

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

Chapter 2 Ep 3: Portrait of a Princess

Chapter 2 Ep 3: Portrait of a Princess

At the Crystal Brighthouse, a camera beeping sound was heard as Pipp’s bed came into view as Pipp then showed up in front of the camera.

"Good morning, Pippsqueaks!" Pipp greeted her followers, as she lowered the camera a little bit. "Okay, today is..." she started, and then she threw some things out of the camera, just to appear again wearing a Pearl Necklace and white sunglasses with the shape of a heart. "Zephyr Heights Royal Princess Portrait Day!" Pipp announced as she posed, and then squealed with excitement. "Okay, so. The photo sesh isn't until this afternoon..." she stated, walking elegantly and sensual towards the camera. "... but you know I couldn't get ready without you!" she told her followers. "Thoughts?" she asked, as she placed her hooves on her chin and posed with her wings extended. Many emojis popped up on the screen, and then Pipp gasped when she saw Zipp on her side of the bedroom. "Let's see what Princess Zipp thinks about the combo!" she suggested to her followers, as she grabbed the phone and threw her sunglasses away. She send a picture of herself with her outfit to Zipp, who looked at her phone notification and rolled her eyes with annoyance. "Zipp, did you get that photo I just dewdropped to you?" Pipp asked.

"A little busy!" Zipp replied. Pipp flew over her sister's bed, while Zipp placed a draw she made of Twilight Sparkle over her 'detective board'. "Who was she talking about?" Zipp questioned who Twilight was trying to warn from. "Gotta be something that I'm missing here... " she stated, as she opened her computer and looked for something. “Maybe I should ask Sunset to let me talk to Twilight to get more information.” She added quietly to herself, going to have to talk with the legendary Twilight when she can with Sunset.

Pipp flew down to her sister's side and rolled her eyes at her attitude. "Come on, Zipp! Just a quick look!" she begged to Zipp, lifting up her phone that kept live streaming and smiling.

"I told you I'm bus–– Pipp!" Zipp cried out with anger once she realized Pipp was livestreaming her, and she quickly closed her computer and turned at Pipp. "This investigation is private!" she said, and placed a hoof on Pipp's phone camera.

"Alright, alright" Pipp said, as she ended the livestream and put her phone aside.

Zipp walked towards her desk and looked at the window with worry. "How can you even think about Portrait Day when the mystery of that warning from Twilight Sparkle is still waiting to be solved?" she asked Pipp with concern. "Who was this evil force she was trying to warn us about? How did she build protection around Equestria?" she kept asking, walking towards her laptop again and opening it. "She said we were in danger, Pipp!" she pointed out with worry.

"We are." Pipp replied with an eyes roll. "In danger of looking awful in a portrait printed on the cover of Pegasus Weekly and referenced by the media for all of time!" she said, flying over her side of the bedroom and standing in front of her microphone. Then she gasped as she had an idea and grabbed the mic. "Oh. Oh, I know what will get you in the mood. Let's sing the Portrait Day Song from when we were fillies!" she said on her mic with a smile, but Zipp just turned around with a bored expression and walked back to her desk. "Be still. Don't move." Pipp started to sing.

"No song, Pipp." Zipp told her sister, as she grabbed a bag and threw it to Pipp.

“It's easy to smile with you by my side." Pipp kept singing as she dodged the bag Zipp threw. But then Zipp threw another one that did hit her and made her fell in the ground.

"No song!" Zipp yelled at her, getting back to her detective work.

In Opaline's Castle, Opaline herself and Misty were seeing Zipp and Pipp in their bedroom through Pipp's livestream, discussing Twilight Sparkle's warning... mostly Zipp, but still.

"We have to figure out what Twilight meant!" Zipp cried out, while Pipp just posed with her mic in front of the camera. "It's our top priority! Are you still livestreaming?! Give me that phone!" she complained, as she flew over Pipp and took her phone away.

Opaline grumbled to herself with anger. "Meddling ponies." she complained. "Always sticking their noses in places they shouldn't be!" she cried out with rage, while Misty just looked at her both worried and scared. Opaline pulled away the image of the livestream and turned to see Misty. "And how is Twilight Sparkle still interfering with my plan? And why is it that I sense something that seems familiar to me, but can’t seem to figure out?" She kept complaining, since Twilight was the reason she was doing all of this in the first place and having these strange feelings she felt, not knowing that Twilight is back in spirit thanks to the Mane 6 and Sunset’s plan spell that worked. "We need to get rid of those two princesses as soon as possible!" she stated. "You'll just have to lure them into a trap!" she told Misty, as she sat on her throne.

Misty walked away and entered the library, trying to think of a way to lead Zipp and Pipp into a trap. And then, she saw a picture in the ground that made her smile with an idea. She quickly ran back with Opaline, holding the picture with her hoof.

"Maybe this could help?" Misty told Opaline, placing the picture on her throne. "Their annual Portrait Day is coming up" she told her with a smile.

Opaline looked at the picture that Misty gave her: it was of Queen Haven with her daughters when they were younger. Both Zipp and Pipp had a yellow flower with blue roots on their heads, and Opaline recognized that flower. "An ocean lily" she said, looking at the picture. "Ah! Childhood memories! Perfect!" she cheered, now having an idea. She got up from her throne and used her magic to make the boiler in front of her work, summoning an Ocean Lilly from it and she gave it to Misty, who grabbed the plant with an adorable evil grin. "Just one more thing." Opaline told Misty. "Be extra careful with the older one" she warned her about Zipp. "She's far too curious for my liking. And watch out for this Sunset Shimmer we’ve seen, she nearly spotted you last time." she added with annoyance.

Misty nodded, and trotted to the main door, while Opaline turned around and chuckled evilly.

At Mane Melody, Pipp looked at herself in the mirror as she fixed her mane, while Zipp sat on a chair bored as she looked at Sunny who kept walking back and forth while she talked excitedly while Sunset and Twilight, with the necklaced opened, kept watching in amusement from Sunny’s excitement.

"Wow! Royal Portrait Day?" Sunny said with a cheery tone. "What kind of portrait are we talking? How long has this tradition been a thing?" she asked Zipp, who rolled her eyes in annoyance while Sunny walked towards Pipp. "Is the portrait used for anything specific?" she asked the young pegasus, who turned on her chair to face Sunny.

"Avant-Garde! Way before we were born! And the picture shows up everywhere, even on our pegasi money!" Pipp answered all of Sunny's questions, while also taking out a bill that showed the Royal Family of Zephyr Heights printed on it.

Twilight then giggled at this as she spoke to Sunset. “Sunny sure is an exciting pony, and Pipp is one for socializing. Kinda reminds me of Rarity and myself back in the old days, Sunset.” She said while having fond memories she had with her and her friends from back in the old days.

Sunset giggled as well. “Trust me, Twilight. Sunny idolizes you so much, she and her father kept records of you and the others from ancient Equestria. And Pipp is a thing for this kind of thing.” She said, glad to be speaking to Twilight again, after she got her old alicorn friend up to speed as to what happened to Equestria while she was gone, which shocked Twilight that her legacy was broken but was grateful with Sunny and her friends, along with Sunset, bringing that legacy back and reuniting the pony tribes again, which made Sunny squealed in joy for THE Twilight Sparkle saying that to her and her friends.

“And I’m grateful as well. And she makes a fine Alicorn as well like you are, Sunset.” Twilight added with a smile, feeling proud that Sunny and Sunset earned their alicorn titles.

"Come on, Sunny. You aren't actually interested in this stuff, are you?" Zipp questioned her.

"Of course!" Sunny replied with a smile. "Who else gets to learn about royal pegasus traditions like this from the actual royals?" she said, as she sat on an empty chair between Pipp and Sunset. "What's not to like?" she asked, putting a hoof on her chin with a smile.

"Uh... everything?" Zipp said with boredom. "Getting primped and pampered all day just to sit still for hours? My wings are twitching just thinking about it!" she said, as her wings twitched a bit.

“Zipp. Sure it may not be fun, but it’s a tradition for family time and for the new royal portraits to be set up. It can’t be that bad.” Sunset said with a smile. “I saw Princess Celestia do it before and I’m sure Twilight did as well. Right, Twilight?” She asked Twilight.

“I sure do. Granted it was boring half the time, but it wasn’t all that bad.” Twilight said, remembering when she had to attend those princess meetings and special events, royal portraits were one of them.

“See, Zipp. Even Sunset and Twilight gets it.” Pipp said with a smile.

“Doesn’t make me feel better from it.” Zipp said in a dry tone. “Besides, there are more important matters at hoof. I mean, we all saw Twilight’s hologram message from the crystals, right?” She reminded the others about Twilight’s hologram message she remembered.

Flashback.

"If you're seeing this, magic is now more powerful than it's ever been." Twilight's hologram said. "There are evil forces out there who will want to exploit it." she added with worry.

End of Flashback.

“Speaking of which, Twilight. I’ve been meaning to ask you about that message, who was it that you are talking about?” Zipp asked Twilight, wanting to know what evil forces she’s talking about.

Twilight however, felt unsure about the message she left in the crystals Zipp mentioned. “I-I don’t know.” She answered in concern.

“You don’t know? How come?” Zipp asked again, wanting to know how Twilight did not know if she made that message in the crystals about some evil forces.

“I don’t remember who, exactly, but all I remember is that ponies and creatures were fighting among each other thinking they are better than anypony. And somepony has spread lies to divide all ponykind and I have to store all of Equestria’s magic just to keep the balance safe.” Twilight explained, saying all that she know from how Equestria became divided

Sunset then spoke to Zipp after Twilight. “After we got Twilight up to speed, I asked the same questions but she seems to remember when Equestria became divided and created the Unity Crystals that stored all of Equestria’s magic to keep the balance, she doesn’t seem to remember who caused all that in the first place.” She explained to Zipp.

“But how come she can’t remember? Her message nearly said the suspect.” Zipp pointed out that the message nearly said the name, but frizzed out and left out some details.

“I thought about that. So I went to the Unity Crystals to see if it can help Twilight remember something, but no go. But then I saw a tiny crack in the crystals.” Sunset pointed out.

“A tiny crack on the crystals? How did that happen?” Zipp asked, wondering how the crystals got a tiny crack.

“My guess, it must’ve happened during Maretime Bay Day when Earth Pony complained about not having magic and when magic was fading again.” Sunset theorize. “The crack on the crystals must’ve been why the message was incomplete, and must have messed up Twilight’s memories a bit of the one who caused Equestria to be divided in the first place.” She added.

“That’s what I think as well since I can’t seem to remember who caused the disharmony of the ponies to be separated long ago.” Twilight said in agreement, since she can’t remember who as well.

“Oh pony feathers. Meaning that we’re still at square one of this mystery.” Zipp groans at this of not having more information, but it was a start. “And I really don’t like to do this family portrait.” She added in annoyance.

"Zephyrina Storm!" Pipp scolded her with a frown.

"Only Mom calls me that." Zipp said with a dead tone.

"You used to love this stuff when we were little!" Pipp pointed out. "Why not recapture that feeling and just enjoy it, hmm?" she said with a glare, while Zipp glared at Pipp back.

Sunset then got between them as she pushed the two sisters aside. “Knock it off you two.” She scowled the two sisters as she turned to Zipp. “Zipp. Just try to relax and enjoy this portrait time. It’s one of the best ways for families to be together and spend time with one another. And I’m pretty sure Twilight does the same with her friends to save the moments they spent together.” She said, looking at Twilight to help her out.

“It’s true. My friends and I always keep memories remembered.” Twilight confirmed, having done something similar.

“They’re right.” Sunny said in agreement as she got out of her chair and went next to Zipp. “A little relaxation to clear your head. Just have fun today, okay?” She added with a smile as Zipp finally smiled back at their words.

“There’s that smile.” Sunset smirked at Zipp, seeing that they finally got through to her.

Then, the doors of Mane Melody opened, and Zoom and Thunder entered the salon, kneeling at one side each other while Queen Haven entered next, being followed by cloudpuff.

“Better hide for now, Twilight. Don’t want other ponies to know that you are here in this necklace yet.” Sunset whispered to Twilight, who nodded in agreement, not ready to reveal herself to the other ponies yet as she went back into the necklace, while she can’t talk to them while inside, she can still see through it to watch the outside.

"Girls!" Haven greeted her daughters. "Oh, my hoofness, it's been far too long!" she said with a tired tone. "Quick, hug mother!" she instructed them with a smile.

"Mom!" Pipp said happily, and she quickly ran toward her mother and hugged her, while behind them Sunset and Sunny looked on with a smile and Zipp looked with a sheepish smile.

The three decide to get closer as Haven and Pipp break their hug. "Good afternoon, Queen Haven" Sunny greeted politely with a smile and little reverence.

“Great to see you again, Queen Haven.” Sunset said with a smile as well.

“Hi mom" Zipp greeted vaguely with a sheepish smile, while Pipp and Sunny looked at her worried and Sunset pushed her on the shoulder with a warning frown at being rude to her own mother.

"That's it? Just 'hi'?" Haven asked to Zipp with disappointment. Zipp rolled her eyes with a smile and hugged her mother properly as Haven chuckled a little. "Oh. Now that's the Princess–– Oops! Sorry, that's the detective Zipp I like to see" Haven said with a proud smile, while Zipp smiled back as well. But then, Haven's her fell from its usual position. "Oh dear!" she said, as she looked worried at her reflection. "It seems the trip over has done a number on me, Pipp!" she cried out to her young daughter. "Flying through heavy wind, just dreadful on the mane!" she complained.

Then, Jazz and Rocky arrived at Haven's side while Rocky flew with a smile. "Don't worry, Highness. Rocky Riff at your service." he told the Queen. "I can fix those flyaways in no time!" he assured her, as both he and Jazz guided Haven into the salon.

"Here, your Highness!" Sunny told Haven with a smile, as she kneeled at her. "Take my chair" she said, while pointing to the chair she was sitting on before.

"Oh! So sweet of you, Sunny!" Haven told her with a grateful smile. "Thank you!" she thanked her, while Pipp sat on one of the chairs at her side. "Come on, Zipp. One more chair with your name on it" Haven told Zipp.

"I was thinking maybe I'd skip the––" Zipp tried to say, walking towards the exit.

“Zephyrina Storm!” Queen Haven lectured her oldest daughter, which caused Zipp to flinch at her mother’s outburst.

“Uh, never mind.” Zipp said, a little scared at her mother’s outburst as she turned and ran to the chair next to her mother, not wanting to suffer her mother’s wrath.

Sunset giggled at this. “There are some things you can’t fly away from, Zipp.” She said, stifling her giggles as Sunny joined in, and inside the necklace, Twilight is laughing a bit, having seen that and had something similar to her mother from time to time when she was a filly.

Later, Rocky was putting some facial mask on the royals, while Jazz gave a hooficure to Haven, and Zipp... she was trying to relax, but she simply couldn't.

Sunny was on the salon's stage reading a magazine, while Sunset was sitting next to her while reading some notes on Sunny’s father's research, and a little close to the necklace so that Twilight would read as well with her, knowing how much she loves to research.

"Oh! You girls wouldn't believe the week I've had!" Haven said with a tired voice. "Can you believe the florist asked if we wanted 24-inch roses instead of our usual 23.5-inch?!" she asked in disbelief.

As Haven continued to talk, Zipp used a towel to remove her facial mask, the kiwis on her eyes included, although she still had the one on her right eye. "Ugh! What even is this stuff?" she cried out, while cloudpuff grabbed the kiwi on Zipp's eyes and ate it.

“It’s called a ‘facial mask’, Zipp. You really need to try out relaxation sometimes.” Sunset answered with a smirk on her face, knowing that Zipp never really done this before as Zipp rolled her eyes at Sunset’s remark.

"And beige throw pillows instead of white! Beige!" Haven kept complaining.

Zipp then smirked as he had an idea. "How about some calming music, Mom?" she told Haven, as she placed some headphones on her mother's ears and pressed the play button, giving Haven some more relaxation with the music.

"Thank you, dear" Haven thanked Zipp, as she focused on the music while Zipp smirked and turned her mother's chair around to talk with Pipp.

"Psst... Hey, Pipp" Zipp called to her sister, while Pipp twitched her ear in response. "So, is this the time you're finally gonna ditch this thing with me?" she asked her with a smirk.

"Pssh! Of course not!" Pipp said, moving her hoof as if it was obvious that she wasn't going anywhere. "I actually like taking time to be pampered." she said, as she opened her wings gracefully. "It's my favorite thing, right after singing, spooky stories and... selfies!" she said, as she brought out her phone and took a lot of selfies.

“Ugh!” Zipp groans, and then looks at Sunny and Sunset on the stage. “Huh. Hey, Sunny! How well can you do an impression of me?” She asked Sunny.

"Uh..." Sunny said unsure, as she stood up and tried to imitate Zipp. "It's that a mystery over there?! Cool, cool." she said with a very bad impression of Zipp as she gave an embarrassed smile at Zipp.

Sunset laughed a bit at Sunny’s bad act. “HAHAHAHA! Sorry! I am sorry, but…” She chuckled a bit. “Hahaha! That was just funny and comedy gold there with that bad impression, Sunny.” She chuckled a bit.

Sunny chuckled sheepishly. “Yeah, I even find that a bad impression.” She admittedly said.

"Yeah... maybe not." Zipp said after that weird scene and went back to her chair, groaning as she sat on it. "Looks like I'm stuck suffering through another Portrait Day!" she complained.

Sunset then spoke. “Zipp. Come on, it can’t be all that bad. So you don’t like royalty but it is still a family thing. And you can’t just turn your back on your family tradition. That will hurt their feelings.” She advises, since knowing not to break a family tradition could hurt feelings to their own.

Zipp then thought about what Sunset was saying, but didn’t get further as she heard her phone chiming as she brought it out and saw a new message in it. t. "Really, Pipp? I'm right here, I don't need to see your selfies." she said with annoyance. However, once she looked at Pipp, she realized she didn't send anything and felt confused. She opened the message and then saw a picture of the Ocean Lily. "No way..." she said to herself, and then smiled, since this was her perfect opportunity to get out of here. "Hey, Pipp!" she called out to her sister, getting close to her.

"What now?!" Pipp asked with annoyance, as she took off one of the kiwis on her face and Cloudpuff immediately ate it.

"Look!" Zipp said, as she lifted her phone and showed the picture of the Ocean Lily. Pipp gasped as she opened her eyes wide and the other kiwi flew away and she grabbed Zipp's phone. "Wouldn't this flower be just must perfect accessory for a Ponygram selfie?" she asked teasingly.

"Oh. My. Gorgeous!" Pipp said with sparkling eyes as she flapped her wings in an adorable way. "Is that the rare Ocean Lily that only blooms once every decade?!" Pipp asked Zipp excitedly. "The only other time I've seen one is when we wore them on our manes for Portrait Day!" she exclaimed, as she grabbed a towel and cleaned the facial mask. "Who sent this to you?" she asked Zipp.

"I don't know, but it must mean the flower is in bloom right now." Zipp replied with a smile. "We have to go find it!" she said to Pipp, while the young pegasus started to have second thoughts.

"But... but... Portrait Day?" Pipp said, not so sure on what to do.

Then Zipp stopped and looked at Pipp. "Oh, no, you're right" she said in a very bad acted disappointed tone. "Who needs a picture of the most ponygrammable once-in-a-decade flower there is anyway?" she said, grabbing her phone from Pipp's hoof and shaking it at her, still with the picture of the Ocean Lily.

Sunset sees what Zipp is trying to do as she sighs at this. “Zipp is gonna regret doing this.” She mumbled to herself.

Pipp then made her decision, as she grabbed Zipp's phone again. "Okay! But we'll be back to Zephyr Heights in time to sit for the actual portrait, right?" she asked Zipp.

"I promise, we'll get back in time, Hoof to heart" Zipp promised to Pipp, as she grabbed her phone and putted away, then she walked towards the exit.

Then Pipp looked at her mother with a worried expression. "What are we gonna tell Mom?" she asked Zipp.

"I've got it covered." Zipp said with a smirk, as she looked at both Sunset and Sunny, with Sunset moving her head with disapproval at Zipp’s way to ditch Royal Portrait and Sunny eating some of the kiwis. "Hey, Sunset and Sunny!" Zipp called out to them.

"Isn't this so fun?!" Sunny asked the sisters with a smile about this experience.

"We're gonna take a little break from Portrait Day prep, so we're gonna need you and Sunset to cover for us." Zipp stated, while Pipp nodded in agreement. “‘Kay, thanks, bye!” Zipp said quickly without giving them a chance to answer as the two sisters were about to walk up.

"What?! What about Queen Haven?" Sunny asked, as she looked at Haven still listening to the music.

"Keep the cucumbers going and she won't even notice we're gone" Zipp stated with confidence as she and Pipp walked out the door..

Sunset sighs at this. “Sometimes, Zipp always seemed to find her way out of any situation.” She said while rubbing her head.

“I’m sure they will be back.” Sunny assured to Sunset.

“Sunny, I tried the same thing to get out of class while acting sick half the time. But I hope those two get back before Queen Haven flips her wings.” Sunset hoped, while recalling doing something similar to what Zipp is doing back at CHS.

Outside Mane Melody, Zipp stretched with relief. "Ah, finally!" she said with joy. "Out of that stuffy salon!" she added.

"Hey!" Pipp yelled at her.

"I mean, great Salon!" Zipp corrected herself, as she walked away from Pipp.

"So where are we headed anyway?" Pipp asked her sister.

"Well, I was thinking the first thing we should do is check out the Crystal Room and see if there's anything we might have missed in regards to the hologram" Zipp replied, once again thinking over the thing with Twilight's message. Suddenly, both hers and Pipp's phone chimed, and they took their phones out to see that someone sent them another picture of the Ocean Lily. "Did I say hologram? I meant Ocean Lily, of course!" Zipp corrected herself with a sheepish smile, while Pipp looked at her with a bored expression.

"Look!" Pipp said as she showed her phone to Zipp, with the picture of the Ocean Lily on it.
Zipp analyzed the picture before gasping. "Those rocks look just like the ones by the beach." she said with a smirk.

"Oooh! Beach Day!" Pipp cheered as she flapped her wings excited. "Selfie in the sand, definitely good for my feed!" she said, as she putted her phone away

"Uh... Yeah" Zipp replied unsure, as the two sisters flew towards the beach, not noticing that Misty came out of a hideout behind a building, as she looked at her phone with an evil grin since she was the one that sent the picture to the sisters to lure the two sisters into a trap.

At the beach, Zipp and Pipp arrived with Zipp recording voice notes on her phone, while Pipp just took pictures of her surroundings and selfies.

"Note: Beach activity appears calm" Zipp recorded on her phone. "I wonder who send those dewdropped pics of the Ocean Lily." she said with curiosity, putting her phone away and pulling out her magnificent glass. "It feels similar to the Twilight hologram somehow, right?" she asked Pipp.

"Uh-huh" Pipp replied with no interest in Zipp, paying more attention to some seashells in the sand and taking pictures of them.

Zipp groaned quietly and flew while she used her magnificent glass to look for clues. "I mean, that message was so cryptic!" she added, but didn't notice that Pipp flew apart. "She said we should have earth pony magic for the first time, which tracks... But there's a pony who's going to steal magic?" she questioned, lifting up a seaweed and then throwing it away. "Everypony has magic now! So that doesn't make any sense..." she stated, looking at a sand castle with her magnificent glass. "What do you think, Pipp?" she asked her sister, still looking at the sand castle. Then a crab came out of it and threw some sand at Zipp. "Ugh!" she complained, cleaning the sand from her face. "Pipp?" she called out again, but didn't find her anyway. Then, Seashell passed running by her and let a seashell fall from the sand castle. "Whoa! This could be important evidence!" Zipp cried out.
"
Sorry, Detective!" Seashell apologized, as she kept running towards a crowd of ponies.

"What is going on over there?" Zipp asked herself, as she walked towards the crowd of ponies.

Zipp found a lot of foals and fillies in the place, looking at Pipp live streaming again. "Hey, hey from the beach, Pippsqueaks!" she greeted on her livestream. "Some sunshine is all I need to looks glowy for tonight's portrait!" she stated with a smile.

"What are you doing?!" Zipp scolded her, as she got at her side. "This stuff is supposed to be secret!" she pointed out with a frown.

"But I told everypony I'd be livestreaming on Clip Trot all day!" Pipp said with a sad face.
"If mom sees your stream, our whole plan is ruined. I thought you wanted to find that Ocean Lily!" Zipp said to her sister with worry.

"Of course I want to find it!" Pipp said.

"Then try to avoid giving away our exact location, okay?" Zipp told her with an eye roll, while Pipp nodded with a smile.

"Alright, Pippsqueaks! Gotta go! Pipp, Pipp, hooray!" Pipp waved at her followers, ending the livestream.

"Pipp, Pipp, hooray!" the Pippsqueaks replied with smiles.

While Pipp put her phone away, Peach Fizz came closer to her holding a coral. "Hey Pipp, this coral would look perfect on a Portrait Day necklace!: she suggested with a smile.

"Oh, that's so sweet!" Pipp replied with a smile.
"What about a flower?" Seashell suggested, as she made a flower grow in the sand and gave it to Pipp.

"Oh! Thank you, Seashell!" Pipp thanked the filly. "How'd you know I was looking for a flower for––" she tried to ask, but then Zipp came to her side and pushed her softly on her shoulder. "Flower? I meant followers, like you!" she corrected herself nervously, as she placed the flower on her left ear. "Uhm... do you follow me on Feedbag yet? It's new..." Pipp said nervously with a sheepish smile, while her followers looked at her confused.

"Come on, we gotta get out of here!" Zipp told Pipp, as she flew away.

"Thank you everypony! Your gifts are all so lovely!" Pipp said, grabbing the flower again and also grabbing the coral from Peach Fizz. "I'll cherish them forever. 'Kay, bye!" she said, blowing a kiss and then flying behind Zipp.

Back at Mane Melody, Sunny spoke to Queen Haven while sitting next to her while reading a magazine with Sunset standing next to Sunny.

"And so, what we was thinking is that a community garden could be just what Maretime Bay needs to start bringing earth ponies together!" Sunny explained to Queen Haven, while Jazz used a towel to take off the facial mask from Haven's face. "Like a designated place to practice magic." she stated with a smile.

“So that way they can know how to control plants and prevent over growths.” Sunset added with a smile, agreeing since this is a perfect idea Sunny came up with.

"A magical garden sounds wonderful, dear!" Haven told Sunny and Sunset with an honest smile. "Though I can't say I know much about gardening myself... That's what the gardeners are for!" she joked as she started to laugh out loud, while Sunny just gave an awkward smile.

Luckly, Sunset spoke with a smile. “Haha. Good one, your majesty.” She said to Queen Haven.

“Thank you, Sunset. I’ve been saving that one.” Queen Haven replied with a smile.

Rocky then came behind Haven. "You're all set, your Majesty." he said to her with a smile, as he turned the chair so Haven could look at herself in the mirror and place her crown on her head. "Portrait Day perfection!" he stated with pride.

"Ooh, I'm so excited! Aren't you, girls?" Haven said, looking at the mirror and asking her daughters if they were excited too, but then she turned around when she didn't get an answer and found that Pipp and Zipp were gone. "Sunny, Sunset, where did my girls go?" she asked them.

Sunny then got nervous when Queen Haven asked. “Oh! They just went... back... to the Brighthouse! They forgot their... tiaras?” She lied nervously as she looked at Queen Haven as Sunset resisted the urge to facehooved herself as she played along.

“You know how Pipp is when it comes to looking good for a picture, and Zipp, well you know her rebellious side.” Sunset said to Queen Haven, playing along to cover up for Zipp and Pipp.

Haven chuckled a bit at Sunset's comment, finding that true since they are her daughters. "Oh well, no point waiting here then" she stated. "We should just meet them at the Brighthouse!" she said, starting to walk towards the exit, while Sunny gave a worried look. "I haven't had a chance to check out the new place yet" she added with a smile, having never seen the Brighthouse up close after the Mane 6 rebuilt it from the old Lighthouse.

Sunny then ran quickly and stepped in front of Haven. "You should visit, just not now." She told her. "The Brighthouse is a total mess and I'd hate for you to see it in that state" she added with. a little smile.

"Oh, don't worry. I may be a Queen, but I can handle a little mess." Haven assured. "I’m a Mom." She reminded Sunny as she winked at her, saying that she’d seen how messy her daughters’ rooms can be when not clean so if seeing the Brighthouse a little messy, she can handle it as she walks out the door.

Both Sunny and Sunset got nervous as Queen Haven will see her daughters aren’t there. “Think of something, Sunny. I got nothing.” Sunset whispered to Sunny, got nothing on how to stall Queen Haven.

Sunny then thought of an idea as she turned to Pipp’s stage as an idea popped in her head. “Queen Haven!” She called out as Haven turned when she heard Sunny. “A little birdie named Pipp told us you have an incredible singing voice, and it'd be such a shame if we missed our chance to hear it for ourselves.” Sunny said as she got on stage with Sunset as Queen Haven walked back towards them, even though Pipp really has told them that their mother can sing, they like to see it for themselves and by Zipp and Pipp a little more time.

“Yeah. Pipp told us that you can sing great, we never heard you sing one bit, so this would be an exciting experience for us.” Sunset said with a smile, playing along with Sunny’s plan, while also wanting to see if Queen Haven really can sing.

“Would you sing just one song with us before we go?” Sunny asked as she brought out a microphone to Queen Haven.

“If that’s okay with you, that is.” Sunset said, even though they want to by Zipp and Pipp more time, they don’t want to force Queen Haven to do this.

"Well, I suppose one song never hurt anypony!" Haven said with a bright smile. She flew over the stage. “Thunder!” She called out as Thunder gave her own microphone, then he walked backwards once Haven grabbed the mic as Sunset and Sunny got off stage to give Queen Haven some room to sing. "I call this one 'Pony Love'!" she said with a smirk, as the lights of Mane Melody went out and a disco ball appeared as Haven started to sing.

(Pony Love Song)

(Queen Haven)
I remember not so long ago
The feeling of the light
As it kissed my cheek, my time to speak
Came and went like night

While Zoom recorded the Queen with her phone and she and Thunder looked at Haven with a smile, Sunny sat on a chair and sighed with relief, while Sunset sat on the chair at her side.

“Great idea, Sunny. This will buy the girls some time. But truthfully, Queen Haven got some great pipes.” Sunset said, while even though they are stalling for Pipp and Zipp, they have to admit, Queen haven got some great singing voice.

“Yeah, hopefully this will give them enough time.” Sunny said, finding Haven’s singing great as well, but hopefully it’s a long song to stall her for the two sisters as Queen Haven kept singing.

The crack of dawn, the curtain drawn
The mountains I have climbed

Back at the beach, Zipp kept looking for clues while Pipp was focusing on her phone.

Then, Zipp saw the rocks that appeared on the picture they received. "These rocks are just like the ones from the photo!" she said with a smile, looking at the picture on her phone and comparing it to the real scene. "We must be close..." she said cheerfully. "Yes! See, Pipp?" she asked her sister, but then turned around to find her sister taking selfies in many poses. "What did I say about keeping our location a secret?!" Zipp yelled at her with a frown.

"What? I turned the geotagging off" Pipp pointed out with a bored expression. "We're totally off the grid, basically." she assured her sister.

"Whatever. Let's just go find this Ocean Lily already!" Zipp said with annoyance. She then flew away and took her phone out to compare the picture and the environment again, but Pipp kept sending her selfies and annoyed Zipp much more. "Ugh" she complained, walking away from her sister who kept taking selfies. Then the hours passed, and Zipp started to give up as she brought out her phone for recording. "Flower mission: total fail" she stated with frustration, as she fell in the sand while Pipp just kept taking selfies. But then, a petal of an Ocean Lily appeared in front of Zipp, and she gasped in excitement. "Could this be?" she asked, as she grabbed the petal and compared it to the ones of the flower they were looking for. "It is!" she cheered, standing up and looking at the trail of Ocean Lily's petals in the sand. "Pipp! I have a lead!" she told her sister, who kept taking selfies as she threw some petals of the Ocean Lily in the air. "Ugh, come on! No social media!" she told her sister.

"But I put a filter on it, so nopony will be able to tell where we are." Pipp assured, as she put some filters on her pictures.

"Your influencer stuff has been getting in the way all day!" Zipp complained with anger.
Now Pipp frowned back at Zipp. "I thought the whole reason we were searching for this flower was for Ponygram?" she pointed out with anger as well.

"And your Clip Trot? And your 'Feedbag'?!" Zipp said with anger too.

"Oh, ha, that last one was a fake." Pipp said with a smirk, putting her phone away and walking away from Zipp.

"Ugh, I know! But you know what?! It was never about the flower!" Zipp confessed, tired of her sister's attitude, while Pipp just turned around and looked at Zipp in shock. "I just need and excuse to get out of Portrait Day, okay?" she said with desperation.

"Uh, what?" Pipp said with anger.

"I have to admit, I did actually get into the search for a while there, but the truth is... I don't care a salt lick about your Ponygram posts!" she shouted at her. That was enough to hurt Pipp's feelings, and it was too late when Zipp realized what she said. "Wait, I didn't mean––" she tried to save herself, but again, it was too late already.

"Well, fine! If this Lily is so silly to you, then why don't you just go home?" Pipp shouted at her with anger, turning around and walking towards the trail of petals.

"What? I'm not giving this up now!" Zipp stated. "I came all the way out here, I'm gonna see it through!" she assured, walking behind her sister.

Meanwhile, Misty came out of a rock way behind the sister, and spread some of the petals in the sand with a smirk. "It worked!" she cheered with a smile.

Back with the sisters, they followed the trail until they entered a hidden cave. "Ooh! Look at that!" Pipp said with awe.

"Whoa. A hidden cave?!" Zipp said, looking around the place. Pipp started to harmonize while Zipp picked up a seaweed and smelled it.

"It's great acoustics" Pipp said with a cheery smile, that faded away when Zipp threw the seaweed and it almost hit Pipp. "Ah, could you not be so annoying?" she asked Zipp with a frown. "Don't even know why you're here." she complained.

"Uh... I did all the hoofwork in this investigation, I deserve to see what I tracked down." Zipp replied, and then she gasped when she saw the Ocean Lily, growing in a cave full of crystals. Both sisters smiled, but then looked at each other, and frowned again. Zipp took out her phone and took a picture of the Ocean Lily. "Well, we found it," She said. "Go ahead, take your picture" she told Pipp in a mocking tone.

Pipp, however, wasn't going to do so. "Well, maybe I don't want to anymore." she replied with anger. "Wouldn't want to ruin my feed with the bad vibe you brought to the bloom." she added.

"What? Seriously, you're not gonna take a single pic after all we've gone through?" Zipp said, glaring daggers at her sister.

"Well, if you hadn't lied, we wouldn't have 'gone through' anything!" Pipp shouted at her, glaring daggers as well.

"Oh! I can't believe you're acting this fillyish!" Zipp shouted back, as the two sisters glared at each other.

"Oh! Oh! Well I can't believe that you are a liar!" Pipp cried out. But then, the whole cave started to rumble and the two sisters looked around with worry. "Um, what is that?" Pipp asked, but then a rock fell at slight meters of the sisters, and they both started to run towards the exit.

However, once they were almost there, a pile of rocks fell and blocked the entrance, and Zipp immediately covered herself and Pipp with her wing, while some dust came out of the rumble. Once everything stopped, both sisters gasped when they saw that the entrance was blocked, leaving them completely trapped.

Back at Mane Melody, Haven was finishing her song while Sunset stared at her with awe, since she didn't expect her to sing that well and that long.

A moment in the sun, bathing everyone
In pony love

(End Song)

Thunder and Zoom clapped their hooves excitedly, as Sunset clapped as well with a surprised expression and a smile, while Sunny got down from her chair and cheered.

"Encore! Encore!" Sunny cheered at Haven.

“Wow, Queen Haven. That was beautiful.” Sunset said with a smile as a tiny tear dropped from her eyes. “Now I know where Pipp got her singing talents from, she got it from you.” She said with a smile, now knowing where Pipp got her singing from.

"Oh, thank you!" Haven thanked Sunny and Sunset for the compliment. "But I couldn't possibly do another." she said, as she gave the mic to Zoom and Thunder came by with a towel to dry some sweat off her, while Haven walked down the stage. "Now where were we? The Brighthouse?" she asked both of them.

"We can't!" Sunny replied quickly without thinking, while Sunset facehooved in frustration, seeing that Sunny needs to work on thinking before she jumps when trying to stall someone.

"Now, why not?" Haven asked, confused. "And don't try to push that mess business again." she said with an eye roll.

"Well, the truth is… Zipp and Pipp, uh…." Sunny started a bit nervously.

“Just texted us!” Sunset called out in a natural tone, helping Sunny out as she took out her phone and looked at it. “They want us to let you know that they’re already headed to Zephyr Heights and that you should meet them there to save enough time.” She added with a confident smile while giving a wink to Sunny, with Sunny winked back with a smile thanking her for the help.

"Ah, of course, they did." Haven said with a smile, convinced with Sunset’s story, while Sunny sighed in relief, grateful that she bought it. "You know, those two can be quite the 'hoofful.'" she stated, sitting on the chair again while Sunset and Sunny did the same. "They are doing okay on their own, right?" she asked worried to the other two

"Absolutely!" Sunny assured her with a smile. "They do have their moments of fighting over who used whose Manewash, but I think living at the Brighthouse has brought them closer." she explained.

“Yep. They sometimes have their differences, but that's how siblings are, they fight sometimes but make up with each other and stick together, no matter what happens.” Sunset added, stating that sometimes Pipp and Zipp may fight over how they have their differences due to their personalities, they still care with each other.

"I'm so happy to hear that." Haven said with a smile at that.

"Did they get along as fillies?" Sunny asked out of curiosity.

“Yeah. I wonder about myself since it’s hard to tell, because, you know, their Pipp and Zipp.” Sunset added, since with how opposite Zipp and Pipp’s personalities are to each other, it’s hard to tell if they ever got along.

"They were attached at the wings!" Haven said, smiling even more. "They did everything together." she stated, bringing out her phone and showing it to Sunny and Sunset with a picture of Haven and her daughters when they were fillies. "Their personalities were always so different, but they laughed about it then." she explained. "Not like now." she added with worry, having seen how much her daughters have grown and how often they fought with one another as Sunny and Sunset gave her sympathetic looks.

“Well, there’s something that will never change, Haven, is that no matter how much your daughters fight and argue with one another, they are still sisters and care for each other. No matter how different they are or how much they argue with one another.” Sunset said, seeing that there are some things that will never change to others of family or friends, is no matter how different they are, they always stick together.

Queen Haven smiled at Sunset’s words. “Thank you for that, Sunset. I guess you’re right. No matter how much my daughters have changed, they still care for each other.” She said with a fond smile.

Back in the cave, Zipp tried to move the rocks and dig in the sand, while Pipp tried to get some signal on her phone and call for help.

"Ugh, come on!" Pipp cried out. "I thought we were besties, phone! Come on, just give me one bar. One bar!" she begged, moving around her phone in panic.

"It was your 'bestie' that got us stuck here in the first place" Zipp complained, still digging on the sand.

"Um, if I remember correctly, it was your idea." Pipp pointed out with a frown as she opened her wings. "Who trusts rando dewdrop photos anyway?" she added with anger.

"Well, somepony sure was eager to come along when she thought it'd get her a few extra hooftaps!" Zipp yelled angrily, while Pipp just stood frozen since, like it or not, Zipp was right.

"Ugh, I can't stand you!" Pipp shouted as her eyes widened with a frown.

The two sisters started to shout at each other, and then they just turned around and gave their backs. Zipp went back to try and dig, while Pipp walked towards a small lake and looked at her reflection with sadness.

"Ugh!" Zipp said with frustration.

"Well, looks like you got your wish." Pipp said with a sad tone, which made Zipp stop and look at the ground with sadness. "No Portrait Day for either of us now" Pipp added, as she sobbed a bit.

"That's not what I wanted." Zipp said, as she sat on the ground and looked at her hoof with the heart shape. "Hoof to heart." she repeated to herself, remembering the promise she made to Pipp earlier in Mane Melody. She looked at her sister, whose ears were low, and it made Zipp feel more guilty. ‘Sunset was right, I should’ve spent time with my family instead of trying to get away from something I don’t like.’ She thought as she slowly walked backwards as she sat behind her sister, still giving her back. "Ugh... I really did want you to play hooky with me this one time, to have fun together like we used to." Zipp confessed to her sister, while Pipp still stared at her reflection. "But it was selfish of me to trick you into coming along... in the end, I made it all about me." she said with shame. "I haven't been a very good older sister, huh?" she added with a sheepish smile.

(Portrait Day Song)

(Zipp)
Be still, don't move

Pipp opened her eyes and gasped softly. "Our song..." she muttered, as she slowly turned to Zipp, who started to sing.

It's easy to smile
With you by my side

(Zipp and Pipp)
Don't blink (Don't blink)
Big smile (Big smile)
Just being with you, my heart opens wide

As the two sisters stood together, the crystals of the cave started to shine bright, and they both looked at each other with smiles.

As it all comes clear to me
You're my best friend, my family
I wanna capture this moment
As we hit our stride
With you by my, you by my side
Side
Side

The two sisters flew around the cave as they sang in harmony, and then they united their hooves.

It's portrait day, I want you by my side

Zipp and Pipp landed in front of the Ocean Lily with smiles, and then they sat laughing in front of the lake.

"I really am sorry, Pipp." Zipp apologized.

"Me too" Pipp apologized as well. "I wasn't exactly present either, being on my phone all day" she pointed out with shame. "I was so excited to be out and about with you, I forgot to spend time with you." she said.

"It's okay." Zipp assured with a little smile. "I know you have to keep up with all of your followers on 'Feedbag'!" she said in a mocking tone.

Pipp just bursted laughing as she lay on the ground with her hooves on her face. "Why did I say that?!" she said, as she and Zipp started to laugh together and Zipp lay on the ground as well. "I don't know why we're laughing when we're still trapped in this cave, possibly forever!" she said, as they stopped laughing at the last sentence.

"Right..." Zipp said, once again worried. "I'm sure we can find a way out!" she stated, standing up along with Pipp.

"Right!" Pipp assured as well, as the two pegasi started to look around for an exit: Zipp touching the walls in the air and Pipp looking on the ground, while at the same time she tried to get some bars again.

Then, Zipp moved aside some rocks and smiled. "Hey! I think I might have found something!" she cheered, while Pipp gasped excited and flew towards her sister. They both stared at a small hole in the cave, where some sunlight entered.

Pipp gasped again, this time looking at her phone. "I've got a bar on Bestie over here!" she cheered with a smile.

"Well, get streaming!" Zipp instructed with a smile. "And this time, geotag it!" she added.

Pipp smirked at Zipp, and she immediately started to livestream. "Hey, Pippsqueaks!" She greeted her followers. "I'm in a bit of a bind! Me and my sister need some help, like yesterday!" she stated, sharing her location in livestream.

After waiting a few seconds, Glory poked her head from the other side of the hole, looking at the two pegasus trapped, since the Pippsqueaks, and a couple of others, were really close to them since they are next to the whole.

"It's working!" Zipp said with a smirk.

"Wow! That was fast!" Pipp cheered, surprised that her Pippsqueaks got the message and got here that quickly as both she and Zipp flew closer to the hole. "I bet with your new pony powers you could totally bust us out of this beach cave!" Pipp told her followers. "Show me what those horns and hooves can do!" she told them with a smile.

The ponies used their magic to move the rocks aside and give Pipp and Zipp enough space to escape.

But before they left, Zipp flew towards the Ocean Lily and grabbed it. "You should take it" she told Pipp, as her sister grabbed the Lily flower with a smile. Then, they both saw that they finally had a full exit out of the cave.

"Pipp, Pipp, hooray!" Seashell cheered, while Pipp put the Lily flower away.

"You said it!" Zipp cheered, as both she and Pipp finally got out of the cave. They both cheered and flew happily in the air, although they got covered in seaweeds, but none of them seemed to care.

They landed, and the Pippsqueaks got close to them and cheered. "Pipp, Pipp, hooray!'' They all cheered at the princesses.

"Pretty strong magic for such young colts and fillies" Zipp said with a smile, while she hoof bumped with Glory.

"Thank you so much for helping us!" Pipp said to her Pippsqueaks.

"How could we not answer your distress call, Princess Pipp?" Seashell said with a smile.

And then, Zipp's phone starts chiming, now having reception now they are out of that cave, she read the messages and saw the many messages from both Sunny and Sunset, meaning that they have to hurry and tell them where they are now. "We gotta get to Zephyr Heights, now!" Zipp told Pipp with worry.

"Right!" Pipp said, as she patted a young colt's head. "We gotta dash, but I'll be sure to give you a shout-out in my next Clip Trot stream, so stay tuned!" she announced, then flew alongside Zipp.

"Catch you on the flippity-flip!" Zipp said to the Pippsqueaks, and then the two sisters flew towards Zephyr Heights.

Misty came out of some bushes, apart from the scene, and she groaned when she saw Zipp and Pipp flying away. Then she looked at the ground sad, knowing that Opaline would be disappointed at her.

At Zephyr Heights, Haven walked back and forth in front of her throne, while Sunny looked at her with worry and Sunset is tapping with one of her back hooves, a little worried as well since Zipp and Pipp are here yet.

"Where are they, you two?!" Haven asked Sunset and Sunny. "I'm not surprised Zipp is missing, but Pipp wouldn't miss Portrait Day for anything!" she pointed out with worry.

And then, both Pipp and Zipp entered the Throne Room, still covered in seaweed. "We're here!" Pipp called out.

"Hi, Mom!" Zipp greeted their mother.

Both Sunset and Sunny sighed in relief, while Haven gasped at her daughters’ aspect, and she flew towards them. "What happened to you two?!" she asked them, then she slightly touched the seaweed wrapped on Zipp's neck. "I thought you didn't like getting seaweed wraps?" she said to Zipp.

"We had to go and get this!" Pipp said, as she took out the Ocean Lily and extended it to Haven.

Haven gasped in awe at the flower. "An Ocean Lily? Just like the one you wore in the portrait all those moons ago?" she asked her daughters, while Zipp nodded and Haven smelled the flower. "I love it!" she said, grabbing the flower and putting it on her right ear.

As the Royal Family walked towards the throne, Sunny looked at them with a smile as Sunset looked at the flower. “Wow. That flower is pretty. Maybe I should ask those two where they found it and how they know about it. But wow, that’s some sparkle there.” Sunset said in amazement as Sunny nodded in agreement as the Royal Family stood still for their royal portrait.

Sometime later, the portrait is finished as it is now on the frame wall with the previous portraits taken before the new one.

“It’s Portrait Day, I want you by my side.” Zipp and Pipp’s voices can be heard from the portraits.

Back at Opaline’s castle, Misty returned as she opened the door and came into the throne room where Queen Opaline is as she sits on her throne as she looks at Misty.

“So? Did you trap them?” Opaline asked Misty of how her plan to trap the two sisters went.

Misty flinched a bit as she gave a down expression. “For a while…” She answered nervously.

“And?” Opaline asked again, having a feeling that things might’ve gone wrong.

“And then some ponies showed up and helped get them free.” Misty added nervously.

“Ugh!” Opaline groaned as she slammed her hoof in anger, seeing that the plan to trap Zipp and Pipp failed as she got up from her throne.

Misty backed away a bit from Opaline’s outburst. “I'm sure I can lure them out again! I just need to—!” She tried to convince Opaline to give her another chance as she was cut off.

“Don't bother.” Opaline argued as she walked close to the pond as some magic mist swirled around a bit as Opaline looked at her reflection. “It's clear that it's time I intervened.” She announced as she looked at her reflection in the pond as it turned her reflection into Sunny in her Alicorn form as Opaline gave an evil laughter as she had another plan in mind.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 3.

Chapter 2: Ep 4: Ali-Conned

Chapter 2 Ep 4: Ali-Conned

On Maretime Bay, the ponies were all going about their daily lives, when suddenly Sunny passed by rolling skating very fast, while she dodged some ponies she almost crashed with.

"Pardon me, excuse, but also, I have a really important announcement! One that will change all of our lives!" Sunny stated, as she kept skating around. Some ponies stared at her curiously, and others just looked with bored expressions. "Hurry, come listen!" Sunny instructed, as the ponies came closer to her. "Ponies of Maretime Bay: I have some alarming news... We eat too much junk food!" she said with worry.

Ironically, Toots was eating a bag of chips and an earth pony mare at his side was popping bubble gum. "You're just saying that to get us to come to your Smoothie Cart!" Dahlia said, standing at Toots side as well, while he nodded in agreement.

"What?! No! But it is something we need to talk about" Sunny pointed out. "Why constantly eat junk food, full of, well, junk, when we have amazing new earth pony powers we could be using to create fresh fruits and veggies of our own?" she pointed out, taking out some fliers with fruits and vegetables images from her bag. "Imagine the possibilities!" she told with a smile.

"Like what?" Toots asked.

"We could magically combine plants to make them more delicious or, or even invent new flavors of fruits." Sunny said, as she gave some of the fliers to the ponies around. "We can grow as ponies by growing our own food!" she stated with a smile.

However, it wasn't enough to convince the ponies. "Not another one of Sunny's lost causes..." Dahlia complained as she facehoofed herself. Then she walked away, and the ponies around threw the cards to the ground, not interested in Sunny's idea.

"Ugh, yuck to that. And yum to you!" Toots said, as he threw the card and ate a donut, then walked away happily after eating the donut.

Sunny looked on with disappointment that her idea was rejected. "Hey! How's your rally going?" Zipp asked with a sheepish smile, as she arrived along the rest of the Mane 6.

"So far, it's been nothing but failure." Sunny said with disappointment, pointing at the cards spread on the ground. "Nopony in town even took one, did they?" she asked with concern.

"To be fair, these fliers do have a giant 'no' sign across a picture of French fries." Zipp pointed out, since the reverse of the fliers had exactly that: a big red circle and a line over French fries. “Wait, Sunset, how come you didn’t go with her to speak at the rally?” She asked Sunset, wanting to know why she wasn’t there when Sunny spoke out.

“I was going to, but Sunny told me that she wants to do this on her own this time if she wants to learn how to be the symbol of Unity.” Sunset answered, saying that she wanted to at first, but Sunny kept insisting that she will do the announcement to learn a thing or two, and Sunset couldn’t take no for an answer.

“Ah. Okay.” Zipp said, seeing the point as Sunset turned to Sunny.

“Sunny. I know you are trying to take these announcements seriously, but you need to come up with more important matters other than junk foods.” Sunset said, stating that Sunny’s announcement needs some work. “You just need to find another way to get ponies to listen, and you can’t just pop one up out of the blue.” She added.

Twilight then sneakily went out of the necklace as she looked at Sunny. “Sunset’s right, Sunny. You just need to find other ways to get ponies to listen. Don’t worry, this happened to me before, and it took a lot of time and practice to get them to listen.” She said with a comforting smile, seeing that Sunny is trying to be the symbol of unity.

Sunny sighs, finding both Twilight and Sunset right about this. “I know, Sunset and Twilight. But there are so many things that need changing." Sunny stated. "How can I make the world a better place if nopony is willing to listen?" she asked, walking in circles on her own place. "With all our new earth pony powers, there's so much potential!" she said, as her Cutie Mark started to glow and her friends stepped back a little surprised. "I just want to help!" she said out loud, while her Alicorn form appeared.

This made the earth ponies around Maretime Bay gasp in awe and surprise at Sunny's sudden transformation, as they all started to walk towards her and muttered between themselves, with Twilight going back to the necklace to stay hidden..

"Okay, tell us more about them fruits and vegetables, Sunny!" Toots said with a smile, while the other earth ponies nodded in agreement.

"I finally got your attention?" Sunny asked excitedly with a giggle, not noticing that her horn and wings appeared.

Sunset however sees the ponies' reactions and frowns at this, while noticing Sunny doesn’t know she is in her Alicorn form. “Does Sunny even know that her Alicorn magic is on?” She asked the others, who nodded their heads in agreement, seeing this as well and frown as she felt something might have happened.

A bit later, Sunny was delivering smoothies at her stand with Sunset’s help, while Hitch and Izzy played with Sparky behind it and Zipp and Pipp stood at Sunny's side.
"Woo! I am over the Luna-moon!" Sunny cheered. "The response in town went from zero to 100 in seconds. Ah! What gives, right?!" she asked with a smile to Zipp and Pipp.

Both sisters laughed a little before Zipp lay on the stand while Sunset smirked in amusement. "I think I can solve this mystery pretty quick." she assured Sunny with a smirk. "Or, maybe you should just use that Alicorn mirror of yours..." she said.

“Yeah, Sunny. It’s something that you have on you right now.” Sunset said in agreement with a smirk.

"I have something in my face, again don't I?" Sunny asked with a bored expression. "Ah, I knew it––" she said, bringing out the alicorn mirror, and then her eyes widened when she saw the golden horn and wings. "My Alicorn magic? Ah! It was an accident!" she cried out, pulling the mirror away. "Oh, this keeps happening..." she said with worry, while Zipp and Pipp looked at each other confused.

“I thought you had controlled your Alicorn magic by now, Sunny. Yet it still pops up from time to time?” Sunset asked, seeing that Sunny still didn't have complete control of her magic after a little practice she had.

“I thought so as well, Sunset. But I still don’t know how to keep it under control. I manage to get my sudden magic bursts under control but my Alicorn magic keeps popping up every now and then, I just can’t seem to keep it in.” Sunny replied, saying that she got her magic bursts under control but her Alicorn magic kept showing up out of nowhere without her knowing, she doesn’t have the transformation part down yet.

"But that isn't a bad thing, it's a wonderful thing!" Pipp pointed out with a smile, pointing at the line at Sunny's stand, with the three usual fillies dressed as Alicorns. "That line is full of eager ponies who want to listen to you and Sunset." Pipp added with a smile. "Am I jealous about that? No! Never. Because I'm secure in myself" she assured with a nervous smile, while Sunny stared at her concerned and Zipp a little annoyed. "And I have thousands of followers on multiple platforms validating my every move" she added with a sheepish smile, while Zipp and Sunset stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "Ah... not that that matters. It doesn't!" she finished with a nervous chuckle.

“Nice save, Pipp. But aside from that, just because me and Sunny are alicorns, doesn’t mean we want popularity from these ponies, they must treat us as normal and see us as a symbol of Friendship and Harmony of the three tribes of Unity.” Sunset pointed out as Sunny nodded in agreement, wanting that as well.

Meanwhile the line of ponies waiting to take a smoothie on Sunny's stand started to chat excitedly and looked at Sunny and Sunset, while Sunny herself looked on nervously while Sunset raised an eyebrow.

"Why are they all looking at us?" Sunny asked nervously to the sisters and Sunset.

"Because, well, look at you! You're an Alicorn along with Sunset!" Pipp replied, as Sunny looked at her horn and wings while Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Soon, everypony will be watching your every move while breathing down your neck at every moment, shouting 'Sunny, Sunset, Sunny, Sunset, Sunny! Ah! We love you!’" Pipp said excited, laying on the stand and smiling at Sunny. Sunset saw this as she pushed Pipp off the stand. “Whoa!” She called out in surprise from the push.

“Not helpful, Pipp. We are not that much of celebrities as you are. And you are stressing Sunny out here.” Sunset pointed out while giving Pipp a look, really doesn't like how Pipp is putting more pressure on Sunny right now.

Pipp realizes what she is saying as she gives a sheepish chuckle. “Uh, sorry.” She apologizes to both Alicorns about her choice of words.

"That is... a lot." Sunny said with a nervous smile. "I'm not used to all this attention" she pointed out a little worried. "I, uh, I need some... space. A-hum. Yeah! Space. Okay" she said, ducking on her own stand and looking again at the Alicorn mirror, sighing and groaning a bit frustrated as Sunset put a hoof on her shoulder . "I gotta get a hold of this. I don't want to be an Alicorn right now." she stated.

“Calm down, Sunny. Remember, your magic is connected by emotions, you just need to calm your mind and get it under control.” Sunset said in a comforting tone. “Just take a deep breath and focus, calm your mind and control your magic.” She added with a smile.

Sunny nodded to Sunset as she took a deep breath and calmed down as her horn and wings faded away, and Sunny looked again at the mirror. “There we go! Phew! Finally" she cheered quietly, closing the mirror and putting it away.

“Great. Now come on, we got smoothies to sell.” Sunset said as she and Sunny get back to their smoothie sellings

Back at Opaline's Castle, Opaline herself watched in disbelief how Sunny could summon her Alicorn form, unlike the other Alicorns in the history of Equestria like Celestia, Luna, Twilight or even Opaline herself, and the fact Sunset knows about this and is helping Sunny to control it.

"Sunny can transform into her Alicorn form and this Sunset Shimmer is helping her control it?" Opaline asked herself in awe. "I've never seen this before... And she doesn't want to always be an Alicorn?" she asked again, opening her wings in anger. Behind her, Misty was slurping loudly a smoothie that only Celestia knows where she got it from. "However, if I can get Sunny to embrace her Alicorn powers, just imagine what we could accomplish with another Alicorn by our side.” She said to Misty.

“What about Sunset Shimmer?” Misty asked Opaline, wondering what to do about Sunset.

“I’m still learning more about that certain Alicorn, Misty. Until we learn more about her, she’ll have to wait.” Opaline answered, saying that she needs to learn more about Sunset before planning something for her. “But with Sunny, I'll be even closer to the magic I need." She stated with an evil grin. said to Misty.

"Totally" Misty said, slurping loudly from her smoothie again.

This time, Opaline's eye twitched. "What is that?" she asked Misty with a frown.

"A smoothie!" Misty replied. "It's got jicama in it, which isn't my favorite, but it still tastes like happiness." she explained with a smile. "Want some?" She asked Opaline if she wanted any.

Opaline immediately replied by hitting the smoothie with a fire blast from her horn, which startled Misty from that. "This is no time to drink vegetables!" Opaline said. "But it is time to plot. We have a job to do," She stated as she gave a grin at Misty. “

"Misty, I'm going to need you to infiltrate" she ordered.

"But how?" Misty asked.

"Ugh! Join a group of ponies! Blend in! I don't care!" Opaline replied with annoyance. "Just do whatever you have to do and find a way to get Sunny vulnerable and find out more about Sunset." she ordered, and then she walked towards the boiler. "And as for Sunny's compact... Well, I think it could use a little extra Alicorn magic, don't you?" she stated, and then she started to laugh maniacally while she used her magic to change her reflection aspect to look exactly like Sunny in her Alicorn form.

Back at Sunny's stand, Izzy and Zipp were helping her and Sunset out to deliver the smoothies. Then, Zipp got out of the stand and flew away, while Pipp sat on a table with Hitch and Sparky.

Pipp sighed frustrated, but nopony seemed to care, so she sighed louder, but still nopony paid her attention. Nopony, except Hitch and his baby dragon.

"Something bothering you, Pipp?" Hitch asked her in confusion.

Pipp looked over at Zipp, who came back rolling a giant watermelon over to Sunny's stand.

"Don't mention it to Zipp, but yes!" Pipp told her friends, raising her wing to cover the conversation from Zipp, who is rolling a giant watermelon to Sunny’s smoothie stand, as she brings out her phone. "None of my Clip Trots have been doing well!" she explained. "These super popular and adorable ponies, the Filly Four, have been totally slaying the game!" she added, showing one of the Filly Four Clip Trots to Hitch. "I'm not saying it's a competition or anything, but this post had got thousands of hooftaps!" she said, looking at the likes on the video of the Filly Four she showed. "My latest post only got three likes and one monkey. And I don't even know what a monkey means! I even asked Sunset about the monkey thing but even she doesn’t know!" She cried out with panic, slamming her cheek on the table with frustration.

"In a little bit of a slump?" Hitch asked Pipp.

"I've been trying everything lately, singing loudly, singing softly, singing in general..." Pipp explained, moving her hooves to prove her point while Spark looked confused. "Oh my hoofness" Pipp said suddenly. "What if I've been..." she stopped and gasped dramatically, putting her hooves on her mouth. "... shadowbanished?!" she cried out with worry.

Hitch just stared at her, not understanding why she was so dramatic so suddenly. "I don't know what that means, but it sounds ominous." Jazz said, arriving suddenly and sitting at Hitch’s side, putting a hoof on her cheek while Hitch decided to slurp from his smoothie and check on his phone.

"Thank you, Jazz" Pipp thanked with a nervous look. "Shadowbanishing is when your content gets blocked to viewers!" she explained. "I mean, it has to be that, right?" she asked with panic. "There can't be any other explanation!" she pointed out.

Hitch started to laugh suddenly, which made Pipp feel even worse.

"Why are you laughing at such a serious time as this?!" Jazz scolded Hitch.

"Oh, sorry!" Hitch apologized. "It's just this video of Sparky. You gotta see it!" he explained, as Jazz and Pipp got closer to Hitch to look at his phone.

The video showed Hitch extending a fork with a cucumber slice to Sparky, who had hiccup and then let out his dragon fire at the cucumber, which turned into a rock. Sparky licked the rock a bit, and then he hugged it cutely, while thousands of heart emojis popped up.

"Aw!" Jazz and Pipp said as they looked at Sparky's video.

"That was so adorable. Wow." Jazz said to Hitch.

"And look at all these comments, shares and likes..." Pipp said, grabbing Hitch's phone and checking the stats of the video. "... and monkeys. What does that mean?!" she cried out desperately again.

"Yeah, my little buddy has some sort of magic touch!" Hitch said, pointing at the baby dragon that just kept smiling at his smoothie. "I call it 'Sparky's Spark'. All of his stuff goes viral." He explained.

"Hmm, viral, you say..." Pipp commented, looking at Hitch with a smug while the sheriff grabbed his phone back. "Do you think I could borrow him for a little bit?" Pipp asked Hitch with a nervous smile and her wings open.

"Dragon-sit? Usually, Izzy and sometimes Sunset do that." Hitch pointed out, while also saying sometimes Sunset dragon-sit Sparky with her knowledge of dragons, and a little helped with Twilight recently with her experience of taking care of Spike, as he rubbed the back of his head before turning to Pipp with a smile.. "But sure! I could use a little 'me' time" Hitch told Pipp with a smile. "And you can bond with Sparky!" he added, pointing at the baby dragon, who slurped happily from his smoothie.

Pipp laughed nervously. "Yes, yes. Bonding!" Pipp repeated nervously. "That's exactly what I plan to do, and definitely not crack the code of 'Sparky's Spark'." she assured with a nervous chuckle. "Not that." she said, slurping from her smoothie, lying that’s what she’s going to do to get her viral back up again.

Back at Sunny's stand, the line kept growing while Sunny, Sunset, Zipp and Izzy gave smoothies.

"How can I help you, fellow thirsty and engaged citizen?" Sunny asked Windy, who was the first on the line right now.

"I'll take the Alicorn-Special!" Windy said excitedly.

"Alicorn-Special?" Sunny was confused as she looked at Sunset, who shrugged in confusion as well. "Uh, we don't have anything like that." she said.

"I don't really care what it is." Windy stated. "I just want a smoothie that an Alicorn, like yourself or Sunset, would drink." she said with a smile, while the ponies behind her cheered in agreement.

"Okay, sure. Yeah, I'll conjure that up." Sunny assured, while Sunset, Izzy and Zipp looked at each other confused, and then got back to work.

"But I kinda want it made by the Alicorn Sunny, you know?" Windy pointed out a little nervousness.

“Wait, that’s what you mean, Windy?” Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow as Windy nodded her head in response.

"Please, oh please, do the Alicorn-thing again, Sunny!" Seashell pleaded.

"It's so cool!" Peach Fizz said with a smile.

"The thing is, it doesn't exactly work like that" Sunny said with a nervous smile, which caused disappointed looks on Windy and the three fillies. "Why don't I help you with your orders and tell you about this awesome idea I have instead?" she suggested.

"Ugh!" the ponies groaned, as they started to walk away from the stand.

"To get more ponies interested in fruits and veggies, we can build a community garden!" Sunny explained, as her body started to shine in a golden light, and Zipp looked at her a bit surprised.

“Seriously, that’s all you ponies care about?” Sunset said in a little anger at the ponies that all they want is to see Sunny as an Alicorn.

"A massive one, where everypony can practice the art of––" she tried to add, but then she sneezed and the whole stand shook, which made the ponies look back at her. "Excuse me" Sunny apologized for the sneeze. "I think some dust got kicked up. Anyway, I––" she tried to talk once again, but this time Zipp cut her off.

"Uh, Sunny? You're an Alicorn again" Zipp told her, touching her left golden wing.

"So sparkly!" Izzy said with a smile, touching the other wing while Sunny brought out the Alicorn mirror again and looked at her reflection.

“We really gotta help you get that magic under control.” Sunset added, seeing that they need to figure out how to get Sunny’s magic under control later.

"Amazing!" Glory said with a smile.

"Gorgeous!" Peach Fizz said in awe.

"Wow! I wanna be like you when I grow up!" Seashell commented with a smile.

"You do?" Sunny said with a hopeful smile, letting the mirror open and putting it on the table.

"Are there any super-cool causes we can help with right now?!" Peach Fizz asked excitedly.

"Really?" Sunny asked with a smile. "Actually... there are!" she assured, then she pulled a list of some ideas she had. "Um... Okay! Let's see" she said, rolling out the list that was large enough to even get out of the stand, while the ponies around stared at it in shock. "We can start with some planters around town and save 'Airhorns for Armadillos!' for later" she stated with a smile. "That name kinda speaks for itself..." she said, not noticing that her reflection on the Alicorn mirror moved and looked at her with an evil laugh, with Opaline’s voice laughing.

Sunset then felt that strange sensation again. “That feeling again? Why do I keep sensing it? And why do I have a bad feeling that things might not go as planned?” She asked herself quietly, wanting to know where that feeling was coming from.

Later on, Glory made a little hole on a planter while Peach Fizz put a seed on the earth and closed the hole. Then Seashell used her magic and made the seed grow into a big berry plant.

"All my dreams are coming true" Sunny cheered with a bright smile. "The community is literally growing together!" she added, then she squealed happily.

“Sunny. Don’t you think these ponies are more into our Alicorn stats than the cause?” Sunset asked Sunny, saying how these ponies have been lately.

“Well, yeah. But maybe it's because they’ve never seen an Alicorn before.” Sunny said, saying that the ponies must be just excited since they never saw an Alicorn before, much less two as she and Sunset walked towards the Pippsqueaks. “What are you growing over there? Grapefruits?" She asked them. "Ah, no, uh... zucchini?" She asked again.

"It's a grape-chini!" Seashell replied, showing the fusion between a grape and a zucchini to Sunny.

“A grape-what?” Sunset asked, confused at what she and Sunny were saying.

"A combination, grepefruit-zucchini!" Glory added, while both she and Peach Fizz lifted up one of the grape-chinis.

"Oh. Interesting!" Sunny said in a bit of confusion. "I'm just happy you're all showing such enthusiasm," she confessed with an honest smile.

“Yeah, very creative you three.” Sunset added with a smile.

The fillies got so happy at Sunny and Sunset's words, that Glory and Peach Fizz let the grape-chini fall. "We made the Alicorns happy!" Peach Fizz cheered, and then the three fillies squealed excitedly, while Sunny felt uncomfortable to be referred to as 'the Alicorn' while Sunset just raised an eyebrow at this.

"Neigh-way!" Seashell said suddenly, looking in a certain direction, while her friends and Sunny stared at the same direction. "Is that..." she added.

"The Filly Four!" the three fillies said, as the four ponies stared at the other four ponies walking towards them.

They were all wearing sunglasses, and the first three ponies posed dramatically, while the fourth one, being Misty in cover and with a fake butterfly Cutie Mark, tripped and fell into a Trash Can.

"Sunny, Sunset, we've been looking for both of you everywhere!" Sugar said to Sunny, who looked a little anxious while the fillies just squealed like fangirls. "It's so nice to finally meet." she said, lowering her sunglasses a bit, while Misty got out of the trash can with a sheepish smile and the other two looked at their phones.

"We went to school together, Sugar." Sunny pointed out, a bit nervous, having met her before back in her school days. "I sat next to you in––" she tried to add, but Sugar cut her off.

"I'm Sugar." Sugar introduced herself, completely ignoring Sunny's comment. "This is Rosedust." she pointed at the green earth pony mare with light blue mane. "Lily." She presented the pink earth pony mare with a purple mare and a white stripe. "And uh... what's that new unicorn's name?" She asked Rosedust, while Misty was trying to hide the whole time.

"Minty?" Rosedust replied, unsure and careless to tell the truth. "That slot is always on rotation, so we forget. Ha!" she said with a fake laugh.

"We were just about to go shopping. Wanna join?" Sugar asked Sunny and Sunset with a smug.

“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Sunset said with an unsure look.

"I don't need to go shopping, but..." Sunny tried to say, and then Lily cut her off.

"But if you come with us, everypony is going to see us together and we're super influential." Lilly told her in a very egocentric tone.

"Imagine what you could do with all that power." Misty added.

"Exactly, Marcy!" Sugar said with a smile.

"Misty." Misty corrected.

"Whatever. All you have to do is hang out with us." Sugar stated. "And stay in an Alicorn like your dear Sunset, of course." she added, placing her hind leg around Sunny's neck.

“That’s not your call. We make our own choices of who we want to be.” Sunset said with a stern tone at the Filly Four.

"Right!" Sunny said with a nervous chuckle, walking away from the Filly Four. "Uh... One sec." she said with a nervous smile. "I just need to freshen up. Over there." she pointed at an alley. “Sunset, you think you can take care of things with the garden while I’m gone?” She asked Sunset.

“Uh, sure. I can try.” Sunset answered Sunny.

"Freshen up? In a hardware store?" Sugar questioned. "Weird, but okay." she added, while Sunny quickly walked away from the mares, while Misty lowered her sunglasses and looked at Sunny strangely while looking at Sunset while wondering.

Sunny, on the other hand, marked Pipp's number, while Pipp was reading a magazine in her salon as she picked up her phone and answered the call. "Hey!" she greeted, not even reading who called her.

"Pipp!" Sunny called out in panic. "The Filly Four want me and Sunset to hang out with them." she explained worriedly, while Pipp's jaw dropped in surprise. "What should I do?" Sunny asked.

Pipp gasped as she threw her magazine away and dropped her phone in shock. "The Filly Four?!" She asked Sunny, grabbing the phone back. "They're the ones eclipsing me on social media! They're like..." She chuckled a bit before continuing. "... super-famous right now." she explained.

"They are?" Sunny asked, as she walked deeper into the alley to keep the conversation away from the Filly Four.

"Yeah!" Pipp replied. "You need to do all you can to get them on your side" she stated. "Ah, your school days are coming full-circle, Sunny. You and Sunset are going from misfit to popular pony!" she added with a smile, while Sparky suddenly appeared at her side and she patted his head with a smile.

"Okay! I'm gonna do it then." Sunny assured, ending the call with Pipp. However, she still felt unsure about the idea, and it made her horns and wings disappear. "Oh no, no. Not now!" she begged, but her Alicorn form was already gone.

"Sunny..." Opaline's voice called to her from the Alicorn mirror on her bag. Sunny looked around to see who was calling her, but she found no one. "Sunny..." the voice called again, and this time Sunny could hear it from her bag, so she opened it and took out the Alicorn mirror. She opened, and her reflection started to talk with her. "Sunny." her reflection called out.

"Is this... me?" Sunny asked in confusion.

"Yes." Opaline, disguised as Sunny's reflection, replied with a smile. "Hello, me! Hello, you." she said.

"Wow!" Sunny said, hopping excited. "I need to share this with Zipp and Sunset right away!" Sunny stated, turning around and running to look for Zipp and Sunset.

"Wait!" Opaline told her, which made Sunny trip and threw the mirror in front of her, while Opaline chuckled a little bit. "This 'magic mirror' is only for Alicorns, Sunny." She explained.

“Wait. Sunset is an Alicorn, can I show this to her?” Sunset asked her ‘reflection’.

“Um. You could… But this mirror has been imprinted with you so you can’t show this to her.” Opaline lied, not wanting Sunset into this. I'm your inner voice. I'm here to guide you." She assured her.

"You are?" Sunny questioned. “Sunset is usually my guide to teach me more about magic and friendship.” She added, stating how Sunset had been teaching and helping her with the ways of ancient Equestria of the Guardians of Friendship when they first met.

"Yes!" Opaline reassured. "Sunset is a good mentor to you, but if any other type of pony uses it, it will lose its enchantment." she explained, while Sunny looked worried at her 'reflection'. "Because Alicorns are special. You are special. Haven't you noticed?" she asked Sunny, while the mare placed a hoof on her chin as she thought about it.

"No, no." Sunny said. "But I do feel... different." she explained a little down.

"Not different. Special. Better even." Opaline assured, while Sunny grabbed the mirror again. "Why be a basic, boring earth pony, when you can be an Alicorn like Sunset?!" She asked Sunny, as 'her reflection' opened her wings and showed that the wings were permanently attached to her.

"Then how... How do I stay an Alicorn?" Sunny asked to 'her reflection' desperately, this time willing to become an Alicorn, permanently if possible.

"Find the source of your power and harness it." Opaline instructed her. "Then all your wildest dreams can come true!" she assured her.

"Even the community garden?!" Sunny asked with a hopeful smile.

Opaline stared blankly at her. "That's your wildest dream?" she asked in disbelief. "We'll work on that, but yes!" she assured her, trying to play along.

"I've been drafting my garden dream board at the Brighthouse!" Sunny explained with a bright smile, while her horn and wings appeared once again. "Oh, I really want it to become a place where I can help other ponies use their magic." She stated. "A place where everypony can––" she tried to add, but then 'her reflection' cut her off.

"Yes. That's it! Look." Opaline told her, as Sunny looked at her Alicorn form with a smile. "Go take what's rightfully yours." she instructed once again.

"Wow. Thank you so much... Me!" Sunny thanked 'her reflection', a.k.a. Opaline. "Uh... Mirror me? Sunny-Squared?" she kept asking, while Opaline looked at her with a bored expression. "I'll come up with a better name soon." She said in assuredness, then she squealed excitedly and closed the mirror to put it away.

At Opaline’s Castle, Opaline gave an evil laugh after Sunny put the mirror away.

“Sunny's easier to manipulate than I thought.” Opaline said with a smirk as she walked around the pond. “As long as Misty puts on the pressure on Sunny and gets more information about Sunset, too, she'll be on our side in no time.” She said while looking at the pond with a smirk, thinking that her plan will be easier than she thought.

Meanwhile, in Mane Melody, Pipp sat Sparky on a chair, while the baby dragon looked at Pipp with a smile.

"Okay, Sparky. I need your help here" Pipp told the baby dragon. "I can't risk losing all relevance in the digital world" she stated, twirling Sparky on the chair once. "I must go viral. What gives you that 'spark' I'm missing?" she asked him, but Sparky replied with a giggle. "Hmm. Let's see..." she said, taking out her phone and looking at a video of Sparky dancing adorably, with thousands of heart emojis popping out.

Then the video moved to Pipp doing something similar, but barely getting some likes. Then, another video of Sparky crying appeared, once again getting thousands of likes in seconds. A video of Pipp doing the same appeared, and once again, it barely got any likes. And then, another video of Sparky wearing different outfits also got thousands of likes, while the video of Pipp doing the same didn't get any.

Pipp looked at the videos with sadness, while Sparky appeared at her side with his pacifier. He took it out of his mouth and put it in Pipp's, as he laughed a bit. "Can you please not right now?" Pipp begged, with the pacifier on her mouth. She slowly got up and threw her phone away, as well as the pacifier from her mouth. "Ugh! What does Sparky have that I don't?!" she questioned, looking at the baby dragon with a frown. "I have to get to the bottom of this." She stated, pulling out another phone from down her wing. "Good thing I carry several phones on me for good measure." she added, now looking at a picture of the Filly Four getting thousands of likes and gasping. "No! Oh, my eyes! It burns!" she cried out, throwing the phone that Sparky caught in time, as he extended it to Pipp, who looked at him concerned.

Back in Maretime Bay, Sunny got back with the Filly Four and Sunset, who was helping the Pippsqueaks with the gardening, while the Filly Four were taking lots of selfies of themselves.

"Alright!" Sunny said, landing near the other mares. "Feeling much better. After looking at gardening tools, I'm in!" She assured them with a smile.

“What?” Sunset asked in confusion on what changed Sunny’s mind.

"Perf! Then let's get shopping." Sugar stated.

"I have another idea!" Sunny said, as she flew in front of the Filly Four. "I decided I'm going to make an announcement about this huge project I've been working on and I want to get everypony involved." She explained. "Only if they want to get involved, though." She added.

Since the Pippsqueaks were still there, they immediately replied jumping in front of Sunny.
"Yes!" Glory said first with a smile.

"We do!" Peach Fizz added.

"Please!" Seashell added.

“Wow. You three really have the energy.” Sunset said in surprise that the Pippsqueaks wanted to help out that quickly.

The Filly Four looked surprised at the fillies enthusiasm, and Sugar even lifted her sunglasses a bit, but then she smiled. "The Filly Four would love to help." She said, walking towards Sunny and Sunset and placing her hind hoof around Sunny's neck. "We'll rally all the ponies in town to hear the news! We're here for you two. she said, pointing at Sunny and Sunset's chest, then she took out her phone and lifted her glasses up. "Burt first, smile!" she told Sunny, as they both smiled at the camera. "That is so going viral" she assured, while Sunny looked excitedly, but nervous at the same time.

Sunset saw this and gave a worried look at Sunny. “You sure you're okay with this, Sunny? I get the feeling you might not want to do this.” She said to Sunny with a concerned look.

Sunny gave an unsure look to Sunset. “To be honest, I’m not sure, Sunset. But I won’t know for myself if I don’t try.” She said to Sunset as she’s going to give this a try and see how this plays out as she walks off.

Sunset watches Sunny go as she is worried for her. ‘What changed Sunny’s mind about this? And I get the feeling she might not like it.’ She thought, while wondering what changed Sunny’s mind and had a feeling that Sunny might not like it.

Back at the Brighthouse in the bedroom, Izzy was doing some Unicycling stuff for 'Izzy Does It', as put a tea cup on her desk and brought out a frying pan with a smile as she crushed the tea with it.

"Perfect!" Izzy said.

Zipp, at her side of the room, kept researching the evil forces Twilight said through the message as she is trying to solve this mystery. Then, Hitch entered the room singing to himself cheerfully. "Whoa, there." Zipp said, walking towards Hitch. "What's gotten into you?" she asked him with a smile.

"Yeah, you seem so... chill." Izzy said with a relaxed tone, while Zipp nodded in agreement.

"Pipp offered to watch Sparky for the afternoon and I finally got some much needed 'me' time." Hitch explained with a bright smile. "Which is going to end with myself, a bubble bath, and the newest Bridlewood Beatnik jazz album." He added with a relaxed tone, pulling out an album that had an abstract drawing of Onyx and Jasper on it.

"Cool, cool." Zipp said, and then she realized something. "Wait–– You let Pipp do what?" she asked him about the thing he mentioned about Pipp and Sparky.

"No doubt Pipp's having a relaxing time with Sparky, too." Hitch answered Zipp with a smile as he searched around as Izzy walked close to them. “Now, where did I put that hydrating face mask?" He questioned himself, while Zipp and Izzy looked at each other a bit confused.

Meanwhile, Pipp was having trouble with Sparky, since he was still a baby and needed to be taken care of. He was making gibberish noises on a makeshift hammock Pipp made to entertain the baby dragon. Just for the record: she was terrible at dragonsit.

Pipp sighed in defeat. "Oh, Pipp. What have you gotten yourself into?" She asked herself with worry, pulling out her phone. "Up-and-up he goes, like the Filly Four." She said in frustration. "Oh! Why can't I get one thing to trend? What is my skill set if not this?!" She cried out, looking at her phone. "What is my Sparky's spark?!" she questioned in sadness and frustration. Then, Sparky threw an orange to her head, but Pipp thought that something finally popped into her mind. "I have an idea!" She said excitedly, but then the baby dragon threw an apple to her face, and she realized that she still had no ideas at all. "Nope. It was Sparky." She said to herself while looking at Sparky.

Sparky threw another apple at her face, also holding her phone to record her, and the camera showed Pipp getting hit by the apples that Sparky kept throwing at her. "Ow!" Pipp cried out multiple times, while Sparky just giggled at her.

Back with Sunny and Sunset, they were being treated like actual Alicorns princesses by the three fillies, while Sunny and Sunset sat next to each other while they felt really uncomfortable with this kind of treat.

“This is not what Celestia does with her subjects.” Sunset muttered to herself, seeing this is not how Celestia treated her subjects back in her day.

"Would the Alicorns like to be fanned with an earth pony-grown branch?" Glory asked them cheerfully, holding a tree branch with her mouth and moving it like a big hand fan.

"Or maybe they would like to try one of these fresh earth pony-grown grapes, made by me?" Seashell suggested, with the grapes on her forehead, while Sunny smiled sheepishly.

"Uh... okay? Thanks!" Sunny said nervously, as she tried to grab one of the grapes, but then Misty stopped her.

“Yeah… Thanks?” Sunset said, feeling uncomfortable about this.

"No, no. You two mustn't lift one perfect Alicorn-hoove of yours." Misty said with a wink. "You both deserve to be treated like the Alicorn-royalty that you both are, all the time, forever." she declared, while the fillies walked away and Sunny and Sunset looked at Misty confused. "Isn't it nice?" she asked her with a smile.

“Yeah, that was a little uncomfortable and weird coming from you.” Sunset said to Misty, finding that uncomfortable from that as Sunny nodded in agreement with Sunset.

Sugar suddenly appeared at Sunny's side, and Misty walked away. "You have to tell us, how do you get your mane so shiny?" she asked her, touching her mane.

"Does it feel weird when you glow?" Lily asked Sunny, appearing at her other side.

"What's it like being ethereal?" Rosedust asked her about the golden horn and wings.

Sunny, feeling too overwhelmed and uncomfortable, stood up and extended her wings to part the Filly Four. "Uh, I gotta go, you know, do the 'Ali' stuff I do." she said with a sheepish smile, flying away from the mares and landing in front of a crowd of ponies carrying signs that pretty much indicated they loved Sunny... as an Alicorn. "That's the Ali-part of being an Alicorn. So. Yeah. Sunset, think you will be okay on your own?" She asked Sunset as she winked at her.

Sunset got the picture as she winked back at her. “Sure. And I gotta do some Alicorn-thing as well. I’ll be back when I can.” She said as she stood up and walked in the opposite direction of Sunny.

“Great. See you in a sec.” Sunny said, walking away nervously.

"Anything for the Alicorns!" the three fillies shouted, which made Sunny and Sunset to run now and escape the crowd.

"I love you, Alicorns!" Toots said in the crowd.

Sunset made it to an alley as she took out the necklace. “Sunset to Twilight. Come in Twilight.” She said to the necklace.

The necklace then opened up as Twilight appeared. “I’m here, Sunset. And I saw it all. This is more crowded than the time when I first became an Alicorn.” She commented, having seen the whole thing through the necklace as she remembered how popular she was when she first became an Alicorn herself.

“I’m starting to see why you don’t like the crowd admiring you much.” Sunset said with a chuckle before speaking in a concerned tone. “Twilight. Sunny doesn’t like to be famous by just her being an alicorn, all she want is ponies to join her as just herself.” She explained

“I saw her reaction. Kinda like me when I went through that with my friends.” Twilight said, having memories of having this kind of experience before. “Sunset. You have to help Sunny to stop this burden and tell everypony about her feelings. Because if this doesn’t stop, Sunny will lose her confidence of being the symbol of Unity.” She pointed out that if Sunny feels this way, Sunset has to speak to the ponies to stop this outcome.

“Are you sure it will work? I mean, these ponies don't seem to be interesting in Sunny’s true self. They just want to see her alicorn form.” Sunset pointed out.

“I know, but those ponies need to hear this themselves to know that they are hurting somepony’s feeling. And I do not want Sunny to feel this way.” Twilight replied, not wanting Sunny to be more hurt than she already is.

Sunset thought of what Twilight said, seeing that if she doesn't speak out for Sunny, her confidence will be crushed. Sunset took a breath as she looked at Twilight with a determined look. “Okay, Twilight. I will do this for Sunny. And I will not let her dreams be crushed.” She said to Twilight.

Twilight smiled at Sunset. “Glad you made the right call, Sunset. And go out there and help Sunny.” She said as she with a proud smile as she went back into the necklace.

Sunset smiled at the necklace. “And thank you for the advice, Twilight.” She said, glad to have her old friend by her side as she begins to walk back to where the crowd is.

At the same time, Sunny returned to the same alley from before, and took out the Alicorn mirror to talk again with herself, or should I say, to talk with Opaline.

"What should I do?" Sunny asked 'her reflection'. "I feel so lost." she said with worry and pain.

"Continue on this path to glory." Opaline, once again disguised as Sunny, instructed her. "You are an Alicorn. You should be praised, admired, feared." she stated with an evil grin that Sunny didn't notice.

"But I don't want that!" Sunny replied at the edge of tears. “Sunset told me that Alicorns are just like everypony else! I don’t want ponies to just remember me as an Alicorn!” She cried out.

"Do you remember how horrible it was before?" Opaline asked her, reminding her of those times before she even met Izzy and Sunset when absolutely nopony listened to her and her ideas about a unified Equestria. "How nopony would listen to you? How small you felt?" Opaline added.

Sunny sobbed a bit, looking at the ground with pain since remembering her life before Sunset and Izzy's arrival was always painful for her. "Yes I do." She replied with sadness, closing the Alicorn mirror. And then, both her horn and wings faded away. "No! Come back. Come back!" She pleaded desperately, but her Alicorn form faded anyways. Sunny looked at the ground broken, feeling that nopony cared at all about her unless she was an Alicorn. And, unfortunately, it was the truth. "Sunset helped me learn that I don't need to be an Alicorn for ponies to like me, right?" She said, now sobbing and letting out tears of pain. "Right?" she asked again, turning around and looking at the ponies gathering.

At the square, the ponies gathered around as Sunny and Sunset returned. Sunny then came from behind the ponies, with Sunset from the front, as she spoke to the nearest pony.

“Excuse me! Can you point me to where the podium is? I need to—” Sunny tried to speak but was cut off.

“Shhh! The Alicorn is gonna speak!” Toots shushed Sunny.

“But I'm not the... Ugh, never mind.” Sunny groans with an irritated look as she walked to the podium.

“What are you doing?!” Misty called out as she came behind Sunny. “You have to be in Alicorn form or else our plan— I mean, your plan isn't going to work!” She cried out in panic, while also covering up her true plan.

“We'll see about that.” Sunny retorted as she got on the podium and cleared her throat as she spoke through the microphone. “Hello? Testing... My fellow ponies—” She tried to speak but was cut off.

The ponies then started to groan and started booing at Sunny. “Alicorn! A-li-corn! A-li-corn! A-li-corn!” They all chanted out.

“Sugar! Pssst! Sugar Moonlight! Why is everypony really here?” Sunny asked the two ponies.

“Yeah. Why are they here?” Sunset said while feeling anger boil in her for booing at Sunny.

“Well, duh. We want you both to like us.” Sugar Moonlight said in an obvious tone.

“But of course we like you. You're my friends.” Sunny pointed out that they’ve been friends since their time in school.

“Well, not you Sunny. The Alicorns. None of the ponies here actually care about these silly causes. At least Sunset is an Alicorn.” Rosedust said while still looking at her phone.

“Nopony even liked you before, Sunny.” Lily said while pointing her phone at Sunny while showing herself as her Earth Pony form as she swipes it to show Sunny’s Alicorn form. “But you're cool now. At least when you're an Alicorn.” She told Sunny.

Sunset was about ready to snap as Sunny looked both disapportment and broken. “This isn't what I wanted. At all.” Sunny cried with pure sadness, and then ran away towards the Crystal Brighthouse.

“Sunny!” Sunset called out as Sunny ran off back to the Brighthouse. Sunset then looked at the Fillies Four and the crowd, seeing that they don’t care about Sunny’s efforts, that made her really mad. She snapped as she stomped her hooves so hard, it caused everypony around her to stop chanting as they got startled. “You ponies have no right to do that to Sunny! You crushed her spirit and confidence because you want to see the Alicorns! You ponies are hurting Sunny!” She yelled out in rage as the ponies around her flinched at her outburst.

"B-But we didn't do anything wrong." Dahlia tries to protest but is a bit scared.

“Really, Dahlia!” Sunset cried out as she continued to yell at them in her Royal Canterlot voice. “You ponies hurt Sunny’s feelings, all because you wanted to see the Alicorns! You ponies don’t even care about the effort she’s done and the risks she took while trying to help ponies! Sunny has done more for us than any of you ponies could! Something you all seemed to have forgotten!” She continues to vent out as she stomps to the crowd, who backs away a bit as she glares at them. “Sunny has risked everything to help bring the three tribes together! She brought us together! Helped bring back the magic! Helped make Equestria the way it should be! When you ponies were afraid to be friends with one another when all of you were afraid of each other all because of some rumors and fake lies! And this was before Sunny became an Alicorn! She did so many great things as an Earth Pony and this is how you repaid her!? That’s not friendship or harmony! That’s using her for power and fame! I’m looking at you, Fillies Four!” She glared at the Fillies Four, who flinched at that as Sunset returned to the crowd. “Alicorns are like everypony else! We’re not gods! We’re guardians that help ponies in need when they are having trouble if needed! Yet you just see Sunny as a nopony when she’s not an Alicorn! Well news flash, Sunny is better than any of us! Unlike someponies I am looking at, they don't seem to care!” She yelled out while panting as she glared at the ponies.

The crowd looked at each other, muttering as they forgot the good deeds Sunny had done for them, like restoring magic and bringing the tribes together again. And they are all starting to feel guilty as they mistreated Sunny as they all lowered their heads down in gult.

Misty was among the crowd, but is feeling frightened from Sunset’s outburst, seeing how angry she is when her friends are being mistreated, making a note to not to get on her bad side.

Sunset continued to glare as she spoke again. “Now I expect you ponies to apologize to Sunny from every single one of you! Or you’re all gonna see why you shouldn’t ticked off an Alicorn other than making them mad at this! I’m out of here!” She called out as she flew away, flying back to the Brighthouse to comfort Sunny after what just happened.

The crowd then went their separate ways as Misty is the only one standing, still scared from Sunset’s outbursts and made a note about her as she walked off, seeing that this plan has failed, Opaline would not be pleased while also being conflicted by Sunset from what she just said.

Meanwhile, Sunny made it to the Brighthouse and quickly ran up stairs, where she met Izzy and Zipp.

"Hey, hey, Sunny!" Izzy called to her. "We have something really exciting we wanna show you that we've been working on and––" she tried to explain, but then Sunny looked at her with teary eyes.

"Do you wanna show me, or show the Alicorn?" Sunny asked them with both anger and sadness, which worried Izzy and Zipp, and then Sunny sobbed a little. "I can't do this!" she cried out, walking towards her room, while Zipp and Izzy looked at each other with worry.

Sunset then came in as she gave a concerned look at Sunny, who went into the bedroom as she walked towards Zipp and Izzy.

“Sunset, what happened?” Zipp asked, wondering what just happened.

“Yeah. There’s something I gotta tell you two.” Sunset said, knowing that she needs to tell them what has happened today as she spoke to them.

After a few minutes, Sunny was crying on her bed, while Zipp, Sunset and Izzy looked at her with worry.

"Go away." Sunny pleaded to her friends as she sobbed.

“Sunny. We don’t want you to be alone after what happened.” Sunset said as she placed a comforting hoof on Sunny.

"Sunset told us what happened. We don't like to see you hurting, Sunny." Zipp said with lowered ears and worry.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Izzy asked her, sitting near her bed to listen better.

"It was a lie." Sunny started to explain, not sobbing anymore, but still sad. "Nopony actually cares about these causes, they only care about me being an Alicorn!" She said with sadness. "I don't want to be followed and adored just because of what I am. I want ponies to believe, truly believe, in what they're fighting for, that they can make the world a better place for every ponykind." She stated, still a bit sad.

"Being an Alicorn doesn't make you any different!" Izzy assured her with a smile. "It makes you the same." she added.

"It does?" Sunny asked, still unsure.

"You're everypony, all-in-one! Like Zipp's spy gear." Izzy said with a smile. "Or one of those pens you push that has every color!" She added with a cheery tone. "But as an earth pony or an Alicorn, you've inspired all of us to be better ponies. That's your true power." She assured her.

“Izzy’s right, Sunny. Being an Alicorn doesn’t make you different, you’re still the same, just with a new look.” Sunset said with a comforting smile as she sat next to the other side of Sunny. “Take it from me, when I first became an Alicorn, I didn't feel different. I may look different, but I don’t feel any different.” She said, stating her experience when she first became an Alicorn.

And then the necklace starts to open as Twilight pops up and speaks with a comforting tone and smile. “That is true Sunny. When I first became an Alicorn, I still felt the same as I always have. At first I had no role in my Alicorn stats yet, and then once it came, I have found my purpose and I’ve been still myself even from the beginning” Twilight said with a smile.

Finally, Sunny got up from her bed and smiled. "Thank you, Izzy, Sunset, Twilight. I guess that is true." She said, feeling better from what the three ponies just said.

"And really, really wise?" Zipp said, looking at Izzy, Sunset and Twilight with a smirk.

"I carry the limitless knowledge of my Unicorn ancestors." Izzy said cheerfully, looking at the ceiling, while Zipp looked too confused.

“And we had experienced this before.” Sunset on behalf of her and Twilight.

“It’s true.” Twilight chuckled.

Sunny laughed a bit before reply. "Okay. I'm ready to see whatever you two were talking about earlier" she said with a smile.

"Good. Cause I think it'll put you in even better spirits." Izzy assured with a smile. "Shh, Auntie Buttons! Not now!" she said suddenly to the ceiling, while Sunny, Sunset, Twilight and Zipp looked confused. "Come on!" Izzy told Sunny, as the three, along with Twilight from the necklace mares got out of the room, while Zipp stayed and looked confused at the ceiling before following them.

Back with Pipp, she kept complaining about not being viral anymore while Sparky played around the salon.

“Am I never going to go viral? Pipp asked herself as she sobbed. “Am I?!” She cried out dramatically. "Zipp was right! The likes and validation, it isn't worth it" Pipp stated suddenly. "This isn't fun anymore! So what's the point?" she questioned, laying frustrated on the ground. "I'm just going to stop and... be me own, un-viral self. Be an obscure, but sane, popstar princess." She assured herself with a smile now.

And then Sparky came in front of her and let out a small dragon flame that reached Pipp's tiara and turned it into a ridiculous bow.

"Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no, no!" Pipp cried out in panic, and then Sparky turned on her camera phone and recorded her. "Sparky!" she scolded him, while the baby dragon edited several videos of funny stuff that happened to Pipp the whole day. He started to laugh out loud, dropping the phone while Pipp grabbed it and looked at it. "Sparky, you created this?" she asked him.

Sparky hiccuped a bubble and said something that sounded like 'Yeah...' to Pipp.

"But... but... it's unflattering! It's embarrassing!" Pipp said with panic. "It's... It's... Hilarious!" she stated, now laughing a bit, as Sparky laughed with her as well. The video kept playing, and Pipp kept laughing at herself. "You know what? It actually feels kinda good to laugh at myself. Thank you." she told Sparky, then she ducked and the baby dragon sat on her back. "Well. As fun as that was, we have somewhere super important to be right now, huh?" she said.

She walked towards the exit, but when she passed in front of a mirror, she stepped back a bit and looked at her reflection, more specifically to her bow.

"Um... I will fix that later." Pipp told Sparky, finally walking out of Mane Melody.

Back at Opaline's Castle, Opaline was groaning and complaining about Sunny not wanting to be remembered just because she's an Alicorn.

"Foolish of me to think that Sunny could understand her Alicorn greatness! And this Sunset Shimmer has seen what it is to be a true Alicorn and gave it to Sunny!" Opaline complained. "But I'm not giving up. I don't need another Alicorn! I can finish this ourselves! The way it's always been." She said with confidence.

"Opaline!" Misty called out, entering the room with a smoothie that she quickly threw away. "Um, I have to tell you that... our plans failed." she said with disappointment on herself.

"I know they failed." Opaline scolded Misty. "That Alicorn clearly doesn't understand what it means to be one." She said angrily. "She's a disgrace to my kind, and this Sunset Shimmer seemed to truly know what it is like to be an Alicorn. No wonder she is Sunny’s mentor. So I'll do them a favor: I'll take their powers, all of their power!" She assured me. "But to do that, we'll need to go directly to the source." she said, walking towards her boiler and looking at images of the Crystal Brighthouse. "The Brighthouse, home of the Unity Crystals. The one place I can't glance inside of." she said with frustration. "I need to find a new way in. And I know just the thing..." She stated as she used her magic on the pond as it started to create something as Opaline and Misty watches on.

Outside the Brighthouse, Izzy was leading Sunny to a new area, while Sunny walked with her eyes closed with Sunset and Zipp watching, they told Sunset what they did and nodded her head, seeing that this is something Sunny wanted.

"Okay, just two more steps to the left. Oh, one to the right." Izzy told Sunny, who obeyed and moved a step to the right. "Take it back now, ya'll!" she said cheerfully.

"Izzy!" Zipp scolds her.

“This is not the time to follow a music dance song!” Sunset scolded as well, seeing that Izzy was playing around.

Izzy chuckled a bit before speaking. "Okay, okay." She replied, getting back on track. "And now!" She instructed Sunny.

Sunny decided to open her eyes excited, and then her jaw dropped in awe and disbelief. "Oh! A community garden?!" She asked excitedly.

"Ta-da!" Izzy said with a cheery tone.

"What do you think?" Hitch asked her, standing behind her with Pipp at his side and Sparky ran around the garden.

"We knew you've been hoping to build something like this forever." Pipp told her with a smile.

"So, we made it happen!" Zipp added with a smile.

"A little helping hoof for the pony who helps all of us to be better." Izzy added.

“We wanted to surprise you, Sunny. And after what happened today, this should make you happy about something you dreamed of making.” Sunset said with a smile.

Sunny looked around in disbelief and joy. "I... I'm..." she tried to say, then her Cutie Mark glowed and once again her Alicorn form appeared, with a bright golden light covering her body. "So grateful for all of you" she assured with a warm smile.

"You turned into an Alicorn again!" Hitch pointed out.

Sunny looked at her wings and horn with a bright smile. "I know, but this time it feels different. I think I can only transform into an Alicorn when I feel like I'm truly helping somepony, because that's my best self." she said with a smile.

“That’s what being an Alicorn is all about, Sunny. Helping sompony and being yourself.” Sunset adds with a proud smile.

Twilight got out of the necklace as she gave a proud smile at Sunny. “Sunset’s right, Sunny. You just have to be yourself to be a great Alicorn. Never change who you are and always help ponies. That’s what you truly are.” She said to Sunny.

Sunny smiled at both Sunset and Twilight as she hugged Sunset, Twilight can’t be touched but the necklace is on Sunset’s neck. “Thank you, Sunset and Twilight, for being there for me.” She said with a grateful smile as Sunset hugged back while Twilight smiled at the young pony.

"So you can't just do it for any reason." Zipp said, with her phone on her hoof. "It has to mean something special! Fascinating..." she said with a curious tone. Then, her phone chimed and Zipp checked it out, and it was something that she didn't expect. "Uh... Pipp? Did you mean to post this?!" She asked her sister, showing the video Sparky made of her. "Because it's hilarious!"She said to her sister.

The others started to laugh at the video, while Pipp looked on happily. "Yup!" she replied smiling. "Sparky found a way to show me that it isn't always about being perfect. It's about being true to yourself." She said with a smile.

"We like you for who you are, Pipp" Sunny told her with a smile. "And you all like me for who I am. No matter what kind of pony I am! And I know I can change the world with that" she stated with joy.

"Hey! Where is Sparky?" Zipp questioned, looking around.

"Sparky!" The Mane 6, and Twilight, all shouted together, starting to look over the baby dragon.

Hitch quickly found the baby dragon standing over a plant that had the form of Pipp's head, and the baby dragon let out another flame that added to the plant the same ridiculous bow Pipp had over her head right now.

"Oh no! I totally forgot." Pipp said, a bit worried, looking at the bow on her head.

Hitch recorded the whole thing with his phone. "And that one's gone viral too." he said with a smile.

"What can I say?" Pipp said with a little smile, and then Sparky started to throw apples over her head again. "Ouch! Ow! Sparky! Enough with the apples already!" She complained to him.

But then the baby dragon started to laugh, which ended on all of the Mane 6, and Twilight, started laughing as well.

“Sparky reminds me of Spike when he was a little hatchling.” Twilight said with a smile, remember how much of a hoof full Spike is when he first hatched.

“I bet it does, Twilight.” Sunset said as they kept laughing with the others as they enjoyed their moment of laughing.

End of Chapter 2: Ep 4.

Chapter 2 Ep 5: The Cutie Mark Mixed-Up

Chapter 2: Ep 5: The Cutie Mark Mixed-Up

Outside the new Community Garden, near the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny was holding a giant pair of scissors in front of a rainbow ribbon. At her side, there was Hitch wearing a sheriff hat, while Sunset stood by Sunny to honor this moment.

Also, if you're wondering, the ponies already apologized to Sunny for how they treated her about the whole Alicorn-thing. Hitch even thanked Sunset for making sure the ponies learned their lesson after what they did to Sunny.

Now, the ponies were reunited outside the new Community Garden for the grand opening.

"Thank you, everypony, for coming to the grand opening of Maretime Bay's new Community Garden of Magic!" Sunny announced to the crowd.

“For this is a great way for Earth Ponies to practice their magic while also doing what’s right!” Sunset called out to the crowd as well.

The rest of their friends and Sparky were part of the crowd as well, as they all cheered to Sunny and Sunset.

"Yeah! Community Garden! Woo!" Izzy cheered.

Inside the garden, many of Hitch's critters were passing around happily.

"This will be your place to grow fresh food, foster friendships, and have fun in the fields!" Sunny assured the crowd with a smile, then she looked at Hitch and extended the scissors to him. "Take it away, Sheriff Hitch!" she told him with a smile.

"Thanks, Sunny!" Hitch said with a smile, taking the scissors. "I'm very excited to––" He tried to say, but Izzy cut him off.

"Aw yeah!" Izzy cheered. "That's our friend! Nopony interrupts him when he talks!" she shouted, while Pipp and Zipp looked at each other with smiles at the unicorn's attitude, while Sunset rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Oh, ah... Thanks Izzy." Hitch said with a little smile, then he cleared his throat. "Welcome, everypony! As Sunny said, this garden is the best place in town to learn how to harness your earth pony magic––" he tried to explain, but then Sunny interrupted him.

"Floral Magic!" Sunny said with a smile.

Zipp then brought her phone out and recorded a note. "Note to self: Earth pony powers are officially called 'Floral Magic'." She recorded with a smile, while Pipp at her side looked at her annoyed. "Hmm, I like it!" She said with a smile.

“I would’ve called it ‘Plant Magic’, but Sunny already called out the name.” Sunset added quietly with a smirk after hearing Zipp, having lost he name calling when Sunny called it first.

Both Izzy and Pipp shushed Zipp after hearing her next to them, having heard Zipp as Izzy then spoke. "Don't interrupt him!" She shouted to Zipp as she turned to Hitch with her normal voice. “Keep talking about what you are talking about!” She said to Hitch.

“Ahh… Thanks, Izzy” Hitch said with a smile at their unicorn friend, should’ve seen that coming. “So yeah, that's what we've been calling it! You know, because of the unicorn Float Magic and Pegasi Flight Magic, it's kind of a natural thing to name it..." He tried to point out, but then he heard chirping as he looked down and saw Kurtle chirping at him. “You’re right, Kurtle. I’m rambling!” He said as he got to the point to the crowd as Sunny smiled at Hitch while Sunset shook her head in amusement as Hitch continued. “As sheriff of Maretime Bay, it is my duty and great honor to hereby dedicate this garden to––" He tried to say, but an earth pony stallion among the crowd interrupted him.

"Do we each get our own spot?!" the stallion asked.

"Yes." Hitch replied, and Sparky among the crowd belched. "There are 'practice plots' inside, ready for you to start planting and growing––" he tried to explain again, but then Sparky belched on a carrot he was carrying and his dragon fire turned it into a small confetti cannon that he made explode.

The sudden explosion of confetti startled the Mane 6. Hitch threw the scissors in the air because of the surprise, and the scissors ended cutting the ribbon.

"It's open!" one stallion of the crowd shouted. "I call best spot!" he said, as he and all of the ponies in the crowd ran towards the garden.

"Slow down!" Hitch ordered them, but since none of them obeyed while Sunny is screaming while Sunset looked on with wide eyes as the three ponies got out of the way, while the critters in the garden were chirping and saw the stampeding ponies coming at them.

Hitch then went between he crowd and grabbed Sparky he got hurt, and the ponies entered the garden on stampede, startling the critters and making them ran away in terror.

"There's enough room for everypony!" Hitch assured them.

However, Curtle was also there, in the middle of the way, and one of the ponies accidentally kicked him and sent him flying in the air.

Sunny saw Kurtle as he went over her. “Whoa!” She called out as she gasped when Kurtle landed on her smoothie stand, hoping he was okay. But Kurtle then poked his head out as he slurped on one of Sunny’s smoothies and chirped. Sunny smiled in relief that Kurtle is okay and giggles at this.

“Thank you, Kurtle.” Hitch said to Kurtle, having heard from the turtle and understood what he said. “I am good at dedication speeches, maybe too good." he said with a nervous smile, looking at the chaos inside the Community Garden while ponies are grabbing spots while critters are running around.

“Either that, or they just get too excited to even listen to your speech, Hitch.” Sunset said, which earned Hitch a bore expression as Sunset continued to look at the chaos. “Do these ponies ever hear the word ‘in orderly fashion’? Seriously, they take new things way too far.” She said, seeing that the ponies really need to be patient.

“I asked myself the same question before we made peace with the tribes Sunset. Trust me.” Sunny said, having seen this before.

Later on, the earth ponies were around the Community Garden, practicing their new Flower Magic while some foals ran around happily, and then there were the critters that kept running in panic by the ponies.

“Dibs on this plot!” The stallion from earlier called out as digged his hoof on one of the flower pots to get his Earth Pony magic warmed up.

One of the bunnies ran towards Hitch, Sunny and Sunset and squeaked at Hitch. "What was that?" Hitch asked him, while Sunny and Sunset looked at him a bit worried and the bunny squeaked at Hitch again. "Don't worry, I'll fix this." he assured the bunny with a smile.

"What's going on?" Sunny asked Hitch with worry.

“Yeah.” Sunset added, wanting to know as well.

"My speech might have made the earth ponies too excited." Hitch explained nervously, as he and Sunny looked at three earth pony stallions stomping their hooves on the earth. "They're kinda... trampling everything!" he pointed out.

“You don’t say. They really don’t know how to contain their excitement.” Sunset said with a dry tone as the Earth Pony made some dust clouds from the stomps.

"What do we do?" Sunny asked Hitch about the thing with the earth ponies stomping on the earth.

Hitch then gave a determined look as he called out. “Watch your hooves, everypony!” He ordered. And immediately, the earth ponies stopped, and they realized that they accidentally stomped some flowers and killed them.

“Try to take it slow and focus before you start stomping! You’re killing the flowers by stomping too hard!” Sunset called out to the situation.

"But also, don't worry!" Sunny added with a smile. "With a little bit of love, I'm sure we can fix it!" she assured them.

"Oh, yeah, I guess we can!" one earth pony stallion said with a smile, and then all the earth ponies used their magic to make the flowers grow back.

However, they also made some of the fruits and vegetables of the garden grow a bit bigger and fell from their roots, which almost fell in the critters that ran away from the garden, while Sunny, Hitch and Sunset looked at them with worry.

Also, some fruits almost fell in Hitch. "Whoa! Careful there! We don't want another Glimmerberry incident on our hooves. Or on our manes. Oh" He said a bit worried, also remembering when Sprout made a Glimmerberry grow very big... twice in the same day as he tightened his hat to make sure he doesn’t get some on his mane again.

“These Earth Pony magic really make fruits and veggies big, no matter how much they hold back a bit.” Sunset commented, grabbing a piece of an apple that was falling off as she caught it on her hoof and took a bite out of it.

"That's exactly why a designated spot to practice is perfect." Sunny pointed out to her two friends, walking towards some giant fruits. “And look at all these amazing fruits!" She said with a smile. "Like those! Uh, what are those?" she asked one of the earth pony stallions.

"Pearnana-melons!" the stallion replied with a smile, holding one of those fruits.

"Okay, that actually sounds really tasty." Hitch confessed with a confident smile.

“And creative.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing a new fruit fusion combine as one as Sunny smiled in agreement.

"Go ahead and get creative, everypony." Hitch said. "But let's just be mindful of the..." he tried to add, but then the critter ran around the garden in fright. "Wildlife." He finished with a worried expression.

“This is gonna be a problem.” Sunset said in worried, seeing that the critters are gonna be an issue.

The critters were all running towards the Crystal Brighthouse, while Zipp and Pipp looked at them worried while Izzy smiled at them..

"Oh, I can't even belizzle my eyes!" Izzy said cheerfully. "It's like a parade, but not on purpose." She added.

"Belizzle?" Zipp asked her in confusion, since that wasn't a word at all.

"I said what I said!" Izzy started with a smile. "Just look at these animals going wild!" she said, trying to sound optimistic but also a bit worried.

"Ah! Great idea, Izz! Cute animals are great for the feed" Pipp told her with a smile, as she grabbed one of the bunnies and looked at it with a soft smile. However, when she took out her phone to try and take a picture of the bunny, he shouted and jumped away from Pipp. "I can't even... I don't have words..." Pipp said a bit confused.

“Try ‘belizzle’!” Izzy whispered to Pipp with a smile. It works whenever you can or can beizzle things.” She advises her friend as Pipp smiled at a suggestion as she pointed her phone at the critters coming at them.

"Oh, no! The critters are stampeding towards the Brighthouse!" Pipp said with worry and panic.

"Get out of the way, us!" Zipp said, as they all immediately pulled themselves aside, except for Pipp who checked at something on her phone.

However, one of the critters jumped on Pipp’s face, which made her fall backwards and lay on the ground.

Some other critters were running towards Izzy, and she looked around in panic until she got an idea: she used her magic to levitate herself, and the critters passed down her. "I got it!" she said with a smile, but then some squirrels passed and their tails made Izzy sneeze and float backwards to crash against Zipp, with both of them falling to the ground. "Huh. Maybe I didn't 'got it'." Izzy said jokingly.

Pipp then approaches them while holding the bunny that ran from her earlier. She put the bunny down as she sat on the ground next to her friends with a smile. “Well, I did!" Pipp said, since she recorded the exact moment Izzy crashed against Zipp. "And... posted." Pipp said with a smile, posting the video on her feed.

"Great..." Zipp said sarcastically, another embarrassing moment that she won't forget anytime soon.

"Why are you all layin' around?" Hitch asked, arriving with the other 3. "I need backup with these critters!" he stated with worry.

"Can't you just ask them to chill out?" Zipp asked Hitch, as she and Izzy stood up and Pipp checked on her phone. “You literally speak ‘animal’!” She reminded Hitch of his ability to speak to animals.

"Just because I speak 'animal' doesn't mean they'll listen" Hitch pointed out with worry. "So, can you help?!" he asked desperately.

"Sorry, what? I wasn't listening." Pipp said with a nervous smile, since she was too focused on her phone.

"See?!" Hitch pointed out, seeing that his point was made.

"Of course we'll be your deputies!" Izzy said with a smile, with the others nodding in agreement.

"Thanks.” Hitch answered with a smile. “Because while you all handle the critters, I gotta get back to the garden" Hitch explained. "Sunny seemed stressed, even with Sunset helping out." He pointed out.

Meanwhile, Sunny and Sunset were catching some fruits that kept falling on the Community Garden, starting to feel both stressed and anxious about that.

Hitch decided to return to Sunny and Sunset after his friends agreed for his help to take care of the critters.

"Don't be stressed, Sunny and Sunset! We're deputies now!" Izzy shouted out loud. "We're going to help!" she assured, with the rest nodding in agreement.

Meanwhile, Hitch arrived at Sunny's smoothie stand and found Cloudpuff there. "Cloudpuff! What are you doing here?" Hitch asked to the dog, who barked at him in response. "Keeping an eye on Pipp and Zipp for Queen Haven, huh?" He translated. "Yeah, that does sound boring. Want to help me instead?" he asked the dog, while Cloudpuff barked happily in response.

Back at Opaline's Castle, Opaline was mixing some ingredients, with Misty looking unsure.

"What is lacked in magical might, conjure from my Alicorn light!" Opaline recited. However, her magic started to glitch out, and she couldn't make her horn glow properly, so she groaned in anger.

"So... do you need anything?" Misty asked, a bit nervous.

“I was doing fine, until you ruined my concentration.” Opaline complained to Misty as she walked closer to the pond as she looked worried. “You know that my power is... compromised." She said to Misty that her magic hasn’t been working right with a worried look.

“No, I didn’t.” Misty answered, saying that this is the first she heard of it.

“Good answer.” Opaline said with a smile. “But it doesn't change the fact that it's still not enough.” She said as she levitated some bottles of her throne. “Magic is back, Misty. It's back, and those silly little ponies have it by accident!" She cried out with rage as she flared her wings up.

“Accident? We can try that, too!" Misty suggested, pushing one potion over a small cart that had plenty of them.

"Stop!" Opaline ordered, and Misty caught the bottle before it fell. "That silly Unity magic is just the spark. And with this Sunset Shimmer being the only pony other than me having mastered magic from us watching her and those silly ponies, she could be a challenge." She stated, levitating a bottle with her magic, one again working properly, and then she flew over to her boiler. "Only I can possess the flame!" She stated, dropping the content of the bottle in the boiler.

Soon enough, the boiler worked its magic and a bubble with a fully pink pega-mouse came out of it as it floated right in front of the two ponies.

“Aw!” Misty said at the sight of the critter, finding it cute.

"Don't get attached, Misty." Opaline warned her. "It's a sign of weakness." She stated.

“Oh, I wasn't!" Misty said with a sheepish smile. "I was just impressed by your magic." She assured Opaline a bit nervously.

"Of course you were." Opaline said with pride. "Nothing is more important than magic." She assures Misty as she sends the pega-mouse in the bubble through the image of the Crystal Brighthouse. "And when my magic mouse sneaks into their magic house, I will finally know the secret of how they're harnessing the Prisbeam power." She said with an evil grin, while Misty sighed worrying.

Back at the Community Garden, the earth ponies were enjoying their time on it as they also drank from the smoothies of Sunny's stand. Sunny was talking with an earth pony mare, while Sunset gave a smoothie to an earth pony colt, when Hitch arrived suddenly with Sparky on his back.

"Sunny?! Are you okay?" Hitch asked her with worry.

"Yeah, just serving up some smoothies! And Sunset is helping too, of course." Sunny said with a smile, pointing at Sunset who just smiled at Hitch as she kept using the blender, creating another smoothie. "Are you okay?" She asked back to Hitch, giving a smoothie to another pony.

“Yeah, Hitch. You seem a little stressed.” Sunset said, seeing how stressful Hitch is.

"Yeah, just taking care of the animals!" Hitch assured with a smile. However, Sunset looked at Hitch with a bored expression, since she knew Hitch was lying because the ones taking care of the critters were at the rest back at the Brighthouse.

"Good, so we're both okay." Sunny said with a smile, giving a smoothie to Dahlia while Sunset kept making some smoothies.

Hitch then sighed heavily. "Too bad the dedication was a disaster." He said a bit disappointed. "Did I ruin it?" he asked her.

"Not at all." Sunny assured with a smile. "But I actually think it gave everypony a chance to practice their magic while fixing the mess." She said, as he brought out a smoothie with a little trick and gave it to an earth pony mare. "Easy sugar snap peasy!" She said with a chill tone.

"Easy sugar snap peasy?" Hitch asked, a bit offended. "Easy for you to say, you're not sheriff." he stated, turning around and walking away from her.

Sunset flinched at what Hitch just said as she dropped a strawberry. “Oh boy.” She muttered, feeling some tense coming to the two ponies.

"What does that mean?" Sunny asked Hitch, who stopped and sighed frustrated.

"It was supposed to be my moment. I had Big Scissors! I'm in charge." Hitch said with disappointment. "I shouldn't be encouraging chaos and smoothies!" he said with worry.

Then, somepony snapped a picture at Hitch and Sunny giving a smoothie to Windy. "'Chaos and smoothies'? Now there's a headline!" an old unicorn stallion said, as he walked away alongside Windy.

"What's wrong with smoothies?" Sunny asked Hitch with a little frown.

"Nothing!" Hitch replied, frowning as well. "But I have the hardest job of anypony and what-pony notices it?" he asked, a bit mad.

“Oh Celestia, here we go with those two having another ‘married couple’ fight… again.” Sunset with a bored expression as she looked at the necklace Twilight is in, Twilight can’t show herself with this many ponies among them, but if she was out, she would agree with Sunset since she saw how Sunny and Hitch act with each other.

While Sunny got out of her stand to talk with Hitch, the bubble with the pink pega-mouse Opaline sent appeared and popped on the stand and ran out of it.

"Well, have you noticed how hard I've been working?" Sunny asked with a frown to Hitch. "I've been making smoothies during this entire conversation!" She pointed out with anger, showing a smoothie on her hoof.

"True... But come on, it's not like being a sheriff." Hitch said with a confident smirk.

"Yes, it is." Sunny replied.

In the meantime, Sparky started to chase Opaline's mouse around while Hitch and Sunny kept fighting over who had the worst work.

“Well, you got Sunset to help you out while teaching you some magic and friendship lessons while making smoothies as well!” Hitch pointed out.

“Hey! Leave me out of one of your ‘love couple’ fights!” Sunset pointed out, not wanting to get drag into it.

"Well, Sunny’s job it's easier than maintaining order." Hitch added with a frown, ignoring Sunset’s comment, while Sparky kept chasing the mouse around and then Cloudpuff joined him barking.

“Oh boy. This is gonna be a while…” Sunset muttered, having the strange feelings again, but paid no mind as she watched Sunny and Hitch like a love couple.

Back at the Brighthouse, the girls are doing their best to get the critters under control and away from the Brighthouse.

Izzy was having a staring contest against a bunny. After a while she shook her head and launched herself against the bunny to grab him, but the bunny moved before Izzy could even touch him, and she landed grunting in the ground, while the bunny jumped on her back.

Pipp arrived soon enough to her side and grabbed the bunny with her hooves, but then both she and Izzy saw the critters running towards them.

"Okay, so they're coming right for us." Izzy pointed out. "But I have a plan! I think... we should stop them!" she stated with confidence, pointing at the critters.

"Smart, smart. What's the plan?" Pipp asked her.

“Oh, that’s it! That’s the plan!” Izzy said with a smile, which earned a look from Pipp.

“Heads up, ponies!” Zipp called out as she flew over them while chasing a couple of pega-rats.

Izzy and Pipp ducked from Zipp, but some of the critters launched at them as they fell to the ground from that.

Back with Sunny and Hitch, they were greeting the ponies that passed by while Sunny and Sunset kept giving smoothies to the ponies and Sparky and Cloudpuff kept chasing Opaline's mouse.

"I don't think you understand how much pressure I'm under all the time!" Hitch complained to Sunny.

Sunset groans as this argument keeps going, and has a bad feeling about this.

"Of course I do!" Sunny assured with an eye roll. "Do you even know how hard it is to be the Alicorn in Maretime Bay?!" She questioned him with concern. "Everypony's watching. I need to be a pony that others can count on." She pointed out.

"So do I!" Hitch assured, while Sunnny just groaned in annoyance. "The sheriff is the backbone of a community, you know?!" He told her with a frown.

"You just don't understand what it's like to be me! And you never will!" both Sunny and Hitch shouted to each other.

Then, Opaline's mouse passed in front of them, and Sparky tripped trying to catch him. His trip made some dust that made him sneeze a small dragon flame in the ground that spread and grew big enough to cover Sunny and Hitch. The magical properties of the flame made Sunny's and Hitch's Cutie Marks exchange, but it passed unnoticed by both of them. Not even Sunset noticed as she listened to Sunny and Hitch’s argument to notice.

Once the fire dissipated, Sunny and Hitch shook their heads and looked at each other, then looked away from the other madly.

That didn't go unnoticed by Sunset as she got between them. "Okay ponies, maybe we should just cool off for a bit and sort this kind of thing out so you two love birds can discuss this later. Okay?" She asked the two ponies with a teasy tone and smirk.

“Fine!” Both Sunny and Hitch said in unison as Sunny went back to the stand while Hitch stood there to maintain his Sheriff duty, but they both stopped as they realized what Sunset just said as they both turned to her with frowns and blushes on their faces. “Sunset!” They both yelled out to Sunset, who chuckled teasley at her teasing them.

Back at the Brighthouse, Izzy and Pipp took out some critters from inside the Brighthouse.

“There, now you're back outside." Izzy said with a smile, while Pipp let go of the bunny on her hooves and Izzy put the one she was levitating on her hoof.

"Who's a cute bunny? You are! Yes, you are!" Pipp told a bunny before letting him go with her and Izzy started giggling.

"Aw!" Izzy said, as the bunny hopped away.

However, Opaline's mouse managed to enter the Brighthouse, with Sparky and Cloudpuff following behind. But then Cloudpuff crashed against Sparky and they both fell to the ground.

"Cloudpuff? What are you doing here?" Pipp asked to the dog. "Ugh! Mom sent you to check on me, didn't she?" She asked again with annoyance, as she got close to the dog and grabbed him, while Izzy used her magic to levitate Sparky away. "Aw! You're so cute!" Pipp told Cloudpuff as both she and Izzy walked and flew away from the Brighthouse, leaving the door open and allowing other critters to enter the Brighthouse.

Back at the smoothie stand, things got a bit weird since Sunny and Hitch were acting... different, to say the least.

"Everypony be happy!" Hitch said in a very cheery tone, very weird of him. Zipp was flying nearby, and noticed that, so she looked at the two ponies curiously. "Follow your feelings. You do you" He added, still in a cherry tone.

"Hitch, you're not helping" Sunny said suddenly, as she delivered some smoothies to the ponies, while Sunset, having a worried look at Sunny, inside kept making them. "I have a line and nopony is asking for anything on the menu. We need order! And we need it now!" She pointed out with a frown.

“Uh, Sunny?” Sunset asked, seeing that something is different between the two ponies after their argument from earlier. “Are you okay? You seemed stressed. More so than Hitch is.” She said in worried, noticing how different Sunny’s behavior is, acting like Hitch for some reason.

"Ugh! I'm stressed because there's no order in here!" Sunny shouted at her. "Now get back to your work!" She scolded Sunset.

“Whoa! Hey! What has gotten into you, Sunny? If this was about the love couple thing, I was just messing with you.” Sunset said to Sunny, never seen that attitude in her before.

"Sunset is right, Sunny." Hitch said with a bright smile. "Just do what you think is right, you know? Go with your glow." He added with a chill tone.

Sunset raised an eyebrow at Hitch, seeing that he is acting like Sunny for some reason.

Then, a pony threw an empty cup on the ground, and Sunny saw that with a frown. "Litter? Bup, bup, bup! Better pick up that cup!" She scolded the pony, who picked up the cup with a sheepish smile.

"They're acting weird. Very, very weird." Zipp pointed out, flying towards the three ponies with her phone ready to record. "Hi friends. What's up?" She asked all three of them.

"Kinda busy, Zipp" Sunny replied coldly.

Zipp landed and zoomed her camera to Hitch. "Hey Zipp!" He greeted her with a cheery smile. "Want to help me show ponies around the magical garden?" He asked her happily.

"Why are you talking like that?" Zipp asked him in confusion, moving toward Sunset. “Sunset…” She started.

“I don’t know. They started acting like this after an argument they had 20 minutes ago.” Sunset answered, not sure herself.

Zipp then starts moving the camera towards Sunny now, who was talking with Kenneth and Kurtle.

"I can understand that you want something, but I don't know exactly..." Sunny confessed to the critters. "Maybe pearnana-melon?" she asked them, giving a pearnana-melon smoothie to Kenneth, but the tiny bit he slurped he spitted out.

"This doesn't make any sense." Zipp said with worry. "You two seem... How do I put this... off?" She said nervously.

Sunset then came next to Zipp with a worried look. “Yeah. After that argument you two had, they seem to be acting like each other for some reason.” She said, seeing how Sunny and Hitch’s personalities seemed to switch somehow.

“Yeah. What Sunset said.” Zipp said in agreement, seeing that was well. “Who's gonna explain to me why you two are so weird today?" she asked them.

"Ugh, ever since Hitch started that argument, I've felt off." Sunny said with a frown.

"What?!" Hitch snapped at her. "No way, you started it!" He said, pointing at her madly and looking away offended.

“To be fair, it’s both of you that started it.” Sunset pointed as the two ponies gave her a glare. “But that doesn’t say much.” She added, not seeing how an argument would do this.

Zipp looked at Sunny's flank with Hitch's Cutie Mark on it, then at Hitch's flank with Sunny's Cutie Mark on it. She kept doing the same a few times, until she finally realized what was wrong and gasped.

Sunset turned to her when Zipp gasped. “What is it, Zipp?” She asked, instead of answering, Zipp pointed to Sunny and Hitch’s flanks. Sunset followed Zipp’s pointing as she gasped in shock. “What in the name of Celestia…” She said in shock when she saw Sunny and Hitch’s Cutie Marks have switched.

"Sunny! Hitch! Stop!" Zipp instructed her friends, who looked at her confused. "Now, don't freak out, but..." She said slowly and calmly, which made Sunny and Hitch look at her a bit scared now.

"Your Cutie Marks are switched!" Sunset shouted in shock and panic while pointing at their flanks.

"They are?!" both Sunny and Hitch asked, looking at their flanks, and checking that indeed, their Cutie Marks were switched. "Oh! They are!" The two ponies cried out.

"No, no, no!" Sunny cried out with worry and panic. "How did this happen?!" She questioned in panic as she ran in a circle to try and look at Hitch’s Cutie Mark on her flank.

“I have no idea, but this does explain a few things.” Sunset said, unsure what to say but now realizes why Hitch and Sunny behaviors changed all suddenly.

“I don’t know, either.” Zipp replied, pulling out her phone again. "But I'll get to the bottom... of it." She assured with a sheepish smile and chuckled at her pun while Sunset nudged her, telling her now's not the best time for jokes. "You say you started feeling funny when, exactly?" She interrogated them.

"When I was explaining to Hitch how running a smoothie cart isn't always smooth sailing." Sunny started to explain.

"And then I told her I knew that, and it hardly compares to the pressures of being sheriff!" Hitch added.

"Mh-hmm" Zipp said, as he wrote down what they told her on her phone. "Then what?" She asked them.

"I told them that ‘ two love couples should sort this out later’." Sunset said suddenly at Zipp's side with a smirk.

That just made Zipp throw her phone and burst out laughing, losing all her 'professionalism' because of Sunset's joke. "I-I'm so–– I-m so sorry..." Zipp said in between laughs, while Hitch blushed but frowned at them and Sunny's cheeks puffed out with a frown as well.

Sunset gives the teasy smirk at the two Cutie Marks’ switched ponies. “Sorry, but Zipp needs to know everything that’s happened.” She said with a chuckle.

"T-Then Sparky burped and––" Sunny tried to add, but then Hitch cut her off.

"That was not a burp. It was a hiccup." Hitch pointed out.

"It was not!" Sunny said with a frown, facing Hitch with anger.

“Break it up you two!” Sunset called out, getting in between the two ponies before another fight could start. “But you said Sparky burped between you two, right Sunny?” She asked Sunny.

“Yeah. He did. And then some green mist formed around us.” Sunny said, finishing what happened.

"Cutie Marks swapped... and personalities, too!" Zipp said, still writing down on her phone. "I think I might know what's going on here." She stated, closing her phone and putting it away.

“Yeah. I think I do too.” Sunset said, placing a hoof on her chin, having the same thought.

"Catch you on the flippity-flip!" Zipp said, turning around and getting ready to fly away.

"Wait!" Hitch stopped her. "Are you not going to help us figure out how to switch back?!" He asked with panic.

"Not until I confirm my theory! But Sunset will tell you the rest!" Zipp replied, and then flew away.

Sunny and Hitch turned to Sunset. “Well… What’s your thought on this, Sunset?” Sunny asked.

“Well, from what you two told me and Zipp, and the fact that Sparky burp out some green mist, I think his dragon fire must’ve caused your Cutie Marks to switch.” Sunset theories.

“What? He did? How?” Both Sunny and Hitch asked her.

“I don’t know. Sparky’s magic could be so random.” Sunset answered. “Again, it’s just a theory. But at least we know why you two are acting like each other.” She added, seeing why Sunny and Hitch were acting like each other.

“Well, I do feel cheerful.” Hitch said with a smile.

“And I feel like wanting to maintain order.” Sunny added, feeling like something Hitch would do.

“Yeah. Your personalities switched when your Cutie Marks switched.” Sunset pointed out.

And then the necklace then began to open as Twilight appeared once nopony was around yet as Twilight sighs at this outcome, having seen the whole thing from the necklace. “Not again. That’s three times Cutie Marks have been switched.” She said, having seen this kind of thing before.

“Again? This has happened before, Twilight?” Sunset said in shock, along with Hitch and Sunny as they listened to Twilight.

“Apparently.” Twilight answered. “This happened twice before. The first time was when I accidentally switched my friends’ Cutie Marks by Starswirl’s unfinished spell. And the second time when Starlight Glimmer switched Celesita and Luna’s Cutie Marks during a friendship problem.” She listed off the Cutie Marks swapped incidents she had seen before.

Sunset, Sunny and Hitch looked at Twilight in shock when she said that. “Wow. So this isn’t the first time a pony Cutie Mark has been switched with another.” Sunset said in shock.

“Nope. Just two times. This one makes three.” Twilight said.

“Wait.” Sunset spoke up as she turned to Sunny. “Sunny, didn’t you speak to the critters earlier?” She asked Sunny.

“Yeah…” Sunny answered, feeling unsure what Sunset meant.

“The Cutie Mark swap did more than just switch your personalities, it swapped both of your magic of you two.” Sunset said, saying what else the swap did as she turned to Sunny. “Sunny, try and bring out your Alicorn form.” She pointed out.

“Um. Okay.” Sunny said, as she concentrated to bring out her Alicorn magic. After a sec, nothing happened. She looked at herself and noticed that her wings and horn weren't appearing. Sunny strains herself to bring her magic out, but nothing. She stopped as she sighs. “I can’t bring out my Alicorn magic.” She said in defeat and was a little worried about this.

“Figures.” Sunset said, feeling bad for Sunny as she turned to Hitch while holding Kenneth. “Hitch, speak to Kenneth.” She said as Kenneth chirped.

“Okay. Hey, Kenneth. How are you?” Hitch asked Kenneth, who started chirping, but Hitch was unsure of what he’s saying. “I can’t understand what Kenneth is saying. His chirping makes no sense to me now.” He said to Sunset.

“Yeah. That’s what happens when somepony’s Cutie Mark is switched with another.” Twilight said, confirming their theories.

“Well, it’s official and no denying it, you two. Neither of you have any trace of your special magical abilities.” Sunset said with a ‘feeling sorry’ expression for the two ponies.

“Yeah, but check this out, Sunset.” Hitch said as he did a few flips and jumps as he summoned his Earth Pony magic as some flowers grew. “You can take away my abilities to talk to animals, but you can’t take away my moves or my Earth Pony magic to grow plants.” He said with a smirk, glad that he didn’t lose those when his personality and animal talking was with Sunny now.

“Exactly.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing the bright side of this. “You still have the moves you had before acquiring your ability to talk to animals, and you and Sunny and still use your Earth Pony magics to grow plants. Whatever Sparky did to you two must not have affected your natural abilities or your planting growing magic since you’re both Earth Ponies.” She lists off, seeing that their special talents and personalities may have been switched, but their natural abilities and plant growing magic are still with them since they're both the same tribe ponies.

“Oh. Well… At least it’s not a total loss.” Sunny said, with her and Hitch still feeling unsure about this but at least they still have their natural Earth Pony magic abilities.

“Is there any way to switch us back, Sunset? Twilight?” Hitch asked two ponies.

“Not that I know of.” Sunset honestly said.

“Well, usually it fixes itself or by the thing that caused this before, but I’m kinda stumped since your personalities have switched as well.” Twilight honestly answered since this isn’t one of Starswirl’s spells or Starlight’s for that matter.

“Until Zipp finds a way to solve this problem, you're both stuck with each other’s special talents for a while.” Sunset said, saying that they will have to endure this for a while until they figure out a way to reverse it.

Now, Sunny and Hitch looked at each other a bit uncomfortable. "So... Uh, we're stuck like this." Sunny said with a nervous smile. "I guess I'll do your job for now" she said, now smiling normally while Hitch smiled back.

"Good." Hitch replied. "Then I will have it easy when I do yours!" he stated confidently.

"Ha!" Sunny said, as she took Hitch's sheriff hat off and put on her head. "Not as easy as me." She stated confidently as well.

"As if!" Hitch said mockingly, while Sunny took his badge away from his belt and put it on her bag. "Alright! Who wants smoothies?" he asked, still very confidently.

“Hitch. Sooner or later, you’ll find out it’s not as easy as you think it is. And I once worked in a sushi store to make a living.” Sunset pointed out with a confident smirk at Hitch, Twilight went back into the necklace when ponies were showing up again.

“We’ll see about that, Sunset.” Hitch mocked with a smirk.

Meanwhile, Sunny approached some critters with confidence. "Okay, critters. Sheriff Sunny here" she presented herself. "Let's get you all back to your homes in the garden." she told them, as the critter turned around and walked towards the garden.

Then, on the smoothie stand, Hitch tripped and grabbed two smoothies, while a lot of ponies bombed him with smoothie requests while Sunset is making some smoothies. "Ah! Okay!" Hitch cried out, feeling overwhelmed once again.

“Having some issues, Hitch?” Sunset asked with a teasing smirk.

Back with Sunny and the critters, the animals kept escaping from the Community Garden while Sunny approached them.

"Alright, critters, there's a new sheriff in town." Sunny told them with a frown. However, the critters split and ran in different directions away from her. "You can understand me, right?" she asked them, then she tripped with a pearnana-melon and fell to the ground with a groan, while some of the critters approached her. "Then why aren't you listening?!" she cried out with frustration.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, some of the critters were playing around the kitchen and the living room. And for some reason, McSnips was break dancing on the dinner table. Izzy and Pipp saw all the chaos around, and felt worried.

"This is not good" Izzy stated with worry.

Then, Opaline's mouse passed besides Sparky, who started to follow it again.

Pipp flew over a squirrel and grabbed it. "Gotcha! Don't worry, we've got this!" She told Izzy with a smile, and then she flew out to put the squirrel outside. "Now, stay!" She pleaded to the critter, flying back inside.

"Look what I found!" Izzy told Pipp, levitating a box of snacks that had Cloudpuff's face on it. "'Snackerdoodles: Perfect for Cloudpuff or any critter who needs to be convinced to just go outside already!'" she read on the box's label. "Hey, that's perfect!" She said, running towards the exit with the box, with Pipp following close behind.

Izzy placed some of the snacks from the box to guide the critters outside the Brighthouse as she hummed to herself with Cloudpuff on her head.

The critters started to follow the snacks and Izzy gasped on happiness. "It's working!"She said with a smile. However, some critters from outside noticed the box with the treats and stamped against Izzy, who not only lost the box with snacks, but also tripped and fell on the ground with a frustrated sigh. "The label didn't say anything about that." She said with a sigh.

"Look on the bright side, Izz! It looked adorable" Pipp told her with a smile, showing her the picture of Izzy on her phone. However, a pega-mouse got on her hoof, and Pipp screamed and totally panicked. "Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!" She pleaded, flying away from the mouse and throwing her phone, which Izzy caught with her magic.

"Adorable!" Izzy said with a smile, now recording Pipp trying to get away from the mouse.

Meanwhile, Sparky kept following the pega-mouse around the Brighthouse, until he tripped and the mouse managed to climb up-stairs.

At Opaline’s Castle, Opaline and Misty were all looking at the mouse's point of view as he kept climbing up-stairs.

"Now that we're on the inside, it's only a matter of time before I obtain what's powering that prisbeam magic." Opaline stated with confidence.

"Then we can harness their powers and get your Alicorn magic back." Misty said with a little smile.

"I'll take my rightful place, reigning over all of Equestria the way Alicorns were meant to!" Opaline said with an evil grin. "And I'll make sure those little 'friendship ponies' won't get to use their magic ever again." she stated with confidence.

"Wait. Does that include me?" Misty asked, a bit worried.

"Don't be foolish Misty." Opaline told her, for the very first time, showing a bit of compassion. "You'll be allowed to keep your powers once you get your Cutie Mark." She reminded her, and Misty cheered silently. "If you prove to me that you're worthy of one." she added.

"I will. I'll do anything." Misty stated with confidence.

Back in the Brighthouse, the critters managed to arrive in the bedroom and caused a mess around.

Pipp was following some pega-mouses around to get them out, but she started to feel exhausted. "Why won't they leave?!" She cried out with frustration.

Izzy, on the other hand, was following a squirrel around. "We're never going to have a regular place to live again!" She said, strangely, with a smile. "This is just how it is now!" She added, chasing the squirrel once again.

Then, Sunny entered the room and slammed on the brakes. "Don't worry. I'm here to talk to the animals!" She said with confidence.

"No offense, but isn't this more of a Hitch thing?" Pipp asked her in confusion.

"Not today." Sunny said. And then Pipp and Izzy noticed that Sunny had Hitch's Cutie Mark and gasped surprised. "Listen up, animal friends! It's time to skedaddle." Sunny told the critters with an authority voice. However, the critters laughed at her, which made Sunny feel but confused and frustrated. "But, ugh! But I know you understood me!" She said with concern, while Izzy placed a hoof on her shoulder to comfort her.

Meanwhile, Zipp arrived at the room with her phone, and started to record it again. "It appears that Sunny has been Hitch-Switched, but still doesn't have his full powers. Hmm..." She stated with curiosity.

Then, Pipp noticed what her sister was doing and frowned. "What are you doing?! Taking notes?!" She asked her with panic. "Don't you stand there, help me!" She cried out, then a pega-mouse got on her hoof again, and Pipp fell on the ground because of the scare.

"Can't, I'm working" Zipp replied with a smile and looking around the room. "Hoof to heart!" She finished, then flew out of the room.

"Ugh!" Pipp groaned with frustration, placing a hoof on her cheek while the pega-mouse stuck on her hoof again, although she didn't seem to care this time.

Back at the smoothie stand, Hitch looked very comfortable making smoothies as he gave one to a mare, while Sunset just looked with a smirk, knowing that he'll screw it at any second now.

"This isn't so hard." Hitch said with a confident smile, as he put a fruit on the blender and read the steps to make the smoothie. "I don't know what Sunny was talking about. You just gotta follow the rules!" He added with confidence.

"Yeah." Sunset said with sarcasm. "You know there's no rules on making a smoothie, right Hitch? This isn’t the Sheriff Station after all." She said with a mocking tone.

"Recipes! I mean recipes. Gotta follow the recipes!" Hitch corrected himself, while Sunset rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Typical. Guess he gotta learn the hard way.” Sunset said with a smirk, seeing that Hitch must learn his lesson the hard way, again.

"Um, excuse me?" Dahlia called over to Hitch. "My smoothie is too smooth. Can you chunkify it?" she asked him.

"What? But I followed the recipe" Hitch pointed out.

"There's the problem. Sunny always makes them on the fly. Hmm." Dahlia said in an offended tone.

“She got you there, Hitch. Sunny told me these things when I first applied for his job.” Sunset said with a smirk, agreeing with Dahlia after seeing how Sunny made her smoothies.

Hitch placed the instructive for the smoothies down and looked at her with a sheepish smile. "Okay, I'll make you another chunkier one." He assured, placing another fruit on the blender.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Toots said, as he stepped in front of the stand. "I'll take the usual." He said with a smirk.

"What's the usual?" Hitch asked in confusion.

"It's the smoothie I usually get." Toots replied. "Sunny knows what it is." He pointed out.

"Sunny also chit-chats with us while she blends." An old earth pony mare pointed out. "You've been too quiet!" She complained.

“They’re right, Hitch. Me and Sunny usually know each ponies smoothies, and we also chat while on the job.” Sunset said with a smirk, seeing that Hitch is now learning something about Sunny’s job.

Hitch started to look around in panic. "No recipes? Usual orders? Chit-chat? I didn't know Sunny had to do all this extra stuff, I thought it was just blended fruit!" He said with frustration.

"Finally he realizes!" Sunset said with annoyance. "Hitch, I get being a sheriff stresses you, but that doesn't make Sunny's job less important or easier than yours." She explained to him. "And that stress barely leaves, even when I help her around" She added with a frown, having been stressed out when she first applied with Sunny, but thanks to Sunny’s helping her and training her, she’s been doing a great job.

"Yeah, I see your point, Sunset. I was wrong... this isn't as easy as she makes it look." Hitch confessed with a guilty look.

Sunset then places a comforting hoof on Hitch. “Hitch. Not everything was as easy as it looked. Sure you saw how easy it is, but when you first tried it out yourself, you then realized how hard it really is. It just takes practice, like learning magic, but in your social life.” She said to Hitch, giving him some wisdom on how something may seem easy, but once tried out, it’s not as easy as it looks.

Hitch then sighs as he takes Sunset’s words by heart. “You’re right, Sunset. I guess I owe Sunny an apology.” He said, going to have to apologize to Sunny for what he said to her.

“I’m sure she’ll understand. And I’m sure she’s feeling the same way in your end as well.” Sunset assured, having a feeling that Sunny is feeling the same thing Hitch is feeling.

Then, Zipp arrived and looked at Hitch's stressed face. "Looks like this switch thing isn't working for you, is it?" She asked Hitch with a smirk.

"Yeah, you're right! I'll admit it, I just can't be Sunny." Hitch said frustrated. "So how did I get her Cutie Mark in the first place? We know it was from Sparky’s dragon fire, but how it was able to do that, not sure." He said to Zipp.

"I think I might have an idea. But take me through it one more time." Zipp replied to Hitch.

"These two were arguing like a love couple they were on who had the hardest work, and then Sparky kept erupting dragon magic and––" Sunset explained instead, but a groan of Hitch cut him off.

"Could you please stop with that 'love couple' nonsense?" Hitch pleaded to Sunset, who just smirked at him.

"Sure, just date her so I can stop making the joke." Sunset said with a mocking tone and smirk.

"That just makes it worse!" Hitch complained with a blush, while Sunset chuckled, knowing very well that Sunny and Hitch have a crush on each other since they were foalhood friends when they were little.

Zipp wasn't paying much attention, since she heard them until the part where Sparky let out dragon fire. She used a graphic that showed Hitch and Sunny with their respective Cutie Marks, then Sparky spilled dragon fire and their Cutie Marks switched.

"Dragon fire magic and how you two were arguing with each other?" Zipp questioned herself. "That's it! That's gotta be it!" Zipp shouted to Hitch and Tails.

"Context, please." Sunset said in confusion.

"Yeah, what is?!" Hitch asked her.

"Oh, uh..." Zipp said, unsure for a moment. Then she gave a grin and looked back at Hitch. "Sunny is in trouble at the Brighthouse! There are animals everywhere!" She told him, flapping her wings with worriedness.

"She is? There are?! I have to save her!" Hitch cried out in panic, immediately getting out of the stand and running towards the Brighthouse.

"Don't worry, everypony!" Zipp told the ponies waiting on the line with a smile. "Sunny will be back soon!" She assured, then flew behind Hitch while the ponies on the line sighed in relief.

"Phew! Good sheriff, but Hitch cannot make smoothies to save his hide" Toots pointed out, while Dahlia slurped a bit from her smoothie, but immediately regretted it as she ‘belched’ at the smoothie she just drank.

"Yeah, I agree. Sunny made better smoothies than I do." Sunset said from the stand. She placed a sign that said 'Closed for now. Be back after lunch!' and got out of the stand, then started to fly. “I'll be right back, ponies. I gotta see this for myself and hope Sunny is okay.” She said to the ponies as she flew back to the Brighthouse.

Back at the Brighthouse room, Sunny was having trouble with the critters that keep running around, while Izzy and Pipp were running away from some of them and Sparky kept chasing Opaline's mouse.

Izzy begins to pant from running. “To the left!” She called out to Pipp.

“I’m going up!” Pipp cried out as she flew up while Izzy turned left with the critters hot on their tails.

"Stop it, every critter!" Sunny pleaded with the animals. "I know you know what I'm saying!" she cried out with frustration.

Then, Zipp arrived with her. "Sunny! Hitch is in trouble! He needs you!" She told her to act worried again.

"He is? He does?! Hitch!" Sunny said with panic, immediately running out of the room to go and meet with her foalhood friend.

"I hope this works..." Zipp said, then a pega-mouse crashed with her and made her fall.

In the main room of the Brighthouse, Hitch entered through the Brighthouse main doors and climbed up stairs.

"I have to help Sunny!" Hitch cried out with worry.

"I have to help Hitch!" Sunny said as well.

Without knowing it, they both ran into each other and crashed, with Sunny losing the sheriff hat in the process. They lay on the ground for a few seconds, until they slowly got up. Zipp also arrived, still holding her phone and looking at her friends a bit worried.

"Ouch! I hope I didn't make this worse." Zipp said, a bit worried.

Sunset flew in as she saw the two Cutie Marks swapped ponies looking at each other. “Did I miss something?” She asked, but nopony answered her as she watch.

"Sunny?" Hitch called out to her.

"Hitch?" Sunny called back. "I'm sorry, I thought you had it easier than me. You don't." She apologized with a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry too." Hitch apologized as well. "I don't think you have it easy at all! Sunset and a few ponies have to tell me that! You're a pillar of the community!" He complimented her with a smile.

"So are you!" Sunny said with a little blush and a smile.

Sunset smirked as she saw that, clearly seeing the connection between the two, seeing them more than just friends.

"Maybe we both are good at what we do because of who we are." Hitch pointed out with a smile.

"Well, nobody can be Hitch like you can." Sunny said with a soft smile.

"And nopony can be Sunny like you can!" Hitch said back, which made Sunny's smile grow bigger.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Sunny asked him.

"Oh yeah!" Hitch said with a smile.

"Secret handshake time!" they both said with a smile. "Up high! Down low! Hitch it to a post! Flip it Sunny-side up, and on a piece of toast!" They both said cheerfully.

Then, their Cutie Marks started to shine, and slowly came back to be their usual Cutie Marks as Sunny and Hitch looked on and at each other with smiles.

“Sunny! Hitch!” Sunset called out as she flew towards the two ponies and brought them in a big hug for a moment before letting them go. “Your Cutie Marks returned to their rightful place!” She said in happiness.

Sunny smiled as she concentrated a bit and then her Alicorn form appeared as Sunny looked at herself in happiness. “As well as our magic!” She said in happiness that her Alicorn magic is back.

“You two apologizing for each other while also admitting how each of your roles are hard as it is, must’ve somehow reversed Sparky’s dragon fire on you two, which caused your Cutie Marks to return to their true owners once you both understand each other.” Sunset theorizes as she smiles that Hitch and Sunny are back to normal as the two latter ponies look at each other as they smile at one another.

Zipp also saw all of this, and smiled with pride at her friends and at herself. "Nice work, Detective Me!" she said proudly. "Maybe I'm starting to get a handle on this 'Cutie Mark Magic' stuff." She added with a smile.

"So, you think there's still time to fix all the messes we made today?" Sunny asked Hitch with a joyful smile.

"Only if we do what we each do best!" Hitch stated, smiling back at Sunny.

Hitch picked up the sheriff hat and put it on, and Sunny gave him his badge back.

Hitch then picked up the fruit as he saw it was a little squished. “Oops. It must’ve gotten squished in the crash.” He said sheepishly to Sunny with a smile, which made the Earth Pony laugh a bit before accepting it as she placed it in her saddle bag as Hitch laughed a bit as well while the two ponies started walking to the bedroom.

Sunset and Zipp smiled at this outcome. “They sure are meant for each other.” Sunset said with a smirk.

“Yep.” Zipp said as the two ponies chuckled a bit before following the two Earth Ponies.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Sparky kept following Opaline's mouse while Izzy and Pipp started to lose their patience on the critters, especially Izzy.

"I don't know how much longer we can keep this up!" Izzy complained dramatically with an anxious look.

"Ah!" Pipp cried out, while some bunnies jumped over her, and one even ran away with her phone in his mouth.

Then, Hitch arrived with them, showing that his Cutie Mark was normal again and now he could do his job properly "Sheriff Hitch is here, little buddies. Come on, now!" He told the critters, who immediately obeyed and started to get out of the room.

"Ah! It's a miracle!" Pipp said dramatically.

"I hear you've all been acting up." Hitch scolded the critters with a neutral expression, who looked down in shame as they walked out of the room.

However, Opaline's mouse got close to a certain spot where Sunny's lantern rested, with the crystal inside it shining like a Rainbow after the events of Maretime Bay Day. The mouse looked at it, ready to make his next move...

Back at the smoothie stand, Sunny finally returned to work with Sunset as the two ponies started serving smoothies to the other ponies.

"Here's your chunky smoothie!" Sunny told Dahlia, now giving her the smoothie as she likes it. "Here's the usual!" she said to Toots, giving him his usual smoothie. "Ooh, is that a new book you're reading, Seashell?" she asked the filly, who was holding a yellow book with her.

"Yeah! It's about this tree that grows special crystals called 'elements.'" Seashell replied with a smile.

"Wow, cool! Tell me more!" Sunny told Seashell, as she also started to blend and deliver more smoothies.

Sunset sighs with a smile at Sunny. “Glad to have you back, Sunny. Hitch was not fit to serve smoothies, let alone make them. Don’t tell him that I said that though.” She said with a smirk, knowing that Hitch won’t like what he hears from that.

Sunny giggled from that. “I won’t, Sunset. I promise.” She promised her mentor/sister figure. “It’s good to be back.” She added with a smile.

Outside the Brighthouse, Hitch led the critters out while Izzy, Zipp and Pipp looked on.

"After you. Go ahead. Thanks for visiting, friends" he told the critters with a smile. Then, Sunny and Sunset came back to the Brighthouse as Hitch looked at them - specially to Sunny - with a bright smile. "Well, well, well. It looks like we both did pretty good, once we started doing what we were good at." He pointed out with a smile.

"You said it." Sunny said with a smile, agreeing with Hitch. "Is that all of them?" she asked, referring to the critters.

However, they all heard a clattering sound as the Mane 6 quickly ran towards the bedroom.

Once the Mane 6 group made it to the bedroom, they found many things thrown in the floor, and then they saw Sparky still chasing Opaline's mouse.

The mouse arrived at the spot where Sunny's lantern was, while Sparky followed really close.

"Sparky, leave that mouse alone!" Hitch ordered him.

The mouse managed to reach the lantern, but before he could do anything with it, Sparky launched against him, and the mouse disappeared the moment Sparky touched him.

"Did you see that?!" Pipp questioned with disbelief.

"It just went 'poof'!" Izzy pointed out in awe.

"Was that a mouse? Or a ghost?!" Hitch questioned, which made Izzy gasp in awe.

“I don’t think so, that mouse was glowing pink. I think it must’ve been a magic mouse.” Sunset said, having seen the mouse close enough that it was made of magic.

“A magic mouse? Who would have created it? Sunny asked.

“I have no idea. Twilight.” Sunset said as she looked at her necklace as it opened up and revealed Twilight inside.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen that kind of magic before. But I sensed that it was made of dark magic.” Twilight said, having sensed the magic from that mouse before it went poof.

“Dark magic, so that’s what I sensed earlier. But who created it, it’s anypony’s guess.” Sunset said, while placing a hoof on her chin to think of who created that mouse.

"Daily mystery total: three." Zipp recorded on her phone. "Cutie Mark switch, disappearing mouse that is made of dark magic, and this smoothie." She listed, as she slowly lifted a smoothie on her free hoof and slurped from it, then looked at it suspiciously. "Mm. It still doesn't taste right." She stated, then Sunny came and grabbed the smoothie.

Sunny sniffed the smoothie and then smiled at Zipp. "I know just the thing!" She stated, as she opened the cup and put some herbs on it, then closed it again and gave it back to Zipp.

Zipp slurped again from the smoothie and smiled. "Ah! That was it! Case closed" she said to the phone and ended the recording.

Sunset chuckled from that. “Good to have things back to normal.” She said with a smile.

“It sure is, Sunset.” Twilight said, glad that the Cutie Mark swap thing is finally over.

Today was pretty wild, huh?" Hitch told Sunny as he approached Sunny with Sparky now on his back.

"Yeah! I couldn't even belizzle it!" Izzy said with a cheery tone.

“Be-what?” Sunset asked in confusion.

“Don’t ask. Trust me, Sunset.” Pipp said with a smile.

“But at least everything is back in order again.” Sunny said with a smile.

“Now that sounds like something Hitch would say!” Pipp pointed out with a smile.

"Oh no! Not again!" Zipp cried out with panic as she looked between Hitch and Sunny, thinking that their Cutie Marks had switched again.

“Please tell me they didn’t switch again!” Sunset cried out, not wanting to go through this again.

Sunny and Hitch looked at their Cutie Marks again, but then smiled when they were still theirs, and both Zipp and Sunset sighed in relief while the whole Mane 6, and Twilight, started to laugh at the situation.

Back at Opaline's Castle, Opaline and Misty were now staring at an image of Sunny's lantern.

"Ah-ha!" Opaline said with a grin. "Finally, it's all becoming clear." She stated. "Misty!" she called out to the unicorn.

"Yes, Opaline?" Misty asked, quickly arriving at her side.

"I need you to sneak into the Crystal Brighthouse and steal me that lantern." Opaline instructed her. "It holds power. Prisbeam power." She explained.

Misty then looked at the magic mouse that came back as she smiled cutely at it as it chirped. “Aww! Can I keep him? As a little friend.” She asked Oplaine, wanting to keep this little magic mouse.

Opaline came close to her as she immediately used her magic to wipe the magic mouse out of existence as it squeaks as it fades away into mist.

“No!” Opaline said as Misty looked sad that the magic mouse was now gone. “No need for friends when you have a job to do. Now stay focused!” She yelled at Misty as the unicorn flinched at her outburst.

“Yes, Opaline. I’m ready.” Misty replied as she gave a confident face as her and Opaline looked at the projection of Sunny’s lantern.

Outside the Brighthouse, Sunny, Sunset and Hitch both carried carts with smoothies after Sunny and Sunset got done working.

"Thanks for the help." Sunny told Hitch with a smile.

"I'm glad to help make sure things are running smoothly, just as long as it's not smoothies." Hitch joked as he chuckled at his own joke.

"I'm just happy that the Community Garden is officially open." Sunny said with a smile. "Even if the animals do still seem hesitant to go back inside." She added while a little worried.

“Well, the Community Garden is now a place where Earth Ponies can practice their magic, Sunny. So I doubt the animals would return there anytime soon.” Sunset pointed out, seeing the reason why the animals won’t return to the garden.

“Good point.” Sunny said, seeing Sunset’s point.

And then, the three ponies then hear critters' sounds as they all gasped, knowing what that means.

“Ah! Oh no…” Hitch cried out in worry as he, Sunny and Sunset ran back into the Brighthouse as they opened the door, but skied to a stop when they saw their friends waiting for them with smiles on their faces.

“Sunny! Sunset! Hitch! Come look!” Izzy said excitedly to the three ponies.

“What happened?” Sunny asked as her, Sunset and Hitch are confused.

“See for yourself.” Pipp said with a smile as the three ponies moved aside so the other half could see.

Sunset, Sunny and Hitch then gasped in awe at what they saw as they saw the critters playing around the play spot at the corner of the Brighthouse. There even were water plates, beds and a faucet that the critters could use as a shower. Also, Spark played with some bunnies with a ball.

“What is all this?!” Hitch asked in amazement while Sunny and Sunset smiled at this.

“It’s your ‘critter corner’!” Izzy cheered as she and Pipp gestured to it together. “Now the animals have a place to chill if the garden gets to be magically way too much.” She explained.

“Or if they want a solid lead on hanging with their best buddy, Hitch!” Zipp added with a smile as she nudged Hitch.

“Awesome!” Hitch cheered as he ran towards his critter friends as one of the birds chirped at him as Hitch chuckled from that. “A birdseed smoothie? Sure, I’ll ask Sunny to add it to the menu for you. Why not?!” He asked with a smile as Kurtle spoke to him as Hitch turned to him. “You were saying, Kurtle? Yes, lettuce is also nice.” He said to Kurtle with a smile.

Pipp and Izzy laughed at this as they walked close to Hitch and the critters as Sunset and Zipp turned to Sunny.

"So it looks like you two worked things out, huh?" Zipp told Sunny with a smile.

“Yeah. Looks like you two made up.” Sunset said with a smirk.

"I think... we just needed a little trot in each other's horseshoes." Sunny said to the two ponies with a smile and a blush. "Even if we didn't want to admit it." She added, then looked at how the critters started to tickle Hitch and the Mane 6 laughed at the sight, having experienced what they learned today and learned a valuable lesson after somepony walked a mile in somepony else's horseshoes, literally.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 5.

Chapter 2 Ep 6: The Traditional Unicorn Sleep-Over

Chapter 2 Ep 6: The Traditional Unicorn Sleep-Over

At the Community Garden, Sparky was eating flowers around. Izzy, who was supposed to be dragonsitting him today, quickly ran with him after Sparky chomped a yellow flower.

"Oh, Sparky, save your snacking for food, not flowers!" Izzy told him with a soft tone. However, Sparky started to gibberish sadly, and Izzy looked at him feeling a bit bad. "Aw, it's okay. You didn't know any better and you're just getting your sillies out." She told the baby dragon with a smile, but Sparky took that as a sign to run away and have fun around town, while Izzy chased him behind. "Oh, no, no, no! I didn't mean to 'silly-out' even more!" She told him, chasing him towards Maretime Bay, where the baby dragon started to run on the street as some ponies watched. "Sparky, stop!" Izzy told him, but Sparky kept running away.

Izzy panted a little, and then realized that they were in town, so she shouted to the baby dragon again. "Sparky, slow!" she told him, but the baby dragon kept running. He jumped over Toots, who was eating a donut and ended up having it over his eyes. Then he ran around Sprout, who was just walking on Mane Street, and Izzy followed him, then accidentally hit Sprout on the face. Sparky kept running happily, until he stopped and looked at a dark alley in fright.

Izzy arrived and stepped in front of him, panting after chasing him around Maretime Bay. "Okay, enough running for today" She told the baby dragon, who looked again at the dark alley in fear. "What's wrong?" Izzy asked Sparky, a bit worried and confused. "You're acting like there's some mysterious and scary presence lurking in the shadows directly behind me" she said in a cheery tone, not knowing that there actually was a presence behind her.

Izzy turned around, and then gasped when she saw another unicorn mare, Misty to be precise, who started her mission to infiltrate into the Crystal Brighthouse to get Sunny's lantern. "Hi, friend! What's your name? I'm Izzy Moonbow!" Izzy presented herself, extending her hoof to Misty with a smile.

Misty put down a pen after drawing a fake butterfly Cutie Mark on her flank, and stared at Izzy's extended hoof blankly. "Uh, Misty." She introduced herself nervously. "I, uh... just got into town, and now I'm gonna leave, bye!" She said to Izzy, then tried to stay away from her.

Yet again, it's Izzy we're talking about, since she started to follow Misty around. "Wait, wait, I remember when I was new in town! Where ya going?!" Izzy insisted over Misty, who just wanted to stay away from her before she spilled that she was working with Opaline. "Do you want me to show you around?" She asked cheerfully to Misty.

"Uh... I..." Misty said nervously, turning around to face Izzy, and then she got a bit scared when she saw Sparky growling at her with a frown.

"Aw, don't mind him." Izzy said with a smile. "He's probably just excited to see another unicorn like me––" She said, then gasped and started to jump joyfully around Misty. "Wait a minute! Unicorns, you! Me! Us! We can be..." Izzy gasped again and lifted Misty in a hug. "Unicorn friends!" she shouted excitedly, then she put Misty down, and the unicorn started to walk backwards a bit uncomfortable with Izzy. "Oops! Sorry. I've been told my hugs can be pretty heavy-duty" Izzy apologized.

Misty then ran away, but just when she thought she was away from Izzy, the unicorn appeared in front of her and startled her.

"This is incredible." Izzy said with a cheery tone, while Misty just smiled awkwardly. "I can't believe I've made a new unicorn friend! Poof! Just like that." She said, making a gesture with her hoof to prove her point, as she approached Misty who walked backwards nervously. "I mean, I've known a lot of unicorns, but, I dunno, something about you feels different." she said, looking closely at Misty with a suspicious tone.

"It does?" Misty asked with panic in her voice.

"Mm-hmm" Izzy said, nodding with a little frown. "It must be... Because you're my first official unicorn friend here in Maretime Bay!" She shouted, again with her usual cheery tone.

Misty looked around and then smiled nervously. "Yes. That must be it!" she said, relieved that she hasn't been discovered.

"Yes!" Izzy exclaimed excitedly. "This is such perfect timing because I have been missing Bridlewood... so much lately" She confessed with a nostalgic tone. "The trees, the teas, even the jinxies!" She said, as she got to Misty's side again. "I bet we could spend hours bonding over Bridlewood experiences, having both grown up as unicorns, right?!" She asked cheerfully to Misty, placing a hoof around her neck while Misty looked on in nervousness since she didn't grow up in Bridlewood.

"Yeah. I gue–– Well..." Misty said nervously, looking around and trying to find the right words, while Sparky poked his head from Izzy's mane and growled with a frown at Misty.

Izzy noticed and looked at the baby dragon on her head. "What's gotten into you, little Spark-Spark?" She asked him with a smile. "Misty's our friend." She said excitedly, pointing at said unicorn with a smile, but Sparky kept growling at Misty, and then got down from Izzy's head. "Ah! We'll celebrate us meeting with a... traditional unicorn sleepover!" Izzy shouted excitedly.

"What's that?" Misty asked in confusion.

"It's the unicorn tradition for whenever you make a very special, new best friend." Izzy explained quickly. "You've never heard of it?!" She asked Misty, who walked backwards with a sheepish smile.

"Oh, yes of course!" Misty said nervously. "I thought you said, 'weep-over!' Which is when you like cry over not having any lunch? Like me!" She lied. "Which is why I thought of it just now. I'm really hungry!" She said, sighing at the end after telling all of that so quickly.

"So, it's official!" Izzy said with a cheery smile. "You're gonna sleepover at the Crystal Brighthouse tonight!" She added, pointing at the Crystal Brighthouse in the distance.

"Oh, tonight?" Misty asked nervously. "But I can't really–– And there's something I have to––" She tried to say, but Izzy was already walking away.

"I'm gonna have snacks and streamers and tea lights for ambiance! And those hay pillows over there!" Izzy shouted, walking towards the Crystal Brighthouse. "Okay, gotta go get ready! See you later, Misty!" She told the other unicorn.

Misty looked at her go, then she looked at Sparky, who growled at her and decided to follow Izzy. Misty then looked at the ground with sadness and worry, knowing that Opaline would pretty much not let her go.

Back at Opaline’s Castle, Opaline did the exact opposite at what Misty was thinking, to unicorn surprise.

“So I get to go to the party?" Misty asked Opaline with a little smile.

"Oh, Misty, you're going to party it up alright." Opaline replied with an evil grin. "You're going to party all night until you steal Sunny's precious magic lantern." She said while looking at a projection of Sunny’s lantern. “While also finding out more about Sunset Shimmer as well.” She added, wanting to know more about Sunset.

"I'm not really sure that's how parties work. I've never been to one." Misty said, while Opaline stared at her with anger. "But you're the expert!" She quickly added with a nervous laugh.

“Get in that lighthouse, and--” Opaline started but was cut off.

“Brighthouse.” Misty corrected.

“Whatever!” Opaline yelled out in annoyance as she continued. “Get there and find. That. Lantern. And find out more about Sunset.” She pointed out while getting close to Misty’s face, with said Unicorn nodding her head in acknowledge.

Back at the Brighthouse at sunset, Izzy is telling her friends about earlier as she grew excited.

"And she had a horn just like me! And hooves just like me!" Izzy said cheerfully, while Zipp and Pipp looked at each other with smiles and Sunset rolled her eyes playfully with a smile. "And a face! Just like me." Izzy added, jumping on the table and startling Sunny a little bit, who had a smoothie on her hoof.

Sunny laughed at Izzy's attitude before reply. "She sounds like a unique unicorn." She said with a smile.

“No matter how many ponies you meet, Izzy. You always seemed to see them as friends.” Sunset said with an amusing smile.

"And you said Sparky was growling at her?" Zipp asked, while Hitch played with said dragon - who was holding a crab plush - behind the couch as Zipp looked sideways at them. "I wonder why..." She said in a suspicious look.

“Sparky is a baby dragon, but a clever one at that. And he never growls at a pony before. He just giggled at them.” Sunset said, having seen Sparky behavior before.

Then, Hitch accidentally threw Sparky too high and the baby dragon jumped on Pipp's head, then landed on the floor with a crab plushie as the baby dragon was giggling.

“Twilight.” Sunset called out to the amulet as it opened up and Twilight appeared. “Had Spike growled at anypony back when he just hatched from his egg? Because Sparky growled at some unicorn today?” She asked Twilight with her expert knowledge of dragons.

“Not really. Spike never growled at anypony when he first hatched, or any baby dragon from what Fluttershy told me during Baby Dragon Hatching Season.” Twilight answered, having experienced this kind of thing from taking care of Spike and from what Fluttershy told her after her trip to the Dragon Lands with Spike and Smolder.

“Well that’s strange.” Sunset said, finding it strange that Sparky growled at a pony for some reason.

"Ahh, you know. Sparky growls at everypony and every twig, bug, and critter!" Izzy pointed out cheerfully, looking at the baby dragon with a smile. "He's just a curious baby dragon. It's what he does!" She said, while Sparky used his dragon fire to turn the crab plush into a carrot and Izzy recorded him with her phone.

"Speaking of, it's time to get this little guy back to the station and start his bedtime routine!" Hitch said, as he grabbed Sparky and held him on his arm, while the baby dragon looked at him with sad eyes since he didn't want to sleep.

Izzy then gasped as she looked at the hour on her phone. "That's the time?! I've got to get moving! There's so many great treats and traditions to get ready!" She stated, jumping to the table and sitting on it. "This is gonna be the best sleepover anypony's ever been to in all of Bridlewood!" she cheered with a smile. "I mean–– Maretime Bay. I mean–– Equestria!" She corrected herself cheerfully, now walking towards her crafting spot.

"Well, I thought my birthday party last year was pretty epic, but guess the bar's always rising." Pipp said with a smile.

“Everypony has their moments, Pipp. Besides this is the first time for Izzy, so let’s give the unicorn this one.” Sunset answered with a smile, going to give Izzy a shot at this.

After a while, the rest decide to help out with the decorations, and soon realizes that things went overboard as Izzy hums loudly.

"Roll out the yarn balls!" Izzy said cheerfully, while Sunny, Pipp and Sunset looked at the exaggerated amount of yarn balls on the dinner table.

“Where does she get this amount anyway?” Sunset asked the others in surprise, with no answer as the others are clueless themselves.

Then outside the Brighthouse, Zipp was lifting some tea cups with lights on the ceiling.

"Woop! Woop! String up the tea lights!" Izzy said, as Zipp did such the thing with a smile, but then a bird stood on the string and Zipp frowned at it.

Later, all of them were inside the Brighthouse.

"Hang lots of colorful scarves for... Ambiance!" Izzy said, as everyone around the Brighthouse placed scarves of different colors in places like the lamps and the stairs as the others smiled at this.

“Gotta say, Izzy. You really know how to set things up for the occasion.” Sunset said with a smile, really admiring Izzy’s decoration skills.

“Heh, I try.” Izzy said with a smile, and then she heard the doorbell ring, and Izzy gasped and turned to it excited. "Sweet sauce, horseshoe toss! She's here! Yay!" She cheered, walking excited to the door. Izzy then opened the door and found Misty, holding her own pillow with a sheepish smile. "Welcome to the Brighthouse, Misty..." Izzy tried to say, but then she realized that Misty never told her her last name. "Misty, uh... Uh, what's your last name?" She whispered to the other unicorn.

"Ah, uh..." Misty tried to come up with something since she didn't have an actual last name. She looked at the Brighthouse quickly and talked before thinking. "Bright-house!" she replied, but the rest looked at her confused, especially Sunset who raised an eyebrow at that. "Bright, uh..." Misty started to look around again, then she looked at the image of dawn behind the Brighthouse on one of the doors stained glasses and smiled. "Bright... dawn. Brightdawn!" She said, smiling sheepishly again.

"Welcome, Misty Brightdawn, to the best unicorn sleepover of your unicorn life!" Izzy said, as Misty entered the Brighthouse and looked in awe at the decorations.

"So nice to finally meet you, Misty!" Sunny said with a smile. “Izzy’s told us--” She tried to add but was cut off.

"Told you? Told you what?" Misty asked defensively as she walked aside nervously.

Sunset raised an eyebrow at Misty’s behavior, seeing something strange about this unicorn.

"When did you say you got into Maretime Bay?" Zipp asked suspiciously to Misy, who turned to her in surprise.

"Oh I didn't––" Misty tried to reply, but then Zipp bombed her with questions.

"In town just for a visit or staying permanently?" Zipp asked, which made Misty feel uncomfortable.

Izzy then came between the two ponies as she gave Zipp a smile. “Zipp, Zipp, Zipp, Zipp.” She said as she placed a hoof on Zipp’s back. “Buddy, you’re hoofing it up the wrong hill here! You don't need to 'detective' her. Misty's our friend." She pointed out, while Zipp kept looking at Misty suspiciously. "Ooh! We're already way behind schedule." She said, going closer to the others. "Come on, 'unicorns'!" Izzy said, as she, Sunny and Pipp ran away giggling excitedly, while Misty gulped nervously and Zipp and Sunset followed behind, still feeling suspicious about the new unicorn.

“You feel suspicious about this too, huh Sunset?” Zipp asked Sunset next to her.

“I sure do. That unicorn is acting strange. But let’s think about it later. Izzy did put a lot of work into this sleepover.” Sunset said, while she’s suspicious about Misty herself, they gotta let Izzy have her fun since she planned this sleepover.

“Okay. But still. This is strange.” Zipp said, still feeling suspicious as she and Sunset followed the others.

At the kitchen's table, the girls were decorating fake unicorn horns with some of Izzy's crafting stuff, while Izzy was decorating her actual horn with some little pearls. Sunset just makes her fake her just for fun since she’s good at art.

After finishing with her horn, she made a little reverence to show it to the others, who exclaimed in awe at Izzy's decorated horn.

Pipp tried to put some glitter on the fake horn that she had on her mane, but the glitter bottle's lid fell, and the glitter fell in Pipp's chin, giving her a Glitter beard, which caused everyone - herself included - to laugh at it.

“You got yourself a glitter beard again, Pipp.” Sunset said through her laughs, which earned louder laughs from the rest of the girls, including Pipp of having a glitter beard before from her failed products she was making.

“Oh my glitter.” Pipp said with a smile, but seeing this as an upgrade compared to her last glitter beard since this one is a little small.

Later on, Izzy builded up a pillow fortress with pillows from the couches and the bedroom, putting a red flag at the top to finish it.

"Ta-dah!" Izzy said cheerfully, showing the tower to the others, who are awed at the pillow fort Izzy made.

Misty then put her pillow on the fortress, but it tilted before falling up completely. While the rest immediately moved aside, Izzy fell on one of the pillows, and the rest just laughed again at the scene.

Later, the group sat around the dinner table, with a board game on it that Izzy brought.

"So, how does this game work?" Sunny asked her.

"The rules of 'Dare the Mare' go..." Izzy started, then she took a deep breath and explained the rules quickly. "If a player spins the wheel and lands on an odd number then they dare the mare to do something fun, but if they land on an even number they dare the mare to do something funny and if their fun is too funny or funky too fun they go back and do it all over again!" She explained with a smile.

Sunny and Zipp looked at each other confused, Misty smiled nervously, Sunset had no idea of what she just heard since Izzy can really make up words as she goes.

“That’s a mouthful, Izzy.” Sunset commented on Izzy from saying those words without taking a breath.

Pipp, however, smiled nervously. "But that makes total sense." She said, then Izzy took a deep breath again and threw the board game away, almost hitting Sunny, Sunset and Zipp if it wasn't because they dodged it.

"Whoops. Explaining the rules took too long!" Izzy said cheerfully. “We've got to move on, party ponies!" She said, moving on to the next activity.

“Is anypony else think that Izzy is getting a little overboard than usual?” Sunset asked the others, who nodded in agreement as they followed Izzy to their next activity.

Now they were in the living room, with Sunny and Izzy sitting in front of each other on some pillows while Izzy held Sunny's hooves together and the others just looked.

"The art of hoof-reading has been in the Moonbow family for generations! It all started with Great-Great-Auntie Buttons." Izzy said with pride, while Misty looked around, and after checking no one was looking at her, she started to search for Sunny's lantern as quickly as she could. But once she got back to her initial position, Zipp and Sunset did looked at her, and both gave a suspicious look while Misty smiled nervously and looked back at Sunny and Izzy.

"Ooh! So interesting!" Misty said, while the rest, sins Zipp and Sunset, looked on with a smile.

“Something’s strange with that unicorn.” Sunset said as Zipp nodded in agreement.

Back at the dinner table, there were 5 tea cups and a kettle in the middle of the table.

"Tea time!" Izzy announced, as she gave a cup to each one of her friends. However, when she gave her cup to Misty, she drank some of it, and Izzy looked on with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "Uh... Misty?" She called out, while Misty stopped slurping. "Those tea leaves were for reading, not for drinking. Remember?" She said, while Misty put the drink back to the cup with a sheepish smile.

“Don’t worry. It happens to a lot of us. I didn’t get it the first time either until my friends Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy taught me.” Sunset said with a comforting smile, seeing that this pony didn’t know as Misty feels less embarrassed now, but then widen her eyes in shock when Sunset mentioned Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, having heard the tales and backstory from Opaline and that she mention that they helped her with the tea thing, which surprised Misty from that.

Later, there were some bowls with ponycorn and cups for each one of the mares.

"Ponycorn station!" Pipp sang excitedly at the ponycorns.

"Yum! Oh, thanks Izzy!" Sunny said with a smile.

“Great snacks!” Sunset added with a smile as well.

"Yeah!" Zipp added with a smirk.

Misty, however, grabbed one of the ponycorns and looked at it suspiciously. She then ate it, and if her eyes could turn into literal stars, they definitely would have right now. "This is the best things I've ever eaten in my entire life!" she exclaimed with joy.

While the mares just looked at her with smiles, except for Zipp who kept looking at her suspiciously and Sunset raised an eyebrow at Misty’s reaction as Pipp ate one of the ponycorns slowly.

Misty saw their reaction and realized what she said as quickly spoke again with a sheepish smile. “That I say every time I eat it ‘cause I eat it all the time. Or did when I lived in Bridlewood all the time.” She said quickly as she grabbed more ponycorns and tossed them into her mouth, trying to not draw suspicion since she hasn't lived in Bridlewood all her life so she doesn’t know the custom as she giggled nervously.

Zipp and Sunset are still suspicious about Misty as Sunset spoke.

“Well, if you love ponycorns that much, how about some apple pie that is being made in the oven.” Sunset said suspiciously as she pointed to the oven. “Granted, it’s not as good as Applejack’s and her family used to make, but it’s as close as I can get.” She added, having learned how to make apple pies from Applejack and her family half the time.

Misty widens her eyes again when Sunset mentions Applejack, having heard from Opaline as well and that Sunset knows her personally as she quickly smiles at Sunset. “Sure thing. I would try it.” She quickly said.

“Alright then.” Sunset said to Misty as the mares continued their activities.

Then, the mares sat down on the living room couches to watch a movie. You know, the usual sleepover thing. With Zipp, Sunset and Pipp sat together on the couch with Pipp having a bowl of ponycorn on her hooves and Sunny and Misty sitting on a couple of chairs while Izzy sat on the floor and held the TV mote.

"'Trotting Hill', a unicorn sleepover classic!" Izzy said cheerfully, then looked at the hour on her phone. "But we only have three minutes to move through, let's go!" she added, throwing her phone away and speeding up the movie.

"Don't you see, Salty?" A unicorn mare said in the movie.

"I'm just a unicorn standing in front of another unicorn, asking him to share with her!" Izzy repeated the line. "So romantic!" She said, once again speeding up the movie.

"If she’s another pony version of 'Twilight' mixed with ‘Pinkie’, I'm out of here." Sunset muttered with a bored expression, having seen this kind of schedule thing from Twilight, both human and pony when it comes to scheduling, and that if Izzy’s a combination of the two ponies since Izzy is like Pinkie, that’s a horrible combo mixed together, while Misty widen in shock again that Sunset mention Twilight, that name is really 100 percent familiar to her.

"Say Izzy, you think we can slow down a bit?" Sunny asked with a smile.

“Yeah. You’re speeding things way too much for us to enjoy.” Sunset pointed that Izzy is being too quick on this sleepover thing.

"Yeah, I've barely made a dent in my chocolate ponycorn!" Pipp pointed out, now holding the bowl of ponycorn they had before.

Misty smiled at the ponycorn widely as she spoke. “I’ll help you finish it!” She called out excitedly, really loving the ponycorns and wanting some more.

Izzy gasped at what she heard from her friends. “Slow down?" She asked, and got up so suddenly that her tail hit Misty and made her feel in the ground, while Pipp looked confused at Izzy. "If anything, we need to speed up!" She stated, now facing all of her friends. "If we don't do everything, it's jinxie!" She stated.

"Don't you think it's a little weird Misty's just as lost as us?" Zipp whispered to Sunset and Pipp at her side, while Sunset thought of this and Pipp just side smiled as she got close to Izzy. "She claims to have grown up in Bridlewood, but it's as if she's never even been there, guys." She said with suspicion.

“Uh, Zipp. Pipp went to Izzy.” Sunset said while pointing to the others, which Zipp followed her gaze and saw Pipp next to Izzy with Sunny as well.

"What's next, Izzy?" Sunny asked her, as Izzy had the list open for her, Sunny and Pipp to read it.

"'Ask an Amethyst'?" Pipp read a bid confused. "What's that?" She asked Izzy.

"You mean having conversations with your crystals is just a unicorn thing?" Izzy questioned with a smile as she turned to Sunset.

“Don’t look at me. Back in my day during ancient Equestria, unicorns didn't do that. Must be a new thing generations later. Besides, Rarity is a gem kinda unicorn, but she doesn’t talk to them.” Sunset pointed out since this never happened back in the old days and added Rarity who loved collecting gems, but never talked to them, which made Misty surprised to hear that from Sunset from hearing part of ancient Equestria and about Rarity and that Sunset knows of it.

“Whoa.” Izzy said in awed as she then turned to see Misty, who was eating from the ponycorn bowl. "Can you believe that, Misty?" She asked her about the thing with the crystals.

"Uh, totally. It's, um... What you said." Misty replied nervously, since she was too busy with the ponycorn that didn't pay attention to Izzy. "So, uh. Where's that little dragon from earlier?" She asked curiously. "Shouldn't he be enjoying the party as well?" She added.

"Oh, Sparky? Hitch is limiting the overnight dragon-sitting until he gets the hang of his dragon fire" Pipp explained.

"'Dragon fire', is that magical? Like your Cut–– our Cutie Marks?" Misty asked, while quickly making sure not to blow her cover.

"It's definitely something." Sunny said with a smile. “We’re not sure what yet.” She added.

"It can transform all sorts of stuff, though!" Pipp said cheerfully. "Even Cutie Marks." She added. “Just ask Sunny about the little Hitch Switch!" She said with a giggle.

Izzy, Pipp, Zipp and Sunset turned to Sunny with smirks on their faces. “Oh!" Sunny said, as she looked away from her friends with a blush and a nervous chuckle, never gonna forget that time anytime soon.

“Though it did make the two ponies understand each other.” Sunset commented with a smirk.

Misty then placed a hoof on her chin, having thoughts on the dragon fire that may be useful for Opaline.

Later on, the group gathered in the living room holding some crystals while Izzy cleared her throat.

"And now, for my favorite part–– Well, next to my favorite part and my other other favorite..." Izzy said, then took a deep breath and continued. "It's the sleepover sing-along!" She announced, then took another deep breath and somehow blew a note from the crystal. "We sing this all the time back in Bridlewood, even foals know it!" She pointed out with a smile.

"Well then, why don't you and Misty do it as a duet?" Zipp suggested. "Teach us together." She added with a very bad acted cheery tone.

“But leave me out of it. I have no idea what this sleepover sing-along is.” Sunset said, reminding them that she doesn’t know these things yet.

Izzy gasped and then looked at Misty. "Brilliant idea!" she stated, then she grabbed Misty and dragged her along to the front of the rest. "We'll jump into the chorus together, then you take the verse." she instructed Misty, while Zipp behind looked on as if she wanted Misty to fail.

Izzy started to sing, while Misty followed barely since she didn't know the song at all. While the rest were more focused about the crystals that started to float behind Izzy and Misty, Zipp looked at the last unicorn suspiciously.

Once Izzy stopped, Misty tried to follow up, however, she had to make up most of it since, again, she didn't grow up in Bridlewood. After she finished, Izzy looked down in disappointment, and she put the crystals back down.

"Oh... I guess we just learned different versions. That's okay..." Izzy said with a sad tone, walking away, while Zipp once again looked at Misty with suspicion. Sunset is suspicious about Misty as well, but seeing Izzy like that makes her feel sorry for the unicorn.

"I'm sorry we don't know a ton of unicorn stuff, Izzy." Sunny told her, approaching the mare. "But we're happy to learn!" She assured Izzy with a smile.

“I’m still new to this new unicorn custom since I’m still learning about the new unicorn ways, considering I used to be a unicorn myself.” Sunset said to Izzy, since she is still learning the new unicorn customs in this new age of Equestria, she gotta catch up with the times.

"And we're happy to do all the other things you had planned!" Pipp assured with a smile.

"It may just take us a while." Zipp added.

"Ah, thanks guys." Izzy said with a little smile. "Maybe we can continue the list and... I'll just sing the song by myself later." She added, feeling sad again, while Misty looked sheepishly and quietly walked away.

“No, no, no, no.” Pipp called out as the girls, sin Misty, came close to Izzy. “Of course not. I’ll sing it with you!” She said to Izzy, not wanting her to do this alone.

“Or maybe we can play another game together?” Sunny suggested.

“Or maybe watch a full movie together?” Sunset added.

“Oh!” Pipp called out. “What about that Unicorn tradition you mentioned where we all balance yarn balls on our heads and coin to the highest number we can think of?” She suggested.

“That’s something dolphins would do.” Sunset muttered from Pipp’s idea while Misty looked at the second floor and went upstairs, without anypony noticing.

Misty arrived at the bedrooms, and started to look around for Sunny's lantern on her section of the room, but she can’t seem to find the lantern.

“Where is that lantern?” Misty asked herself as she checked Sunny’s bed and found nothing, not realizing that the lantern was next to the otherside of Sunny’s bed, with Sunny’s saddle bag over it to keep it out of sight.

Misty then found the compact mirror she gave to Sunny on her birthday to spy on her and her friends. "Ooh! I can use this." She said with joy, then she grabbed the mirror and opened it. "Opaline? Opaline!" She called out, and after waiting for a few seconds, nothing happened. "Oh right. This thing doesn't work inside the Brighthouse." She said, remembering that the Unity Crystals had a spell that protected the Brighthouse from letting any spell or negative energy out.

Misty looked around for a window, then she arrived at Zipp's side of the room and opened the window, then poked her head out with the mirror on her hooves. "Opaline, I'm in!" She announced, as Opaline's face finally appeared in the mirror. "But no lantern. I did get some information about Sunset, but it will take too long to fill you in, so I’ll tell you later. What do I do next?" She asked her with worry.

"Ugh! Think, Misty!" Opaline scolded her. "There's got to be some way up to that glass room at the top. The lantern will be up there, with the Prisbeam!" She instructed her as Misty looked up at the Brighthouse where the rainbow was shooting out and where the Unity Crystals are. “Don’t come back without it! Then their power is ours.” She instructed lastly, then laughed maniacally, with Misty also delivered a very good maniac laugh, which impressed Opaline from this. “Oh, better, Misty. But it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t be a show-off.” She said as she ended the call.

Misty closed both the mirror and the window, then got back inside the Brighthouse and looked at the elevator. She got inside of it and looked at the button, then looked at her hoof and pressed the button, but the elevator did not move at all.

"Why isn't it working?" Misty asked herself with worry, as she got a few more tries. But then, an alarm rang and made Misty panic. "No! Shh! Shh, shh, shh! They'll find out––" She tried to shut the alarm off, but then two familiar figures showed up.

"Find what out?" Zipp asked first, looking at her with a little frown with Sunset next to her with a raised eyebrow.

"That, uh, I can't figure out this key pad to go up to the washroom! So embarrassing." Misty said with a nervous smile.

“Misty, that’s just the elevator to the roof to the Brighthouse. ” Sunset pointed out to Misty, wondering why she is at the elevator, apparently trying to get up but couldn’t since the button also acts like a hoof scanner, preventing anypony who isn’t the Mane 6 from going up the Brighthouse while protecting the Unity Crystals from being taken.

"You were trying to find the washroom in the elevator?" Zipp questioned again.

“You do know there’s no other room except the roof of the Brighthouse, right?” Sunset asked Misty, since it’s not hard to tell that the Brighthouse doesn't have an extra room up top, it’s not that hard to miss.

"No, but I thought–– Well, I thought I'd go look at the view first!" Misty replied nervously. "It's a fun Bridlewood tradition, which is probably why you two didn't know about it." She added with a nervous chuckle.

"First Bridlewood tradition we totally get!" Zipp replied with a smile while Sunset nodded in agreement. "I love awesome views. Maybe we'll take you up there to look some other time!" She stated, while Misty smiled sheepishly. "But the washroom is down there." She said, pointing to the floor with her head.

“Yeah, it’s just the door to the right from the bedroom, Misty.” Sunset added.

Misty scratched her neck sheepishly and walked away nervously. "Thanks, Zipp and Sunset. I'll be sure to take you both up on that." She added, walking away from the room.

Zipp and Sunset kept looking at her suspiciously as the two ponies walked off. “Zipp. I know that Misty is strange but to be fair, she does remind me of Fluttershy when she gets confused, and I'm not surprised if anypony is.” Sunset said to Zipp, while she is having strange feelings from Misty, she can understand how unfamiliar the unicorn is being in a new place.

“But Sunset, something is strange, it’s like she doesn’t know much about the Bridlewood traditions that Izzy mentioned.” Zipp pointed out.

“Neither do we. And I’m a unicorn myself.” Sunset countered. “But this is Izzy’s first sleepover in Maretime Bay and we don’t want to cause problem of it.” She said, not wanting to hurt Izzy’s feelings. “While I still have my suspicions about Misty, Zipp, but we want what’s best for Izzy and not ruin something she had planned for.” She reasoned to Zipp, while she knows Misty is strange as well, this is Izzy’s special time, and it shouldn’t be ruined.

Zipp looked at Sunset a bit before sighing to herself, no argument to that as they walked out of the bedroom.

Back at the living room, the mares gathered their respective sleeping bags. Sunny was in the middle of Zipp and Pipp, while Sunset was at Sunny's side and Izzy was in the middle of Zipp and Misty.

"Well, that was fun, but I guess it's over now." Izzy said a bit sad, as she settled herself on her sleeping bag. "Good night, everypony." She added.

"I'm not that sleepy." Sunny confessed to Izzy with a smile, having a plan to cheer Izzy up.

“I’d be up all night and still have enough energy, so I'm not sleepy yet.” Sunset added, seeing Sunny’s plan while looking at Pipp, who is laying down on her sleeping bag, almost falling asleep. “Are you, Pipp?” She asked the young pegasus.

Then after hearing Sunset, Pipp suddenly stood up and looked around quickly. "Oh! No, no! I'm..." She yawned before continuing talking. "I'm really fired up for more fun actually." She said tiredly with a smile.

"Ah! Let's tell stories!" Sunny suggested with a smile.

That was enough to cheer Izzy up. "Sunny! How did you know we do that at a unicorn sleepover?!" She asked genuinely surprised.

“That’s one tradition we do here, too.” Sunny pointed out with a smile as she pulled out a flashlight and turned it on.

“It’s common in every sleepover, Izzy.” Sunset added with a smile.

"Woo!" Izzy cheered, as she sat down on her sleepover and the rest just looked at her with smiles.

"This is the true story of the Guardians of Harmony and the beginning of Equestria..." Sunny announced with a bright smile.

“Awesome!” Sunset said, having told them the true story of Twilight and her friends of their history and from Sunny’s notes as well from Sunset’s notebook as well along with Twilight herself after coming back by using the necklace before, happy to tell stories about her friends and their history to keep the true legends alive.

"Ah... I love this story" Pipp said with a smile, as she clapped her hooves to take the lights off as the mares listened to Sunny.

Sunny and Sunset looked at each other, wanting to know who gets to tell this story. Sunset smiled at Sunny. “Go ahead, Sunny. You tell the story this time.” She said to Sunny.

“Thanks, Sunset.” Sunny said to Sunset with a smile as she faced her friends as she held a flashlight closer and started to tell the story of Equestria, moons before ponykind split apart for years. "Once upon a time, there was a very special unicorn. A bright unicorn, as bright as the sun! One day, she was summoned by the princess for an assignment: to learn about friendship." She started to tell the story. "She moved to Ponyville and met earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi who became her best friends! Together, they taught the power of unity and how to live in harmony to everypony in Equestria." She told her friends.

“Here comes the next part.” Sunset said to the other, knowing what comes next.

"But then one day, a magical accident happened." Sunny kept telling, which made Pipp lift her head up, since she was almost falling asleep. "An earth pony got hurt by a unicorn. Everypony started fighting with each other! The princess, wanting to protect her kingdom and all of the ponies in it, decided to put all magic into three crystals before it got out of hoof. After that, earth ponies only felt safe with other earth ponies; unicorns and unicorns; and pegasi of a feather flock together. The ponies galloped, trotted and flew as far as they could with their crystals, settling at what would become Zephyr Heights, Bridlewood and Maretime Bay. And that's where they lived forever... until now!" She finished the story with a smile.

"Wait, but that's not the true story at all!" Misty said suddenly with a frown.

"Yes it is." Sunny said with a smirk. "We pieced together the crystal part ourselves! Literally." She added with a little giggle.

“And not only that, I happened to know Twilight well enough to know.” Sunset said, which made Misty confused as to why she said that. “Especially since I returned to help turn Equestria back to the way it was, with a few upgraded magic along the way.” She added, having seen new magic like Earth Pony magic along the way.

Misty kept frowning, and pulled out a flashlight too. "You were right about magic being in Equestria at the beginning. But most of it came from another pony, who wasn't a pony at all, but an Alicorn Queen!" she started to tell her version of the story, since this was probably the distorted version Opaline told her. "Her magic was too powerful, they were jealous of her ability and wanted it all for themselves! So the Princess stole all the magic from the Queen, and hid it away somehow, then the Princess put an enchanted invisi-bubble around Equestria so the powerful Alicorn Queen could never find the magic or the kingdom of ponies, again!" She told the others, which made them confused, especially Sunset since that’s not how it goes. “The Queen was left alone, with only a shadow left of her strength and power" Misty kept telling her story. "All while the other ponies created towns built with her stolen magic!" She finished telling her story.

Zipp clapped her hooves to turn the lights on, as she also stared at Misty with a frown. "Who told you that?" she asked her.

"Uh–– Nopony!" Misty lied, looking around nervously. "Ah, you know, I may have made some of it up." She added with a nervous laugh.

“Yeah, but that’s not how it goes. I should know. Because Twilight Sparkle was my friend.” Sunset said, which made Misty widen her eyes in shock. “I’ve known Twilight since she helped me see how strong the magic of friendship is, and since then, she taught me to keep believing in that magic, no matter how dire it is.” She said while smiling at the memories she and Twilight had. “Twilight would never do things like that, and she always believes in friendship no matter what happens. Heck, when I returned to Equestria, not only did I find out so much has changed, but to realize Twilight and the Guardians of Harmony are now long time legends, and what’s worse, Twilight’s legacy was destroyed when I tried to visit her. I was lost and so alone. But once I met Sunny and the others, we worked together to bring back that legacy and that magic, and as a Guardian of Harmony myself, we are going to protect this legacy, my friend Twilight’s legacy.” She finished with a determined look while the other mares, sin Misty, smiled with Sunset in agreement.

Misty however, gives a shock look as she puts the pieces about Sunset together after what the Alicorn just said, seeing how she knew so well about Twilight and the Guardians of Harmony and the true history of Equestria as well as her being an Alicorn, she is a friend of THE Twilight Sparkle, a member of the Guardians of Harmony.

"'True', 'Made-up', what difference does it make?" Izzy said cheerfully to the others. “Each story was great!" Izzy said with a smile. "Specially that Alicorn Queen part, Misty. Ah! So creative! So epic! Got any more?" She asked her cheerfully as she got close to Misty with a smile.

"Yeah." Sunny agreed with Izzy with a smile.

“That was creative.” Sunset said, finding that story suspicious but no surprise since Twilight’s legacy was covered with a lot of lies and rumors in Equestria and magic was still gone and ponies were divided.

"So... is this like an old Bridlewood pony's tale or...?" Pipp asked, lying with her front legs.

"I've never heard it, but maybe that's just my own corner of the community" Izzy suggested, while Misty just nodded with a nervous smile. "Where did you say you grew up exactly, Misty?" she asked, which caused Misty to panic again.

"Yeah, where did you grow up, Misty?" Zipp asked her with suspicion.

"Uh, nowhere! And nopony! And I... probably gotta get going to get back right about now. Bye!" Misty quickly said, running towards the exit since she felt cornered.

"Wait, Misty! You can't leave, this party is all just for you!" Izzy said, running to the door, but Misty already left and closed the doors behind her.

The others just looked on with worry at both Izzy and Misty as Zipp then felt guilty as she approached Izzy. "Hey, I didn't mean anything by all my questions. I was just... trying to get to the bottom of things and figure out the real truth." She said with concern.

"The truth?" Izzy asked a bit mad at Zipp, slowly looking at her. "You wanna know the truth, Zipp? My first sleepover in Maretime Bay has been a complete and total Jinx-a-thon!" She said with sadness, walking away from Zipp, who looked down with low ears and guilty. "That means 'failure'!" Izzy added quickly before walking away.

Sunset then looked at Zipp when she spoke. “What did I tell you, Zipp? Will it kill ya to not keep getting your detective side out?!” She asked while Zipp kept her head down in guilt as Sunset sighs. “Look, I was having that strange feeling of Misty myself, but I learned the hard way that you must get to know them better before you jump to conclusions and be suspicious about them. I did something similar like that and it nearly cost me my friends. And I kept it to myself because even though I know this is Izzy’s first sleepover with her friends, and yet you keep getting your suspicions out every 5 seconds that Misty said something. I know you want the real truth but you can at least get to know somepony before you think of them as some kind of spy when we hardly know Misty at all when we just got to know her. And yet you ruined Izzy’s sleepover because of your detective side.” She said to Zipp.

Twilight then popped up out of the necklace as she gave a look at Zipp as well. “Sunset’s right, Zipp. You should've gotten to know Misty better before you think that they are hiding something when you hardly know that pony who you just met.” She said to Zipp while also putting on a guilt look. “I felt the same way when I found out Starlight made Trixie her friend and I tried to convince her that she was bad news, only to realize a mistake I made that almost crushed both their friendships if I had put more trust in Starlight instead of holding a grudge of the past of not knowing something about Trixie I didn’t know before.” She said, remembering that day when she didn’t trust Trixie to be Starlight’s friend, a mistake she made that nearly cost friendship to both of them if she hadn’t let her grudge get in the way.

Zipp looked at both Sunset and Twilight as she sighs. “I just wanted to find out the truth so bad, I didn’t realize that I ruined Izzy’s first sleepover.” She said in a guilt tone.

Sunset places a comforting hoof on Zipp. “We all want to find the truth, Zipp. But our friends come first, and then foremost. I’m as suspicious about Misty myself, but like I said, we need to get to know her better before jumping to conclusions and hurting other pony’s feelings.” She said as she learned that the hard way as Twilight nodded in agreement, knowing that feeling as well as Zipp nodded her head in understanding.

Minutes later, Izzy started to pack up everything they used for the sleepover with frustration and sadness. "Party's over, ponies." she announced with grief.

"But we don't have to start cleaning just yet, Izzy." Sunny told her with a smile, while she and the rest came closer to her. "I know this didn't go as you planned, but the night is still young!" She pointed out.

"Yeah! We can still have more fun!" Pipp added with a smile.

“We can do more stories and games.” Sunset added with a smile as well.

However, Izzy sighed in defeat and turned around to face her friends. "That's really sweet of you all to say, but it isn't just Misty leaving. This isn't a real celebratory sleepover without being in Bridlewood anyway." She said with sadness, sitting on the ground with her hind hooves crossed. "I just wish I could lay on the ground and stare up at the big branches of Bridlewood trees rustling above me." She said, looking at the ceiling with a nostalgic smile, that quickly faded away when she looked down and grabbed one of the fake horns from before. "It's what I always did when I felt 'unsparkly'." She added, while the rest just looked at her with sad expressions. "I mean, I love living in the Bay with all you guys." She told them, which caused her friends to smile a little. "But sometimes I miss my unicorn stuff so much! And I thought having Misty here would help." She confessed with sadness as she moved the box.

“Is it because you're the only unicorn, other than me since I wasn’t born in Bridlewood, who didn’t have any friends before and you were so alone that you did anything unicorn related when you're the only unicorn of this era in the group?” Sunset summarizes what Izzy is saying since she is the only unicorn in their era of Equestria in the Mane 6 who knows her traditions in her home tribe town.

Izzy sighs a bit. “Yes.” She answered Sunset’s question, hitting the bullseye from that.

The others felt bad for Izzy as Sunset then thought of something as she whispered into Sunny’s ear, who smiled at her idea and nodded in agreement as they all approached Izzy. "So, what exactly do you miss about Bridlewood? Be specific." Sunny asked Izzy with a smile.

Izzy looked at them with a bright smile. "Do you really wanna hear?" She asked with a smirk and a couple of cute blinks, while the rest just nodded. "Are you sure? The list is longer than the lyrics to my 'Unicorn sleepover sing along song.'" She warned with a smile.

"Oh... Then I'm gonna have to get comfortable." Zipp started with a smile, as she sat on the dinner table and the rest did the same.

"Tell us everything even if it takes all night and into the next day!" Sunny stated.

“So lay it on us, Izzy.” Sunset said with a smile.

Izzy then took a deep breath and started to explain all her list. “Well… I miss the Jinxie dances! Horseshoe games! Sparkle seasons with hot chili peppermint honeysuckle iced teas! The critter contest! The bunnicorns! The Wishiehoofs! The bongo beat poetry! Learning how to hold my breath for long stretches so we can excitedly exclaim long lists like this one that I’m exclaiming now!” She all said in one breath as she took a deep breath.

At the Community Garden, Misty was walking back and forth nervously.

"I have to go, I have to get out of here. I've already said too much!" Misty cried out to herself in panic. "But I can't just leave! Not without that lantern!" She pointed out in worry. "But if I go back, they'll ask me more questions and expose my lies! And that Sunset Shimmer is actually from ancient Equestria and is a Guardian of Harmony! That’s shocking, even for me! And I doubt Opaline knows this as well since she was curious about Sunset as well!" She said in panic. "Unless I sneak past them and bypass the elevator with somepony else's hoof." she stated with a confidence that left as fast as it came. "But whose? And how?!" She asked herself as she started to chuckle nervously. "Is it too late to tell those ponies that I was just kidding?" She added, again chuckling nervously.

Back at the Brighthouse, Izzy kept telling her list of things she missed about Bridlewood.

“Oh! Fuzzy pops in the summer! Funky horn fashions in the Fall! Lighting the Glowpaz stones on each day of the Wishiehoof holidays!” Izzy kept going on the list.

“Psst, Zipp!” Sunny whispers to Zipp while Izzy is lost in the list zone. “Can you distract Izzy while we redecorate a little?” She asked Zipp to keep Izzy going.

“Yeah. We have an idea for her.” Sunset whispered as well.

“Sure! But I don't think my help is gonna be necessary" Zipp said with a smile, knowing that it won’t be a problem.

Sunny and Sunset turned to Pipp. “Come on. It’s time to bring in a little bit of Bridlewood to the Brighthouse.” Sunny said to Pipp.

“This will bring Izzy happiness up high.” Sunset added as she and the two mares sneaked quietly away from Izzy, who was too distracted looking at the ceiling as she kept listing everything she missed from Bridlewood.

“Glow-horn-hats! Staring at the sky-crystals shooting across a shimmering, starry sky!!” Izzy kept listing off the things she missed.

Later on, after redecorating Izzy's side of the bedroom to look more like Bridlewood, at least based on everything Izzy told so far, Pipp and Zipp were leading Izzy, who was walking backwards as she kept listing things she missed from Bridlewood while Sunset and Sunny are behind them.

“Crunchy unicorn cakes! Sweat, salty horn-shaped strudel! Knitting scarves for armadillos in the winter!” Izzy kept going as the two sisters spread out to give Izzy some space.

"Okay, stop listing things Izzy, because one, two... Surprise!" Sunny told her, then Izzy turned around and stared in awe at the decoration of her side of the bedroom: some crystals were hanging on wires; some others were around on the ground; even one of her crafts from La Vila Izzy was there.

“Ahh!” Izzy said in awed at seeing all the comforts of Bridlewood in her bed sections. “What is all this stuff?" Izzy asked with disbelief and at the edge of tears.

"It's all the stuff you said you missed from Bridlewood!" Sunny said with a cheery smile. "Give or take a couple horn-shaped strudels." She pointed out.

“Yeah. The list was so long, we couldn’t get everything from it but it’s better than nothing.” Sunset said with a smile.

"Now you can lay down and look up at the branches, just like home." Pipp told her with a smile.

"I-I can't believe it..." Izzy confessed, still at the edge of tears. "You guys did all of this just as I was talking?" She asked her friends.

"Well, to be fair, you had a lot to say." Zipp pointed out with a smile.

“Yeah. And it’s surprising how you speak that long, but it gave us enough time to get it done.” Sunset added with a smile.

Izzy got closer to Sunny's lantern, which had a crafted cardboard around. "Oh! This is some pretty impressive unicycling, too!" She said cheerfully. "Huh! Maybe you all have a bit of Unicorn in you, after all." she said with a grin. “Aside from you, Sunset. Of course.” She said to Sunset since she was a unicorn.

“Well, art is a skill, a skill that everpony can do with a little practice.” Sunset said with a smile.

Izzy smiled at that before she saw something else that made her gasp behind her friends. “Hey, Misty, you're back!" She cheered.

"Uh, yeah" Misty replied, a bit nervous. “I was a bit hungry so I thought, maybe I'll go out to the garden and harvest glimmerberries. But I ate all by myself, which is why I don’t have any right now" She lied with a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, I'm just so glad you are back." Izzy told her with a smile, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I hope you know how welcome you are here! Look!" She said, pointing at the decorations. "Doesn't it remind you so much of our sweet little hometown?" She asked her with a bright smile.

"Uh..." Misty got nervous again as she smiled before replying to Izzy. "Yes! It's like I'm transported back in time." She said, looking around at the decorations with a smile. "It's actually... pretty incredible." She suddenly stopped to stare at Sunny's lantern, with Sunset raising an eye at her why he is interested in Sunny’s lantern all of a sudden.

Later, the mares gathered their sleeping bags in the same order from before.

Izzy got on her bed with a laugh as she held out a lantern while exclaiming. “Hear, hear! I, Izzy Moonbow of the Bridlewood Moonbows hereby start the Unicorn sleepover ceremonies again!” She declared with a smile.

Sunny then smirked as she spoke. “Should we start with another Unicorn song?” She asked knowingly to Izzy.

“I’ll count us in. A five, six, seven, eight!” Pipp called out, but before they started to sing, Izzy spoke.

“Oh, we don’t have to.” Izzy suddenly said.

“We insist!” Sunny called out with a smile as her friends smiled at Izzy as well.

“Yeah, Izzy. It’s for you!” Sunset added with a smile.

“Really?” Izzy happily asked. “Do you know the words to this one?” She asked her friend.

“I mean, we don’t.” Zipp admittedly said on behalf of her and the others.

“But we can definitely try!” Pipp said encouragingly.

“Doesn’t hurt to try something new rather than not try at all.” Sunset added.

“Okay!” Izzy answered as she took a deep breath as she got off her bed as she sang. “Glow your horns and glitter your hooves the Unicorn song! Hug your pony friends and have them sing-a-along!” She sang.

The mares then tried to follow Izzy on her sleepover song again. “Grow some corn and fritter your hooves the Unicorn song! Bug your pony friends and make them smash a gong!” They all sang wrong, clearly not getting the lyrics right since they don’t know it.

However, it ended up in laughs this time as the mares laughed from that mistake as Izzy flopped on the floor in laughter.

“‘Smash a gong!’” Izzy cried out in laughter from that, finding it funny. “I actually love that lyric!” She cheered, earning more laughs from her friends as they were having a good time.

At the end, the mares are sleeping peacefully in their bags. Izzy slept on her bed, Sunset slept next to Sunny, Sunny slept hugging her lantern, Zipp was sleeping peacefully on her bag and Pipp slept next to the other side of Sunny while snoring.

Misty, on the other hand, quietly walked away to Sunny's side of the room and opened the window to talk with Opaline through the Alicorn mirror.

"What took you so long?! Did you find it and found out more information about Sunset?" Opaline asked with a frown.

"I tried Opaline, but this plan has been, well, more difficult than we originally anticipated." Misty explained, while Opaline just rolled her eyes in annoyance. "But don't worry! Though I haven't picked the lantern per se, I have gathered plenty of info about their new magic and some shocking news about Sunset!" She added with a smile, which caught Opaline's attention. "Well, they believe a completely different story about the origin of Equestria. Oh! And they told me all about dragon fire and how it changes Cutie Marks!" She added. "Also, we did a hoof-reading and ate ponycorn and did horn decorating and––" She added, but then Opaline cut her off.

"Hold on, Misty. 'Horn decorating'? 'Ponycorn'? and 'hoof-reading’? Did you have fun with these ponies? " Opaline scolded her.

“No, no. Of course not!” Misty lied, not wanting Opaline to know that she was off track of the mission. “It was strategic hoof-reading for gathering intel!" Misty assured Opaline. “But seriously, have you ever tried ponycorn before? Because it's the best!" She added excitedly, really loving the ponycorns, then quickly corrected herself. "I mean, the best way to trick the ponies into thinking I'm one of their friends!" She assured Opaline. "I'm telling you, they were gabbing, I was grubbing" She added not noticing that Zipp and Sunset woke up a bit sleepy as she then got serious. “But Opaline, I did find out something about Sunset that you should know. And I’m serious about this one.” She said to Opaline, which got her attention at how serious Misty just gotten

“Really? What is it?” Opaline asked in curiosity with a raised eyebrow.

“I just found out that Sunset Shimmer is a pony from Ancient Equestrian times, when Twilight Sparkle and the Guardians of Harmony was around!” Misty pointed out, which made Opaline widen her eyes in shock. “And not only that, but she was actually a friend of THE Twilight Sparkle, your hated enemy that stopped you all those moons ago. That’s why you felt something familiar of her and why she’s an alicorn and mentor to Sunny and the other ponies when she told the true history of Equestria, she’s a Princess of Friendship herself and knows Twilight Sparkle very well because Twilight was her friend, she’s a Guardian of Harmony.” She explained, as Opaline is stunting in shock at this discovery.

“This Sunset Shimmer is a Guardian of Harmony? I thought they were all wiped out years ago.” Opaline said in shock, and a little scared that there is still a Guardian of Harmony, her ancient enemy, still around, and is with Sunny and the others, teaching them the ways of Twilight's lessons and legacy. “Is this true, Misty?” She asked, wanting to make sure she heard right.

“100 percent, Opaline. Sunset said it herself.” Misty answered, confirming Opaline’s question.

“And this is something that needs to be planned out. Keep tricking them and gather more intel while trying to grab that lantern, but don’t let Sunset notice you, if she finds out about our plans since she’s a Guardian of Harmony herself, she could be proven as a threat if she knows about our plans.” Opaline instructed Misty, while also adding to make sure she stays low when Sunset is there, now knowing that she’s a Guardian of Harmony, she could foil their plans if she finds out.

“Don’t worry, Opaline.” Misty said. “We were getting our top secret info that will take us to the next level, Opaline! Promise!" she assured she ended the call.

Even though Sunset and Zipp didn’t hear everything, they did look at Misty with suspicion once again.

“Something’s strange about that Unicorn. But I gotta keep it slow and find out more about her without jumping to conclusions. I gotta find some more information about Misty.” Sunset whispered tiredly to herself, going to have to watch Misty after hearing a bit of what she said, even though it wasn’t enough, it was enough to keep an eye on her to find out more.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 6:

Chapter 2 Ep 7: Hoof Done It?

Chapter 2 Ep 7: Hoof Done it?

Outside the Crystal Brighthouse, at night, Misty sneaked out with Sunny's lantern on a bag that she managed to sneakily get.

Misty managed to reach the Community Garden, but as she tried to walk quietly, she tripped with a shovel, and the bag with the lantern fell with a loud thud.

Inside the Brighthouse's bedroom, Zipp woke up on her bed, and looked around. Every mare was on their respective beds, although Izzy was completely covered on her blankets, but aside from that, everything seemed normal. Zipp yawned, and then walked over to the window at her side. She opened it, and then saw something in the Community Garden.

"Huh?" Zipp exclaimed, as she was pretty sure she saw a figure ducking to hide from her. "Ugh, is somepony down there?" She asked, but since she didn't hear nor saw anything out of normal, she yawned and looked on tiredly. "I must be dreaming." she said to herself, closing the window.

The next day, Zipp woke up with a stretch of her front hooves and her wings, as she flew out of her bed and got over her desk.

"Morning, Investigation board. Morning, Rad-Visor." Zipp said to her detective spot, then she walked away. "Morning–– Lantern?!" She exclaimed with panic, noticing that the lantern was not in its place. "It's... It-It's gone!" She yelled with panic.

At the main floor, Sunny was making pancakes for breakfast with Sunset’s, when Zipp suddenly arrived and startled them.

"Hope is gone!" Zipp yelled, landing accidentally on the plate with pancakes and spreading them around.

"What?!" Sunny asked with panic as well.

“What did you just say, Zipp?!” Sunset called out in a panic as well.

"I mean the 'Hope Lantern'!" Zipp corrected herself with worry. "It's not in its case... And it's not here with you!" She said with panic. "Which means it's missing, which means I gotta find it! It could already be too late." She added, flying around in a panicked state. "Did you know that the first few hours after a crime are critical for clues?" She asked Sunny and Sunset, still flying around until Sunny stopped her.

"Zipp, wait!" Sunny said, as Zipp finally stopped in front of her. "I'm sure I just left the lantern somewhere in the Brighthouse." She assured her with a smile.

“Could be. Sunny usually leaves it somewhere out of place when she uses it and sometimes forgets where it is.” Sunset said, knowing how close Sunny is with her father’s lantern.

“Yeah.” Sunny answered, usually she does leave it somewhere.

"Oh. Cool, cool, cool" Zipp said, still not convinced about the lantern being around. "But just to be sure..." She added.

Zipp started to look all around the Brighthouse. She checked out the living room first, where she found Pipp’s fan, which earned a groan as she looked through the furniture, then Izzy's crafting spot, which she found a bobble head pony that she groans again, even the Critter Corner, but the lantern was not there.

Sunset checked through the Brighthouse’s closets to find the lantern, but no such luck when she didn’t see the lantern in any of them. “Dang. Nothing.” Sunset said as she closed the last closet.

Sunny, on the other hoof, was looking for the lantern around her side of the bedroom, but she didn't find it there either.

"You were right. It's nowhere! Oh..." Sunny said with sadness, and then she started to run around with panic as well. "How can my special lantern be nowhere? Oh, this is bad. This is really bad!" she exclaimed, suddenly stopping in front of Zipp and Sunset and grabbing Zipp’s cheeks. "Besides the Unity Crystals, that lantern is the most important thing in the Brighthouse! It contains magic Prisbeam power! What are we going to do?" She questioned with worry.

“Calm down, Sunny.” Sunset spoke as she placed a comforting hoof on Sunny’s back. “We’ll find the lantern. We just have to keep looking.” She said to Sunny, knowing how much she cared for the lantern since it was made by her father.

"And there’s only one thing to do." Zipp said with a smile. She then put on all of her detective gear, like a little drone on her bag and her Z-Goggles. "Detective Zipp on the case!" she stated, flying out of the bedroom while Sunny just looked on with a smile while Sunset shook her head in amusement.

“Sometimes I always find Zipp going into ‘detective’ mode can be pretty amusing sometimes whenever there is a mystery to solve.” Sunset said with a smile, finding it funny that Zipp goes into detective mode from time to time.

After Sunset said that, the necklace around her neck opened as Twilight appeared with a cheery smile. “Yeah. She kinda reminds me of Rarity when she goes detective things. Hehehe. But Rarity does this in a fashion way while Zipp really looks around. I think this is considered an upgrade compared to Rarity and from during the train car sweet incidents from Pinkie on the way to Canterlot.” Twilight said with a chuckle, having seen Rarity do detective work from time to time and from how Pinkie tried to pawn somepony at the treats during the train trip to Canterlot, but Twilight had to help her piece it together because, you know, it was Pinkie after all.

Sunny and Sunset then laughed a bit with Twilight after hearing that, having heard the tales of those before, still finding it funny.

Sunset stopped laughing as she gave a smile to Sunny. “Don’t worry, Sunny. Your lantern will be found. With Zipp, she finds it in no time. But I’ll go with her to help find it quickly, sometimes her detective side can be overboarding when she gets into it.” Sunset said, while also pointing out that Zipp can tend to do things overboard while looking for some answers and solving a mystery, remembering the time when she lost her sunglasses when they were on her bed the whole time.

Sunny chuckled, knowing that way too well. “Thanks, Sunset. I appreciated it.” She said with a smile.

“Anytime. I’ll catch you around when we find it.” Sunset said as she flew out the bedroom to catch up with Zipp to help find Sunny’s lantern.

Meanwhile, Zipp was looking around the Brighthouse for Sunny's lantern with her detective gear, Sunset caught up to her and told her that she will help find it, which she agrees all too well..

Zipp scanned some pillows and furniture, while her little drone scanned Cloudpuff, who barked at the weird machine.

Sunset looked around carefully as she searched through rooms to rooms to make sure she didn’t miss anything.

Zipp then opened the fridge and found a chomped green apple. "Oh yeah, there was definitely some kind of fiend in this house!" Zipp stated. "I mean, who does this?!" She asked herself, pointing at the chomped apple back in the fridge.

Zipp closed the fridge soon enough, but then Izzy came by and opened the fridge again to grab the fruit. "Oh! The rest of my apple!" She said cheerfully, grabbing it and chomping it again, while Zipp and Sunset behind looked at her with bored expressions as Izzy closed the fridge again. "So good!" She said cheerfully.

“Should’ve known that was Izzy’s apple. Matter of fact, it makes sense and not surprising that it was Izzy.” Sunset said, not surprised if Izzy did that.

“Yeah.” Zipp said in agreement, should’ve seen that coming as well.

Soon enough, Zipp and Sunset returned to the bedroom to see if they missed something.

Sunset checked the drawers, only to find nothing. “I got nothing. What about you Zipp?” She asked the Pegasus.

Zipp flew around the room, until she saw something. "Ha! Found something, Sunset!" She exclaimed, flying over Sunny's night stand at her bed's side, with Sunset heading next to her, and scanning the outline on it with her goggles. "Just as I suspected, this outline is the exact diameter of the lantern's base!" She said, landing on the ground and pulling her Z-Goggles aside.

“Good eye, Zipp.” Sunset said, really finding Zipp looking for clues was great.

"Thanks. And what's this?" Zipp questioned as she and Sunset are looking at the outline and Zipp grabbing a bit to lick it. "Dirt! Hmm. The same kind of dirt that's used in the Community Garden. Interesting..." She stated, then she realized something. "Did I just taste dirt?" She questioned, then coughed from disgust.

Sunset chuckled from that. “You could’ve just looked at it closely and seen the resemblance, because there are some things you don’t want to taste, Zipp.” She said with a chuckle.

“Thanks for the advice.” Zipp said in a bored tone, making a note of that part of being a detective. However, she realized there was a trail of dirt hoof prints on the floor. “Looks like our thief left a trail behind.” She said, pointing at the trail.

Sunset saw it and was confused. “How did we miss that?” She questioned, wondering how they miss that while looking for the lantern.

“Maybe we were distracted searching for the lantern, come on.” Zipp said as she and Sunset decided to follow the dirt trail.

Meanwhile, at the main floor, Pipp was dancing around as she sang to herself. "So put your hooves up high, 'Cause we're feeling alright. Everyday is awesome in the Mare––" She sang, but then before she could make another step, Zipp and Sunset arrived and Zipp stopped her.

“Wait! Don't take another step" Zipp instructed.

Pipp decided to fly instead, although she was confused. "What are you doing?" She asked Zipp.

"This is an active crime scene!" Zipp said, pointing at the floor.

“A crime of theft just happened, Pipp. And Zipp wants to solve the case. I’m just helping her out.” Sunset explained to Pipp to help her understand.

“And I can’t have you contaminating the evidence." Zipp added with a frown.

"A real-life mystery?!" Pipp asked her with a smile, and then gasped excitedly. "What's the crime?" She asked them again.

"Sunny's lantern has gone missing." Zipp explained with worry.

At this, Pipp just gasped dramatically. "I am shook! How can I help?" She asked with a little smile.

"No help needed! I've got this investigation under control, but you can help Sunset search around." Zipp assured with a confident smile. Then, she flew over to the open doors and took a closer look to them, also pulling out her phone. "No sign of forced entry." She registered on her phone.

Pipp and Sunset, however, just looked at her working, and then Pipp gasped excited. "Your Cutie Mark!" She said, since Zipp's Cutie Mark was shining bright because Zipp was doing what she does best. "Wow, I guess you really do have this under control!" She said with a smile and a little giggle. "Well, I should just leave you to it then, Detective!" She stated.

“You could help me check outside, Pipp. See if we can find anything suspicious.” Sunset suggested. “Besides, it will help us cover more grounds.” She said, seeing that splitting up to cover more grounds will be finding the lantern quickly.

“Sure thing Sunset.” Pipp said with a smile as she and Sunset flew close to the door as Zipp looked at her sister. "Have fun!" She sang, before leaving entirely the Brighthouse while Zipp kept with her research.

Outside the Brighthouse, Pipp hummed to herself and landed on the Community Garden with Sunset looking around to see if there was something strange to find Sunny’s lantern. Pipp took a selfie with one of the flowers, but just when she turned around, she tripped with a bag buried in the dirt.

"Ah! What in the hay?!" Pipp exclaimed both mad and confused.

“You okay, Pipp?” Sunset asked in concern.

“Yeah. I just trip on something.” Pipp answered as she and Sunset took a closer look at the bag and grabbed it, then she shook it until something fell with a thud on the ground: Sunny's lantern. "Lantern! What are you doing out here?!" She said, grabbing the lantern and blowing it to get some of the dust away.

“That’s strange. What’s a lantern be doing in the garden while in a bag in a whole to bury it?” Sunset asked as she looked at the whole that was dug recently. “That’s suspicious that it could be here, but at least Sunny’s lantern is found and safe.” She said with a small smile, going to have to think of who dug this hole to try to bury the lantern later, but for now, Sunny’s gonna be happy to know that her lantern is found.

"Aw, yay. Zipp will be so excited you aren't missing after all!" Pipp said with a smile, hugging the lantern and she and Sunset then started flying back to the Brighthouse.

“And Sunny will be happy as well.” Sunset with a smile.

However, once they arrived at the Brighthouse door, they looked at Zipp flying around, focused on finding the lantern, and also, her Cutie Mark was shining more than ever, so she felt bad for ruining the fun for her sister.

"Aww... But she already looks so happy!" Pipp said with a smile, then got out once again, and looked at the lantern a bit concerned. "If I give it to her, her fun will be over." she said, putting the lantern down.

“But Sunny is worried for the lantern, Pipp. You know how attached she is to it since it was made by her father.” Sunset pointed out, knowing that Sunny is still worried for the lantern since it was her father’s, one of the things left behind to remember him.

“I know, Sunset. But I can’t make Zipp lose her detective zone since she is happy while doing it. And I know I can’t make Sunny feel worried for the lantern either.” Pipp said, not wanting to make her sister and friend feel this way as she then got an idea. "I guess the lantern doesn't need to be found right now." She added with a smile, grabbing the lantern again and flying back to the place where she found the lantern initially.

Sunset followed Pipp, still not sure of this. “Pipp. You can’t just hide the lantern again just like that. Sunny is really worried that she might do something extreme just to find it. I’m sure Zipp will understand.” She tried to reason, not convinced to let Pipp hide the lantern like that just to keep Zipp happy while Sunny is still worried.

“I know, Sunset. But please, it will only be quick. Zipp will find out the lantern if she follows my tracks. I will make her think they are clues, she will find the lantern and she will grab it back and give it to Sunny once it is found, then both ponies will be happy. It’s a win-win.” Pipp explained her plan to make both Sunny and Zipp happy once this is over.

Sunset then thought of Pipp’s plan, while she wanted Sunny to be happy that the lantern was found, Pipp wanted her sister to be happy since doing detective stuff makes her happy. Seeing no way around this, Sunset sighs in relief. “Alright, fine. We’ll do it your way, Pipp. But once this is over, you are telling Zipp and Sunny everything.” Sunset said.

“Great! You just follow Zipp and make sure she follows the trail.” Pipp said cheerfully as Sunset nodded in agreement. Pipp then marked her hoof print on the dirt, and then pulled out a bottle with aquamarine glitter. "And for a little extra mystery, some of my all-new 'Pipp brand Wing Glitter'!" Pipp said, as she spread the glitter around the 'crime scene' with a smile. "There! The perfect clue to have Zipp on the lantern's trial to me in no time. So fun! I am really good at this! I should plan a mystery party!" She exclaimed excitedly, and then flew away with the lantern while Sunset flew back to the Brighthouse to tell Zipp that she ‘found’ a clue.

Soon enough, Misty arrived at the Garden in sneaky mode, but when she entered, she found the hole empty.

"What?!" Misty asked, looking with panic at the empty hole. "It was right here! I buried it right here!" she said with confusion, then she noticed Pipp's hoof print and frowned. "Ugh! Somepony found it." She said with frustration, and then groaned. "Oh, why did I think burying it was enough to keep it hidden? Oh, why do I always panic and do the wrong thing? Oh..." She said with worry. "Opaline's gonna be so angry when she finds out... But... not if I can find it again first!" She started with a grin as she stomped the dirt more, until Zipp and Sunset arrived suddenly from her back, Sunset having told Zipp that she found a ‘clue’.

"Misty?" Both Sunset and Zipp called out to her, while Misty gasped startled, as she looked at Zipp and Sunset with panic, mostly at Sunset since she is a Guardian of Harmony.

"What are you doing here?" Zipp asked, landing in front of her.

"Me? Oh, I was... Uh... I was just filling in this hole, left by uh, gophers!" Misty explained nervously. "Yep! Silly gophers, leaving holes everywhere!" She said, giggling nervously as well. "Wouldn't want somepony to trip." She added.

“Really? For gophers?” Sunset asked suspicious, finding it strange since she highly doubted Misty was here when Pipp made her plan.

Zipp then flew over and examined the hole. "Ah... This hole is too wide for a gopher, it is just wide enough to hide a lantern!" she pointed out with a smile, while Misty just looked at her a bit confused. "And I don't think any gopher would be leaving a hoofprint like that, do you?" she asked her with a smirk, but then Zipp noticed the aquamarine glitter on the dirt. "Glitter? Is it a magical remnant?" she questioned, grabbing some of the glitter from the ground with her hoof. Then she started to fly around, while Misty just dissimulated to know nothing by placing a hoof on her chin. "Maybe this hoofprint belongs to an earth pony who was trying to grow something here or maybe it belongs to... The lantern thief!" Zipp stated.

Misty gasped and then replied a bit nervously. "Lantern? What's that? I've never even seen one of those! Bye!" she said, quickly running away from Zipp and Sunset.

“Have you noticed Misty’s behavior, Zipp?” Sunset asked, finding Misty’s nervousness weird since she knew Misty wasn’t here before Pipp set up the clues, and she doubted she knew Pipp’s plan, so Sunset is wondering why Misty is so nervous about it and why she was a little more scared than usual.

"Well, she was acting totally weird. But that tracks." Zipp said to Sunset, then brought her phone to give an update on her current investigation. "Update: No solid leads yet." She recorded, then looked at the glitter on the dirt again. "But somepony out there in town must have some answers." She stated with confidence, as she called to her drone, who arrived with her and nodded in agreement.

“This is gonna be one of those days.” Sunset said while looking at the Brighthouse while having a worried feeling for Sunny. ‘I hope Sunny is doing okay with her lantern missing.’ Sunset thought, hoping Pipp didn’t leave a big trail to follow since she had to get that lantern back to Sunny.

Back at the bedroom, Cloudpuff was on Sunny's bed playing with a toy, while Sunny walked back and forth with worry over her lantern.

"I know Zipp and Sunset are on the case, oh..." Sunny said with worry, and then stomped frustrated on the floor. "But it's agony just sitting around here doing nothing!" She confessed. "There's gotta be something I can do without stepping on her investigation, right Cloudpuff?" She asked the dog on her bed.

But Cloudpuff was too busy playing with his toy, and Sunny sat on the floor with sadness and worry. Then, she saw the rainbow light coming from the elevator, and her smile quickly returned.

"Oh, that's it!" Sunny said with a smile, jumping towards the elevator while Cloudpuff decided to follow her. Sunny stepped inside the elevator and pressed the button, then the doors closed and the elevator moved up to the Crystal Room with the Unity Crystals. "The Crystals and the Prisbeam rely on the unity magic of ponykind to keep them powered!" She explained to the dog, pointing at the Unity Crystals floating. "If the little bit of Prisbeam in my lantern is anything like this one, we could power up the lantern no matter where it's hidden! Like a beacon leading us straight to it" She pointed out with a hoping smile.

Cloudpuff just stared at her and barked.

"All I need is enough ponies gathered and united together!" Sunny cheered, now with a plan on her mind. She grabbed Cloudpuff and squashed him with joy with a hug. "Thanks, Cloudpuff!" She told the dog with a smile, going back to the bottom of the Brighthouse.

Back at Maretime Bay, Zipp was analyzing everyone around town with both her drone and her Z-Goggles, marking all of them as suspects from stealing Sunny's lantern while Sunset looked around normal while making sure Zipp doesn’t overreact to this detective way..

"Hmm... So many potential witnesses, so little time" Zipp complained. "Where to start?" she questioned, until she made a zoom to the three usual fillies, with Seashell holding her phone camera while Peach Fizz and Glory were dancing. However, that wasn't what caught her attention: she saw that the three fillies had flowers on their ears. "Flowers from the garden? Gotcha!" she said with a confident smile, pulling off her Z-Goggles.

“Zipp! Wait!” Sunset called out as she groaned as she knew what might happen as she followed Zipp who was heading for the Pippsqueaks.

"Pipp's going to love our dance moves!" Seashell assured her friends with a smile.
Suddenly, Zipp stomped her hooves loudly, startling the fillies and Seashell accidentally threw her phone in the air. "Seashell! Glory! Peach Fizz" she said with a frown, catching Seashell's phone. "Where were you at approximately 4:22 a.m. last night?!" she questioned them.

"What? 4:22?" Seashell asked nervously, while the other two looked at Zipp with fear. "We were, uh... Definitely sleeping at home in our beds!" she said with a nervous tone.

"Yeah!" Peach Fizz added. "We definitely weren't up watching YouHoof videos!" she added, then immediately covered her mouth with panic.

"Hmm... That was very specific, too specific... And not very convincing!" Zipp said with a frown, not before feeling a smack from behind her head. “Ow!” Zipp called out and turned and saw Sunset giving her a look after she smacked her.

“Zipp, will you stop for one minute! You’re scaring the fillies!” Sunset scolded Zipp, who flinched at her outburst as Sunset turned to the Pippsqueaks with a calm look and smile. “Pardon Zipp here. She’s very into the detective thing today. Just tell us the truth so we can have some answers, because even I know that you girls were hesitant to speak about what you did last night. What did you do when you were up late?” She asked the Pippsqueaks in a calm and comfortable tone with a small smile.

Seashell was quiet for a bit, but then sighs as she can’t lie to Sunset. “Fine! I admit, okay?!” She called out.

“We were up late…” Peach Fizz called out next.

“Yes!” Zipp called out cheerfully, thinking they'd found the suspects.

“Wait, Zipp! Let them finish!” Sunset called out as Zipp stayed quiet as she and Sunset let the Pippsqueaks continue.

“Watching Princess Pipp Glow-Up tutorials!” Seashell continued with a smile as the rest of her friends nodded in agreements. “She just released a new line of glitter!” She added with a smile.

“Please don’t tell on us!” Peach Fizz pleaded as she and the other Pippsqueaks ran out of sight.

“Wing glitter, huh?” Zipp asked in confusion as Seashell zoomed back and grabbed her phone before catching up to her friends.

“That’s something Pipp has been working on.” Sunset answered before giving Zipp a look. “And Zipp, yelling at the fillies like that? That’s low, even for you. Even though they are Pipp’s Pippsqueaks, they don’t even know Sunny’s lantern. They would have no interest in it. Even Pipp isn’t that excited to post Sunny’s lantern. You gotta stop jumping to conclusions. I thought you learned this from that Sunglasses thing you pulled on us.” She said, reminding Zipp to think before jumping to conclusion, a little something she learned already from the ‘missing sunglasses’ thing a while back.

Zipp looked at Sunset for a bit, remembering that mistake way too well as she sighs. “You’re right, Sunset. A good detective doesn’t just fly to conclusions!” She declared. “Gonna need to do a deeper drive.” She added, before she gasped as she noticed that Mayflower, who was passing by, was carrying a bag with some things that Izzy fixed for her. She also noticed that, in the bag, there was a lantern that looked exactly like Sunny's. Sunset saw this too as Zipp then flies towards her before Sunset can speak. “Mayflower!” She called out, which startled Mayflower as she dropped her bag while the lamp and some food fell off. “What is that?!” She questioned.

“It’s an old lamp that I just had fixed at ‘Izzy Does It’!” Mayflower irritatedly said to Zipp/

Sunset facehoof herself again as Zipp gives a sheepish look. “Oh, um, of course it is.” Zipp said with a nervous chuckle. “So sorry!” She apologized to Mayflower for her mistake, seeing that it is a lamp since Sunny's lantern shines a rainbow in it. “Let me help you with that!” She was about to pick it up but Mayflower raised her hoof.

“I’m good!” Mayflower called out as she picked up the lamp and food back into the bag as she walked off with a made look.

Zipp got back to the ground as she turned to Sunset, who was giving her a look again.

“Did your mother ever teach you to learn your manners? And did you forget that Sunny’s lantern gives a rainbow shine. That lantern didn’t glow one bit.” Sunset pointed out, seeing that Zipp didn’t learn her manners and forgot that Sunny’s lantern glows and has a rainbow shine in it.

Zipp sighs, seeing Sunset’s point. "Yeah... Maybe I need to try a different strategy." She pointed out.

“You think?” Sunset said with a raised eyebrow.

Zipp just sighed in defeat, and then she and Sunset heard a horn. "Zipp! Sunset!" Izzy greeted them, approaching the two ponies with her Unicycling Cart and waving one of her hooves. "Zipp, Sunset, Zipp, Sunset!" She said again, still singing the horn of the cart.

“Hi’ya, Izzy.” Sunset greeted their unicorn friend with a smile.

"Oh hey, Izz." Zipp greeted back with a smile as well. "How are the 'Izzy Does It' unicycling house calls going?" She asked with curiosity.

"Awesome!" Izzy replied cheerfully. "I can't even belizzle how much stuff ponies have just sitting around their houses begging to be beautified. Requesting to be repurposed! Clamoring for a crafting!" She said, making weird faces and moving around Zipp and Sunset, while said pegasus and alicorn just looked at her with smiles, knowing that’s just Izzy being Izzy. "I just fixed Mayflower's old lamp actually." She pointed out.

“So we heard..." Zipp said with a little sadness, since she framed Mayflower for something she didn’t do and broke the lamp.

“Yeah.” Sunset said, giving Zipp a look again for jumping to conclusions again.

You seem a little..." Izzy said, then made a weird face that clearly stated that Zipp wasn't feeling good at all. “And Sunset is giving you some…” She made weird faces again but a little mean that clearly stated Sunset is not happy right now. "What's up?" She asked them with a smile.

"Sunny's lantern is missing, we haven't been able to come up with a single real lead in the case... and Sunset is annoyed at me because I haven't been thinking before acting at all." Zipp explained with worry.

“Yeah. Because you just kept jumping to conclusions since you are going too quickly on the case. You really need to slow down with your cases, Zipp.” Sunset pointed out.

"Yeah I do.” Zipp said, even admitting herself that she’s being too quick on this. “So far, our only leads on this case are just dirt and glitter!" She added.

Izzy giggled a bit before replying. "Honestly, what isn't?" she said with a smile.

"But nopony's seen anything about the lantern!" Zipp said, still worried.

“I’m sure we’ll find it, Zipp.” Sunset said, as much as she wanted to tell Zipp the truth, she made a promise to Pipp to keep this a secret until Zipp finds it herself since her detective ways makes her happy, and Sunset never break promises but hate keep this to Zipp, especially to Sunny since she knows that pony is really worried for that lantern.

"Really? I saw the lantern last night" Izzy said casually.

That made Zipp gasp and quickly turn around at her. "We need to talk!" She stated, grabbing Izzy and dragging her away to a more private place.

Sunset sighed when she saw that. “Why do I get the feeling this won’t help?” She said to herself as she flew off to catch up to the two ponies.

At the station, Sparky was running around with Hitch's sheriff badge while Hitch tried to catch him.

"No Sparky! Once again, my badge is not a toy!" Hitch told the baby dragon, as he chased him around until he finally grabbed the baby dragon and put his badge back in place. "And stop putting random things in your mouth, okay? It's a choking hazard!" He pointed out.

Sparky then gave Hitch a cute look as he smiled cutely at him.

Hitch sighs as he can’t resist Sparky’s cuteness as he puts the baby dragon down. "Here, try this instead!" Hitch told the baby dragon, giving him a pacifier. Sparky grabbed it and started to use the pacifier. “Aw…” He said that, but then Sparky spilled the pacifier to Hitch's head.
"And cute moment over." Hitch said with a bored expression, then he grabbed the pacifier again and extended it to the baby dragon. "Let's give that another try, huh?' He told Sparky, but then the baby dragon spilled a small dragon fire that changed the pacifier for a badge, which is Hitch’s badge as Sparky grabbed it and ran around the room in giggles.

Then Sunny entered the station with a worried expression. "Hitch! My lantern is missing, but I think I have a way to track it down." She said, looking at Sparky running around.

"Ooh! Is it Detective Zipp? 'Cause she's great at solving mysteries." Hitch asked curiously.

"She's on it with Sunset helping her! But I also need just a little, teeny, tiny bit of help from everypony's favorite town sheriff!" Sunny said with a smile.

“What kind of help?” Hitch asked, after a failed attempt to get his badge back from Sparky.

"Oh, you know." Sunny said, placing a hoof on her chin. "Gather up every single pony we can find to amplify their Unity magic and blast it to the lantern. Call it a... town meeting!" She explained.

"Wait just a second." Hitch said, seeing the flaw in that. "Do you really think it's a good idea letting everypony know the lantern is missing?" He questioned her, thinking that it’s a bad idea for Sunny to tell everypony that her lantern is missing.

"Remember what Twilight Sparkle warned us about?" Sunny reminded Hitch with worry. "An evil pony who wanted to steal magic? What if that pony finds it?" She pointed out with worry.

"Well, I hardly think that's going to happen. Even with Twilight not remembering the name of who the evil pony is, I don’t think it will happen that quickly." Hitch said with honesty.

"It could!" Sunny said with panic.

“Sunny, let’s be rational--” Hitch tries to reason with Sunny, but then he turns and sees Sparky holding a puzzle box. “Oh! My puzzle!” He cried out as he chased after Sparky after he stopped at the side of the cage. “Sparky!” He cries out as he tries to reach the puzzle that Sparky is holding at the other side as Hitch tries to grab it while Sparky giggles. “No more dragonfire!” He called out, not wanting Sparky’s dragonfire on his puzzle as he tried to grab it while Sparky got into the cage and sat on the puzzle.

Sunny looked down again, still thinking that she had to tell the ponies about the missing lantern. Then she saw Hitch's megaphone on the desk and smiled. "That'll work" She said, grabbing the megaphone and walking out of the station too.

“That puzzle is a limited edition!” Hitch scolded Sparky, who is sticking his tongue out at Hitch playfully, distracted to notice Sunny got his megaphone and left the station.

At a dark place, Izzy was sitting on a chair, when suddenly a light turned on over her.

"Ah!" Izzy exclaimed, as her eyes tried to get used to the light. "Uh, where are we?" She questioned Zipp and Sunset, since it was still pretty dark, while Zipp walked slowly towards her with a frown while Sunset just gave a boring expression.

"Not important!" Zipp replied.

“Just go with it, Izzy. It’s one of Zipp’s detective phases.” Sunset said to Izzy, seeing how overboard Zipp is with this whole detective thing.

Zipp then placed a hoof over Izzy's shoulder. "You said you saw it last night, but what exactly did you see?" She asked her.

Izzy just giggled at her before replying. "What do you mean what did I see?" She asked innocently. "I saw the lantern! You're so silly!" She said with a cheery smile.

"'Cause what I saw was somepony in the garden sneaking around with it." Zipp pointed out.

"Well, of course! That was me!" Izzy said cheerfully.

"I-It was?" Zipp asked, confused.

“Seriously, Izz?” Sunset asked in surprise.

"Yeah!" Izzy replied with a cheery smile. "I had insomnia last night, happens all the time really. So I thought I'd brew up some Unicorn Sleepy Time Oo-oo-long tea" She started to explain. "It is sure to lull even the most wide-eyed pony to the gentlest shores of the snoozy ocean." She added, mimicking the sleeping position with her hooves.

“Oookay.” Sunset said slowly. “At least we know what happens at night for you, Izzy.” She added, now knowing another part of Izzy of her life.

"And that has to do with the lantern how, exactly?" Zipp questioned her.

"Well, I had to go search the garden to look for the tea leaves, 'cause I just ran out." Izzy explained. "And what better to light the way than a bright lantern?" She pointed out with a smile.

"Your glowing horn?" Zipp pointed out with a little smile.

"Oh... Yeah, that would have worked, too." Izzy confessed with a smile.

“Izzy, sometimes you can be cheerful and forgetful sometimes.” Sunset said with an amusing smile.

“Yep!” Izzy cheered with a smile.

Zipp then analyzed her story, and found a flaw in it. "But wait–– You were in bed at the time! I saw you!" She pointed out.

“I didn’t know since I was asleep, so I’m out of this one.” Sunset called out, saying that she doesn’t know this since she was asleep at the time.

"Oh, that? You probably just saw one of my new Unicycling creations named Senor Butterscotch that I made sometime ago. I used to put him under the covers anytime I have to get out of bed in the middle of the night." Izzy confessed. "It is Jinxie to leave without saving your spot, you know!" She explained another of her many Jinxies.

“Izzy, you know the jinkies never exist, right? I thought you and the unicorns moved past this when magic returned?” Sunset questioned, wanting to know why Izzy and the other unicorns didn’t move on from the jinkies thing.

“We know magic isn’t one of the jinkies when it returns, Sunset. But the others, it’s still jinkies from other things like mayo. There are a lot of things that are jinkies, Sunset.” Izzy answered the other lesson about jinkies.

Sunset blinked a bit from that. “Okay, good point.” She said, finding that fair.

"So if it was you who took the lantern out last night, why didn't you put it back where you found it?" Zipp questioned her with more confusion than before.

"I did!" Izzy revealed. "Right back on Sunny's nightstand! She likes to sneak the lantern out of the case and sleep with it next to her because it reminds her of when she was a filly" She whispered to her. "Don't you just love that?" She asked with a smile.

“Well that is true, and also since it reminds her of her father. So that would explain the dirt spot on Sunny’s desk.” Sunset said, now seeing where that dirt trail on the floor and on Sunny’s spot came from.

"If you took the lantern and returned it, then where the hay is it now?!" Zipp questioned with panic, while Izzy just shrugged. Zipp and Sunset sighed in defeat as Zipp turned the lights on, revealing that they were in the washroom the whole time. "Izzy, you're free to go." Zipp told her with disappointment.

"Oh! Okay!" Izzy said, walking out of the washroom and humming to herself.

Zipp sat on the chair that was now near the bathtub, as she also lay in it and recorded something on her phone while Sunset watches. "Hmm, I feel like we’re getting closer. Like we’re on the edge of something..." She said, then she tripped into the bathtub, causing a shampoo bottle to fall on the tub and some water to fall on it as well, while Zipp stood on the tub with a bored and tired expression.

Sunset tries to stifle her laugh when she saw that, finding it pretty funny. “You were at the edge of something alright, Zipp. The edge of the tub taking a bath.” She said as she laughed at that.

Zipp still has the same expression. "Ugh, I fell right into that one." she told Sunset with tiredness.

“You sure have.” Sunset said.

The necklace opened up as Twilight appeared as she laughed a bit. “Ahaha. Oh Celestia, this reminds me during my Winter Wrap Up and trying to figure out Pinkie Pie. And I paid the price before. Hahaha. This brings back memories.” She said with a few chuckles.

Sunset chucked from that as she laughs with Twilight while Zipp looked at them with a playful smirk, finding it funny as well

Eventually, Zipp and Sunset returned to the Community Garden, where Zipp drone started to scan around again for any missing clue.

"Well? Anything?" Zipp asked her drone, who once again scanned the filled hole of dirt with aquamarine glitter. "Then I guess you're the only solid clue we've got so far." She said, once again analyzing the hole.

“Yeah. It’s the only clue.” Sunset said, really getting tired of this act since this is taking a while and she knows that she has to get the lantern back to Sunny before that mare goes crazy.

However, Misty arrived there suddenly and tried to hide, but unfortunately for her, Zipp and Sunset noticed her strange attitude.

"Hmm? That's... suspicious." Zipp stated, approaching the place where Misty decided to hide.

“Misty?” Sunset asked in confusion, wondering why Misty is here again as she followed Zipp.

Misty immediately jumped the garden fence and ran away from Zipp, who followed her by flight.
Eventually, they reached the town, where Misty dodged some ponies while Zipp and Sunset followed her with Zipp wearing her Z-Goggles. Suddenly, Misty was about to crash with the via train, but then she jumped inside the train, then she quickly got down and entered Mane Melody.

Zipp and Sunset, on the other hand, almost crashed against the via train but they managed to brake before that happened. "Sorry!" Zipp apologized with the driver, then she took her Z-Goggles off as her and Sunset started to look around for Misty.

Sunset then caught sight of Misty. “Hey, Zipp!” Sunset called out as Zipp is now looking sideways to Mane Melody's door that recently closed as the two ponies flew to it, with Sunset having seconds thoughts that she knows Misty didn’t take the lantern, but had a strange feeling on why she was in the garden as Sunset was deep in thought

As they entered the place, Zipp frowned while Sunset was looking around calmly, while Zipp’s drone followed and they both looked around for Misty. They passed by her, but didn't notice since she was hiding on a chair while reading a magazine. At the end, Zipp decided to leave after looking around and not finding her while Sunset just shrugged as she followed Zipp. Misty felt relieved, and decided to leave as well, but Zipp and Sunset were still nearby, so they got back inside.

Misty tried to find another escape route inside the salon, but after opening a door that had Jazz at the other side and turning around she found Zipp looking at her with a frown.

"We know everything, Misty!" Zipp told her with anger. "And we know it was you who stole the lantern!" She said, while Misty didn't know what to say exactly, Sunset however felt like this is wrong since she knows Misty didn’t steal the lantern as she looked at Zipp getting closer to Misty, who is really starting to panic from Zipp. "Ever since the unicorn sleepover, we have had a weird feeling about you. Those probing questions about Sparky, not knowing anything about Bridlewood, and then finding you trying to activate the elevator up to the Crystal Room!" She pointed out, as she started to surround Misty on a corner, while the unicorn looked at her in fright. "But we ignored my instincts and gave you the benefit of the doubt, until now. All the galloping and shadiness today solidified it! Now, you better tell me where you've got Sunny's lantern hidden!" She warned her.

"Enough!/Stop!" Sunset and Pipp said, as they both got in front of Misty to stop Zipp from going any further.

"Guys! What are you doing?! And Sunset, why are you defending her?! We've got the lantern thief right here!" Zipp told them with a frown, pointing at Misty, who was still in fright.

"It's me! I'm the lantern thief!" Pipp confessed, once again stepping in front of Misty.

"What?!" Zipp said, confused.
"
Well, no, I mean, I'm not the lantern thief, but..." Pipp stated, then quickly flew at the backstage of the salon and got back with Sunny's lantern. "I've had it all day." She confessed with a guilty expression.

"Huh? No! But Misty is the lantern thief!" Zipp stated, still convinced that Misty stole the lantern in the first place.

“Oh for Celestia’s sake, Zipp! Pipp and I found the lantern earlier but Pipp didn’t want you to feel sad!” Sunset called out, which drove Zipp in a loop.

“What?” Zipp asked again as she looked at her sister.

Pipp sighs as she knows that she needs to tell her sister the truth. “The truth is… We and Sunset found the lantern outside the Brighthouse this morning. And we were going to show you right away, but your Cutie Mark was glowing and you were having so much fun investigating and I––" She explained.

“But the hoof print!” Zipp pointed out of the hoof print from earlier.

"I put it there, to keep you going." Pipp pointed out, grabbing the lantern and flying down from the stage. "And the wing glitter was a clue to lead you to me!" she said with a small smile, that faded away. "I had no idea it'd send you on a trial after Misty." She said, while the two sisters and Sunset looked at Misty, who was being painted on the back as Mistychuckled nervously at Zipp, and mostly at Sunset.

“Wait, Sunset, you know about this the whole time?” Zipp asked Sunset, seeing that Sunset knows about this as well.

“Hey, I wanted to tell you and give Sunny back her lantern from the beginning, Zipp.” Sunset explained. “But Pipp talked me out of this after seeing how happy you are doing detective work, and I made a promise to her to stay quiet until you figured out it was Pipp. But I didn’t realize this would come, so I told Pipp that it was a bad idea from the start.” She added while giving Pipp a look.

Pipp chuckled sheepishly as Sunset had a point. “Yeah. I pleaded with Sunset to stay quiet so you can have your case, Zipp.” She said to her sister.

"So my whole investigation was for nothing then?" Zipp questioned with sadness and guilt. "Just me looking like a fool and accusing Misty of a bunch of terrible stuff she didn't do?" She questioned, while Misty slowly and quietly walked away, while Sunset stood at Pipp's side with a bored expression.

“I told Pipp it was a bad idea, but she wouldn’t listen.” Sunset said with a bored tone.

“Yeah.” Pipp said. “That one is totally my bad and I definitely owe you a big apology, but I've never seen your Cutie Mark glow like that!" She said in to Zipp with a smile, pointing at her glowing Cutie Mark. "You finally got to be a true detective! Ah! That's worth something, right?" She questioned with optimism.

“She’s right, Zipp.” Sunset said with a smile. “Even the best detectives have flaws, whether it’s a real case or fake, at least it helped show you that you have the greatest talents to be a true detective. And it brought your skills to the next level.” She added.

Zipp sighed and looked at the lantern. "I guess you're both right. I did have fun." She confessed with a smile. "So... I guess I can forgive you Pipp for sending me on that wild goose chase all day." She said with a mocking smirk. "Even if I did miss a few obvious clues. And I could thank Sunset for being there for me, even though it was a fake one." She added, which causes Pipp to laugh and Sunset to roll her eyes with a smile. "How did I not connect the glitter thing?! It was aquamarine!" She pointed out, as she laughed alongside Pipp.

“It was pretty obvious for me if I didn’t know about this.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“Like my sparkle!" Pipp said, as she threw some aquamarine glitter in the air. "And I can't believe you thought it was Misty! She's so sweet! She could never!" She added with a smile.

Sunset and Zipp then saw Misty walking to the door as the two ponies quickly flew to stop Misty before she got out of Mane Melody. "Misty..." Zipp called out, while said unicorn turned around in fright. "I am so sorry." She said with a guilty expression. "I never should have accused you of being a thief... or chased you around town, or cornered you in here." she pointed out with shame, while Misty just looked down, thinking if she should accept her apology or not. "I guess I need some more practice with this whole detective thing, huh?" She said, extending her hoof to help Misty stand up.

“A little too much maybe.” Sunset commented with a smirk as Pipp giggled a bit from behind them. “But I’m also sorry for not telling Zipp about this kind of thing earlier, Misty. Pipp did want to make Zipp happy with her detective thing. Sometimes friends have to do something to make a pony happy, even if it was a little flaw on the road. Friends can sometimes be right or wrong about the things they do, but in the end, we forgive each other for the things we did just to be happy if friends want to understand one another.” She said with a comforting smile.

Misty looked at Sunset for a second, seeing how friendly the Guardian of Harmony is and how different she acted from what Opaline told her about Twilight and the rest of the Guardians of Friendship when they stopped her before as Misty then smiled a bit nervously in return. "It's okay." She told both Zipp and Sunset, accepting Zipp’s hoof and standing up. "I know how it is when you get really wrapped up in something and how friends can make promises to others that they shouldn’t break!" She added.

“I did just one last question though.” Zipp said to Misty.

“Yeah, same here as well.” Sunset said with a suspicious look.

“Why were you galloping away from me and Sunset?” Zipp asked curiously to Misty.

“And why were you at the Community Garden anyway? As well as hiding from us?” Sunset asked as well, wanting to know why Misty was there, why she was hiding from them and why she was running away from them.

Oh, well, I, uh... I have this thing where I just can't get the words out when I'm nervous sometimes and I, um..." Misty tried to come up with an excuse, but as she said it herself, feeling nervous wasn't helping at all. "Oh would you look at the time! I should really get going before my cake... goes... stale? Bye!" She said, running out of the salon as quickly as possible.

“Wonder what all that was about?" Zipp said a bit confused.

“Yeah, that was really strange.” Sunset added, feeling something strange about Misty lately, even though this whole case for Zipp wasn’t her fault, Sunset is still having some strange feelings about that unicorn.

"I bet she's still just shy about us." Pipp suggested. "Some ponies are, you know!" She pointed out.

"Yeah, we can't all be doing Clip Trot dances like you." Zipp said with a mocking tone, as she, Pipp and Sunset laughed a little.

"Ooh! I just remembered!" Pipp said suddenly, gaining Zipp's and Sunset's attention. "Zipp, your little caper today fully inspired me to write this jam!" She exclaimed excitedly, as she brought her phone out and showed both Zipp and Sunset a video.

(Where Did it Go? Song)

Oh, oh
Where'd it go?
Oh, oh
Where'd it go?

In the video, Pipp appeared with her magnifying glass as the lantern passed by here .
Here we go, here we go
We're not gonna stop 'til we find what we're missing

Pipp twirled her magnifying glass as she pretended that she was looking for something with a smile.

Where'd it go? Where'd it go?
A perfect case for a private eye
I'm searching far and wide

The Pippsqueaks appeared as they then looked for something before they spread out as the next scene shows Pipp leading the Pippsqueaks as the next scene then shows the Pippsqueaks and Pipp doing some silly photos and taking a group picture together.

So here we go, here we go
We're not gonna stop 'til we find what we're missing

The next scene shows Pipp coming in with a twirl in front of her Pippsqueaks as she did a pose as the Pippsqueaks appeared in front of her as the next one shows them in square scenes.

Oh, oh
Where'd it go?
Oh, oh
Where'd it go?

Once the musical video was over, the trio heard Sunny's voice from outside.

"Ponies! Please!" Sunny called out through the megaphone.

"Huh?" Zipp said in confusion.

“Oh Celestia. Sunny is so worried she’s doing something on her own.” Sunset said in worried as she and the two sisters ran out the salon.

The trio got out of Mane Melody, where Izzy stood confused as Sunny passed around with the megaphone.

"Come join us in the plaza for a very important cause!" Sunny called out.

"Sunny, please stop! This is not the way to solve this!" Hitch said, as he chased Sunny with Sparky in his back, biting on his sheriff badge, who dropped it as Hitch turned back and picked it up while giving Sparky a look. “And you! Stop squirming!” He told Sparky as he continued the chase.

"What is going on?!" Zipp asked in confusion.

"I don't know." Izzy replied with a cheery smile. "But it seems like we're about to play a really complicated game of 'tag'!" she added.

“Oh pony feathers, I knew it was only a matter of time.” Sunset said in worried as she knew why Sunny is doing this as she turned to Pipp. “Pipp, bring her lantern, Sunny's about to say things she shouldn't! And I told you Sunny would get worried if her lantern is gone for too long!" She told the young pegasus, before quickly flying off to follow Sunny as well.

"Everypony! We need your help to find my lantern!" Sunny announced with the megaphone.

“Sunny, wait!” Sunset called out.

“We found it, Sunny!" Zipp told her, and Sunny finally stopped running, which made Hitch trip over her.

“You did?" Sunny asked the sisters and Sunset with the megaphone, while the feedback made a loud noise, which made the two flying ponies cringe from the sound.

“Can you turn that off now!” Sunset called out through the noise.

Sunny turned off the megaphone with a sheepish smile. Hitch got up from the ground, with his head spinning since he was feeling a little dizzy. "You did?" she asked Sunset, Zipp and Pipp again.

“Yeah, it was all just a case of a little innocent sister meddling." Pipp explained sheepishly with a nervous laughter, while she brought out the lantern. "Probably should have let you in on my plan sooner, Sunny! So sorry about that!" She added with a sheepish smile.

“That would’ve saved us enough trouble.” Sunset groans from Pipp, while also feeling stupid on not thinking that was well since she was helping Zipp all day.

"Ah! What a relief!" Sunny said with a smile, throwing the megaphone backwards while Hitch tried to catch it, but then he fell into the ground. "Thank you for returning it." She said to Pipp with a smile.

"Oh! What happened to the game of tag?" Windy asked with disappointment, as she and the other ponies returned to their daily lives.

“These ponies really gotta know some things aren’t a game but at least the lantern is safe.” Sunset said, feeling relief that it’s now over.

"Yeah, it could have been a total disaster if the lantern had actually been taken by somepony dangerous..." Zipp pointed out with a smile.

"Like the mysterious evil pony Twilight warned us about?" Izzy asked rhetorically as she got between Zipp and Pipp as she spread her hooves around them. “Ooh, that would be your next mystery to uncover, Zipp!” She said to Zipp with wide eyes and a smile close to her before she backed up from her.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m working on it.” Zipp said with a smile as the Mane 6 then laughed it off.

“That’s a mystery even I’m still stumped about as well.” Sunset said with a smile.

"As long as we stick together, and tell each other about our plans, I know we'll be able to keep this lantern and pony magic safe." Sunny assured with a smile, holding the lantern. "This thing is powerful, we have to be more careful with it." She stated to the others.

“Yeah. These things are so powerful, they shouldn’t be used for childish things. They have to be protected at all costs.” Sunset added, knowing that they need to take care of powerful magical things more seriously and protect them.

"No more midnight trots with it then, Izzy?" Zipp asked her with a smirk.

"Psht! Why would I need a lantern? I've got a glowing horn!" Izzy said with a smile.

Once again, the group started to laugh, but then Sunny's Cutie Mark glowed and the lantern started to glow as well, which surprised the group and caused Sunny to gasp.

"I knew it!" Sunny said with a bright smile.

“Amazing!” Sunset said with a smile, really admiring and surprised by how Sunny’s lantern reacted.

"So beautiful!" Pipp said with sparkling eyes at the sight of the lantern.

"So rainbow-y!" Izzy said.

"Wow, Sunny! You were right!" Hitch said with a smile as well.

"Note: Lantern's energy linked to proximity to unity magic." Zipp said, recording the glowing lantern with her horn, and Izzy's Cutie Mark that was glowing. "Or is it a separate power?" She questioned herself, putting her phone aside and approaching Sunny. "Hey, Sunny, do you think I could keep my hooves on the lantern a little bit longer? I want to do some more scientific analysis on it." She requested, now looking at the lantern.

"As long as you don't let it out of your sight, Detective." Sunny told her with a smile.

Zipp did a little loop in the air and snatched the lantern out of Sunny's hoof. "Don't worry, I won't!" She assured Sunny with a smirk.

Sunset chuckled. “As long as you don’t go overboard with it.” She said, but then something came into her mind. “But there is one question that’s been bugging me lately.” She pointed out.

“Really? Like what, Sunset?” Sunny asked.

“Me and Pipp found your lantern in the community garden in a bag while buried in a hole for some reason.” Sunset called out with a raised eyebrow. “And we know me, Zipp and Pipp didn’t do it, we obviously know Izzy didn’t do it after she put it back to your side of the bed, Sunny, and we also know Hitch didn’t do it since he knows how much it is important to you since it was made by your father.” She listed out.

“Yeah. I would never do that.” Hitch added, knowing he would never do that to make Sunny worried.

“So the question is, who put the lantern in the bag and in the hole in the Community Garden in the first place? It was like somepony was trying to hide it from us so that they can come back for it later once it was clear for them to take it.” Sunset stated, which made the rest of the Mane 6 wondering as well, trying to think who put the lantern in it in the first place before Sunset and Pipp found it.

Sometime later, Misty returned to Opaline's Castle, and poked her head from the door to the throne room. When she saw no one there, she tried to run towards her room, but then Opaline's voice spoke.

"So you're finally back." Opaline said, landing in front of Misty. “And where is my powerful lantern?” She asked.

"Well, you see, I was on my way to get it, but then I got to thinking, maybe it's not as powerful as we––" Misty tried to explain.

However, Opaline knew exactly what happened. "Another failure!" she shouted with anger, stomping her hooves on the floor, which startled Misty. "There seems to be a pattern emerging. It makes me wonder if it truly was a mistake... Or if you're just going soft on those ponies!" She said with a frown.

"No, Opaline! It was all a mistake!" Misty assured. "I want to do whatever I can to help your plans succeed!" She assured her again.

"Well, I hope you're telling the truth. It would be terrible for you to abandon your only friend." Opaline warned her, as she made a gesture with her wing to prove her point. "Without me, you'd have nothing. No family, no home, no Cutie Mark!" She reminded her, passing a hoof over the fake butterfly Cutie Mark. "You still want me to give you a Cutie Mark, don't you?" She questioned Misty.

"More than anything!" Misty replied. "At least I have learned from Sunset that she is a Guardian of Harmony!” She pointed out.

“At least that’s the only thing you bring me!” Opaline stated. “But now that we know that this Sunset Shimmer is a Guardian of Harmony, she could threaten our plans if she finds out if we’re not careful!” She added, knowing that a remainder of her ancient enemy that was formed by Twilight Sparkle is still out there, and could foil her plans if Sunset finds out about them.

“I promise I won't let another mistake like this happen again. I'll get the lantern! Hoof to––" Misty tried to assure Opaline again.

"No!" Opaline said coldly, as she walked towards her boiler. "We're wasting time with the pursuit of these silly enchanted relics!" She stated.

"B-B-But how else are we going to get the magic? Sunset is an Alicorn and she’s at her magic peak, she could be a challenge for you. How can you get the magic to match that up?" Misty question.

"With something that will instantly restore my ultimate power." Opaline replied with an evil grin, as she made an image appear on the boiler of Hitch and Sparky as he spilled dragon fire on Hitch's badge. "Dragon fire!" Opaline said, while Misty looked worried that Sparky is now the target for Opaline.

Later on, the Mane 6 were sitting in a little resting room they had behind the Brighthouse, helping Hitch with his puzzle.

"Of course!" Hitch complained. "It's always the last piece that goes missing!" He pointed at the puzzle with the missing piece with frustration, then he looked at his side with a bored expression, since Sparky was playing with the last piece. "Sparky... no. Put it down" He ordered, trying to take the piece back, but then Sparky sneezed and turned the piece into a butterfly, which ended up flying away, and Hitch sighed with frustration. "So much for mint condition." He complained again.

“Don't worry!" Izzy told him, as she brought a pair of scissors and a piece of cardboard, then she cut the cardboard to make a new piece for the puzzle and gave it to Sparky, who grabbed it while baby-talking in gibberish.

Sparky saw the new piece, then at Hitch who had a worried expression, and then jumped on the table and put the piece on the spot left of the puzzle.

That made Hitch emotional for some reason, tho. "Nothing prepares you for the moments like these!" He said in a proud and a little emotional tone.

The rest of the Mane 6 laughed from that while Sunset spoke. “Everypony, or creature for Sparky’s case, has to grow up sometimes, Hitch.” She said with a smile.

"Sparky's dragon fire transformations are amazing!" Zipp said, as the piece turned into a butterfly landed on her hoof. “And he’s just a baby!” She said while looking at Sparky as the piece turned butterfly flew away.

“Yeah, even Twilight is surprised by this.” Sunset said as her necklace opened as Twilight appeared.

“Yeah. I'm even surprised at how amazing Sparky’s magic is.” Twilight said with a big smile while looking at Sparky. “Spike just sent letters and things through his dragon fire, but never transformed them like Sparky. It’s amazing. If his magic is this good as a baby, I wonder what could happen when he gets older.” She added, remembering her old dragon assistant she took care of when he first hatched and how powerful Sparky’s magic is and wondered what would happen when he gets older.

“It’s anypony guess, Twilight.” Sunset said.

“Yeah, it’s anypony guess.” Twilight said in agreement.

"Seems like the sky's the limit for your powers. Right, little buddy?" Zipp told Sparky with a smile, while the whole group laughed when the baby dragon let out a small dragon fire as a response.

That made the Mane 6, and Twilight, laugh at Sparky’s cuteness as the piece turned butterfly flew off as the Brighthouse continues to shine as its rainbow still shoot out of it.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 7.

Chapter 2 Ep 8: Have You Seen This Dragon?

Chapter 2 Ep 8: Have You Seen This Dragon?

At the Maretime Bay station, Hitch was sleeping using some cabinets as a bed, as he mumbled to himself in his sleep.

“Oh, no, the butter’s gone…” Hitch muttered as he snores as a butterfly flew on his nose. “Grandma, don’t worry, I-I’ll make you a cake.” He muttered with a smile. Suddenly, a light from Sparky's dragon fire became bright enough to wake up Hitch. "Wha-What are you doing, Sparky?" He asked the baby dragon. "I thought I said no dragon fire without supervision. Huh…" He exclaimed as he got up.

Hitch slowly got up from the cabinets and walked near to his desk and then stopped when he found a plate with a chomped sandwich on a small table.

"Oops, forgot to finish that!" Hitch said. "I'm surprised you didn't eat it." He told the baby dragon, but got no response. "Sparky?" He called out again, but still he didn't reply, and panic got over him. "Sparky, where are you?!" he asked again, crashing with the table and sending the sandwich flying. Hitch opened the closet where Sparky slept usually, but found nothing but his blanket and gasped. "Sparky's Blankie?!" He said with panic and horror. "Where are ya, little buddy?! Up here? No. In here? No!" He exclaimed, checking over the closet and inside a cabinet. “Spar-- Spar…” Hitch tried to say as he backed up to his desk as he began to panic. “Sparky, where are you?!” He cried out as his voice echoed through the station as his critters heard it as the two birds flew off.

Sometime later, the mares were sleeping peacefully on their beds in the Brighthouse, until Hitch came in with megaphones at his friends.

"Sunny!" Hitch called out through the megaphone, which made Sunny fall from her bed.

“Huh?” Sunny asked in confusion as she got up.

Hitch then moved to the other side of the room, between the two sisters, while Pipp had a sleep mask. "Pipp! Zipp!" he called out on the megaphone again, making Pipp wake up with a frown as she took off her sleep mask, and Zipp woke up with a gasp as she shook her pillow of her head that was stuck to.

“Sunset!” Hitch called out through the microphone as it startled Sunset awake, which made her fly to the ceiling like a cat before glaring at Hitch for the rude awakening.

“Why did you do that?!” Sunset yelled out with a glare.

Hitch didn’t answer as he moved to Izzy’s bed. “Izzy! Wake up!" He called out like a rockstar.

Izzy immediately woke up, and unlike the rest, she just gave a cheery smile. "Okay!" She said cheerfully.

Hitch put his megaphone away and took out Sparky's blanket. "Look!" He said, showing it to the rest.

"Ooh! Love the new glow-up, Blankie!" Izzy said cheerfully. "That dragon has great style." She added with a smile.

Sunny and Sunset then came next to Izzy. “Hitch, what is going on?!” Sunny asked her foalhood friend, wanting to know what was happening.

“This gotta be important if you have to use your megaphone to get us out of bed.” Sunset added with narrowed eyes, wanting to hear Hitch’s reason for the rude awakening, if not, then she will knock some sense into that stallion.

"I was fast asleep, and had this bad feeling that something was wrong." Hitch started to explain with worry. "And then... it was! Sparky is missing!" He shouted with panic.

What?!" Zipp said, arriving with the rest.

"No!" Pipp exclaimed with shock.

“That is bad! Really bad!” Sunset is worried for the baby dragon, now seeing Hitch’s reason to wake them up.

Twilight appeared when the necklace opened as she looked on in shock. “Sparky’s missing!? This is bad! And this reminds me of when Spike ran off once!” She called out, remembering how Spike ran away thinking she was replacing him for Owlicious when she was just asking him to take his place at night so he can get some rest.

Izzy gasped in shock and worried that Sparky was missing.

“Missing?!” Sunny asked in shock at Hitch. “Are you sure?” She questioned.

"Yeah!" Hitch said with a worried tone.

"Maybe he's hiding?" Izzy suggested.

"I already looked everywhere in the station! And nothing!" Hitch pointed out. “So I came straight here. I thought maybe he was with one of you.” He confessed to the mares, hoping if Sparky is with them, but all he got were nods saying ‘no’ from the mares.

"Sorry, Hitch." Sunny said with a sad tone.

“We haven’t seen Sparky since yesterday. We don’t know where he is.” Sunset added with a sad tone, not knowing where Sparky is.

"First, the lantern, and now Sparky?!" Zipp said with confusion. "Why do things keep going missing around here?" She questioned.

“Yeah, I’m seeing a pattern here myself.” Sunset said, seeing this herself as first Sunny’s lantern gone missing and now Sparky, seeing a complete pattern here.

“I don't know, but we need to find him, A.S.A.P.P.!" Hitch stated. "As Soon As Pony-Possible!" He added. “Look everywhere! Under the beds, above the clouds, the moon!” He listed out as he brought out his megaphone. “Just find that baby dragon!” He shouted as the megaphone gave feedback.

Sunset snatches the megaphone from Hitch. “Okay, Hitch! We get it!” She called out as she tossed the megaphone away. “No need to megaphone us!” She added, really annoyed, she understands how worried Hitch is for Sparky like from Twilight for Spike, but he doesn’t have to speak loudly through the megaphone when he’s in ‘worried dragon dad’ mode.

Sometime later, the Mane 6 begins their search for Sparky as they search around the Brighthouse.

Sunny looked down one of the tables in the living room. "Where are ya?" she called out to the baby dragon.

"Come out, Sparky!" Pipp called out as well, flying around the Brighthouse.

Hitch was looking near the Critter Corner, with some of his animal friends.

"Sparkeroni?" Izzy called out from one of the Critter Corner's toys.

"Hello?" Zipp called out, as she flew around with her magnificent glass.

“Sparky? Where are you, little guy?” Sunset called out as she looked above them to search the whole floor for any signs of Sparky.

Izzy then opened the closet, and gasped when a pile of things started to tilt. "Nothing in the closet!" She said with a worried expression, quickly closing the door before the things on it fell and made a mess.

Hitch then strangely started to look in cereal boxes for his son. "Sparky! Sparky! Sparky!" He said, as he literally put his face inside the last box of cereal he grabbed, while Zipp, Pipp and Sunset looked at him with worry and confusion behind him.

"Could Sparky even fit in that box of cereal?" Pipp whispered to Zipp and Sunset at her side.

“I don’t think so. And Hitch is really getting desperate, not that I blame him.” Sunset answered, knowing that Sparky’s way too big for a baby dragon like him to be in a box of cereal while understanding how worried Hitch is for him.

Twilight appeared as she spoke. “I would feel the same way if it was Spike. Can’t blame Hitch for feeling like this.” She said, remembering how worried she is for Spike like the time when he ran off and nearly got roasted by a big dragon in a cave and worried for him when he was in the Dragon Lands during Dragon Migration, understanding how Hitch is feeling.

“You said it, Twilight.” Sunset said to Twilight, having seen this from Sci-Twi when she was worried for her dog Spike.

"Uh, Hitch?" Zipp called out to him. "Not trying to backseat investigate here, but..." She started to say, while Hitch took his face out of the cereal box to face her as Zipp pulled out her phone. "Why don't we retrace your steps first?" She suggested as she got close to Hitch. “What do you remember seeing when you woke up?" She questioned Hitch.

Hitch thought for a second, then he gasped when he remembered that Sparky's dragon fire light woke him up. "There was this flash of light." He said.

"Flash of light? That's unusual..." Zipp replied a bit confused.

"I know!" Hitch shouted. "Ugh!" He groaned with frustration. "Do you think Sparky's okay?" He asked with worry.

"Of course!" Sunny assured him with a smile, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “I’m sure he’s still just playing hide-and-seek.” She said to Hitch.

“Sparky does know how to play around alot.” Sunset said, knowing how hype and playful Sparky is.

Hitch just sighed with sadness and walked over to a couch, then lay on it with a down expression. "I feel like the worst pony-dragon-dad in the world right now." He said with disappointment.

"Really, Hitch, you're the only pony-dragon-dad in the world, so..." Pipp tried to say.

"That makes it even worse!" Hitch cried out as he flopped his head into the pillow.

Sunset gave Pipp a look. “Pipp. Can you not make the obvious here? And did you forget Twilight is a dragon carer expert when she took care of Spike?” She asked while pointing a hoof at Twilight next to her, who is giving her a bored expression at the pegasus.

“Yeah. Hitch is the second pony-dragon-parent besides me in the world, Pipp.” Twilight pointed out that besides her, Hitch is the second pony to take care of a baby dragon, knowing that experience too well when she took care of Spike.

Pipp chuckled sheepishly at Sunset and Twilight. “Point taken.” She said, finding that true.

"Can you think of any other reason why Sparky would disappear?" Zipp questioned him.

"What if he was unhappy?" Hitch theorized with worry and guilt. "Oh no! What if he... decided to run away?!" He cried out in panic as he grabbed his phone and looked at a picture of Sparky. "I've always tried my best to take care of my little buddy and make him happy from the dragon lessons Twilight and Sunset taught me since they’re dragon experts." He said, moving to a picture of Sparky on the beach. "I keep a watchful eye on him, going above and beyond to make sure he's safe" He added, moving to a picture of Sparky hugging Cloudpuff as other critters got around him, like Kenneth, McSnips and Curtle. "I protect him the way I protect the all of the ponies and critters in Maretime Bay: as if they were my own family!" He pointed out. "And now... this." He cried out, letting his phone fall as he covered his face with his hooves.

Sunset placed a hoof on Hitch for comfort. “We’ll find him, Hitch. We just have to look at the places where he would go.” She assures Hitch.

"But look at all these other places Sparky loves!" Zipp pointed out with a smile, checking the pictures again. “You know, I think Sunny and Sunset was onto something. He’s definitely hiding somewhere familiar.” She stated.

"Sparky does love hide-and-seek!" Hitch pointed out. “And honestly, he is way too good at it.” He added, knowing how very good Sparky is at hiding as he gave a determined look. “I can do this. I can find my little guy!" He said, jumping off the couch and landing on his hooves. "Okay. Sheriff Hitch is back on duty! I’m the best-pony-dad in the world…” He declared as he walked off with the others following him.

"The only pony-dragon-dad in the world." Izzy whispered to Zipp with a smile.

“...and I can't sit around and mope, when there's work to do!" Hitch added with a determinate look as he faced the door. “You’re right. He couldn’t have gone far.” He added with a grunt as he walked to the door with his friends following him.

“For a dragon-dad, Hitch sure got determination for Sparky.” Sunset said to the others with a smile, the others nodded their heads in agreement as they walked out the door.

But as the Mane 6, Misty pocked her head from behind the closet Izzy tried to open before, she didn’t hear or see Twilight when she was still hiding from the others, and once she saw the other leaving, she got back inside and sighed. "I feel kind of bad for Hitch, but..." She said a bit guilty, then inhaled and walked deeper into the closet.

There, Sparky was playing with one of Zipp's feathers, while Misty looked at him with a grin.

"Gave me a little chase all the way here, didn't you? But now you're caught! Ha?" Misty told the baby dragon, and then started to laugh maniacally, but then Sparky started to laugh at her 'evil laugh'. "Hey, give me a break! I'm still working on the evil laugh." She pointed out. "Okay, so far, my well of junk to hide us worked. Check!" She said with a cheery smile, while Sparky started to suck his own foot. "Now, all I have to do is sneak you out of the Brighthouse somehow, not get caught by Sunset or the others, and then, bring you to Opaline." She stated.

Sparky just started to purr at her in response.

"Ah! She'll be so proud of me, and so powerful she'll... She'll finally give me my Cutie Mark!" Misty said with a joyful smile. "It's all I've ever wanted, Sparky. That's why I have to do this" she told the baby dragon with a guilty expression, while just making gibberish sounds to her. "You're a really good listener, you know that?" She told Sparky with a smile. "I'm usually the quiet listening one." She confessed.

Once again, Sparky just made a gibberish sound to her with a smile.

"Honestly, I don't get what all those ponies are fussing about. You're a total breeze to take care of!" Misty said, turning around with a smile, but then Sparky rolled towards a pile of boxes.

Misty turned around, and felt confused when Sparky was gone, then she looked back in front and found him growling with a menacing face at her, which scared her a lot. “Right?” She asked nervously as Sparky kept growling at her.

A little bit later, the Mane 6 arrived at Mane Street, ready to begin their search for Sparky.

"Alright, team. We've got a job to do." Hitch stated to the rest. "Let's start at Sparky's favorite places: the Community Garden, Mane Melody––" He listed some of them.

"I've got Mane Melody!" Zipp said.

"And I'll supervise!" Pipp said quickly in panic. "There's way too many styling products that could get compromised if Zipp goes digging around." She said with a frown until she saw her sister giving her a look with a raised eyebrow. “I mean… I know Mane Melody like the back of my hoof!” She corrected herself as her sister smiled. “Ugh. I really need a polish from Jazz.” She groaned when she saw the conditions her hoof is in.

"I'll check the garden!" Sunny told Hitch.

“I’ll search through the air and see if I can cover more ground to find Sparky.” Sunset called out.

Izzy stopped them with a hoof. "Hmm, I don't know..." She said, placing a hoof on her chin. "I think we should just follow our gut feelings on where to go next." She suggested.

"But if we don't create a plan of action, we'll get confused." Zipp pointed out.

"But if we over-plan, then Sparky could be right under our noses and we wouldn't even know!" Izzy said, touching her own nose. "Like, ah! Is he under my nose right now? No, he is not." She said, checking literally under her nose. "But! He could have been. See what I mean?" She asked with a smile, while Sunset facehoof herself.

"Ooh, that is a good point!" Pipp said with a smile.

"Is it, tho?" Zipp questioned.

“I can’t even make sense of Izzy when she talks like Pinkie half the time.” Sunset said in a bored expression, not sure if she followed Izzy’s plan.

"What am I supposed to do? Should I still search the Garden?" Sunny asked, very confused.

Suddenly, Hitch's phone started to beep, and he panicked more when he took it out. "Oh no! It's nearly Sparky's nap-nap time!" He said with worry, putting his phone away after turning his alarm off. "If Sparky doesn't get his nap-nap, he gets cranky. And if he gets cranky, he gets mischievous. And if he gets mischievous... We need to start the search now!" He stated.

“Yeah. The last thing we need is a mischievous Sparky on our hooves. He can cause trouble with his lack of sleep.” Sunset said, having seen that side of Sparky before as the others nodded in agreement.

"Don't forget, ponies! We can do anything if we do it togeth––" Sunny tried to say, but then Hitch cut her off.

"Split up!" Hitch ordered through the megaphone, and everyone went in different directions.

“Sparky! Sparky!” Zipp called out for the baby dragon, with just Sunny and Sunset behind.

“Ugh…” Sunny said.

“Hitch really gotta follow our example, even if he is worried.” Sunset said with Sunny nodding in agreement as Sunset flew off while Sunny walked a little disappointed towards the Community Garden.

At Mane Melody, Zipp used her magnificent glass and threw some things from the salon.

"Not here." Zipp said, as she threw the things.
"
Oh!" Pipp exclaimed, as she dragged herself on the ground to catch her things before they broke, as she breathed heavily in fear.

Then, Zipp opened a cabinet and threw the things from there too. "Not here" she said again, while Pipp caught her things with a groan. Now Zipp flew towards one of the chairs with a Mane-dryer, and looked inside of it. "Not here." she said, moving the dryer in a way that made Pipp quickly fix it, and then she frowned at Zipp. "What is all this stuff anyway?" She asked, grabbing some makeup from a stand.

“It’s called makeup, Zipp.” Pipp answered as she glared at her sister.

“Well, the only thing we have to make up for is lost time." Zipp stated, putting the makeup at the edge of the stand. "So hop to it!" She ordered, as she continued to search around the salon.

"Ugh!" Pipp said in annoyance, as she put some things that Zipp threw back in place.

At the Community Garden, Izzy and Sunny were looking for the baby dragon.

"Sparky?" Sunny called out.

"Oh, Sparkeroni Baloney!" Izzy called out, looking under a bench that she levitated, then putted back down. "Little macaroni man!" She called out again, now moving rudely to some plants that died immediately. "Schnoodley schmoop-face!" She kept calling to Sparky.

"Please be more delicate with the plants!" Sunny begged Izzy. "They have feelings too!" She pointed with worry, and then delicately lifted up the plants. "I'm so sorry, she doesn't know any better." She told the plants that grew normally back after her kind words.

In the skies, Sunset is looking around for any signs of Sparky as she flies through the sky.

“Sparky! Sparky! Where are you, little dragon?!” Sunset called out, hoping that Sparky would hear her, but got no response. Sunset groans at this. “Twilight. I need your advice on how to find Sparky.” She said to the necklace as it opened as Twilight appeared. “You’re the only dragon expert other than me who knows these things, and you took care of Spike when he hatched from his egg, so any ideas on how to find a baby dragon?” She asked her old friend.

Twilight thought for a moment before speaking. “Well, I am familiar with this new era of Equestria, but if the dragon's ways haven’t changed, you just need to lure Sparky out with something that all dragons are attracted to. I sometimes use something similar to get Spike to me when he was just a hatchling.” She said with a chuckle. “But I don’t know what Sparky likes. But you could have asked Hitch since he’s the one who adopted Sparky after you and Hitch found his egg from the beach you told me about.” She said, while she may know ways about dragons, she doesn’t know Sparky since he’s a different kind of dragon so she doesn’t know what he likes personally and that Hitch knows him better than any of them since that’s his baby dragon.

Sunset thought of what Twilight just said. “Yeah. I see your point. Between you and me being dragon experts, Hitch is the only one who knows Sparky better than all of us. Once we regroup, I’ll ask him. Thanks Twilight.” She thanked Twilight with a smile for some advice.

“Anytime, Sunset.” Twilight answered with a smile as she returned back into the necklace as Sunset continued her search.

Little bit later, Hitch got back to the station, deciding to look for himself.

"Are you here?" Hitch asked, launching himself to the ground, but only found a dog eating his chomped sandwich. "No, but I guess I found you, Pearl." He said, patting the little dog a bit.

Next, Hitch moved towards one of the cabinets.

"Here?" Hitch asked, opening the cabinet, but only found a squirrel with a lot of acorns. "Nope, that's Sid." He said with a bored expression.

Then, Hitch moved towards the closet again.

"Here?" Hitch questioned again, but instead found a bunny reading a magazine and wearing sunglasses. "Doug the Bunny, good day, sir." He said with a salute, then closed the closet again and kept searching around the station.

Meanwhile, Misty was having some trouble with Sparky. Like Hitch said before, he got mischievous because he didn't have his nap-nap, and now he was causing some trouble for Misty.

"Okay! I just need to get you out of here, while the coast is clear" Misty told Sparky, as she extended her hoof to try and grab him, but Sparky walked backwards as he growled at the unicorn. "Come with me, little dragon..." She said softly.

However, Sparky kept growling at her, and then he jumped as he tried to bite her hoof.

"Woah there!" Misty said with panic, as she started to run around the closet and screamed, while Sparky chased her, spilling some dragon fire.

She eventually got out of the closet, and then the one chasing Sparky was her, as he ran around the living room of the Brighthouse.

"Think on your hooves, Misty!" Misty told herself.

She managed to surround Sparky on Izzy's crafting spot, as he started to growl and gibberish to Misty again.

She then grabbed a spoon and used it like it was a toy. "My name is Mr. Spoon! And I'm––" she tried to say, but then Sparky turned the spoon into a cactus with his fire, and Misty was now grabbing the cactus directly from the plant and not the pot. "Ouch! A prickly cactus! Ow!" She complained in pain, then put the cactus aside and grabbed a shelf. "And I'm a wobbly shelf named... Shelfie. Take a picture––" She said, moving the shelf like a puppet, but then Sparky turned the shelf into a lot of bubbles, which made Misty fall to the ground. "It'll last longer." She said to Sparky.

Sparky kept growling at her, but then the bubbles called his attention, and he forgot about Misty for a moment.

"I can do this! I have to." Misty told herself, but then she heard hoofsteps coming from outside, and she started to panic.

Then, the doors of the Brighthouse opened, and the five Mares entered with disappointed looks.

Then Hitch appeared behind them. "Any luck?" He asked desperately.

However, the rest's ears fell, and Sunny and Izzy looked at them with sadness. "No. Nothing so far." Zipp replied for the rest.

"But I did find... a perfectly good super-old broken-down tram car that I have big plans for!" Izzy said cheerfully.

As for Misty, she managed to get back into the closet and cover Sparky's ears, while the baby dragon held the cactus he made before. "Phew!" Misty said in relief that she wasn't discovered.

"So, there's that..." Izzy said, a bit cheerful.

“Izzy, just stop. We’re trying to look for Sparky.” Sunset said with a bored expression.

"He ran away, didn't he?" Hitch questioned, with an anxious look. "I failed myself as a pony-dragon-dad." He said with disappointment, once again laying on a couch. "And worst of all, failed Sparky." He said defeated, as Izzy placed a hoof on his back.

Sunset was about to speak up, but Zipp beat her to it. “Wait." Zipp said suddenly, gaining Hitch's attention. "I think I've connected some dots on a clue." She confessed, showing a picture of Sparky in Mane Melody as he held a comb. "It was under our noses the whole time. Look! " She said, then zoomed the image to see Sparky's Blankie completely clean.

"I knew it!" Izzy said, as she and Hitch looked closely at the image.

"Blankeroni? What do you mean?" Hitch questioned Zipp, grabbing the tablet to look better at the picture.

“Zipp. What are you getting at?” Sunset asked, before she could speak to her advice Twilight told her, she wanting to know what Zipp is trying to say.

"Notice in these pictures that Sparky is never without his blankie?" Zipp asked, as Hitch verified that, indeed, Sparky had the blanket with him the whole time, and now Hitch had it with him.

"What are you saying?" Hitch questioned again.

"So, if he's not with it, it's not by choice. Somepony has taken Sparky!" Zipp explained. “He’s been dragon-napped!” She stated.

Both Hitch and Izzy gasped in shock at what Zipp just said. "Dragon-napped?!" Hitch questioned with panic, while Izzy fainted at his side, with Pipp getting closer and flapping her wing to calm her. “Nopony dragon-naps my dragon before he’s napped!” He said in determination. “Or after! Or at all! I need all hooves on deck!” He called out to his friends, who stood like soldiers in front of him.

"I'll scan the sky with Pony-Drone and zero-in on anything that looks suspicious!" Zipp stated, putting on her Z-Goggles.

"Good, good. Sparky does tend to leave a mark wherever he goes. Next?" Hitch asked.
"Izzy and I will be the on-the-ground ponies" Sunny stated with a smile. "I'll use my roller-skates!" She added.

"And I'll use my eyes! To look for stuff!" Izzy said cheerfully. "Also, I have magic powers." She added, pointing at her horn.

“I’ll search through the places around Maretime Bay while finding any clues where Sparky is.” Sunset said.

"Pipp? What you got?" Hitch questioned her.

"I can cover Maretime Bay the best way I know how, a social media blast!" Pipp explained. "The fans have eyes everywhere!" She pointed out.

"And I will rally my squad of animal deputies!" Hitch stated as well. “It’s go time!” He announced while pointing his hoof, but noticed his friends hadn't moved.

“Uh, girls, that means go!” Sunset called out, clarifying what Hitch is saying with a bored tone.

“I’ll start on that post!” Pipp called out as she looked at her phone.

“Gotcha.” Sunny said, getting inside of the Brighthouse.

"Aye, aye sheriff!" Izzy said, also getting out of the place.

"Oh, yeah! Okay!" Zipp said, flying deep in the Brighthouse as well.

“We’ll let you know when we find any leads, Hitch!” Sunset said as she flew out the Brighthouse.

Soon enough Hitch also got out of there to continue his search for Sparky.

Meanwhile, Misty was checking if the Mane 6 left to get Sparky out, who fell asleep as he hugged the cactus.

"Finally tired you out with that puppet improv show but––" Misty said, but then she saw that the cactus was alone, and Sparky was missing. "Hide-and-seek, right?" She asked with a smile. "Two can play that game!" she stated, walking deeper into the closet. "Here, Sparky, Sparky, Sparky, Sparky..." She called for Sparky.

But then, she dodged a paint pot that almost hit her on the head, and looked on in shock.

"I see..." Misty said with a panicked voice. "So you somehow rigged this whole place with traps in two seconds. Cool, cool. Totally cool." She stated, still with panic in her voice. "It's not like I'm trying to hunt a genius baby-dragon with wild powers or anything." She said, then she heard some crashing noises and Sparky laughing. "Oh, I don't like the sound of that." She said with worry.

At Maretime Bay, Zipp and her drone were flying around, looking for any clues that could lead them to Sparky. And then, the drone detected something.

"A-ha! Dragon-prints" Zipp said, as her Z-Goggles scanned the trail of prints in the ground. "Huh, but these ones look fresh..."She said, following the trial.

But soon enough she realized that the end of it led to a couple of turtles having a date, as they also had a smoothie in front of them.

"Oh, wow, freshly wrong. Sorry!" Zipp apologized, as she flew backwards to leave the turtles alone.

While Zipp flew away to look anywhere else, Sunny passed by on her roller-skates. "Hey!" Sunny called out to the ponies on town. "Hey, you guys! Have you seen––" She tried to ask Dahlia and another mare that was with her, but then Izzy passed by her side quickly and made Sunny twirl around until she got stuck on a barrel. "Izzy!" She yelled out.

Sunset flew close by and saw Izzy holding some instruments and saw Sunny rolling in a barrel. “Izzy, you just trapped Sunny in a barrel, and what’s with the instruments?” She asked in confusion as she stopped Sunny from rolling.

"Oops, sorry!" Izzy apologized to Sunny, while she wore some kind of musical instrument that played both a battery, a tuba and a harmonica. "I just unicycled this dragon lure device. Look!" She said, answering Sunset’s question before making the instrument work as it not only made a terrible sound, but also made some bubbles and spilled cookies. "Pretty cool, right? Everything a dragon loves in one place!" She told Sunny and Sunset, who looked at her with frowns since Sunny was still stuck on the barrel while Sunset rolled her eyes.

“This reminds me of when Pinkie played ten instruments at once.” Sunset said in a doll tone.

“I hear that.” Sunny said in agreement.

Izzy then started to use the unicycled instrument, while ponies around gathered to record her and upload the videos to social media.

At Mane Melody, Pipp was with Seashell, Glory and Peach Fizz, preparing the post to look for Sparky.

"Finally!" Pipp said with a smile. "I've composed the perfect post for Sparky" She stated. "It tugs at your heart, your mind, your soul. Pippsqueaks, you ready?" She asked the Pippsqueaks.

"Pipp, Pipp, Hooray!" Seashell cheered, as she and her friends sat down with smiles and their phones out.

"Okay" Pipp stated, sitting on the floor as well. "We all post... Now!" She ordered, as the four mares published their respective posts. However, Pipp was used to getting imminent responses from her posts, and right now there was no response at all. "Uh, what's happening?" She questioned, both confused and worried. "Why aren't we getting any views?" She asked again.

Then, Seashell came to her, showing her phone to her. "It looks like something else is pulling viewers away from our post." She explained, showing Pipp a video of Izzy using her instrument, with Sunny behind still stuck on the barrel and thousands of hearts popping out on the post.

Pipp sighed with her ears down. "That is spectacular." she said sarcastically. "Well, I hope Hitch is gaining ground. He's always so much calmer, steadier, and focused than all of us" She said with a smile.

Back at the Station, Hitch was panicking a lot as he grunted and threw some 'Missing' papers of Sparky.
He was so desperate that he started to hit one of the four printing machines. "Print already! Print!" He said.

Soon enough, the machine printed a new copy of 'Missing' of Sparky, and Hitch moved from one machine to another to grab the copies and stack them on different piles.

Then, he moved towards his animal 'deputies'. "Pearl, I'm gonna need you on poster duty" he ordered to the dog, who replied with barks. "Do you think I made enough?" He asked.

Pearl moved to one of the many piles and examined it, then shook his head saying 'no' and barking more.

"You're right, we need more. Any questions?" Hitch told the critters, who replied by barking, tweeting or chittering. "Yes, Curtle, search the cinema!" He told Curtle, who smiled in response. "And the old defense factory, Kenneth!" he told the two birds, who saluted in response. "Okay team, let's get out there. Move, move, move!" He ordered the critters.

Then he blew his whistle and the critters went out of the station, except for Curtle, since he was a turtle, and a yellow bird that stood on Hitch's back tweeted to him.

"I know I'm being a little intense right now." Hitch confessed with worry, while the bird tweeted to him again. "Yes, and emotional." He added. "I'm going through a lot of feelings. If I can't protect Sparky, how am I supposed to protect the whole city of Maretime Bay? How can I protect anypony or anything?" He questioned anxiously.

The bird on his back just replied by nuzzling his body with Hitch's neck and tweeting again.

"You're right. We can do this. And no doubt my friends are on it." he said with a confident smile.

But then, the station phone started to ring, and he answered the call. "So, quick update, we are not on it." Sunny said from the other side with panic.

At the Mane Street, Sunny is calling on her phone, speaking to Hitch while Zipp is still searching, Izzy is playing with her instrument, Pipp is looking at her phone, and Sunset is flying around to keep searching.

"We keep getting in each other's way and I hate to break it to you, but this ain't working!" Sunny told Hitch about their search, which isn’t doing great for them.

Back at the station, Hitch heard what Sunny just said to him.

"Copy that." Hitch said with a frown, putting the phone down. "No more Mister Nice-Stallion. I'm gonna find that dragon and the pony that took him, at any cost!" He said with anger, putting on Sparky's Blankie as a cape. "It's time for... Operation Glitterbomb." He stated, now putting on a blue mask on his face.

Misty was still in the closet at the Brighthouse, looking at a video of Pipp on her page in Ponygram.

"If you've seen... Izzy, the noise?" Pipp said on the video, asking Izzy to shut it with her instrument. "If you've seen Sparky–– Ah!" She screamed when Zipp flew too close to her. "Zipp! Fly a little higher–– If you've seen a dragon..." Pipp cried out, since she couldn't record the video properly.

"Good. They have their hooves full." Misty said with a smile, putting her phone away. "But I don't have all day and I don’t want to take my chances if Sunset finds me. Oh, Sparky!" She called out, but got no response at all, not even a sound. "It's just some fun and games, right? I like fun." She said, a bit optimistic. "I think... I've never really had it, but how hard can it be?" She questioned herself.

Then, she walked deeper inside the closet, and found Sparky trying to hide as he laughed a bit.

"I see you..." Misty said, as Sparky moved away. "Now, where were we?" She asked with a confident smile.

Misty then ducked down and dodged the paint pots, then saw one of them hit another that spilled in the ground. Misty jumped over it and then many lasers appeared suddenly, as Misty dodged the lasers like a pro. She then jumped, and two cans of spray shot some against her, but Misty dodged them elegantly and then landed with a proud smile.

"Still got it!" Misty said with pride, but then she tripped with a brush on the ground, and the brush flew into the air until it hit a bucket with feathers similar to Zipp's and fell right into Misty's head. "And still got my own clumsiness." She said with frustration, spilling some feathers that entered her mouth, while Sparky looked at her with a smile and as he moved his tail in happiness.

Back at Maretime Bay, Pipp was still trying to spread the message of Sparky being missing on her social media with her Pippsqueaks behind her, but Izzy kept making noise with her instrument.

"I said, can you keep the noise down for just a minute, Izzy?" Pipp shouted.

"What? I'm confused. Sunny, can you stop skating around me? It's making me dizzy!" Izzy asked Sunny.

"Hey, Pipp! Stop that!" Zipp told her sister, taking off her Z-Goggles. "You're stepping on those marks! They could be dragon-prints!" she pointed out with a frown.

"How am I supposed to know?" Pipp said anxiously.

"Stop fighting, this isn't helping!" Sunny told the other mares with a worried expression as Sunset landed next to Sunny.

“You ponies really need to stop fighting! We are trying to look for Sparky here! Can’t we just focus on who is missing please!” Sunset added, really frustrated that this fell apart quickly.

"Evil, I'm coming for you!" Hitch's voice was heard by the group.

They mares all turned around to see Hitch posing over the ceiling of the station, wearing a blue mask and a Sparky's blanket as a cape.

"Uh, Hitch?" Zipp called out confused. Suddenly, Zoom and Thunder appeared, wearing purple masks, and the critters also showed up with frowns. "Zoom? Thunder! What are they doing here?" She questioned, as she and the other mares looked at Hitch with worry, while Sunset raised an eyebrow at Hitch.

“First Sunny takes drastic measures when her lantern went missing and now Hitch takes drastic measures to find Sparky when he’s missing. How did I not see that coming?” Sunset asked herself, wondering why she didn’t see this coming when the same thing happened to Sunny, really seeing a connection here.

"It looks like Hitch is gearing up for... something epic" Izzy said with a deep voice, while Hitch looked on with a frown.

"And intense." Zipp added.

"And too, too much." Pipp said, a bit scared as the three fillies hid behind her.

“More like that the absence of Sparky has gotten to him so bad, he’s being overdramatic like the time Sunny was overdramatic.” Sunset said blankly with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey!” Sunny called out, having heard that.

“Don’t give me that look, Sunny. You were more dramatic as Hitch when your lantern went missing.” Sunset pointed out.

Sunny was about to retort, but then thought of what Sunset just reminded her when her lantern went missing and she almost went overboard. “Okay. You got me there.” She admittedly said, seeing that as a fair point.

"Go!" Hitch ordered the pegasi and the critters, still with his deep voice. "Leave no stone unturned." He added.

"Told ya." Izzy said with a chill tone.

"We gotta find that dragon and fast." Sunny said with worry that Hitch is going this far with Sparky missing.

“Yeah. Hitch is going overboard.” Sunset said in worried as well.

Then, Hitch, the critters, Zoom and Thunder started to run around town to find the culprit that took Sparky away.

"Culprit, I will find you!" Hitch said with a deep voice, kicking some things around and acting like anything but a respectful sheriff. "And I will make you pay... With litter pickup duty!" He added with anger. "You'll regret the day you ever crossed Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer." He said again, scaring the ponies that were passing by.

“Yep. He’s lost his marbles.” Sunset said in a bored expression, seeing that Hitch has lost it.

"This is all wrong!" Sunny exclaimed with worry. "By trying to find Sparky each our own way, we've created more stress and fear." She said to the others.

“Sunny’s right, girls. We gotta come up with a better plan, only this time, together since doing it in our own ways isn’t work.” Sunset said, agreeing with Sunny. “Our own plans may work, but one can’t do this alone. But together, we can do anything if we work together as one and not alone.” She said to others..

"Sunset’s right.” Sunny said as she continues. “Friends, we need to remain calm and listen to each other. Unified, we can do anything, remember?" She told them with a smile.

"We have been kind of..." Izzy said, then made some weird noises, stating that they haven't been really helpful. "... all over the place." She added.

"Exactly. Each of us may have a different approach, but there's got to be a way for us to get on the same track, right?" Sunny asked with a smile.

“Yeah. We must come up with a plan that will actually succeed if we work together, not alone.” Sunset said, having learned this experience whenever a situation like the Equestrian Magic crisis in CHS happens, she knows that one mustn’t do this alone if others worked together.

"Ah, the same track..." Izzy said with a thoughtful face.

"We need a way for us all to search together." Pipp pointed out.

"And further." Zipp added.

"But how?" Izzy questioned.

“We don’t know, but first things first, rein Hitch in!” Sunny called out as the Mares looked at their side and saw Hitch glaring at Toots in front of him.

“Yeah, that stallion needs to stop.” Sunset added, seeing this has gone far long enough as they need to stop Hitch before he does anything more crazy.

Hitch then cornered Toots as the stallion looked at Hitch with fright. "No, sheriff, no, I swear!" He said with fear. "I was just eatin' cookies and chillin.'" He added.

"With Sparky?!" Hitch yelled with anger.

"No, with my mother! I love her so much!" Toots replied.

“Hitch!” Both Sunny and Sunset said as they got between Hitch and Toots.

“That’s enough!” Sunset added.

“Hey!" Hitch yelled back.

"Mommy!" Toots cried out, as he ran away from the sheriff and his friends.

"Listen, we know––" Sunny tried to say but was cut off by Hitch.

"You two know where Sparky is?!" Hitch yelled at them with a twitchy eye, before Sunset slapped him hard on the cheek. “Ow!” He called out from his smack as he rubbed his cheeks, having snapped out of it from the slap.

“Calm your pony head there, Sheriff, and listen to what Sunny has to say!” Sunset called out firmly, which got Hitch to shut up.

"No, but all of this commotion isn't helping." Sunny told him. "It might even scare him off!" She pointed out, as the others arrived as well.

“Yeah, Hitch! This is like the time Sunny lost her lantern and almost went overboard. Now you are doing it as well! Now it’s Sunny’s turn to talk you out of it.” Sunset stated.

Sunny continued after Sunset. “Now, think. Is there anything we’re missing? Anything else Sparky loves?” She asked Hitch.

“I was gonna tell you what else Sparky loves to do to find him earlier, but when Zipp pointed out that he was dragon-napped, it got us all worried and stressed out.” Sunset pointed out, wanting to tell them that earlier but everything went crazy and even more worried for Sparky. “Now let’s calm down and think about what else Sparky loves to do.” She said in a calm tone.

Hitch calmed down a bit as he was back in reality as he took off his mask. “I don’t think so. I’ve thought of everything! And still no sign of him.” He said in a worried and sad tone. “I’m so worried.” He said as she hung his head down.

“We know.” Zipp told him with a smile.

"That's why we're here." Pipp added with a little smile.

"To help. And listen." Izzy said as well.

“And work together and think of a way to find Sparky.” Sunset added.

"I just miss his little face..." Hitch confessed. "Him stealing my badges, eating snacks..." He added with sadness."Him dancing around when he hears music." He finished.

Sunset widened her eyes when she heard that last part. “Wait? Hitch, go back to that.” She said to Hitch.

“Eating snacks?” Hitch asked in confusion.

“No, the one after it.” Sunset answered.

“Him dancing around when he hears music?” Hitch asked again in confusion.

“Yeah that, the one. Music.” Sunset answered with a smile.

“Music?” Pipp asks herself, but then realizes what Sunset is saying. “We completely forgot about music!” She called out.

“Huh?” The Zipp, Hitch and Izzy all asked in confusion.

“We know how to find Sparky!” Both Sunset and Pipp called out in unison with smiles, now having a plan to find Sparky.

Back at the Brighthouse closet, Sparky was playing with a feather, while a box behind him moved slowly and he didn't realize.

And then, Misty jumped out of the box and grabbed Sparky. "Finally, I got you!" she cheered, as she hugged the baby dragon. "And that means, I'll get my Cutie Mark!" she shouted and squealed with excitement.

Then, Mity lifted the baby dragon to look straight at his face, and she nuzzled her nose against his, while Sparky just giggled.

"Once I get it, I promise to bring you back. I've kind of grown to like you." Misty confessed with a smile. "But until then, to Opaline we go!" She declared.

Misty then walked out of the closet with a cheery smile, but once she opened the door slightly, music and Pipp's singing voice were heard.

(A Special Tune Song)

Do you hear that song?

Misty poked her head out of the Brighthouse, and looked at town with panic.

Oo-oo-oo-ooh

"Doo-doo-doo-doo." Sparky sang along.

"No!" Misty shouted with panic. "Oh, no, no, no!" She cried out again, as she started to walk backwards.

At Mane Street, Pipp is at the center of it as she sings through her microphone with the others listening.

The melody that's ringing out
Oo-oo-oo-ooh

"Doo-doo-doo-doo." Sparky's voice was heard by the Mane 6.

“That's Sparky's voice!" Hitch cheered, while Izzy played the tuba beside Pipp. "How are you doing this?!" He asked Pipp.

"It's the lullaby I wrote for him!" Pipp said with a smile. "A classic call-and-response song." She stated.

“How did you know this, Sunset?” Hitch asked Sunset next.

“Me and Twilight are dragon experts, remember. And Twilight used to sing a lullaby to Spike when he was a hatchling, so Sparky is no different. And I learned this from Fluttershy after her trip to the Dragon Lands during Baby Dragon Hatching Season after those baby dragons hatched.” Sunset answered with a smile, with her and Twilight dragon experts and some notes from the dragon lands as well from Twilight and Fluttershy, and a little bit from Spike, a lullaby usually gets a baby dragon to sleep, or sing along.

"Well, it's working, you guys!" Sunny said with a smile.

"Keep singing it, Pipp!" Zipp told her sister.

Then, Izzy stood at one side of Pipp with the tube and a flute. And as the two friends played and sang, Pipp's and Izzy's Cutie Marks started to shine bright again.

You hear that sound?
Oo-oo-oo-ooh

"Doo-doo-doo-doo." Sparky sang back.

The melody that's ringing out

"Everypony, sing along!" Zipp told the others, as she flew in the air. "The Cutie Mark magic is amplifying the sound." She pointed out, then flew back in ground as she and the other mares, sins Hitch, started to sing along.

Oo-oo-oo-ooh

"Oo-oo-oo-ooh." Sparky sang again.

A special tune

"I can hear him!" Hitch said excitedly, then looked at the Brighthouse and smiled. "He's at the Crystal Brighthouse!" He said.

That keeps you true
Sing the song that makes you!
Oo-oo-ooh

Back at the Brighthouse, Sparky kept singing along as he spilled some dragon fire, while Misty tried everything to make sure he stayed quiet.

“La la la!” Misty screamed as she tried to block out the song. “Listen to me instead, oh so pretty, right?!” She cried out as she screamed again, but the song was too loud to block out.

Sing your song that makes you

Desperate to make Sparky stay quiet, Misty grabbed a basket and put the baby dragon inside. "There we go!" Misty cheered, but then some dragon fire got out of the basket, until he breathed a lot of it and scared Misty. "No!" She screamed in fear.

Misty then saw a jar, and grabbed it, then managed to catch a flame of Sparky's breath on it.

"Sparky!" the voice of Hitch spoke, which cause Misty to gasp and hide quickly.

Hitch then entered the room, and saw Sparky coming out of the basket a bit dizzy. "Sparky!" he cheered, waving his hoof at the baby dragon, while Sparky turned to face him and smiled.

Hitch then ran down the stairs to him, but than Sparky’s traps kicks in as some paint buckets hit him in the face and got some on him, got stuck on some black substances like glue but got free, had a box over his head as he tries to keep his balance with his hooves all slippery, and got hit by some lasers as he made his way through.

“Sparky!” Hitch called out as some green streamers got on him, not that he cared as he crashed his way to his baby dragon as they hit the wall, but Hitch didn't care as he nuzzled his baby dragon in joy, really glad that he’s okay and found.

“Aww!” Sunny, Izzy and Sunset all said at the cute sight while Zipp just looked on with a smile.

Pipp chuckled a bit before cringing. “Also, ew.” She said, finding the traps that made Hitch’s messy gross.

"Sparky! You're okay!" Hitch said with a bright smile before he got serious. “Never leave my sight again!” He added while looking at Sparky, who gave him a lick on his muzzle, with made Hitch nuzzle him even more.

“Love what you’ve done with the place, Sparky!” Izzy cheered for the dragon while looking at the mess he made with his traps. “So unconventional. He’s a visionary. A true style icon.” She added with a smile.

"I'm so glad we found you." Sunny said to Sparky, as she, Sunset and Izzy got closer to Hitch and Sparky.

“You were tough to find, that’s for sure.” Sunset added with a smile.

"I would've gone to the ends of Equestria to make sure Sparky was safe!" Hitch assures with a smile.

"Wow! To the ends of Equestria!” Izzy called out with a smile as she got between them while waving her hoof around. “That sounds tiring." She said.

“But it would’ve been worth it to find somepony, or creature in Sparky’s case, to make sure they’re all right.” Sunset added with a smile while petting Sparky’s head, who giggled at her touch.

"Thanks for helping me, everypony!" Hitch told the others with a grateful smile. "I'm sorry if I went a little... overboard." He apologized, as Zipp landed in front of him.

"Maybe just a little." Zipp said with a teasing tone.

“And lost a couple of marbles at best.” Sunset added with a teasing smirk.

“But we totally understand.” Pipp answered with a smile. “Sparky’s your best buddy.” She added while the baby dragon played with the feather again as he blew on it.

“And ours too.” Zipp said, as she gently caressed Sparky's cheek.

"I promise this will never happen again" Hitch assured his friends and Sparky.

"You really are the best pony-dragon-dad in the world, you know that?" Pipp told him with a smile.

“And I know Twilight would be proud of you.” Sunset added with a smile, knowing Twilight will be proud of Hitch for taking care of Sparky, which she would since she heard every from inside the necklace, as Hitch smiled at Sunset for saying that.

"Technically, the only––" Izzy tried to point out.

"Izzy!" The others said with bored expressions.

“Seriously, Izzy, enough is enough.” Sunset added.

"Just kidding!" Izzy said cheerfully. "Ooh! I know a super secret place in town to watch the sunset! Come on!" She stated, then ran back upstairs.

Hitch turned to Sparky with a smile. “How does that sound, my little Sparky-Malarkey?” He asked his baby dragon who spoke in gibberish as he smiled at Hitch, meaning ‘yes’.

“So what’s this super-secret place?” Sunny asked Izzy as the Mane 6 walked out of the room.

Izzy turned to the others with a smile “Oh, it’s the bridge!” She answered, which earned laughs from her friends from that.

“Why are we not surprised?” Sunset asked jokily with a smile.

What they didn’t know is that Misty was hiding behind some boxes as she sighs in relief that she didn’t get caught as she waited for the Mane 6 to walk out of the Brighthouse so she can get out of here.

Not long after, Misty managed to get out of the Brighthouse with the jar containing some of Sparky's dragon fire.

"It's not a dragon, but it is Dragonfire." Misty said to herself. "It'll have to do..." She told herself again, now with a worried expression as she made her way back to Opaline’s Castle.

Sometime later at Opaline’s Castle, Misty came into the throne room where Opaline was waiting for her, while Misty looked nervous when Opaline turned to her.

“Where is my dragon?” Opaline demanded, which made Misty to lower herself in fright.

“I did everything I could to get Spark--” Misty cuts herself off when she realizes what she was about to say, knowing Opaline won’t like that. “I mean, your dragon, but this was all I could get.” She explained as she showed the jar of Sparky’s dragonfire to Opaline.

Opaline smiled at the dragonfire. “It’s been hundreds of moons since I’ve last seen Dragonfire. How beautiful it is.” She said with a smile as she opened the jar as the dragon fire came into contact right into her face as her horn glowed up in flames as Opaline concentrated.

Misty watches in shock at what’s happening as Opaline flies into the air as she spreads her wings, which causes it to glow and burn up in magical flames as Opaline laughs evilly. “Yes! Yes! Power!” She announced as she felt the magic flowing through her as she released a small shockwave of magic through her horn as she gave another evil laugh as Misty went for cover in front of a door between tree stems as she watched in fright.

Opaline then landed on the floor as she looked at her wings that stopped glowing. “More! I need more!” She called out, wanting more magic to become more powerful as her horn was still in flames. “Then I can finally finish what I started all those moons ago with Twilight Sparkle, finish the last member of the Guardians of Harmony, Sunset Shimmer, and gain control over all magic the way Alicorns were meant to.” She declared as she flared her wings up while Misty kept watching in fright. “No more of this ‘unity and ‘equality’ stuff. The citizens of Equestria should fear and love their immortal rulers. And I don’t need any remnants of Twilight Sparkle influence getting in my way, like that Sunset Shimmer who was friends with Twilight Sparkle and is showing ponies the way of ‘harmony’ and ‘friendship’ like Twilight used to do. And they will, because soon, I’ll give them a reason to.” She declared with an evil smirk, going to get what she wants.

And you'll give me a Cutie Mark?" Misty asked, still in fear.

"That measly drop of dragon fire wasn't enough! And you won't be enough, Misty." Opaline shouted at her with pure anger, which made Misty feel useless. "Not until you can prove that you're actually useful and get. That. DRAGON!" She stated. She then uses her magic to make an image of the Brighthouse appear. "I'm coming for you, little ponies. Especially you, Sunny Starscout and Sunset Shimmer." She said with anger, while Misty walked to her room.

Once Misty made it to her room, which is nothing but a single throw pillow bed and a desk drawer with a window,she lay on her bed and sighed with sadness.

"For somepony made of fire, I've never met a heart so cold." Misty muttered, starting to sob at what Opaline just said to her.

At the bridge of Maretime Bay, the Mane 6 looked at the sunset with smiles as they sigh in relaxation.

"It's so nice just soaking in the serenity and peace of a sunset." Hitch said with a smile.

“That’s funny since my name is ‘sunset’.” Sunset joked with a smile, which made them laugh at the pun, finding it funny and true. “But watching said sunset really relaxes the body and mind ponies.” She added with a smile.

"Uh, what is that?" Zipp questioned, pointing at the sky.

As the Mane 6 looked on that direction, Hitch started to panic again, since Zoom and Thunder were flying over Toots like a hunter ready to catch their prey.

"Oh no, Operation Glitterbomb, I forgot!" Hitch yelled out in panic, and then whistled with his hoof to call to the two pegasi, who approached the sheriff and the rest. "Everypony, the search is off! Operation Glitterbomb is no more. We found him! Sparky is safe!" He told the pegasi and the critters.

"What a relief!" Zoom said, while the ponies on town cheered, glad that all of this was over.

"But what about these cool masks?" Thunder asked Hitch.

"You can keep the masks." Hitch told them with a smile.

"Yes!" Thunder cheered, as he high hoofed with Zoom and then they flew back to Zephyr Heights.

“I hope this won’t happen again, Hitch. But if it does happen again, me and the others will be there to help you and think clearly.” Sunset said to Hitch with a smirk about what just happened again.

“Yeah. I’ll make sure of that.” Hitch said with a smirk as well, going how to remember his lesson.

Kenneth then flew to Zipp as he chirped at her, even though she couldn't understand him as he flew away.

"Well, nothing can surprise me any more." Zipp said with a bored expression.

Suddenly, they all heard a very loud honk, which startled them all and caused Pipp to cover her ears. Then, they saw Izzy arriving with the old tram car she mentioned earlier.

"Surprise!" Izzy said in a cheery tone.

Izzy managed to stop the car before it could hit anyone, and then got down with a smile, while the rest stared at it confused.

"Ah... What is that?" Sunny asked with a sheepish smile.

“Yeah, Izzy. What did you bring us?” Sunset asked in a confuse tone while smiling, wondering what Izzy brought them this time

"My brand-new old, broken down, good-for-nothing, retired tram car!" Izzy presented cheerfully. "Great find, huh?!" She asked, as she lay on the cart. She got worried looks from her friends as a response. "Trust. I got something super-cool up my mane. It's gonna be tram-a-licious. Tram-a-blamo. Tramtastic!" She added, while the rest just laughed at her attitude.

“Well, Izzy, whatever you got plans for this tram car, I know it will be amazing.” Sunset answered with a smile.

“Trust me, Sunset, it will!” Izzy cheered.

"Hey, and next time we're searching for something, you guys can get around in that." Zipp pointed out with a smile, referring to Sunny, Izzy, Hitch, Sparky, since she, Pipp and Sunset could fly, Sunny could too but only when she’s in Alicorn form.

"That's just what I was thinking!" Izzy said cheerfully. "Friends that stick together, can never be separated!" She added, as she and the rest of the Mane 6 started to walk back to the Brighthouse laughing.

But then, Hitch panicked when Sparky disappeared again. "Sparky!" He called out in worry. "Sparky?" He called out again.

And then when Hitch turned to the tram car, Sparky poked his head from the inside of the tram car, wearing a driver hat as he made gibberish sounds and got out of it to run back with Hitch.

Hitch laughed a bit as he grabbed Sparky in his hoof. “Aw…” he sighs in relief as he walks away with the rest of his friends, ready to end their day back at the Brighthouse.

Sunset however stopped for a moment, as she was feeling something wrong as she looked around. Having felt something little dark, like dark magic she is feeling lately, which made Sunset uneasy of his feeling.

“Something is not right. I feel… cold and dark.” Sunset muttered to herself. “Where is that magic coming from?” She asked herself in worry, not sure what to think of this, but had a feeling that it’s something bad as she ran to catch up with the others.

End of Chapter 2 Ep 8.

Author's Note

That’s the end of Chapter 2 part of MYM, and now just wait until Chapter 3 when it shows on Nov 21.

Chapter 3: Winter Wishday

Chapter 3: Winter Wishday

(I Just Can’t Wait For Wishentine’s Day Song)

The nights are getting longer (longer)
And there's a chill in the air
And you feel a bit of magic

It’s a gray sky time as a piece of a snowflake fell down as it made its way to Maretime Bay.

Ooh, everywhere
It's a special time that we all hold dear (dear)

Hitch exited the station with Sparky, while wearing what looks like holiday hats on as Hitch put Sparky on his back as he walked out of the station while ponies around Maretime Bay, while wearing winter gear, are putting up holiday’s decorations as Hitch nodded to a pony walking by, who nodded back.

So come on, everypony, time to spread the cheer (yeah!)
There's dancin' and there's prancin' 'round the Wishing Tree
And a little bit of sparkle for you and me

Posey and Jazz used their Earth Pony Magic to make a holiday plant grow around the door of Mane Melody as Rocky flew over them as he winked and placed a bow that was sparkly gray with green lines on the top of the door as Jazz and Posey hop around with joy of their work as Hitch walked by them with a smile while Sparky looked at them while on Hitch’s back.

No, I just can't wait 'til it's Wishentine's Day

A little bit later, an Earth Pony stallion passes a cup of hot chocolate to another stallion, who passed it to Windy, and then she passed it to an Earth Pony mare as she sniff at the hot chocolate as all four ponies each have one from the Earth Pony stallion cart wagon full of them as they cheers to each other and took a sip of their drinks.

Two elder Earth Ponies trotted off happily with each carrying holiday’s wreath as Hitch walked by them with a smile.

It's the twinkle in the eye of every Pegasi (Pegasi)
And the feeling when you listen to the bells outside

Sprout was on the bridge as he used his Earth Pony magic on a wreath as he made white flowers around it like snowflakes as the two elder Earth Ponies gave Sprout a smile as he smiled back at them.

The glisten of the snowflakes falling in your mane
Yeah, come on, everypony, don't you feel the same?
Every moment, every sound
Every feeling, sing it loud

Seashell walked up to a bucket full of dirt with a smile as she used her magic to sprout some white flowers as she smiled at them as a snowflake landed on the white flower as Seashell saw it and smiled even more at as she looked around and saw it snowing as snowflakes are coming down as she trotted happily away to her two friends as they trotted happily around as they watched the snow coming down.

No, I, no, I, no, I, no, I
No, I just can't wait (no, I can't)
No, I just can't wait 'til it's Wishentine's Day
Yeah!

At the Crystal Brighthouse as the snow is coming down while the rainbow continues to shine, Hitch walks up to the front door that is opened for him as he walks inside.

Inside the Brighthouse’s kitchen, a music player is playing as Sunny is spinning around while singing with joy.

“We whisk you some tasty cookies.” Sunny sang as she grabbed a container next to the record player before going to a stand mixer and pouring some of the contents of the container she was holding into the bowl as it stirred. “We whisk you some frosted goodies. We wish you a yummy Wishday. And a happy New Moon!” She sang as she looked at the seven cookies being baked in the oven. “Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!” She kept singing as she trotted around happily.

Sunset, who is wearing a red winter hat, watches Sunny trotting around in the holiday spirit as she sighs fondly at her with a smile. “Sunny is really into the holiday spirit, right Twilight?” She asked as her necklace opened up as Twilight appeared.

“She sure is, Sunset.” Twilight answered with a smile. “Kinda reminds me of how me and my friends celebrate Hearth's Warming. It’s one of the best holidays, sure some can be a little wild but it’s the time and year when ponies celebrate together and enjoy each other's company.” She said with a smile, having great memories she had with her friends and family on Hearth's Warming.

Sunset sighs as she is having some thought. “I may have a similar holiday at CHS known as Christmas, but I really miss celebrating this holiday in Equestria. I just wished the others were here.” She said, feeling a little down on missing Hearth's Warming Even with her family and old friends back in Equestria, sure she celebrated Christmas in CHS with the Rainbooms, but she should’ve returned to her true home in the holidays, something she regret skipping on.

Twilight saw Sunset’s face as she gave a comforting smile to her. “And I wish for that for you as well, Sunset. But even if you have missed a lot, your family and friends will always be with you by heart. And don’t feel so down, you still have me, Sunny and the others around you now. So you aren’t alone and you can celebrate the holidays with them.” She said with a smile, comforting Sunset for how she is feeling and reminding her that she is not alone and she will always have others to be around for her.

Sunset smiled again as she realized that Twilight is right as she turned to her with a smile. “Thanks, Twilight. And you’re right, I am never alone. You really know how to make a pony feel better.” She said with a smile as Twilight giggled from that, finding that true as Sunset then spoke again. “Speaking of holidays, I wonder what they call this since Hearth's Warming doesn't go by that name anymore since the ponies were divided.” She stated. “I mean sure that Nightmare Night is still a thing in this new era, but Hearth’s Warming is a different story.” She added, seeing that before magic returned and ponies reunited, Hearth's Warming would’ve been called a different holiday since it was about every creature in Equestria coming together, and since the ponies were divided, the name must’ve changed from that.

“I wondered that myself. But I’m sure Sunny and the others will speak of that soon.” Twilight assured, not sure herself since she’s been away for so long, she has no idea what they called this holiday of Hearth's Warming was now called in this new era of Equestria.

“Yeah. I’m sure they will.” Sunset said with a smile as she walked around the Brighthouse as she passed by Zipp and Pipp, who the former is sitting on the floor while the latter is in front of her while sitting on the couch.

Zipp sighs as Pipp holds a music stick while waving it in front of her sister, who is giving a tired expression. “Me-me-me-me-meeeee…” Zipp sang off-key.

“You're a little pitchy, Zipp.” Pipp stated to her sister. “I mean, this is the Zephyr Heights Wishentine Royal Carousel Concert!” She said excitedly, stating that she is helping Zipp practice her singing for the Carousel Concert in Zephyr Heights.

“Ugh!” Zipp groans from this. “If it takes an hour to say the name, the show's probably gonna last for a week!” She complained at how long the show can be when she and her sister sing at it.

“Even more reason to practice! From the top!” Pipp called out with a smile as she took to the air and flew off the couch.

Before they can start, they hear a clattering sound as they turn and see the basement door open.

In the basement, Izzy is trying to get a box in the middle of the other two boxes out of the top shelf with her magic as she strains to get it off.

“Just... a little... closer... and I can get these…” Izzy strains as she tries to get the box, but after a pull the box comes free but it falls right to Izzy as the unicorn gasped from it as the box landed on her and some stuff came out of it and on the floor. Izzy levitated the box off her head as she looked at the supplies with her usual cheery smile. “...ornaments!” She finished with a smile as she now got the ornaments down, literally.

In the Critter’s Corner, Hitch is sitting down while holding a holiday card while Kenneth is chirping at him about the card as the critters come close to him.

“It's from my Grandma Figgy!” Hitch answered with a happy smile as he looked at the picture of his Grandmother, who is a pink Earth Pony mare who’s mane and tail is white, wearing a multi-color scarf, and red glasses while wearing some cupcakes with stars on them with a smile.

McSnips-a-lot clicks his claws in saying something as the two birds beside him are giving a chirp like laughter, finding something funny.

Hitch gives a playful rolled eyes at this with a small smile at their jokes. “Not ‘Piggy’, you wise-crab! Figgy!” He corrected as he showed the picture to McSnips-a-lot, who kept clicking his claws with a smile as Hitch just smirked at him, understanding something funny from him. “Very funny.” He said to his crab as he opened the card with a smile as he read it. “Anyway, Figgy writes, ‘My dearest grandcolt…’ That's me! ‘...I can't wait to see you on Winter Wishday. We're gonna have so much fun building the best cookie cottages. Love, your Gran.’” He finished with a happy smile as he held the card close. “D'awww! Isn't she the best grandma in the whole world?” He asked the critters happily.

Kenneth then starts chirping about something to Hitch.

Hitch then gives a look with a frown at Kenneth from what he just said. “Oh, you think your grandma's better?” He asked with an offensive look, while Kenneth shrugged his wings while giving a sheepish look at Hitch. “That's what I thought.” He said while still giving him a look as he turned a bit.

The birds start chirping while McSnips-a-lot starts clicking his claws while Sparky starts laughing a bit from that.

A little bit later, Sunny placed holiday cookies like versions of her friends, including Sparky, she made on the table of the living room as her friends grabbed/levitated some as she kept singing as Izzy took a bite of hers, Hitch is giving Sparky his cookie while Hitch gave pieces of his own to the birds as Zipp and Pipp took a bite of theirs as Sunset looked at her cookie self and took a bite out of it as Twilight watches with a smile. “We whisk you some tasty cookies. We whisk you some frosted goodies. We wish you a yummy Wishday. And a happy New Moon!” She finished with a giggle.

“So, Sunny, what is it that you were dying to tell us?” Sunset asked with a smile, wanting to know what got Sunny so excited.

Sunny calmed down as she spoke to her friends with a smile. “Okay, okay. If I keep it in any longer, I'm going to explode!” She exclaimed excitedly as she waved her hooves in the air.

Zipp gives a playful smile at Sunny from it. “Hit the deck, everypony!” She called out playfully as she lowered her head down and covered it with her wings as she laughed at her joke.

The critters chirped as they ducked for cover, McSnips and a bird ducked behind Hitch’s seat while Kenneth hides inside a lamp as he pokes his head out from the top, clearly not getting Zipp’s joke.

"What's got you buzzing, Sunny?" Pipp asked curiously with a smile.

"Winter Wishday is just around the corner and of course, I can't wait to spend it with all of you!" Sunny started to explain excitedly. "I have the perfect holiday planned for us, and it all ends with my favorite part: exchanging gifts under the Wishing Star! Eee! There, I said it!" She exclaimed excitedly, chomping a part of her cookie.

“That’s amazing, Sunny!” Sunset said in excitement. “I’ve never seen it but it will be interesting.” She said, never have seen the Wishing Star before.

“I haven’t either, this will be so exciting!” Twilight squeals in excitement, going to see something new like a Wishing Star.

“I know! Right?!” Sunny said in excitement to the two before waiting for the rest of her friends to respond.

However, she didn't get the answers that she expected from the others.

"Uh..." Hitch said, a bit surprised, as he scratched his head feeling bad.

"Ooh..." Izzy exclaimed with worry, not so sure on how to say what she wants to without hurting Sunny's feelings.

Zipp and Pipp looked at each other with worried expressions, not sure on how to say what they needed to.

Sunset saw their expression. “Oh boy.” She sighs, seeing that there will be bad news for Sunny.

"What?" Sunny asked, both confused and worried from their expressions.

"Well, it's just that I promised my Grandma Figgy I'd celebrate Winter Wishday with her." Hitch explained. "Like we always do!" He added with a smile.

"And I have to ring in the last night of Wishiehoof in Bridlewood with my hoofmade ornament!" Izzy explained as well, lifting a box with her ornament inside of it. "It's Jinxie if I miss that!" She added with concern.

“And we have to be home for the..." Pipp started to explain, looking at her sister with a smile.

"Zephyr Heights Wishentine Royal Carousel Concert." Zipp said with a bored expression.

"Wooweee, that takes a long time to say." Izzy said, appearing suddenly at the sisters' side.

"Right?" Both Zipp and Pipp agreed with smiles.

"It seems like we've all got conflicting holiday plans." Hitch pointed out.

“You ponies sure do. And what you ponies called Wishday, Wishiehoof, Wishentine holidays, back in my time, we ponies called it Hearth’s Warming.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Hearth’s Warming?” The rest of the Mane 6, except for Sunny, asked in curiosity since they haven’t heard that name since Ancient Equestria.

“Hearth's Warming is an annual holiday in Equestria that celebrates its founding. My dad used to tell me about them through his research.” Sunny answered them with a smile, having heard that part of the history of how Equestria was founded.

“That’s right, Sunny.” Twilight answered with a smile. “Hearth’s Warming is like all three of your Wish-related holidays combined as one when the tribes were together. Me and my friends did a play about how the three tribes were first united and how Equestria was founded during the Windigos incident when each tribe were fighting one another and how the fire of friendship was made. And how the tribes came together in the first place and how every year, creatures of all Equestria celebrate that holiday together, sharing traditions and spending time with one another.” She added, giving a brief history and memory lane of Hearth’s Warming and how she and her friends did a play of it and how Equestria was founded.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” Izzy said cheerfully as the others nodded in agreement, loving that holiday already.

“That’s right. And we ponies celebrate them together and share each other's traditions.” Sunset added with a smile, having fond memories of her favorite holiday. “But seeing you guys have other plans, I guess it will be complicated to celebrate together.” She said with a little down expression that the others have other traditions they need to do.

“Yeah. We’re all having a big list on our hooves.” Hitch said with an apologetic smile to the three ponies.

"No!" Sunny shouted suddenly. "I mean, sorry, yes, we do all have plans, but I think we can still make this happen." She explained with confidence.

“But how?” Hitch asked curiously of how they planned to work this out.

"We'll stick together! That's how!" Sunny started to explain. "We can definitely get to all of our holiday traditions and still make it back here in time to exchange gifts under the Wishing Star!" She explained.

"Ugh! Love that for us, but Zephyr Heights and Bridlewood are quite the journey." Pipp pointed out.

“A long journey. It took us like a day or two to get between Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights from Maretime Bay, and that was without magic from the start.” Sunset added, remembering that before magic returned, it was a long journey to get to each tribe's hometowns.

Suddenly, they all noticed the snow outside of the Brighthouse, as they all walked towards the window to appreciate it better.

"Wow! Look at all that floaty snow!" Izzy said with a smile.

"Huh. That's strange." Sunny said in confusion. "It never snows here in Maretime Bay Like ever!" She pointed out. "Right, Hitch?" She asked him with a smile.

"Nope. But I have been wishing for snow ever since I was little!" Hitch replied with a smile.

"Me too!" Sunny confess with a smile, have been wishing the same thing as well.

“Really, you ponies haven’t got any snow before?” Sunset asked the two Earth Ponies in confusion.

“Not in Maretime Bay, no, Sunset.” Sunny answered.

Twilight took a thought from that. “That’s strange when you put it. Even without magic when it disappeared, the weather would’ve been natural like the world Sunset was in. Even I would’ve known that.” She said in a thoughtful tone, saying that even if the ponies aren’t in control of the weather now that they have become more natural, they would’ve gotten snow in the winter season, which is a little strange, even for Twilight.

“Guess there’s a first time for everything, Twilight. And I find the snow great.” Sunset said with a smile while looking at the snow.

"It sure is, Sunset!” Sunny said with a smile. “But... how are we going to get to Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights in this?" She questioned.

“Yeah. It would be a miracle if we have some sort of transportation to get to all areas in Equestria as quickly as possible.” Sunset said with a smirk, making an act as she smirked at Zipp.

Zipp smirked back as she sat on the floor as she took out her phone and looked at something on it, showing it to both Izzy, Twilight and Sunset, who nodded at her in agreement.

“Mm-hmm!” Izzy hummed in agreement as she spoke to the others. "Zipp, Twilight, Sunset and I have a surprise for you!" She cheered after a little jump.

"Surprise?" Sunny asked with curiosity.

“Surprise?” Sparky said in a baby tone, once he heard Sunny saying that, he started to move excitedly, rolling backwards on a ball and landing in front of Izzy, who grabbed the baby dragon with a smile.

"It could be the perfect snow-lution to our pickle!" Izzy said with a cheery smile.

"It was supposed to wait until Wishday, but... Oh, alright!" Zipp added with a little jump.

"And is the perfect excuse to test it out with you guys! We worked hard on it when we finished it." Sunset added excitement.

“And believe us, it will be worth the wait!” Twilight said in excitement as well.

"So... what is it?" Hitch asked.

However, instead of answering, Izzy got suddenly lost as she stared at the ceiling with a weird look, until she realized everyone was staring at her.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I zoned out there for a second!" Izzy said with a sheepish smile, as she put Sparky down. "Follow me!" she instructed, with Sunset and Zipp flying at her side.

“Come on, ponies!” Sunset called out to the others to follow.

The four ponies looked at each other a bit hesitant before following them.

Outside of the Brighthouse, Izzy, Zipp and Sunset stood at the side of something covered by a blue blanket, while the rest just looked at them curiously. Izzy also brought Sunny's lantern for some reason.

"Ta-da!" Izzy said, as she retired the blanket to reveal... the tram car Izzy found a while ago, now turned into some kind of flying vehicle... or an attempt of one, to say the least, from the tramcar Izzy showed them when they first found Sparky after he went missing.

Zipp leans on top of a glued party hat on the tramcar, but falls off as Zipp quickly grabs it and puts its back on. "Okay, so it still needs a little work. But pretty great, right?!" Zipp asked with a smile. “We've been working on it for weeks!” She added as she landed next to Pipp and Sunny.

“And believe us, it was no picnic putting this thing together.” Sunset added, still playing the act.

“Yeah. Even though I’m a spirit, I do help out by giving them some advice to put it together.” Twilight added, playing the act as well.

“Love it so much! One question though.” Pipp said in an excited tone before looking at it in confusion. “What is it?” She asked, wanting to know what it is she is seeing.

"Well, originally, it was that old, broken tram car I found behind the factory, then it was a giant art installation, then Zipp, Twilight, Sunset and I had the brilliant idea to Unicycle it from art to... Moving art!" Izzy explained

"More like flying art!" Zipp pointed out, as she flapped her wings.

"Yeah! So now it's that!" Izzy pointed out.

"Izzy suggested the idea of finding a way to show you guys how cool it feels to fly, since half of us can’t fly, and Sunny only flies in her Alicorn form when she’d summon it out." Sunset explained. "So, Zipp, Twilight and I gave her a hoof and we made this!" She added excitedly while pointing at the tramcar.

“Granted I didn’t physically help them, but I did help them with my brain smarts.” Twilight pridefully said to the,.

“Yeah! And I did have a thought and wanted to find a way to show you ponies how awesome it is to fly, too.” Zipp admittedly said, wanting to show the rest of their friends how flying is awesome as well.

“No way!” Both Sunny and Pipp said in amazement, sure Sunny flew a bunch of times, but not as often when she brought out her Alicorn half, and Pipp was just amazed at what Izzy, Twilight, Zipp and Sunset made together.

“Whaaaaat?!” Hitch said in shock and amazement with a smile with Sparky on his back smiling as the three ponies walked up to the tramcar to take a closer look.

"We can use it to travel to our hometown holiday celebrations, and make it back here to the Brighthouse in time to see the Wishing Star together!" Izzy said with a cheery smile.

However, the others were not really convinced, especially Hitch, who was staring at the 'lights' of the tramcar as he pokes at it as it fell into the ground.

"Pretty cool, but are you sure this thing can fly?" Hitch questioned unsure.

“Well, of course it flies, Hitch! We flew it ourselves!” Sunset called out as she placed the ‘light’ back into place. “We’re just missing a little bit of magic.” She said with a smirk as she looked at Sunny’s lantern next to her.

The tramcar's left wing nearly fell off as Zipp caught it and put it back into place.

"What do you call it?" Sunny asked with a smile.

“Uh… Izzy? What did you name it when we tried it out last time?” Zipp asked Izzy, having forgotten the name Izzy came up with.

"Hmm..." Izzy said, thinking of how she named the vehicle before almost shouting it. "The Marestream!" She called out in a deep voice with a serious expression before she spoke in her normal tone and expression. "I mean, that's an option I was thinking of, we totally don't have to use it or whatever" She added with a nervous chuckle.

"It's perfection!" Pipp said with a smile, loving that name.

"Agree!" Zipp said. "Now, who wants to try it out?" She asked the others in excitement.

Sunset clears her throat as the others turn to her. “You are forgetting the final piece of a magic touch, girls.” She said with a smirk as she pointed to Sunny’s lantern.

Izzy then realizes what Sunset is saying as spoke cheerfully. “Oh right! I almost forgot about it myself!” She called out as trotted to the front of the tramcar. “Pre-flight check!” She called out as opens the washing machine part in front of the tramcar as she smirked at Sunset and Zipp. “Could somepony please shine a light?” She asked them.

Zipp and Sunset smirked at Izzy as Zipp called out. “You got it!” She called out as she grabbed Sunny’s lantern and flew to the front of the tramcar as she turned to Sunny. “Thanks for letting me keep an eye on your lantern, Sunny.” She thanked Sunny with a smile.

"I know it's in good hooves with detective Zipp!" Sunny said with a smile as well. "Have you discovered anything new about its magic yet?" She asked.

“Just that its Prisbeam energy is powerful.” Zipp replied as she placed the lantern in front of the driver seat of the tramcar.

“Trust me, I’ve seen it myself and it’s amazing.” Sunset said with a smile.

“I’ve seen a lot of magic in my time, but never anything like this.” Twilight said, pretty surprised about the Prisbeam magic as well, never seen anything like that in her time.

Izzy gasps excitedly from what Zipp just said. “Just like our friendship!” She said with a little smile.

"Exactly!" Sunny said, as she squealed excited again and got between Hitch and Pipp. "I can't wait to see the Wishing Star with my best friends!" She added with excitement.

As the rest of the Mane 6 laughed, their Cutie Marks started to shine and gave their power to Sunny's lamp. After the lamp received all of their power, the rainbow light inside of it grew bigger and covered the entire tram car, restoring it to transform it into the motor vehicle it turned the first time the lamp did the same thing.

“Whoa!” Hitch said in awed.

"Wow!" Sunny said in amazement.

"Amazing!" Pipp exclaimed as well.

"There it is!" Sunset said casually. "We told you that this thing worked, as it really does fly." She added with a smirk.

“This is what you three wanted to show us?!” Sunny asked in excitement. “How come you didn’t show us this kind of form before?” She asked with a smirk.

"Because the fun of the surprise could have been ruined, silly!" Izzy said with a cheery smile.

“That and because it turned back to its former self after we brought it back to Maretime Bay after its first test flight. Maybe because since it only took three of our magic to make it temporary, all six of us would make it permanent. And we wanted to surprise you and show you how it’s done, so we were lucky it did.” Sunset said with a prideful smile, while saying that even though it took three of their magic to make Marestream’s form temporary, all six of them would make it permanent, and it will be a better surprise for the others to see it for themselves.

“Yep! Now let’s go!” Zipp announced with a smile as they entered the Marestream.

The Mane 6 entered the now advanced Marestream: it had some passenger sofas, a small kitchen, and a door that led to the drivers place, that somehow was bigger, and had 7 spots, probably the seats for each one of the group.

“Amazing right, ponies? The lantern did the makeover itself.” Sunset said with a smile to them as the others, except for Zipp, Twilight and Izzy who kept smirks on their faces, looked in awe at the Marestream.

“My lantern did all this? Wow!” Sunny cheered, surprised that her lantern could do this.

“Trust us, Sunny. It surprised us four ponies as well when we first made it.” Twilight said with a smile.

“And not only that, the lantern also acts as a magic key of some sort for the Marestream. It acts as it own fuel and magical powersource to get it going.” Sunset added while pointing to the lantern right in front of them with at the center of the controls, powering Marestream with its own Prisbeam power.

"Whoa!" Hitch exclaimed, as he got close to a tablet, which he tapped and turned on, making the entire Marestream turn on as well, as it lifted up from the ground a few seconds before Izzy tapped the same button that Hitch pressed, causing the Marestream to land. "Do you have a driver's license for this vehicle?" Hitch asked Izzy with a smirk.

Izzy then brings out a scissor and some cardboard papers as she gives an excited shouting with some grunting efforts as she crafting three homemade driver licenses for her, Zipp and Sunset. “Ta-daaa!” She cheered with a smile.

Hitch grabbed one of the homemade driver licenses as he inspected it a bit before smiling. “Yup. Everything checks out here.” He said as he gave the homemade license back to Izzy as she walked off and gave the other two licenses to Zipp and Sunset, which they accepted.

“Does your law book say anything about not having a license to drive a flying motor vehicle that was made by hoof and a little bit of magic?” Sunset asked rhetorically with a raised eyebrow when Hitch asked for a license for a vehicle that they made by hoof and a little bit of magic.

“I don’t know. Let me check.” Hitch said as he brought out his law book and looked through it as Sunset rolled her eyes from that as Hitch spoke. “Nope. Nothing about it here.” He answered Sunset.

“Good. Then we can fly it. And don’t you even think about making that law. Because this thing is made by magic and you don’t want me to knock some sense into you if you make that law.” Sunset said with a playful smirk, reminding Hitch not to make a law like the magic restriction law he made, which turned out badly in the process.

“Yeah. I agree. Not going through that again from what Sunset and the others told me.” Twilight said, while she wasn’t there at the time, Sunset and the mares told her what happened, which she was not pleased for what Hitch did but understands what he was going through.

Hitch chuckled sheepishly from what Sunset and Twilight just said. “Don’t worry. I won’t.” He said, having learned his lesson and not wanting to do that again.

Pipp looked at the spots on the floor for each of them as she counted them. “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven spots?” She questioned, surprised that there’s an extra spot. “But aside from Twilight, there's only six of us!” She pointed out, not counting Twilight since she’s a spirit.

“Strange that there’s a seventh spot. Don’t know why since there’s only six of us here.” Sunset commented, even though she's confused to why there’s a seventh spot.

“Maybe it’s for an extra pony or maybe…. Something else like there's a seventh pony to join us. But other than that, I'm not sure myself.” Twilight said, even though she's surprised that there’s a seventh spot, but not sure what it is for herself.

Izzy thought for a moment to solve this solution. “Um, no! Don't forget…” She brought in Senor Butterscotch as she then spoke in a deep tone. “...Señor Butterscotch! Ha-ha-ha!” She intimated a laugh for her creative Unicycling pony replica.

“Ha!” Pipp laughed as she found that funny.

Zipp then gave a smirk as she spoke. “All I know is , the Captain's seat, that's for me!” She announced while holding the homemade driver license of herself that Izzy gave her as she flew to the wheel as she turned it a bit. “Whoa! I am never getting tired of this.” She said as she had a thought in her head. “New theory: Holiday magic even stronger than regular magic?” She asked with a smile, still amazed at how powerful Sunny’s lantern is.

“Solve that later, Zipp. We got holidays’ traditions to get done!” Sunset called out with an exciting smile.

"Then it's settled!" Sunny started with a smile. "First thing in the morning, we'll head out to Equestria and make it back to the Brighthouse in time to see the Wishing Star! Come on! There's so much to do to get ready!" She cheered.

“Can’t wait!/Alright!/Yes!/You said it!/Great plan!” The rest of the Mane 6, from Pipp, Zipp, Izzy, Sunset and then Hitch, cheered as well, as they got out of the Marestream to get everything ready for their trip tomorrow.

"What should I pack?" Pipp questioned.

“Cookies.” Izzy eagerly suggested.

Sunny and Sunset stopped as Sunny was holding her lantern as the two ponies, and Twilight, turned and looked at the Marestream as they smiled to one another.

“This is gonna be the best Hearth’s Warming-- I mean, Wishday, ever Sunny.” Sunset said with a smile.

“It sure will, Sunset.” Sunny said with a smile, before she realized the name Sunset almost said. “You almost said, Hearth’s Warming, didn’t you?” She asked Sunset.

Sunset sighs as she answers. “Yes. To be honest, that name was around for generations when Equestria was founded and how the original leaders of the tribes came together and created the fire of friendship. And now ponies have forgotten about that holiday and changed it into their own special holiday names of each tribe. They’ve kept Nightmare Night, but Hearth’s Warming, that’s not right.” She said, really missing the name of Hearth’s Warming since it was the special day of when Equestria was founded and how the fire of friendship was formed.

“Yeah. I'm even upset that they’d change the name.” Twilight added, feeling down about it herself.

Sunny knows what they are going through as she gives a comforting hug to Sunset with a smile. “Maybe we can bring back the name when the time is right now that ponies are together again.” She said with a confident smile. “It will be hard work, but I know that together, we can accomplish anything. Like bringing the three tribes together, bringing back magic and making new magic, nothing is impossible.” She said in a confident tone, knowing that they will make it work.

Sunset and Twilight both smiled at Sunny as Sunset returned the hug for a quick moment before they released it. “Thanks, Sunny. You always kept your optimistics for hope.” She said with a smile.

Sunny smirked from that. “It’s a gift. My father told me to keep hope up.” She said, having a fond memory of her father.

“Well he was a wise stallion, that’s for sure.” Twilight commented with a smile, finding Argyle Starshine, Sunny’s father, really interesting.

Sunset kept her smile as she spoke. “Come on, let’s get inside. We got a whole day ahead of us.” She said as the two ponies, and Twilight, went inside the Brighthouse to prepare for the big day.

The next morning, the gang was getting all of their bags and baggage ready for their trip.

Sunny just packed some essential things, while Hitch packed some toys for Sparky in one baggage, with Sparky himself jumping over another one of the bags.

Zipp walked past Hitch with a smile and a holiday hat as she put on a pair of glasses as she flew off.

Outside of the Marestream, Pipp was pushing a lot of bags that she planned to take for the trip. However, Izzy nodded in negation, much to Pipp’s dismay that she can’t bring them.

Finally, the Mane 6 got inside of the Marestream with them wearing various holiday hats, Hitch and Sparky, who is on top of Hitch’s head, are wearing holiday hats, Hitch’s being blue with bells around it and Sparky’s being pinkish with some purple outlines, while Sunset and Sunny wore there’s, Zipp and Pipp were both wearing some big invernal hats, Izzy was wearing a flower crown with tree branches as reindeer horn as Sparky made some chattering sounds of laughter as Zipp walked in and smiled at him as she laughed a bit as she turned and saw Izzy made a breath at the windshield as she exhales and laughs as the others smiled at her.

Sparky made indistinct chattering sounds as the Mane 6 smiled at him as he jumped over the tablet and pressed the icon of a wing that turned the Marestream on and prepared it to fly off as Sunny’s lantern glow brightly.

“Thanks, my little co-pilot.” Zipp said to Sparky with a smile as she turned her head to look around as she spoke. “Hmm... Yup. Just as I suspected.” She said in a thoughtful tone.

“What is it?” Sunny asked nervously as she had a feeling something’s wrong.

“Still awesome!” Zipp cheered as she smiled, which made the others smile while Sunny calmed down. “Everypony, hold onto your hooves. We're going flying!” She announced as she continued. “Magic check?” She asked.

"Check!" The rest of the Mane 6 said in unison with smiles after looking at the lantern.

"Door lock check?" Zipp asked again.

"Check-eroo!" both Hitch and Sparky replied, as they locked the door.

"Onboard snack check?" Zipp asked once again.

"Check!" Izzy replied, as she was chomping some fries from a bag.

“Izzy, save those for later. We want to save those for the trip.” Sunset pointed out with a little chuckle, finding Izzy really like Pinkie Pie when she eats snacks on a road trip.

“Don’t worry. I made sure we had plenty!” Izzy cheered as she continued to eat some fries in the bag.

Zipp nodded with a determinate expression, before smiling and looking in front with a determinate look. "Take off!" She announced with a smirk as she moved the wheel forward.

The Marestream finally took flight, as it lifted from the ground and started to fly around the Brighthouse, then boosting towards the clouds as it left a rainbow trail behind.

In the sky, the Marestream continues to soar through the clouds while Zipp is piloting it.

“This is your Captain speaking.” Zipp announced while joking around. “We are at a cruising altitude of... I don't actually know, and traveling at the speed of... magic! The current time is... this thing doesn't have a clock, but it's definitely morning!" She stated as Sparky started babbling cheerfully as the others smiled. We have an estimated arrival at Grandma Figgy's cottage at approximately pretty soon.” She announced.

“Yes!” Pipp cheered while clapping her hooves.

"The seatbelt sign is, well, we don't have one, but if we did, it would be off and you'd all be free to move around the cabin." Zipp instructed.

As Zipp said that, Sunny moved around in a circle in her spot as she gave a chuckle to prove Zipp’s point.

“As long as Marestream is steady, we can move around as much as we pleased. And they don’t call this a flying vehicle for nothing.” Sunset added with a smile. “And this thing is new so we’re still learning and it’s fun when you learn it on the ‘fly’.” She joked as she laughed a bit.

Twilight appeared as she chuckled from that joke as well. “Hehehe. Good one, Sunset. It’s funny, 'cause it’s true!” She chuckled as she found that to be true.

“Now, for a brief announcement from a member of our flight team.” Zipp instructed as she turned and looked at Izzy behind her.

"Hello. This is your friendly in-flight entertainment coordinator, Izzy Moonbow, and I'm here to say that it's time for a good old-fashioned sing along! Okay?!" Izzy instructed with big confidence and a smile.

"Ooh! Yes! Yes!" Pipp cheered excitedly.

"And uh-one, and uh-two, uh-one-two-three!" Izzy counted down, before starting to sing. "Over the crystals, and through the woods. To Grandmare's tree we go." She sang.

The rest of the Mane 6 smiled as they bobbed their heads and sang with Izzy, except for Sunset who doesn’t know the song they are singing..

"Wings know the way." Zipp and Pipp sang together.

"Earth ponies play." Sunny and Hitch sang together as well... at the exact same time as the sisters, which caused them to realize how off-key that was.

"What was that?" Hitch asked in confusion.

"I don't know! I guess we all know the same basic melody at least!" Pipp said with a sheepish smile.

"Each ponykind must have a different version of the lyrics!" Sunny guessed with a smile.

“Must be because when each ponykind was separated for so long and did their own ways, the songs are almost different compared to one another.” Sunset theorizes, since before they reunited ponykind, they did their own traditions and songs.

“That must be true. And there can be confusion if each kind doesn’t know each other's songs.” Twilight added, agreeing with Sunset on that.

“But at least the basics are the same so let’s go with that.” Sunset said with a smile as she gave a cheery tone.

"Fun! Okay, let's take it again, but alternate verses this time! Hit it, Sparky!" Pipp cheered with excitement.

Sparky giggled before using his crab plush as a countdown for the singalong to begin again, with the Mane 6 harmonizing together.

(To Grandmare’s House We Go Song)

(Pipp and Zipp)
Over the mountains and through the clouds

(Mane 6)
To Grandmare's house we go

(Pipp Petals)
Earth ponies play

(Pipp and Zipp)
To whinny and neigh

(Mane 6
Through peppermint candy snow
Ohhh-ohhh-ohhh-ohhh
Ohhh

As the Mane 6 sang, while Izzy was using her magic to move Senor B’s head around to the song, Zipp moved the Marestream to the rhythm of the song.

(Pipp)
When we get closer to Grandmare's house

(Sunny and Sunset)
The pretty lights let us know

(Sunny, Sunset and Pipp)
And soon we'll see

(Mane 6)
A special pony
Through her icing-frosted windows
Ohhh-ohhh-ohhh-ohhh
Ohhh-ohhh-ohhh-ohhh-ohhh-ohhh

The Mane 6 ended their song as they laughed together of the song they sang together.

“Peppermint candy snow?” Pipp asked playfully.

“That was an amazing song, ponies.” Sunset said, finding their holiday songs great.

However, as the Mane 6 kept singing, Zipp realized that something was in the middle of the clouds... and then she noticed what it was: two pegasi, flying in the air, too focused on their phones to even notice the Marestream.

Zipp gasped when she saw the pegasi as she made a loop movement in the air to dodge the pegasi, as they looked in shock while the rest of the Mane 6 screamed because of the sudden move.

Zipp moved the Marestream and stopped at the side of the pegasi. She opened the window and took off her glasses to glare at the ponies. "Eyes on the sky and not your screens, fillies!" She said with a frown, putting back her glasses and closing the window.

After that, Zipp moved the Marestream away and started to make some horizontal loops, which made the others shout out, until she finally stopped and landed in front of Grandma Figgy's house.

"Zipp!" Pipp scolded with a worried look.

“Hey! It's new!” Zipp said in defense, saying that the Marestream is still new and she is still getting the hoof of it.

“Next time, let’s practice landing and controlling this thing before bringing it on a road trip.” Sunset pointed out, seeing that either Zipp, herself or Izzy was going to have to practice flying on the Marestream since it’s a flying vehicle.

As the wings of the Marestream retracts as the Mane 6 saw Grandmare’s house, Hitch noticed something different on his grandma's house.

"Trees?!" Hitch cried out with genuine worry. "Those weren't there before!" He said.

"They look beautiful!" Izzy exclaimed after a small gasp.

"But it doesn't even look like Grandma Figgy's house now!" Hitch said with disappointment.

“Hitch does know that nothing stays the same forever and they change over time, right?” Sunset asked Sunny, who shrugged her shoulders, knowing Hitch can be unaware of when things changed.

“Let’s just go with it. It is Hitch after all.” Sunny said with a small smile, knowing Hitch well enough that he can be like this when things change.

The Mane 6 exit the Marestream, with Hitch and Sparky being first as the mares are giggling out of the Marestream as they look around.

“Oh, my glitter!” Pipp cheered with a twirl in excitement as they walked to Hitch’s grandmother’s house.

Izzy was about to knock on the door, but then she was cut off when Hitch shouted.

"Wait, everypony!" Hitch pleaded.

Izzy stopped her action and all the mares looked at Hitch confused.

"What is it now, Hitch? We can't waste any time!" Sunny pointed out with worry, taking out her phone and checking at a diagram of the Wishing Star, slowly moving towards the top of the Brighthouse. "We're on kind of a tight schedule today." She pointed out.

“Yeah, Donut Lord. We’re on a deadline here.” Sunset added, seeing that Hitch is gonna waste time.

"I know, I know..." Hitch said. "I just wanted to warn you all first. Look: my Grandma Figgy is great. She's probably the best Gran of all time!" He explained with a proud smile.

"Are you serious? Wow." Izzy said with sparkling eyes.

“Reminds me of Applejack’s grandmother, Granny Smith as we called her, she can be strict at times but she is always the best grandmother there is in the Apple Family.” Sunset said with a smile, remembering Granny Smith from the human world, but knowing that both Granny Smith’s, human or pony, are one of the same.

"Yeah! She's the best, but she can be kinda... um, particular about Winter Wishday" Hitch warned a bit concerned.

“Particular how?” Pipp asked.

"She likes things to be just so." Hitch explained.

“‘Just so’ how?” Pipp asked again.

“Come on, Hitch. Just say it.” Sunset pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. You're being just a little vague here." Zipp pointed out with a smirk, while Pipp and Sunset both nodded in agreement.

"We celebrate Winter Wishday together every single moon the exact same way!" Hitch started to explain. "Her favorite holiday activity is building Cookie Cottages with me and it's always been that way since I was a little foal. It's a big, big deal to her! It's gotta be perfect!" He pointed out. "So just, keep that in mind. That's all." He finished with a smile.

"Oh, that's all?" Sunny questioned with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "Of course we'll honor her earth pony traditions, just like she likes." She assured Hitch.

"Yeah, silly! We're going to be great guests!" Pipp reassured with a smile, flapping her wings excitedly.

"Guests who go with the flow! In the snow!" Izzy said with a relaxed tone.

“I do love traditions.” Sunset said with a smile.

"Thanks, everypony. I know it'll mean a lot to Grandma Figgy." Hitch assured them, as he walked towards the door.

Sunset gives a smirk to Sunny and then she speaks. “Are we all agreeing that he's the perfectionist and his grandma just plays along, right?" She asked Sunny with sly smirks on her face.

Sunny chuckled a bit before replying. “Knowing Hitch of when me, him, and Sprout celebrate that tradition, I agree wholeheartedly, Sunset. I’ve known him better than the rest of you to know the answer to that.” She agreed with Sunset, having known Hitch since their foalhood and been best friends for many moons to know that Hitch is the one with the perfectionist and not his grandmother, but let it slide since this is Hitch.

Once Hitch finally knocked the door, it opened to reveal Grandma Figgy, a pink mare with even more pink glasses, gray hair and a purple scarf with pink lines.

"Hitch!" Figgy greeted her grandson with a smile.

"Granny!" Hitch greeted back with a smile, as he gave her a big hug. "Cheery Wishday!" he told her, still with a smile.

"Oh, it sure is!" Figgy said. "And what a treat to have Hitchie's friends here, too!" she added, taking a look at his friends behind him, with Pipp waving her hoof. "Oh, and this little adorable little sweetheart, of course. Oh, come to granny!" She finished, grabbing Sparky and nuzzling her cheek with the baby dragon's head.

“N-Nice to meet you, M-Ms. Figgy.” Sunset said in a shivering tone.

"T-Thanks f-for h-having us!" Sunny said with a smile, as she and the girls were shivering from the cold and sudden snow that kept growing.

"Oh, goodness, you must be cold!" Figgy said with worry. "I haven't seen snow like this since, well... Never!" She confessed. "Come in, come in and we'll warm those hoovesies right up." She said, moving away to let the rest inside of her cottage.

With some classic holiday music playing on a record player, the Mane 6 followed Hitch to a small table, where they all sat down on some pillows around said table, which also had a plate with marshmallows.

"Who wants some hot cocoa?" Figgy asked with a smile, walking towards the group with a plate that had 7 cups of hot cocoa, one for Sparky.

"Ah, ba, ba, ba!" Hitch said, suddenly, grabbing three marshmallows from the plate and grabbing the plate with hot cocoa. "Hold up! Three jumbo marshmallows per mug, no more, no less. Right, Granny?" he asked with a smirk.

"That's right, Hitchie." Figgy replied with a smile. "Enough to stick out of the top..." She tried to add.

"But not enough to overflow!" Both Figgy and Hitch said in unison with a little laugh as well with Sunny and Sparky giggling in the process while Sunset rolled her eyes playfully with a smile.

Hitch then placed three marshmallows on one of the cups and took it. He blew it a bit before giving it to Sparky, as he also placed the plate with coca on the table, next to the plate with marshmallows.

The rest grabbed cups as well, also putting only three marshmallows to respect Figgy's tradition.

Izzy was the first one to slurp a bit from the cocoa, and then she gasped. "This is scrumptious!" She said with a smile and sparkling eyes.

Sunset slurps hers as she smiles. “Amazing! Pinkie would definitely love this.” She said, knowing that her Pinkie Pie would love this hot cocoa if she was here.

Pipp was the next one. "Mmm! Super delish!" She exclaimed with a smile. "And I love the decorations. So festive!" She added.

"Oh, thank you, dear." Figgy greeted with a smile.

"She puts them up every Wishday! They look exactly the same as when I was a colt." Hitch said with a smile, that faded away and turned into a frown when he looked outside of the window. "Except for all those trees out front. That's different." He said, a bit mad.

"I grew 'em with my very own glowin' hooves with this newfangled earth pony magic." Figgy replied with pride, as she used her magic to make some white flowers grow on a plant nearby. "Pretty nifty stuff!" She added with a smile. "Oh, I do love to change things up, every chance I get, don't you?" She asked the rest. "It can be so boring to do the same thing over and over." She pointed out.

“True that. It gets boring while doing the same thing. Loses its touch after a while.” Sunset said, agreeing with Figgy’s words.

"Hold that thought." Hitch said as he stood up. "I'm going to grab some napkins." He said, then walked off.

“Knew it. He’s the perfectionist one.” Sunset whispered with a smirk as she sip some more of her hot cocoa.

“I couldn't agree more, Figgy!" Izzy said with a cheery smile to the old mare. "Now, what would you say to another cup of cocoa with four marshmallows?" She asked excitedly. Figgy simply laughed and placed a fourth marshmallow in Izzy's cup, while the unicorn slurped a bit. "Oh! Ah!" She exclaimed with a bright smile.

Sunset chuckled from that. “Pinkie would’ve done the same thing you just did, Izzy.” She said, which earn laughter from the others from that.

“And it’s nice to finally see what Argyle has studied for a long time and a true Guardian of Harmony right before my eyes. It’s great that you’re here, Sunset.” Figgy said with a smile while walking towards her. “And thank you for looking after Sunny and her friends.” She added with a smile.

“You’re welcome. I do my best to help my friends and be there for them.” Sunset said with a polite smile to Figgy.

“And I’m sorry you have to return home to a time where your friends and family are gone.” Figgy said in sympathy to Sunset, having heard from Hitch and Sunny of how Sunset, a Guardian of Harmony, came to be around after generations when ponykind was divided to appear before their eyes.

“Thank you. But loss and change is something we can’t stop.” Sunset said to Figgy, thanking her for the sympathy of being in a time where she’s the only one of Ancient Equestria left. “I can’t live in the past forever, but I can embrace the here and now with my new friends and keep Twilight’s legacy alive.” She added with a calm smile.

“Spoken like a true Guardian of Harmony, like what Argyle and Sunny have always talked about.” Figgy said with a smile, having heard the true history of the Guardians of Harmony herself from Sunny and her father as well as the two smiled at one another.

A bit later, the Mane 6 were seated around Figgy, who was sitting on her couch and holding an album with photos.

Zipp suddenly gasped as she saw something on the album. "Look at his tiny sheriff costume!" She said with a slight high voice.

Sunset chuckled from that. “Even as a young colt, Hitch still dreamed of being a sheriff.” She said with a chuckle, trying not to laugh to save Hitch the embarrassment and try to be a proper guest to Figgy.

Sunny chuckled from what Sunset just said. “Trust me, Sunset. He really does.” She added, remembering how much Hitch dreamed of being a sheriff when they were little.

"It was all he wanted that Wishday." Figgy said with a smile. "I sewed it by hoof. Oh, the badge too!" she explained.

The picture they were looking at showed Hitch when he was a colt in front of the door, wearing a smaller version of his current sheriff hat and some kind of purple scarf with golden wings around his neck.

"Normally, this would be embarrassing, but it's a Wishday tradition." Hitch, who is holding Sparky, whispered to Pipp at his side who was looking at him in confusion. "Granny would be upset if we didn't do it." He said with worry.

“Right…” Pipp said while rolling her eyes in disbelief since Hitch was the one who wanted to do the exact same thing every year, not his Granny, although he didn't seem to realize yet.

Figgy moved on to another page, now showing a picture with both Sunny and Hitch when they were younger, with Figgy and Argyle behind them, all smiling to the camera and standing in front of a fire in the lighthouse, back when it was still a lighthouse before it was redecorate into the Brighthouse.

"I remember that Wishday!" Sunny said with a smile. "You and Hitch came over to watch the Wishing Star. We both wished for snow and thought it worked, but it was just my Dad blowing bubble suds from the top of the lighthouse!" She explained with a nostalgic smile, now placing a hoof over the picture.

"You foals wanted a snowy Wishday, so Argyle made it happen." Figgy explained with a smile, placing her hoof over Sunny's. "Oh, it's very nice you're continuing you and your dad's tradition with all your friends. He would love to see it." She assured, making Sunny a bit sad now. "But look!" She said, as she placed a hoof around Sunny's neck and pointed to the window with the other one. "Your wish finally came true!" she pointed out with a smile.

"So it really has never snowed in Maretime Bay before?" Zipp asked out of curiosity.

“Like at all?” Sunset asked as well, seeing that it hasn’t snowed in Maretime Bay before at all, not that she knew off since she’d been here for almost a year in Equestria since her return and ponykind together again with the magic restored.

"Oh no, not in my pony life." Figgy replied. "It's a beach town, after all. But snow was always in the best holiday stories!" She said with a smile. "My favorite from when I was a filly was called 'Fantastical Flurrytales of Wishiehoof.'" She confessed.

"Wishiehoof?! That's our unicorn holiday!" Izzy said with a smile. Figgy stood up from her couch and moved towards a stand, then grabbed a book from it and returned to the couch. Before opening the book, she blows some dust from it. "Oh! That looks like the Wishing Tree!" Izzy pointed to the cover image of the book.

"Do you mind if I take a closer look?" Zipp asked. Figgy didn't hesitate and gave the book to Zipp, who grabbed it and analyzed the picture a bit. "Hmm..." She muttered.

"Okay! Enough of storytime!" Hitch said suddenly. "Everypony to the Cookie Cottage Crafting Creation Corner!" He announced with a smile.

"The what?" Figgy asked in confusion.

Hitch sighed before standing up. "The kitchen." He replied a bit mad, now walking towards the kitchen.

“I have resisted the urge to give him some sense if his Grandmother wasn’t in the room to see it right now.” Sunset muttered with a bored expression.

As the others walked away, Zipp placed the book on Figgy's couch, then looked at the snow out of the window, having a bad feeling about the sudden snow. “Hmm…” She hummed as she had a thought in her mind.

“I feel you, Zipp.” Sunset said as she came next to her. “Something’s strange is happening if Maretime Bay is having snow, when it hasn't snowed here before from what Hitch, his grandmother and Sunny are saying.” She said, finding it strange as well while having a bad feeling herself.

“Yeah. But what?” Zipp wondered.

“Don’t know. But sooner or later, we’ll find out.” Sunset said as two ponies walked to the kitchen where their friends were.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Hitch already gathered everything they needed to create the Cookie Cottages.

"So tidy! That's my Hitchie!" Figgy said with a proud smile.

"Uh... Can we start?" Izzy asked, since she loved everything that was related to craft things, and also trying to grab one of the glazed bags on the table.

"No, wait! I almost forgot!" Hitch said, suddenly stopping Izzy. "I need to find the cute miniature lights to string up on the houses!" He exclaimed. "We can't start before I find the cute miniature lights to string up on the houses!" He stated, walking towards some kind of closet, while Sparky and Figgy looked at each other confused. "Gran, where are the cute miniature lights we string up on the houses?" He asked.

"Maybe we can do them without the lights this time?" Figgy suggested, actually not minding start the Cookie Cottage crafting without the lights.

"I see a Wishday box but not a Wishday Lights box, so..." Hitch said, still looking for the lights.

The mares looked at each other in disbelief while Sunset sighs as the mares give Hitch a playful smile when he’s not looking.

“Careful Hitch. You might lose your marbles if you don’t find them.” Sunset said with a smirk while the mares stifled their laughter.

“Don’t worry. I know they are here somewhere.” Hitch said as he kept looking.

"Let's try something new, dear!" Figgy suggested with a smile.

"Got 'em! Saved the day again!" Hitch cheered with a smile. "Thank hoofness, right, Grandma?" He asked her.

"Thank hoofness." Figgy replied, playing along with Hitch, then turning to see the others. "When it comes to Wishday, Hitchie has to have everything just so." She whispered to them with a teasing tone.

"We noticed!" Zipp said after a giggle.

“Trust us, we noticed before we got here.” Sunset said with a giggle as well, seeing that Hitch is the one who tends to overdo things, and chuckled a bit as even his grandmother noticed. “Is he always like this when he was young?” She asked with a chuckle.

“I could tell you stories, but it will take too long.” Figgy whispered as she and Sunset chuckled together at secretly teasing Hitch.

"Now, it's cottage time!" Hitch said, arriving with the box of lights on his hoof, while the mares just laughed at him, which confused him a lot in wondering what’s so funny.

After a while, the Mane 6 created the cottages, based on places that were important for them.

Hitch created the same cottage every year: his Grandma's house. Sparky tried to place the last part, the fireplace, but since he was going to place it in the wrong place, Hitch moved his hand to the other side with a nervous smile while Figgy shook her head playfully while Sparky gave an embarrassed look of almost doing it wrong..

Izzy created her old home, La Villa Izzy, placing a heart in one of the candies she used to create the tree.

Sunny made the Crystal Brighthouse, since it has always been her home even before being the Brighthouse, also placing the detail of the Wishing Star above the building.

Pipp, on the other hoof, made a replica of Mane Melody, not only including the sign at the side of the building, but also adding figures of Rocky and Jazz in front of the place.

Zipp made a classic Cookie Cottage, just adding her Cutie Mark at both sides... and also a chomped ceiling, since she couldn't help but taste the cottage a little as she chuckled a little.

Finally, Sunset then used her talented art skills to make a cottage version of Twilight’s Castle, the Castle of Friendship Twilight used to live in before she moved to Canterlot Castle when she was crowned as new ruler of Equestria. She added some cookie versions of Twilight and the original Mane 6 in front of it as she smiled at it before grabbing her phone, taking a picture to save the moment.

“Still got it.” Sunset said with a smile while looking at her necklace where Twilight resides, knowing that she would feel happy that Sunset did this for her.

Figgy approached with a camera, and looked at Hitch laughing with Sparky, which made her smile.

Zipp, however, noticed that the album was open and took a glance at it, just to cringe a bit when she saw that Hitch always made the exact same cottage. Always.

Figgy took a picture of Hitch and Sparky with the cottage, and placed the picture among the other ones where he was with the cottage as Figgy and Zipp laughed at this, finding it funny.

The Mane 6 looked at each other's cottages and complimented each other for their work.

Izzy gasped at the sight as Sunny spoke. “Wow, that looks great!” She complimented before turning to Sunset. “And that is a great version of Twilight’s Castle, Sunset. Right to the right details.” She added while smiling at Sunset.

“Thanks. I have a lot of practice in art skills.” Sunset replied with a smile. “And I could say the same to you, Sunny. Great version of the Brighthouse.” She commented.

“Thanks.” Sunny said with a smile.

“Whoa! Hey, that’s alright!” Hitch said while looking at the cottages in awed.

Figgy also took a glance at all the cottages with a smile.

"Fantastic! This is the best batch of cottages I've ever seen!" Figgy said with a smile, and then she approached Zipp after she heard her chomping part of her cottage. "They must taste as good as they look!" she added with a laugh.

"Do they? I wouldn't know" Zipp replied with a smirk.

Suddenly, Sparky moved around the table and chomped a little piece of chocolate, then burped a small flame of his dragon fire that ended up hitting a teapot and turned it into a star plushie.

Of course, Hitch overreacted at that as always. "Oh no, Gran! Your Wishday teapot!" He cried out in worry.

"That old thing? Oh, it's okay––" Figgy tried to assure, but Hitch took that way too personal.

"Okay?! But it's special!" Hitch pointed out in panic. "We've been drinking tea out of that teapot since before I could trot!" He stated, still in panic.

“Oh for Celestia sake.” Sunset groans while placing a hoof on her face, seeing that Hitch is taking this overboard thing a little too far.

"That means it's definitely time for a new one, then" Figgy told Hitch with a smile as she grabbed the star plushie and gave it to Sparky, who purred a bit as he hugged the gift from his great-grandmother.

“Aw.” The Mane 6 and Figgy said at Sparky’s attitude, finding him very cute.

"So cute!" Izzy said with a smile.

Sunny, however, realized something. "Time? Oh yeah, time!" She said suddenly, looking at the diagram of the Wishing Star moving a bit closer to the Brighthouse. "Uh, Grandma Figgy, this was a fantastic way to kick off our grand holiday tour, but if we want to hit all of our stops, we've gotta get a move on!" She said with a sheepish smile, walking towards the exit of the house.

"Wait! You need treats for the trip!" Figgy told her with a smile.

As the mares got out of the house, Figgy stopped Hitch as he walked out as well.

"Ah! Granny!" Hitch complained a bit blushed and a little bit embarrassed, as Figgy kissed his cheek and took Sparky to kiss him too as Granny laughed a bit while Sparky giggled from the kiss.

Izzy, on the other hoof, noticed the 6 cottages that the Mane 6 made up were placed on the window of the house, now with the tiny lights Hitch insisted on looking after.

"Wow, look at that!" Izzy said excitedly.

“They looked great on the window like this.” Sunset added with a smile.

"It's not a true cookie cottage without any lights." Hitch said with a smile, approaching the window with his Grandma.

"A shining reminder of our perfect Winter Wishday tradition! Haha!" Figgy said with a smile with a little laugh.

"Well, I know how you like everything to be just so, Grandma." Hitch said with a smirk.

"Yes Hitchie." Figgy said, immediately turning to the rest and winking an eye to them, since she was just playing along.

The mares giggled in laughter, getting the hint.

"Thanks for the Figgy pudding!" Sunny said with a smile.

“And thanks for the hot cocoa!” Sunset said with a smile as well.

"And the book!" Zipp added, smiling as well.

"And everything else!" Pipp said with a smile too.

"Oh, you're very welcome, everypony!" Figgy said, smiling back. "My word, it's really coming down out here, huh?" She said as she was a bit surprised by the amount of snow that kept falling.

"It sure is..." Zipp said with concern.

“Something is not right.” Sunset said, feeling off about this herself.

"Stay warm! Fly safe!" Figgy said to the group with a smile.

"We will!" The Mane 6 replied in unison.

“Sunset! Keep looking after them! I know you are a Guardian of Harmony, but even I know you cared more about them!” Figgy called out to Sunset with a smile.

Sunset turns to Figgy as she gives a smile in return, knowing she is right. “Don’t worry, Figgy! I will!” She called out as she and the rest of the Mane 6 trotted to the Marestream.

The Mane 6 got back inside the Marestream, with Zipp taking control again on the driver's seat. Izzy pressed the wing button on the tablet, making the vehicle turn on again and lift off the ground.

"Bye!" The Mane 6, sins Zipp, said to Figgy.

"Peace out!" Zipp said.

Figgy waved her hoof from the cottage as she held a cup of hot cocoa with the other hoof. As the Marestream got out of sight, Figgy placed a fourth marshmallow on her cocoa and slurped it.

The Marestream reached high enough, and Zipp made it boost back to the sky, once again leaving a rainbow trail behind.

Once they were back in the skies, Zipp put on her sunglasses again as she kept her hooves on the wheel.

"Ah, I just love the holidays!" Sunny commented with a smile.

"Me too!" Pipp said with a smile as well. "Grandma Figgy is the sweetest!" She added.

"Yes, she is." Hitch assured with pride. "Even if she is pretty particular about traditions." He added with a smirk.

The mares just gave Hitch a smirk while Zipp chuckled a bit. “Yeah, your grandma is so set in her ways!" Zipp said with a smirk and a rolled eye.

“She does remind me of Granny Smith.” Sunset said with a smile before turning to Hitch. “Oh and by the way, Hitch?” She asked as she walked close to Hitch before giving him a smack on the head.

“Ow! What was that for?!” Hitch cried out as he rubbed his head, while Sparky and the others held back their laughter.

“The only pony who was being particular about traditions is you, Hitch. You really gotta let things go with the flow instead of doing things by the book or doing them again.” Sunset pointed out as she needed to let Hitch know about it since he was obvious about it the whole time.

“Wait. Was I?” Hitch asked in confusion, but got his answers as the mares laughed at him as he gave a sheepish smile while feeling embarrassed a bit. “Yeah, I’m gonna have to work on that.” He admittedly said, seeing their point now.

“Yep. You sure do.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

Twilight appeared from the necklace as she gave a chuckle herself. “They’re right, Hitch. I learned to not go overboard in things many times, which I often do.” She said while chuckling a bit from her past when she overdo things too much and went overboard. “But above all, your grandmother was great and those cottages were amazing ponies, especially yours, Sunset. Those are amazing.” She said with a smile as Sunset smiled at Twilight’s words.

“Thanks, Twilight. I did my best.” Sunset said while rubbing the back of her head with a smile.

"Okay. So I know we spent a little longer there than we planned, but we'll definitely still make it back to the Brighthouse to see the Wishing Star together." Sunny said with a smile.

“We will make it back in time, Sunny. Count on it.” Sunset said while placing a comforting hoof on Sunny.

"We will if I have anything to say about it!" Zipp said with a confident smile. "Full speed ahead!" She said, pressing a button that made the Marestream fly a bit faster, just to stop soon afterwards while birds are chirping by at the same speed. "Okay, same speed ahead, I guess. Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool." She said with a small smile.

“I guess we already used maximum speed when we made it to Figgy’s place and went back into the sky again.” Sunset theories. “Guess they still need a recharge for a bit.” She added, seeing they already use maximum speed already and needs a bit to recharge.

“That sounds about right, Sunset.” Twilight said in agreement.

"So what holiday traditions do you have, Izzy?" Sunny asked her with a smile while they waited.

"First, I have to place my ornament on the Wishing Tree." Izzy explained in whispers and a relaxed tone. "And then it's the final day of the Wishiehoof Crystal Lighting Ceremony!" She added with excitement.

"Oooh, I love ornaments!" Pipp said excitedly.

"And I love ceremonies!" Hitch said with a smile, but then the mares stared at him blankly, even Zipp stopped focusing on the road to look at the sheriff with her sunglasses down and a raised eyebrow.

“Seriously, Hitch?” Sunset asked in confusion.

"What? I do." Hitch assured with a confused look towards his friends.

"Me too!" Sparky cheered on his back.

Suddenly, Izzy remembered something, and she went over to Zipp's side. "Oh, oh, oh! Can we pop by Villa Izzy first?" she asked with a smile. "I have to grab, uh, something..." She added with a nervous smile.

"Mysterious!" Zipp said with a smirk.

"It'll only take two shakes of a pony's tail! Ooh, ooh!" Izzy assured, actually shaking her tail, then she moved to Sunny. "That means not very long." She whispered to her with a smile and a wink.

"Heh... Of course, Izzy. Oh..." Sunny said with a nervous smile, since she was very worried that this would waste some time that wouldn't allow them to reach the Brighthouse and miss the Wishing Star.

"Ah yes!" Izzy cheered with a bright smile.

“We will make it back, Sunny. Don’t worry. It won’t take long to get back to the Brighthouse. And as Izzy said, it will be quick.” Sunset assured with a smile as she kept her wing over Sunny.

“Flying is my jam!” Zipp cheered as she pressed on the tablet as it showed the forest of Bridlewood. “To Bridlewood!” She declared as she redirected the Marestream to Izzy’s house in Bridlewood as it now moved towards its location while the Mane 6 cheered, but then Zipp looked at the book Figgy gave them that she put next to the lantern as she gave a thought. “Hmm…” She hummed.

Once they made it to Bridlewood, the Marestream landed in front of Izzy's house, and the Mane 6, sin Zipp and Sunset, followed Izzy out of the Marestream, as said unicorn hummed excitedly to herself.

“Something is off and I can’t put my hoof into it.” Sunset said in a thoughtful tone.

“Yeah, same here. But this book Figgy gave us should help us find the answer.” Zipp said while grabbing the book.

Zipp grabs her saddle bag, with her Cutie Mark on it, and then puts the book in there to take it along just in case.

Finally, the Mane 6 got out of the Marestream as Izzy jumped excited towards her cottage.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 6 stayed behind to wait for her and stared at the snow falling from the sky.

“Whoa!” Both Sunny and Hitch said in awed while looking at this much snow.

"Wow, that's a lot more than a few flakes!" Pipp exclaimed, as she then got her tongue out to let some flakes fall into her mouth, but a mountain of snow fell on her that fell from the top of the tree as she hit the floor while Sparky caught some with his tongue too.

Sunset chuckled from that. “A ‘little more’ you said. Hehe.” She joked but got serious. “But this is much more snow here than Maretime Bay received.” She pointed out that Bridlewood has more snow than Maretime Bay.

Zipp looked around curious and worried as well. “Do you think all this snow is unusual for Bridlewood, too?” She asked her Pipp and Sunset, while her sister got out of the pile of snow while having a snowball in her mouth as she spit it out and shook some off her.

“Don’t know.” Sunset answered.

“No idea.” Pipp answered as well. “But doesn't it look gorgeous?!” She asked excitedly as she flew a bit while flapping her wings while Sunset is deep in thought while Zipp inspects a snow in her hoof.

And then, Izzy came out of her house by kicking the front door and carrying something in her hooves, also now wearing a scarf on her neck. "Surprise! Hoof-knitted scarves for all of you!" She said excitedly, levitating the scarves with her magic and handing them over to the rest. "Even for you, Sparky" She said, putting the scarf on the baby dragon.

The scarves of the Mane 6 matched with their hat as the group put them on with smiles on their faces.

"Thank you, Izzy!" Zipp said with a smile.

"Stunning!" Pipp exclaimed.

"Thanks!" Hitch said with a smile as well, while Sparky climbed back to his back.

“Totally matches our color. Something that Rarity would agree to.” Sunset added with a smile, knowing Rarity would agree to this.

"Is this traditional Wishiehoof winter wear?" Sunny asked excitedly, since she loved everything history related while Sunset and Hitch at her side looked at her with a smile, finding her attitude really adorable.

"Sure is!" Izzy replied with a smile. "Now bundle up, everypony. We don't want to be chilly fillies!" She stated, walking towards the forest

"Is it always this chilly?" Zipp asked out of curiosity.

“And does it often have this much snow?” Sunset asked as well.

"Huh..." Izzy said, stopping suddenly and placing a hoof on her chin as she started to think. "Actually... Nope!" she said cheerfully for some reason. "Now, come on! Wishiehoof awaits!" she stated, resuming her walk towards the forest as her friends followed.

A little bit later, the Mane 6 arrived at the Wishing Tree with awed expressions.

"Wow!" Sunny exclaimed.

“Whoa!” Hitch said in awed.

"Amazing!" Pipp said after a small gasp.

In front of the tree, there were several stands and giant sized gifts around, as the unicorns were talking between each other happily.

"This looks so pretty, Iz! They really went all out." Pipp pointed out with a smile.

“Once upon a time this place was bleak and depressing, but now they are cheering and happy with magic again.” Sunset said with a smile of seeing how much Bridlewood has changed since magic returned.

"Yeah, it's a unicorn thing!" Izzy said with a proud smile. "Wishiehoof is a day of fun, friendship and frolicking!" She explained, hopping a bit further and then spinning around before facing her friends again. "We are very serious about our frolicking." She said with a serious expression.

The Mane 6 walked through a small crowd of ponies, looking in awe around except for Izzy, since she was used to this kind of stuff.

"Wow, this is really special, Izzy." Sunny said with a smile.

"Just you wait! The best is yet to come" Izzy assured confidently.

The Mane 6 saw some unicorns in line as they waited their turn to place their ornaments in the Wishing Tree, which now was much easier thanks to magic.

"Ooh, I gotta get in line to place my ornament!" Izzy said excitedly, as she took her ornament out of the box she was carrying.

Hitch got a closer look at the ornament and smiled. "Is that what I think it is?" He asked.

"I was about to ask the same question." Pipp added with a smile

"If you're asking if my ornament for the tree is the tree, then... yep!" Izzy replied.

Izzy’s ornament was, indeed, a smaller draw of the Wishing Tree, using some bracelets as the tree leaves.

“Wow, Izzy! It looks amazing!” Sunset said with a smile.

“Thank you, Sunset.” Izzy said to Sunset with a smile. "I'm gonna put the tree on the tree, how funny is that?!" She asked, putting the ornament back on the box and putting the box aside. "Now, to hang it up––" She tried to add, but then she gasped when she saw someone. "Oh wait, is that Alphabittle?" She asked, as she saw Alphabittle slurping some tea and then moving on with a smile. "Alphabittle Blossomforth!" She called out, walking towards the unicorn.

Sunset chuckled quietly from what Izzy said. “Alphabittle’s last name is Blossomforth?” She asked the others, who chuckled as they now know Alphabittle’s last name.

Alphabittle stopped walking and smirked before he turned around. "Izzy Moonbow! You're back!" He greeted her.

"Couldn't miss Wishiehoof!" Izzy pointed out with a smile. "Hey, do you still love games?" She asked curiously.

Both Izzy and Alphabittle got closer to each other with challenging looks. "Whatcha thinkin'?" Alphabittle asked Izzy.

"Mmm, charades! I'll bet you my ornament!" Izzy challenged with a confident look, levitating her ornament to the unicorn stallion.

“This should be interesting. Knowing those two go way back, they must’ve done this when they met.” Sunset said, knowing those two unicorns go way back to do this kind of challenge while feeling unsure if Izzy should bet her special ornament while the others nodded in agreement.

"I don't think you want to do that, Izzy." Alphabittle warned, putting on an even more changeling look.

"Sounds like a dare! You're on!" Izzy stated, also putting an even more changeling look as the rest of the Mane 6 came behind Izzy with smiles on their faces.

“Again, this should be interesting.” Sunset said with a smirk.

Alphabittle made a move where one of his hoofs walked over the other one. "Uh... Gumdrops!" Izzy said. Alphabittle then scratched his ear, and then moved his front hooves in the air. "Rainbow!" She said again, while the unicorn stallion made some weird moves with his hooves at one side and then at the front. "Uh, single-cell organism? Wait, that's three words!" She pointed to herself after a roll of the eye. "Uh... caterpillar!" She kept guessing. "Scrumbo!" She said suddenly.

"Hmm?" Alphabittle said confused.

"That's not even a word..." Izzy muttered to herself before exploding. "Ah! I give up!" She screamed out of stress. "What was it?!" She asked in disappointment.

"It was my own name. Alphabittle." The said unicorn said before laughing. "Now cough it up! Respectfully." He told Izzy with a smile. After all, they had a deal.

Izzy levitated her ornament with a sad expression and placed it on Alphabittle's raised hoof.

Izzy huffed, both mad and sad. "Enjoy it!" She told him.

"Oh no, Izzy! Your special ornament." Sunny said with worry.

“What are you gonna use for the tree now?” Sunset said, feeling sorry for Izzy losing her ornament.

"Oh, it's okay!" Izzy told both Sunny and Sunset with a smile. "You know what they say? Anything worth doing is worth doing, twice." She said with an innocent look, levitating an exact replica of her own ornament.

Alphabittle stared in shock at the replica of the ornament before looking back at the one he won from Izzy. "You made two? Why?" He asked in confusion.

"Don't you always prepare for losing spontaneous games of charades?" Izzy asked innocently.

“Actually, that’s pretty clever.” Sunset said in agreement, finding Izzy’s backup objects smart.

Alphabittle chuckled before replying. "I don't need to prepare. I'm the best to ever do it!" He said with a proud smile. "Frostyshivers to you, Izzy!" He added, with his horn turning blue for a second, before turning around and leave.

"Frostyshivers back at you, Alphabittle!" Izzy said with a smile, as her horn also turned blue for a moment.

“Frostyshivers?” Sunset asked in confusion, thinking it was a holiday greeting for these unicorns but she didn’t notice that her horn turned blue as well for a brief moment. “That felt weird.” She muttered, feeling a tingle sensation but didn’t know that her horn glowed blue.

As Zipp took out the book from her saddlebag to take another look while Sunset is still having some thoughts.

"Iz, I'd really like to get to the tree, even just to snap a few pics in portrait mode." Pipp requested with a sheepish smile, while also taking out her phone.

Izzy squealed excitedly, which took Pipp off guard. "O-M-Cuties!" she exclaimed, suddenly pulling Pipp away, since Izzy saw a group of bunnycorns hopping towards her as they squeaked. "How are you?!" She asked them in a cute tone, but the bunnies squeaked again as they shivered. "Aw. Look at you, you're freezing! I know what you need: some Wishiehoof scarves!" She said with a smile, bringing out a yarn ball and weaving them to create small scarves to the bunnycorns.

The bunnycorns approached Hitch and they squeak at him, since they knew only Hitch could understand them.

"What did they say?" Izzy asked curiously.

"They said, 'Thank you and Frostyshivers.'" Hitch replied with a confused look, while the horns of the bunnycorns turned blue for a moment. “Okay, what does that even mean?!” He asked curiously.

“I’ve wondered about myself, Izzy. What is ‘Frostiyshivers’?” Sunset asked, wanting to know to be sure as her horn glows blue again.

Izzy giggled before replying. "It's our Wishiehoof greeting" She explained with a smile. "Try it!" She told Sunny, who was at her other side.

Sunny moved and talked with some unicorns, as their horns turned blue after her greeting. "Frostyshivers! Hey, frostyshivers. Oh, over here! Hi! Also, frostyshivers!" She said with a smile.

“Heh. I’ve heard weirder things from Pinkie in the past.” Sunset shrugs as she hears weirder things before.

Meanwhile, Izzy finally gave the scarves to the bunnycorns on their horns, as they hopped happily in a thankful way.

"Enjoy those scarves, and have a happy, happy Wishiehoof, okay, cuties?! Frostyshivers!" Izzy told the bunnycorns with a smile, with her horn turning blue again as the critters hopped away and Izzy walked away, humming to herself until somepony cleared her throat in front of her and made her gasp and step back startled.

"Izzy... What it is...zzy?" Onyx greeted her with a chill tone and look, while Jasper at her side touched the bongos for some percussion.

"Oh no. This is gonna take a while." Sunny said with a bored expression to the others as they got the feeling as well.

“You said it.” Sunset said in a bored tone, knowing how Onyx can be when she rhymes and sings in a jazz tone.

Izzy laughed a bit before replying. "Hi, Onyx! Pretty snowy day, huh?" She asked with a smile.

"It's far out. I haven't seen anything like this in..." Onyx tried to say, but she stopped for a moment to think on a proper word to rhyme, while Izzy waited with a smile, the rest of the Mane 6 looked on nervously and awkwardly while Sunset resist to groan in frustration since this was taking too long, and that they have a deadline to make it back to the Brighthouse for the Wishing Star.. "Ever, ever, ever..." Onyx finished on a chill tone again, with Jasper touching the bongos for some percussion again.

"Neither have I!" Izzy said, now a bit worried.

"Do you wanna hear my new Wishiehoof poem? Wrote it just for today." Onyx said with a relaxed smile.

"No!" Hitch said as well, but then he cleared his throat before continuing. "No way. Too slow." He added with concern.

"What's that? You wanna hear it too? Okay." Onyx stated, never leaving that relaxed tone of hers. "I call this one, 'Requiem for the fallen snow'" She stated, while Jasper played the percussion with his bongos. "What are these flakes my eyes do see? What is this chill coming over me? Is this some... enchanted winter fan-ta-sy? Snowpony, come and set me... Free, free, free..." She started to recite, while Jasper kept playing his bongos. "The flakes fall down, the trees don't wither. Colts and mares, I wish you... Frostyshivers" She finished.

Once Jasper stopped playing, both his and Onyx's horn shone in blue, as they smirked to Mane 6, who were speechless to the poem Onyx just recited.

“Wow.” Sunset broke the silence while looking in shock and amazed that Onyx just made that.

Pipp spoke next as she came out of her shock trance. "I... I don't know what to say..." She said in astonishment.

"I don't remember life before that poem" Hitch exclaimed, while Sparky on his back grunted, probably meaning that he didn't like the poem at all.

"I loved it!" Izzy said with a cheery smile. "It kinda felt a bit short, though." She pointed out.

"Well, I'm workshopping more verses at the open mic in a minute. You should come." Onyx suggested.

"We'd love to! But... we have, um, a previous obligation." Sunny said suddenly with a sheepish smile. "Bye, Onyx!" She said with a wave of her hoof. "You've got a date with a tree, buddy!" She told Izzy, pushing her towards the Wishing Tree while Izzy just giggled.

"Alright!" Izzy replied with a smile. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" She said between laughs.

The group moved towards the tree once again to make Izzy some company as she waited her turn to place her ornament on the tree.

"So what makes this tree so special?" Sunny asked out of curiosity.

"It just always has been" Izzy started to explain. "Many unicorns believe it has mystical properties!" She added.
Pipp, who got to her side, gasped when she mentioned that. "Like what?" She questioned.

"It's said that the Wishing Tree can get rid of the Jinxies." Izzy explained. "I don't know if it's true, but this tree is definitely one-of-a-kind." She stated, now looking at the tree and hopping towards it as she levitated her ornament. "Here I go!" She said with a cheery smile.

Izzy walked towards the tree and placed her ornament among other ones, while a unicorn gave Zipp, Pipp and Sunset ornaments so they could place them at the top of the tree as well. They immediately took flight and placed the ornaments on a tree branch.

“I actually like doing this during the holidays.” Sunset said with a smile since she always put up the best decorations in the holidays.

Once Zipp, Pipp and Sunset landed back on the ground, they all heard a gong chiming, and everyone but the other unicorns, Izzy, Zipp and Sunset ducked down to avoid the sound.

"What does that mean?" Zipp asked Izzy.

“Yeah. What was that?” Sunset asked as well.

Izzy squealed excited before replying with a big and bright smile. "The final Crystal Lighting Ceremony is about to begin!" She explained excitedly, while the unicorns gathered around a giant crystal.

Two old unicorns ducked and placed their horns on the snow, then a blue trail moved towards the crystals, making them shine bright, while the unicorns around gasped in awe.

"Happy Wishiehoof, Everypony!" The old unicorn mare said as she waved her hoof with a smile.

"Frostyshivers to all!" the old unicorn stallion said with a smile.

None of the old unicorns noticed their horns still glowing in blue.

"Frostyshivers! Frostyshivers to you! Frostyshivers to you! Frostyshivers to everypony!" One of the unicorns among the crowd said, while his horn, and the horns of the unicorns he greeted, glow in color blue.

The Mane 6 watched in awe at the sky, but then Sunny got her phone out and panicked. "Oh, I hate to leave, but it's time." She stated with concern. "To the Marestream, crew!" She instructed.

“You heard the mare, let’s go!” Sunset called out as the Mane 6 ran back to the Marestream.

However, as the rest moved towards the vehicle, Izzy saw somebody and smiled. "Oh, why, it's the kindly mayor's secretary who always––" She tried to say, but was cut off.

"Grab her!" Sunny shouted desperately, while Zipp and Sunset got back and grabbed Izzy, then moved back to the Marestream.

"I was only gonna say a quick hello!" Izzy complained.

“No time for that, Izzy! We are on a deadline and you don’t wanna make Sunny mad.” Sunset pointed out as they went to the Marestream, not wanting Sunny to snap if they missed the Wishing Star. “And Zipp, I’m driving this time!” She called out.

“Why?” Zipp asked.

“You drove the last two times so it’s my turn, and I know how to drive, so no time to argue.” Sunset quickly pointed out. “And we are on a deadline here.” She added since they are in a hurry.

“Okay, fine.” Zipp said, leaving no room for argument.

The Mane 6 was screaming now that Sunset was the one driving the Marestream this time, mainly because of how wildly she lifted the vehicle from the ground.

However, they were in a hurry, so in Sunset's mind, she was only doing what had to be done if they wanted to reach Zephyr Heights in time so they could head back to the Brighthouse for Sunny’s Wishing Star, and she would not let Sunny down.

“Hold on to your holiday hats, everypony!” Sunset warned as she kept her hooves on the wheel while giving a confident smirk. “Let's see how fast this thing can go!” She stated, going at full speed to get to Zephyr Heights in time, even though this is a flying vehicle, it does act like a car Sunset drives in the human world so the principles are the same, just with flight and magic.

"Whoa!" Pipp exclaimed, as she moved towards the driver's cabin.

Since a storm started outside, the Marestream was shaking a lot, which caused everypony else to hang on from wherever they could. Even Sparky started to jump in the air and almost crashed into the ground, if it wasn't because of Hitch, who caught him at the last minute as he took a breath in relife.

“You sure you know how to drive, Sunset?!” Sunny asked out in worry.

“I took driving practice with my friends in the human world, Sunny!” Sunset called out. “This thing may have flight capabilities, but it is based on a motorhome that my friends and I in the human world use!” She added that she and the rainbooms use their bus and motorhome to get around and each one of them knows how to drive while the Rainbooms give Sunset some driving lessons, which pays off at this point.

“If you say so!” Zipp called out as Sunset tries to keep the Marestream balance while going at maximum speed

"Hey, Sunset, can you see okay? All I see is a wall of white" Pipp pointed out, since it was snowing a lot.

"The snow is too thick!" Sunny exclaimed with worry.

"Freaking out won't get us anywhere!" Sunset called out with anger, then relaxed a bit. "Just gotta stay chill, we’ll get through this.." She added with a confident smirk.

"How can we stay chill?!" Pipp cried out. "Look at all that ice!" She pointed to the wings of the Marestream, which were now freezing and destabilizing the vehicle.

“Okay, that we can freak out about.” Sunset pointed out nervously after seeing the wings being frozen as she tried to keep Marestream steady. “Where is all this snow coming from?!” She muttered, wondering why there is this much snow.

Then, Izzy suddenly gasped. "I know how to calm us down!" she said, throwing a teapot for some reason. "We just have to think calm thoughts and try as hard as we can to concentrate on what we want to happen!" She explained with a cheery smile. “So think about a safe landing in Zephyr Heights" She stated.

“And this works?” Sunny asked to be sure.

"It's an old unicorn trick!" Izzy said with a sheepish smile, not so sure anymore. "Worth a shot, am I right? I mean, am I? I'm making this up as I go along." She said in worried, starting to lose herself in panic.

“Get it together, Izzy!” Sunset called out as she, Zipp and Pipp were keeping the wheel steady.

“It’s all we've got! So yeah!” Zipp said in a confident tone with a smirk.

“We have nothing to lose, so let’s give it a try!” Sunset called out.

"Everypony visualize the fancy-schmancy Royal Gates of Zephyr Heights!" Izzy said, now placing her hooves on her head.

Sunny, Hitch, Sparky and Pipp started to do the same as Izzy. Even and Zipp were doing it as they concentrated while Sunset kept her focus on the wheel and the sky.

"Palace, sweet palace!" Pipp started to say loudly, but then a thought came into her mind. "Oh, oh, do you think the decorations will be sparkly?" She questioned with a smile.

"Concentrate!" Sunny and Sunset both scolded Pipp, which almost made her fall on the floor if she didn’t regain her balance as she concentrated hard.

Hitch begins to whimper nervously as he tries to concentrate while Sparky babbles excitedly at this, thinking it is fun.

“I hope this works!” Sunset hoped as she kept her focus on the sky while keeping the wheel tight.

“Aah! Hang on tight!” Izzy called out as her horn unconsciously glowed purple.

"Come on, come on, come on!" Sunset groaned as she kept Marestream steady, not noticing that Sunny's lantern started to glow in purple as well, as the entire Marestream got surrounded by a purple aura.

As the others kept concentrating, the lamp shone brighter, and Sunset couldn't help but smile when she saw Zephyr Heights in the distance.

“Zephyr Heights!” Sunset called out with a huge smile as she called out to the others. “We're going to make it!” She called, knowing that they would make it.

Sunset drove the Marestream around the castle before finally landing the vehicle on the backyard of the castle.

Inside the Marestream, Izzy was the first one to open her eyes and realize that they already landed.

Sunny’s the next one to open her eyes. "Woo-hoo! Ha-ha!" She cheered with a smile.
Then, Pipp opened her eyes as well. "Oh! Oh! Ah, how's my hair?" She asked with concern, but nopony answered, knowing that it’s okay.

“We made it! And I nailed the landing!” Sunset called out with a proud smirk.

"I can't believe that worked!" Hitch cheered.

“Whoo!” Izzy cheered with joy.

"Me neither, but there's no time to celebrate here." Sunny said, running towards the driver's cabin and grabbing her lamp.

"Right, we've got to window shop with Mom, pronto. In-and-out job, lickity split." Pipp said with a smile, arriving along Sunset and Zipp as they walked to their friends.

"And then we've gotta get ready for the..." Zipp started to say with a bored expression, while Pipp hopped excited.

"Zephyr Heights Wishentine Royal Carousel Concert!" Both Zipp and Pipp said, although Zipp said in a dead tone and Pipp said it excitedly.

“Wow, that still takes a long time to say.” Izzy said as the others nodded in agreement.

“Uh-huh.” Sparky mumbled in agreement as well.

“It sure does.” Sunset said in agreement considering that’s a mouthful.

"What should we do in the meantime?" Sunny asked.

"Treat yourselves, of course!" Pipp said, taking out 5 tickets from her wing.

"VIP Royal Luxury box tickets to the concert!" Zipp explained with a smile. "You can relax while we get ready." She stated.

Hitch is having a thought from this. “Aww, I don't wanna just sit around and—” He was about to complain but Pipp cut him off as she spoke.

“Help yourselves to the complimentary gourmet food?” Pipp pointed out with a smirk.

Hitch’s face turned into a happy smile immediately after Pipp said that. “You had me at ‘food’!” He said, carefully taking tickets, two for him and Sparky, from Pipp's hoof as he gave the rest to Izzy.

Sparky cooed as he chomps on his card, but groans since it tasted terrible, and that it’s solid gold.

Izzy took her ticket as she levitated the two other tickets to Sunny and Sunset, who accepted them as they put them away.

"Let's go, ponies! We've still got a star to wish on later." Sunny started with a smile.

“So let’s get a move on, ponies. Hooves together ponies!” Sunset called out.

Then, the Mane 6 gathered their hooves together.

"One, two, three..." Izzy counted down.

"Wishentine!" The Mane 6 all cheered in excitement, raising their hooves in the air as they got out of the Manestream.

In Zephyr Heights, Queen Haven walked with her daughters and Cloudpuff on the streets, with two pegasi guards - amazingly not Zoom nor Thunder - following the Royal Family with their shopping on their backs.

"Come, Cloudpuff. Pick up those precious paws!" Haven called out to the dog, who was wearing a purple winter hat, as he flew towards Haven and landed on her back. "Don't dawdle." She told him with a smile, while Zipp and Pipp looked at each other with strange looks. "Oh! Darlings! Come look at this! " She called out to her daughters with excitement while looking at something in a shop. "Crandall's has outdone themselves!" She added.

What she was looking at was three cardboard ponies decorating a fireplace, which made her excited for some reason.

Zipp rolled her eyes before giving a fake smile. "Wow, Mom, that was amazing. Very festive! Yup. So incredible, I don't think it can be outdone." She said in a fast paste, which confused Haven at first, but then she simply smiled. "Why bother looking at anything else?" She added, trying to keep her mother there to waste time before the performance.

"What's next?" Pipp asked suddenly, and then she saw something that made her gasp. "Ohh! They're doing a maple syrup tasting at Outingdale's!" he exclaimed with a smile.

"Dibs on first sample!" Zipp challenged, as she and Pipp flew quickly towards Outingdale's, while Haven looked at them with a raised eyebrow, not getting why they were in such a hurry.

“Come on, Mom!" Zipp called out. "Get your syrup on!" She added.
"Hurry!" Pipp called out as well with excitement.

Haven tried to keep up with her daughters, but of course, she wasn't as young as them, and she started to pant exhausted.

"Oh my... Girls, slow down!" Haven begged with an exhausted tone. "Shopping isn't a race, it's a marathon!" She pointed out with a smile.

"Oh, uh, well, um... We, uh..." Pipp said nervously, trying to think of an excuse of why they were in such a hurry.

"We just want to make the most of our Wishentine with you." Zipp decided to step in with a more normal smile, although she was also very nervous.

"Yeah! We'd rather spend less time at more places than more time at less places!" Pipp added, now in a more convincing tone.

"Well, I suppose that makes sense." Haven said after thinking about it, but then she gasped and pointed to a certain shop. "Oh my hoofness, look! It's us!" She said excitedly, looking at three cardboard versions of herself, Zipp and Pipp on the window of a shop.

Zipp looked on with a bored expression, while Pipp just got confused at first before squealing excitedly and walking towards her. Zipp groaned in annoyance and followed Pipp, none of them noticing since one of the guards with the gifts got weak legs and fell into the ground, throwing the gifts in the process.

Back with the royals, Zipp couldn't help but take a glance at a snowdrop ornament on the same window Haven and Pipp were staring at.

"Hey, Mom, do you know any Wishentine pony-tales about snow?" Zipp asked curiously.

However, Haven didn't seem to be paying her much attention, since she suddenly wrapped her and Pipp with her wings and brought them close to take a selfie. "Oh girls, come. We simply must take a selfie with our self-ies!" she stated, taking out her phone and smiling, while Zipp smiled sheepishly and Pipp made a duck face for some reason.

At the VIP area of the place where Zipp and Pipp will perform, Sunny, Sunset, Izzy and Hitch felt awed by the place as Izzy and Sunny are sitting on the couch while Sunset and Hitch, along with Sparky at his side, are sitting in separate chairs between the two.

At that moment, both Zoom and Thunder arrived with the guests, holding plates with sandwiches. "Fizziewick sandwiches?" Thunder asked, kneeling in front of Sunny, Hitch and Sparky while showing the plate.

Sparky immediately grabbed one of the sandwiches and chomped it, while Hitch just stared at the plate confused and Sunny and Sunset looked on curiously.

"Whoa, what are those?!" Izzy asked in excitement to Zoom, who also approached the plate towards her.

"That's just what Thunder calls cucumber sandwiches." Zoom explained with a bored expression.

"Oh, that's creative!" Izzy said with a smile, levitating one of the sandwiches and eating it entirely.

“Different name, but catchy.” Sunset admittedly said as she took a bite out of her sandwich. “Not bad either.” She said with a smile.

Sunny came to Izzy with sparkling eyes. "Oh, Izzy, look!" she said, now pointing at a table in front of the couches. "There's even presents for us?! Wow, so unexpected!" she said with a smile.

Sunset however knows what those presents are for as she tries to speak. “Uh, Sunny, those are for…” She tried to point it out but was cut off.

"Hitch, get in on this!" Sunny called out to the stallion.

"Huh?" Hitch said with a smile, trying to chomp on his sandwich, but of course, when it comes to Sunny, she became his only focus as Sparky took a bite of Hitch’s sandwich.

Sunset saw this as she chuckled. “Oh. These ponies are something.” She chuckled to herself.

Sunny opened one of the gifts with a huge smile, that faded away once she saw there was nothing on them. “Huh.” She sighs in disappointment.

"Oh... They're empty" Izzy pointed out with disappointment.

"Uh..." Zoom said, not sure what to say.

"Oh, those are just..." Thunder began, trying to explain that those boxes were just to decorate the place, but then the three ponies, Hitch, Sunny and Izzy, gave sad puppy faces to Zoom and Thunder. "Uh, uh, well... You see..." He said nervously, while Sunset behind the three ponies just made signs with her hooves, trying to tell the two pegasi guards to play along and come up with something to not make them feel sad and upset.

"They're full of air!" Zoom said suddenly with a nervous tone. "Um, air from clouds! Special clouds!" she added.

The three ponies gasped in amazement, while Sunset just sighed in relief.

"That's right, clouds! It's a traditional pegasus gift." Thunder added, playing along with Zoom.

"How fascinating! And clever!" Sunny said with a smile, grabbing a box and taking a better look at it. "What kind of clouds? Nimbus? Cumulonimbus? Cirrus? Raincloud?" She questioned.

"Nah, that doesn't make sense" Izzy said with a frown, causing Zoom, Thunder and Sunset to panic... until she spoke again. "The box would leak." She said, and then laughed, causing Zoom, Thunder and Sunset to sighed in relief again.

Sunny laughed along with Izzy, and that action made Hitch roll his eyes playfully while looking at Sunny while giving her a smile.

“What's your favorite kind of cloud?” Sunny questioned Izzy.

“Good question.” Izzy said with a smile. “Well, I wanna say ‘fluffy’ because I really like fluffy things…” As Izzy explains her favorite clouds.

Sunset then chuckled quietly from them. “Aw, youth.” She said with a smile at the three ponies.

As she thought of that, Zoom and Thunder turned around to leave them. "That was a really good cover." Zoom whispered to Thunder with a smirk.

"Oh, you too." Thunder replied and smirked back. "I just rolled with it." e added.

"I don't know why we didn't just tell them these are decorations." Zoom questioned.

"Well, they seemed so excited." Thunder pointed out.

"They really did." Zoom said with a smile.

"What do you got there?" Sunny asked Hitch, as he opened another box.

"Look, more clouds!" Hitch cheered.

Sunset then chuckled again as she got between Zoom and Thunder. “These ponies are so young and innocent to even know this. Best not to ruin the illusion for them. Let them have their moment.” She said with a small smile at the three while Zoom and Thunder nodded in agreement, not going to ruin Hitch, Sunny and Izzy’s moment.

Meanwhile, the shopping experience for the sisters wasn't that exciting... at least for Queen Haven, who was panting a lot, and the guards with them, since they had to carry all the shopping bags and boxes.

"Mom, look at that!" Zipp exclaimed, as she and Pipp literally just passed by a shop. "And that!" She exclaimed again. "Wow!" She exclaimed once again.

"Yeah, it's even more impressive if you look at it while flying by it at top speed!" Pipp added, as she and Zipp kept flying faster.

Heaven stopped following to catch her breath, while Cloudpuff barked at the sisters for leaving their mother behind.

"Alright, that's enough ganders, girls. I can hardly keep up!" Queen Haven called out to her daughters with an eye roll, while really tired of trying to catch up to her daughters.

And then, Sky Silver appeared on one of the giant screens of the city to make an announcement. "Later this evening on ZBS, the Zephyr Heights Royal Wishentine Carousel Concert featuring Princesses Pipp and Zipp and the royal chamber choir!" He announced.

Haven squealed in excitement at the announcement. "Come along, my dears!" She called out to Zipp and Pipp, as the sisters landed in front of their mother. "It's time to head to the concert hall! We need extra rehearsal time." She stated.

"Why?" Zipp asked with suspicion.

"I pulled some strings." Haven confessed with a smile. "You've got several more numbers in the concert. Which means... the show is twice as long as usual!" She revealed her excitement.

Excitement that her daughters didn't share, as they looked at each other in panic and worry. Then, their Mom gave them the concert script, which was longer than it should, as Zipp groaned in worry and Pipp chuckled nervously.

An hour later, more or less, the remaining of the Mane 6, and Sparky were still enjoying the VIP treatment as they waited for the concert to begin.

“Ooh!/Wow!” Both Izzy and Sunny said as they took some desserts from a plate Thunder was carrying, Sunset was sipping on a cup with some eggnog while having some fruitcake while Hitch slurped from a tea cup.

"I gotta say, this is the life!" Hitch said with a smirk, laying a bit more on the chair while Sparky gave a babble.

“You said it, Hitch.” Sunset said with a smile while eating some fruitcake.

Suddenly, the lights went out, and Zoom and Thunder placed their plates down and stood in military pose with serious expressions, confusing the others a lot.

Music from trumpets started to play as Queen Haven appeared on the stage, which made the crowd of ponies cheer up and stomp their hooves in excitement.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Haven called out to the crowd with a smile. "Thank you all so much for braving the snow to attend to our joyous and wonderful, wondrous and joyful Zephyr Heights Wishentine Royal Carousel Concert!" She announced.

The whole crowd of ponies started to cheer after that. Even the rest of the Mane 6, who were cheering in the VIP area.

"You're in for a treat! Tonight's show will be extra special." Haven said with a smile. "We will be taking you through the entire history of Wishentines of yestermoon." She explained, while one of the ponies of the royal chamber choir tried to read the script on a last minute move. "Now, we will begin with Act One of six––" Haven tried to announce.

However, Sunny, who was slurping some tea, spitting it out after Haven said that there will be six acts instead of the usual three. "Six?!" She shouted in panic, with her voice echoing around all the stage.

“Looks like this will be even longer than we thought.” Sunset muttered in shock, seeing that they will be here for a while, while also worried for Sunny if they miss the Wishing Star.

"Yes, six!" Haven replied with excitement after hearing Sunny’s echo. "Now, it is my pleasure to introduce our very own royal orchestra, chamber choir and my talented daughters, Princesses Pipp Petals and Zephyrina Storm!" She announced with a proud smile, moving aside to let the crowd take a look at the princesses.

Pipp, aside from her usual tiara, was now also wearing a golden dress and golden bracelets in all her hooves. Zipp was, for the very first time, also wearing a tiara, a golden one with blue gems around, as well as a purple variation of Pipp's dress, and the same golden bracelets she had.

(Joyus Wishentine Song)

The two sisters started to dance, as they moved gracefully around the stage in sync by walking forward sideways with their wings in front of them like fans, then twirl as they switched sides and walked backwards with their wings up, and then switched sides again as they have their wings up and in front of them like fans to the crowd as they then moved backwards as they fly.

(Pipp and Zipp)
The fire is glowing
Friendship is flowing
It's the feeling of knowing
It will soon be Wishentine

As they started to sing and fly around, the crowd of ponies looked in awe at the sisters' performance.

Hooves on the rooftop
The ringing of the bells
Lights shining bright
On the carousel

As for the rest of the Mane 6, Sunny, Izzy, Hitch and Sunset looked on in awe as well, while Sparky was falling asleep because of the rhythm of the song.

“Wow. Whenever those two sing together, they really have great voices and moves.” Sunset said in awed, sure they’ve seen Pipp sing and dance but rarely Zipp, but seeing her with her sister like that, it’s amazing to see them dance and sing together while the others nodded in agreement.

“You said it, Sunset.” Sunny awed in agreement.

Zipp and Pipp got in front of each of the singing carol ponies at both sides as they sang.

(Pipp and Zipp)
Joyous, joyous Wishentine
Joyous, joyous Wishentine
The twinkling wishing star that shines
A joyous, joyous Wishentine

Zipp and Pipp then did a little twirl as they flew high and came in front of each other while holding each other's hooves while smiling at the crowd.

The crowd of ponies are feeling trance to the song that they are feeling a little sleepy, while Mayflower was about to fall asleep if Posey didn’t didn’t tap her away.

In the VIP area, the rest of the Mane 6 smiled at the two pegasi as they are enjoying the show.

After six acts, the Mane 6, while interested at first, fell asleep at the third act. Izzy is snoring as she falls asleep.

Sunny tried to stay awake, but it was so difficult as her hoof held her cheek, keeping her head up while Hitch fell asleep, while drooling a bit, and grabbed a sleeping Sparky.

Sunset is still surprisingly awake, but feels a little tired and bored from the long play, but keeps her focus.

But they were not the only ones, because as Zipp and Pipp sang, some of the pony audiences were also falling asleep from the long acts.

(Pipp and Zipp)
Sleigh bells are ringing
Young ponies singing
The season is bringing
The joy of Wishentine

Zipp and Pipp, along with the singing carols ponies among them stood together as the carols stacked into some tower while Zipp and Pipp kept their flight on top of them as they were singing.

Zipp and Pipp then flew up as they circled each other as they kept singing, looking tired themselves from the long play, even Pipp has to admit, this is tiring, even for her for singing this long.

The gifts that we share
As our hearts all swell
As we go round and round
On the carousel

Zipp and Pipp stopped circling as they stood side by side, facing each other's backs as they finished their song with smiles.

At joyous, joyous Wishentine

Some members of the crowd managed to wake up and clap with their hooves to hide the fact that they fell asleep.

Sunset clapped as well, which made Sunny, Izzy and Hitch to wake up in the process from the loud clapping.

The three ponies woke up while giving indistinct babbles of the sudden awake, while Izzy is having a cup stuck into her muzzle.

“It was amazing.” Sunset said with a smile. “And don’t worry, you guys. The acts are over now.” She added to her awoken friends with a smirk.

“Oh wow, that was long.” Hitch said.

“Six acts to play, no wonder Zipp hated doing this.” Sunny said tiredly, now seeing why Zipp doesn’t like doing this.

“Well, at least it was great.” Izzy said cheerfully as she got the cup off her muzzle.

“Yep. Come on ponies. We’ll wait for Zipp and Pipp at the Marestream.” Sunset said as the four ponies, and Sparky, walked out of the VIP area to the Marestream where they will wait for Zipp and Pipp.

Meanwhile, Haven also clapped her Hooves at the performance, since she didn't fall asleep either.

Then, her daughters arrived at her side. "Love you, Mom!" Zipp exclaimed, as she gave Haven a hug. "This was, uh... Amazing! Yeah! Just great." She said, then flying towards the backstage.

"Yes! So glad we could celebrate Wishentine with you! Kisses!" Pipp exclaimed, following Zipp to the backstage.

"Excuse me, where do you two think you're going in this snowfall?" Haven asked with a concerned look.

"Maretime Bay! To see the Wishing Star/" Pipp replied, once again wearing her holiday hat and the scarf Izzy gave to her and her friends and then running towards the Marestream to meet the rest.

"We promised Sunny!" Zipp added, following Pipp.

Haven blinked a bit before smiling. "Joyous Wishentine, my darlings." She said to her daughters.

"Aww. Thank you, Highness." Thunder said with a smile, as he arrived suddenly with Zoom.

"Ugh!" Haven said with an eye roll, since she wasn't talking to them.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 6 was waiting outside for the sisters to come back, with Sunny holding her lamp on her hoof.

Sunset shivered in the snow. “Brr. Sweet Celestia. Is it me, or has it become much colder than earlier before the play?” She asked the others of the sudden cold that became stronger for some reason.

“You’re not the only one, Sunset. We all feel it.” Sunny said as she, Izzy and Hitch shivered as well from the cold.

Twilight popped up from the necklace as she gave a concerned look. “I’ve seen colder weather in the past, and one up north from the Crystal Empire when the barrier was down when the Crystal Heart was shattered, but this is too much, even for this snow storm.” She pointed out, remembering the winter season that she and her friends, along with other ponies prepare and from the incident when the Crystal Heart was shattered, which caused a snow storm to nearly buried it into a pile of snow if Sunburst didn’t help find a way to fix it by doing the Crystalling for Flurry Heart, but never this bad in any area of Equestria.

“This is strange. Where is all this snow coming from?” Sunset questioned, since she knows that even though the Pegasi aren’t in control of the weather anymore now that it has become more natural, this is way too much for a simple snow storm.

And then, the doors of the palace opened, and the sisters arrived at a fast pace.

"We're here! We're here!" Zipp said, stopping and taking a moment to catch her breath.

"Sorry that took so long, Sunny!" Pipp apologized. "We had no idea it would be six acts." She added with a guilty tone and expression.

"It's okay!" Sunny assured them with a smile. “You two sang beautifully.” She added with a smile as the sisters smiled as well.

“Yeah, that was quite a show you two put on.” Sunset added with a smile.

“I know I didn’t show myself, but I saw and heard everything through the necklace and those were beautiful voices you two sang.” Twilight said with a smile, having seen their play through Sunset’s necklace.

"Oh yeah! Zephyr Heights really knows how to put on a show." Hitch complimented as well.

"The part where you all flew around in a circle like an actual carousel?!" Izzy said in excitement, then spinning around and falling to the ground, just to stand up again and smile. "I'm still dizzy!" She said cheerfully.

"Thank you all, but we have to hurry!" Zipp pointed out.

“We don’t want to miss the Wishing Star!” Sunset added as well.

"And the snow is... Ah!" Izzy said, realizing how much it was snowing. "What is this?" She questioned in confusion.

“It's a blizzard!” Zipp replied in worried.

"Whoa, it is!" Izzy said with a smile. "I can't belizzle it's blizzarding right now!" She added cheerfully.

“Guys. This much snow isn’t normal. Something is seriously wrong.” Sunset pointed out in worry.

“I agree. It shouldn’t snow this much.” Twilight said in agreement and worried.

"Oh no! Are we gonna miss the star?" Izzy asked with worry.

Sunny shivered a bit before replying. "N-Not if we hurry!" She replied with a smile.

"We just have to get to the Marestream!" Zipp stated, looking around for the Marestream. “Just one question: Where is it?” She asked the others in confusion since all she is looking at is piles of snow, apparently must’ve buried the Marestream in it while the Mane 6 were at the play.

“We’ve been in that play for so long, the snow must’ve piled up.” Sunset pointed out.

“The Marestream must’ve got buried into one of them while we were watching the play.” Twilight added.

"I wanted so badly for us to get back in time to view the Wishing Star together." Sunny complained in a sad tone, putting her lamp down. "And now we're stranded in Zephyr Heights on Wishday, Wishiehoof, Wishentine, Hearth’s Warming, whatever you call it!" She groaned in frustration.

“Sunny. Take it easy.” Sunset comforts Sunny by placing a wing over her.

"Yeah. We'll find our way back, Sunny." Hitch assured her with a smile.

"Yeah! I'm not giving up yet!" Izzy stated as well, levitating Sunny's lamp with her magic while walking around. “Hello? Mare Stream! Come out, wherever you are!” She cheerfully called out as she took the lead while her friends and Sparky were shivering in the cold.

Hitch turned to Sparky as he gave him a quick nuzzle as he pressed forward.

The Mane 6 then dig through the mountains of snow to find the Marestream as they split up to find it faster.

Izzy gave a down expression as she is sad that they can’t find the Marestream while still levitating Sunny’s lantern. “Oh. Frostyshivers to us, I guess.” She said to herself in a sad tone as her horn turned blue again which caused the wind to grow strong as more snow came down.

Zipp and Sunset, who were flying in the air to look for the Marestream in the air, felt the wind and more snow hitting them. “Huh?” They both asked in confusion.

Izzy continues as she kept hold of the lantern. “I just wish we could just find the Marestream and get home in time to see the star together.” She said while giving a sad look.

And then, Sunny's lamp started to shine bright after Izzy said that, who gasped in amazement. The lamp floated away from Izzy's magic and buried into the mountain of snow where the Marestream was buried.

“Whoa!” The Mane 6 said in awed.

After a few moments, and some lights coming from the inside of said mountain, the Marestream came out of the snow, twirling in the air and then landed in front of the Mane 6.

“That lantern just keeps showing more surprises!” Sunset said in amazement.

“There is more to Sunny’s lantern than meets the eye.” Twilight added, who is also amazed at what Sunny’s lantern just did.

"It's magical!" Izzy said cheerfully.

"It's a miracle!" Sunny said with a smile.

"It's a magical miracle!" Zipp said, smiling as well. “It’s not!” She said in realization as she took out the book Figgy gave them.

“Wait. I think I get it as well.” Sunset said in thought as she then gasped in realization.

“It’s a wish!” Both Sunset and Zipp called out in unison.

“Just like in the book!” Zipp started to explain with a smile while showing the rest of their friends the book.

“Remember back in Bridlewood when the Unicorns were saying ‘Frostyshivers’?” Sunset started as her horn glows blue again as they are having flashbacks of Bridlewood.

Flashback.

In Bridlewood, a unicorn filly is walking by an elder one and an adult one. “Frostyshivers!” She greeted her and the other two horns glowed blue.

And then it showed Pipp being buried by a pile of snow.

“Frostyshivers!” Two unicorns, a mare and a stallion, greeted each other as their horns glow blue, as it caused the Mane 6 in the Marestream to go through thick snow while heading towards Zephyr Heights.

“Frostyshivers!” A Unicorn stallion said as his horn glows blue.

End of Flashback.

The Mane 6 are in the Marestream listening to Zipp and Sunset’s theory, while also getting warm from the sudden cold outside as the four ponies sat on the couch.

Zipp showed the book to her friends as she spoke. “In Grandma Figgy's book, Fantastical Flurrytales of Wishiehoof, whenever the unicorns wanted snowy weather, they would try to recite a spell for it." She said while showing a page on the book.

“A spell that would control the snowy weather so that they can have as much snow as they can.” Sunset continued.

"But it's been ages since unicorns in Equestria could harness that ability because magic was lost!" Zipp added, saying that since before the magic returned, the unicorns can’t make it snow with their magic since they didn’t have it back then. "And now that it's back..." She hinted, with a thoughtful look.

Izzy gasped in shock, realizing what Zipp and Sunset meant. "The unicorns have been doing a spell?!" She said in shock.

"Without even realizing it!" both Zipp and Sunset replied together.

"'Frostyshivers' isn't just a greeting..." Zipp explained.

"It's a really, really old snow spell?!" Hitch said in disbelief.

“Uh-huh, exactly!” Zipp replied. “That's why we're having this snowstorm!” She finished.

Twilight appeared as she gasped in shock and realization. “Of course! I should have realized it much sooner! The unicorns only had their magic back for almost a year, but still don’t know many spells yet since they are still new at this.” She said in amazement and realization, now knowing the cause of this snowstorm since the unicorns just got their magic back for almost a year.

“That’s right, Twilight.” Sunset confirmed.

The others just stared at them for a few seconds, not knowing what to reply.

"Wow..." Sparky said.

"Detective Zipp does it again!" Sunny said with a smile. "And with the help of Sunset as well.” She added with a smile, before she realized something. “Wait, Sunset. Didn’t you or Twilight or any of the unicorns in Ancient Equestria do this before?” She asked Sunset in confusion.

“We unicorns may help with the winter weather, but we just move the snow out of the way when the pegasi did most of the work making them while we just prepared for that season. We may have done it in an ice spell before, but not in a snowy weather before.” Sunset pointed out, saying that they may have prepared for the winter season, but the Pegasi made the snow, they never did it in weather spell form before.

Twilight appeared as she spoke. “That’s right. We did ice spells before but never in a weather spell this big.” She said in agreement.

"But the unicorns don't know they're doing spells!" Izzy pointed out with worry.

"You're right." Sunny pointed out as she gave a determined smile. “I think we should make one more stop before we head to Maretime Bay.” She suggested, knowing what must be done.

“Back to Bridlewood, ponies!” Sunset called out as the rest of the Mane 6 nodded in agreement as Zipp took her turn to drive as the Marestream took to the air before flying off, heading back to Bridlewood to stop this snowstorm.

In Bridlewood, the unicorns were shivering because of the sudden snowstorm, and yet they still greeted each other with the same word.

"F-F-Frosty... sh-shivers!" One unicorn stallion, carrying a cart with tea, greeted a unicorn mare as he shivered, with his horn turning blue again.

"F-F-Frostyshivers!" the unicorn mare greeted back, also shivering, and her horn also turned blue.

Then, the Marestream arrived at Bridlewood and landed near the Wishing Tree.

"Frostyshivers." Both Onyx and Jasper greeted a unicorn stallion as they shivered, with their horns turning blue as well.

"F-Frostyshi... shi-shivers." The unicorn stallion greeted back, shivering as well, with his horn turning blue like the rest.

"Wait!" Izzy shouted, as she came out of the Marestream with a panicked expression. "Everypony, stop saying that!" She begged. "Stop saying that! It's Jinxie! It's causing the snowstorm!" She started to explain.

The rest of the unicorns stared at her confused for a while.

"What...?" Onyx asked.

"You're all casting an ancient unicorn spell!" Zipp explained.

“And it’s an ancient spell that was forgotten for many moons!” Sunset added.

“Yeah! So don't say ‘frostyshivers’!” Izzy warned, but accidentally said the word as her horn glows blue and a pile of snow fell on her as she gasped in surprise before popping her head up, with some snow on her head. “See?!” She pointed out to her fellow unicorns.

“So stop saying that word!” Sunset called out, being careful to not say the word. “The more you say it, the more powerful the snowstorm gets to freeze all of Equestria!” She pointed out.

"Well, then, what should we say?" One of the unicorns asked as he scratched his head.

The Mane 6 stood quiet and said nothing for a while, having not thought of a new word for them before.

“Yeah. Now that we think about…” Sunset started as she was thinking of a word for these unicorns.

"Uh... how about... um... Warm Wishiehoof?" Izzy asked with a sheepish smile, as she stomped her front hooves on the ground and her horn suddenly turned yellow.

“Yeah. Warm Wishiehoof is a great greeting.” Sunset said, going along with Izzy’s idea as she stomped her hoof as well while her horn turned yellow as well.

The rest of the unicorns just stared at each other confused before playing along. "Warm Wishiehoof?" one of the unicorns told to Onyx, also stomping his hoofs like Izzy, while his horn turned yellow as well.

"Uh, Warm Wishiehoof?" Onyx greeted back, while Jasper brought his bongos back for more percussion.

"It's working!" Sunny said with a smile. "Keep saying it, everypony!" She instructed.

“Let’s warm things up with a little greeting of Warm Wishiehoof!” Sunset added while stomping her hoof again while her horn turned yellow again.

And then, all of the unicorns in Bridlewood started to greet each other with 'Warm Wishiehoof' instead of Frostyshivers, not only causing their horns and the crystals around the forest to turn yellow, but also making the snowstorm stop.

The unicorns around Bridlewood kept greeting themselves with their new Wishiehoof greeting, which caused the snowstorm to finally come to an end, as the night sky also cleared out, which made everypony cheered as the snowstorm finally ended.

“It worked!” Sunset called out with a smile. “I guess by stomping our hooves and saying Warm Wishiehoof is the opposite of the ‘Frosty’ spell to stop the snowstorm!” She added, seeing that the ‘Frostshivers’ spell has a counter spell, which is stomping hooves and saying ‘Warm Wishiehoof to stop the snowstorm, which she did just that when her horn turned yellow again.

“It sure is, Sunset!” Sunny cheered.

"Phew!" Alphabittle exclaimed. "I was starting to think I was going to break my snow shovel... or my back." He said, cracking his back a bit.

"Yeah, we did it!" Izzy cheered. “We've gotta get back to Maretime Bay!” She added as she went back to the Marestream while the others followed.

“Yeah, so we can celebrate!” Sunny cheered as she hopped a bit before trotting off to the others.

“And see the star!” Sunset added as the Mane 6 got back in the Marestream.

Zipp got it started as the Marestream took to the skies and flew off back to Maretime Bay, back to the Brighthouse to see the Wishing Star.

Shortly after, the Marestream landed in front of the Brighthouse, and the Mane 6 got out of it to see the wishing star almost to the top position of the Brighthouse.

Sunny saw the star as she and the others smiled as the Mane 6 made their way towards the top of the Brighthouse to see the Wishing Star.

"I can't believe we're here!" Sunny exclaimed with a smile.

Sunset places a wing on Sunny with a smile. “I told you we make it Sunny.” She said with a smile as Twilight appeared from the necklace.

“I always have faith you make it back in time to see the Wishing Star, Sunny. Even Sunset has.” Twilight said with a smile, knowing how Sunny is feeling when she always wanted to see the Northern Star, but missed it thanks to Iron Will’s fan cruise thing.

Sunny smiled at the two in happiness. “Thanks, guys.” She said with a happy smile.

"What a great idea, Sunny, and we had time to do everything!" Pipp said with a smile.

But then, Izzy gasped in worry. "I didn't have time to do everything!" She said in concern.

"What do you mean, Izz?" Hitch asked.

"Ugh! I didn't have time to get you presents!" Izzy cried out with frustration. "I'm probably the only one that's empty-hoofed." She said in concern.

“You’re not the only one, Izzy.” Sunset told her. “During all that has happened, I didn’t get any presents for us as well.” She confessed sheepishly, having forgotten to get presents during the whole trip.

"I also forgot!" Pipp cried out in concern.

"Ditto, sis!" Zipp said in disappointment to herself.

"Oh no, I did too!" Hitch cried out as well.

“Me, too.” Sparky cooed in disappointment to himself as well, even though he is a baby dragon, even he wants to give the Mane 6 something.

"Oh, it's okay!" Sunny assured them with a smile. "We don't need to exchange gifts. Because we have each other." She pointed out.

"That doesn't really count, though." Hitch argued.

“No, guys. Sunny is right, it does count.” Sunset said with a smile, knowing the true meaning of the holiday that is more than gifts.

"Sure it does!" Sunny confirmed, still smiling. "Hitch shared his special family tradition, Izzy showed us the mystical Wishing Tree all lit up, Sunset, you helped us through things and been there for us when things were bleak, and Pipp and Zipp gave us the gift of music! ” She explained.

“So much music.” Zipp said as she flopped to the handles of the Brighthouse playfully with a smirk, really sang so much during the play.

"But the best part is... we got to experience the holiday together!" Sunny added with a smile. "Which is all I really wanted anyway: A magical time spent with all of you." She finished.

"Aww!" the rest of the Mane 6 said, feeling touch with Sunny’s words.

“That’s beautiful, Sunny.” Twilight said to Sunny with a smile as Sunny smiled back, feeling happy to have Twilight said that to her.

Zipp giggled for a bit before she spoke. "What's your gift, Sunny?" She asked curiously.

“Yeah, Sunny. What was your gift?” Sunset asked in curiosity as well.

"Glad you both asked." Sunny replied, taking out her phone and raising her hoof. "Wait for it" she instructed with a smile. "Wait for it..." She instructed again, as the Wishing Star was almost over the Brighthouse. "Continue to wait for another second and..." She kept instructing as the Wishing Star is now in position at the top of the Brighthouse. “...now!” She said with a smile.

Now that the Wishing Star was above the Brighthouse, it shone bright in front of the rainbow lightning as the Mane 6 watched in awe at the sight. Then, the Unity Crystals started to resonate as well, as they suddenly projected the Mane 6 Cutie Marks in the sky.

"Our Cutie Marks!" Sunny said with a cheery smile.

"Whoa. That was pretty cool." Zipp confessed.

“That was amazing, Sunny. I have never seen anything like this before in my life.” Sunset said with a smile, now understanding what made Sunny love the Wishing Star so much.

“Me neither.” Twilight admittedly said as well with a smile, never in all her life had she seen anything like that.

"So, what'd you wish for, Sunny?" Hitch asked her with interest.

Sunny just smiled at him, and then at the sky. "It already came true." She assured him while looking at the sky where their Cutie Marks are showing and looking at the Wishing Star that stills shine bright.

Sunset smiled at Sunny, knowing that her wish was to bring magic back, bring ponykind together, and make friends as she placed a wing over her as she and the others joined her in watching the sky.

“It sure did, Sunny. It sure did.” Sunset said to Sunny with a smile while still looking at the sky.

A little bit later inside the Crystal Brighthouse, the Mane 6 were playing a board game as Izzy suddenly remembered something.

"Wait! I just remembered I did get you ponies something else!" Izzy said with a cheery smile, then she moved to the back of a couch as she hummed to herself, while Sunny, Sunset, Pipp and Zipp looked at each other in confusion. "Ta-da!" She exclaimed, as she levitated 6 boxes and gave one to each of the members of the group. “For you! And you! And you! And You!” She

“Thanks!” Hitch thanked Izzy with a smile.

“Thank you, Izzy!” Both Sunny and Zipp said to the unicorn with smiles.

“Thanks, Izz.” Sunset said with a smile.

But as the Mane 6 opened the boxes, they soon realized they were all empty.
"Surprise! Nimbustratuses!" Izzy said with a smile.

"Oh... Wait, what?" Pipp asked in confusion.

"You know, air from the clouds!" Izzy pointed out with her hooves. "Zoom and Thunder said those were your favorite kind!" She pointed out.

The Mane 6 the laughed together from that as Sparky went into a box and played in it.

“That’s great, Izzy.” Sunset said with a smile, going to let that be to not hurt Izzy’s feelings.

"I love it!” Sunny added with a smile. “Thank you all for the perfect holiday." She thanked the rest of the Mane 6.

"Aw. Cheery Wishday, everypony!" Hitch told the mares with a smile while Sparky babbles happily, trying to say it as well,.

"Joyous Wishentine!" Both Pipp and Zipp told the rest with smiles as well.

"And Frostyshivers!" Izzy said with a smile, as her horn turned blue.

"Izzy!" Her friends scolded her, but with smiles.

"Oops!" Izzy said, a bit embarrassed. "And Warm Wishiehoof to all ponies." She corrected herself, with her horn now turning yellow while Sparky babbles while playing with his star plushie Figgy gave him as the Mane 6 smiled at him.

“Actually. How about a better greeting?” Sunset announced with a smile.

The others turned to her in interest.

“Really? What is it?” Izzy asked excitedly.

“From this point on, with all of ponykind together, and us together and harmony and friendship spark the fire, I would like to say, happy Hearth’s Warming to all ponies.” Sunset announced with a smile, really happy to say that name again.

The rest of the Mane 6 smiled at Sunset, knowing very well that the holiday name had been forgotten when ponykind was divided, but now that they are together, it’s time to bring back the name, one pony holiday at a time.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming.” The Mane 6 announced together with smiles as they shared a group hug together.

Once they break apart, Sunny and Hitch are standing side by side with each other, which makes Sunset, Izzy, Pipp and Zipp look at them with smirks on their faces.

Sunny and Hitch saw their friends' faces as they raised an eyebrow. “What?” Hitch asked in confusion.

“Why are you girls looking at us like that?” Sunny asked in confusion as well.

Sunset gave a chuckle as she pointed her hoof up. “Look at the ceiling where you both are standing under.” She said as she kept a smirk while the other three mares tried to hold their laughter.

Sunny and Hitch both looked up to the ceiling as they saw something that made them blushed. What the two Earth Ponies are standing under is a mistletoe attached to the ceiling.

“What?! W-Well… I… Uh…” Both Sunny and Hitch stammer while they both blush in embarrassment, really knowing what happens when two ponies are under a mistletoe together.

“Come on you two. Just do it.” Zipp teased with a smirk on her face.

“Yeah! I know it will be great!” Izzy cheered.

“You two definitely have to follow this kind of thing.” Pipp said as she smirked on her face.

Sunset chuckled as she spoke. “Come on you two. You both know the drill.” She said with a smirk.

Sunny and Hitch looked at each other while they smiled nervously with blushes on their faces. Feeling strange about this. But they knew their friends wouldn't let them go so they went close to each other with their eyes close as they slowly moved their heads closer to one another, and then their lips met as they kiss each other.

Pipp, and Izzy gasped in shock and amazement, as Pipp took a picture of this moment on her phone, while Sunset and Zipp smirked at them of this outcome.

“Those two really are something together.” Zipp said with a smirk.

“They sure are. I hope they confess to each other when the time is right.” Sunset said with a proud smile as she took out her phone and took a picture of Hitch and Sunny kissing each other in secret, going to save that and tease them with it from time to time.

“I’m sure they will when they feel like confessing to each other.” Zipp said with a smirk.

“That’s for sure.” Sunset said while still watching with a smirk.

Sunny and Hitch finished kissing as they departed lips, giving each other sheepish looks with their faces red while smiling to each other.

“So… Um…” Sunny started while stammering with a sheepish smile.

“Yeah.” Hitch said with a sheepish smile as well.

“Let’s… Uh… Play the rest of the game.” Sunny quickly said to move on from this while still keeping a smile.

“Yeah. Let’s do that.” Hitch agreed quickly as he and Sunny went back to the board game.

Sunset, Izzy, Zipp and Pipp chuckled at them from that as they came to them to continue the game as they knew they will never forget this first holiday together and for this moment as well as they spent time with each other for the rest of the holiday.

End of Chapter 3: Winter Wishday.

Chapter 4 Ep 1: Bridlewoodstock

Author's Note

This chapter takes place after Episode 53 of TYT.

I had help from https://www.fimfiction.net/user/286725/Zipp+Storm for helping me make this

Chapter 4 Ep 1: Bridlewoodstock

Chapter 4 Ep 1: Bridlewoodstock

In the middle of the night at a full moon, the Mane 6, and Sparky, are following Izzy through the Birdlewood forest as some critters are wandering around while the others are wondering where Izzy is taking them.

“This is kinda spooky, isn’t it?” Pipp asked her friends with an exciting smile.

And an owling is hooting and wings fluttering sounds can be heard, which startled Hitch as he gasped in fright as Pipp gave him a playful smirk.

“No. Not at all.” Hitch answers nervously while Sparky is on his back sleeping as the baby dragon is snoring peacefully while sucking his thumb.

Sunny then spoke next. “Izzy, what are we doing in the middle of the Bridlewood forest… at night?” She asked nervously while feeling a little scared, finding the forest spooky at night.

“Yeah, Izzy. I’m wondering about that myself.” Sunset spoke next. “Why did you bring us out here this early, Izzy?” She asked with a curious look.

“Because it’s a surprise!” Izzy answered them as she turned to them cheerfully. “If I told you, you wouldn’t be surprised!” She pointed out.

“She does have a point there.” Zipp said to the others, finding Izzy’s words true.

“Can’t know things when it’s a surprise, can’t argue with that logic.” Sunset shrugs in agreement, can’t argue with that point.

“You’re gonna love it.” Izzy said with a smile. “Hoof to heart.” She promised as she placed her hoof on her chest as the others smiled at her as Izzy hopped around. “Come on! It’s just up here!” She announced as she took the lead again.

“Oh yeah!” Pipp cheered as she followed Izzy as Sunset, Sunny and Zipp followed with a little laugh.

Hitch just stood there while feeling nervous. “Uh…” He said uncertainty as he trotted after the girls, not wanting to be alone in the woods.

The Mane 6 kept following Izzy as they trotted through the forest, but Izzy then gasped with a smile as she saw something that made her stop, but then her friends bump into her as they then bump into each other as they yelp back while Pipp falls to the floor.

“Oof, ow.” Hitch said from the bump, which resulted in waking up Sparky as the baby dragon gave a yawn as he rubbed his eyes.

“Izzy, why did we stop?” Sunset asked in confusion at the sudden stop Izzy just did.

“Because, Sunset, we’re here! Ta-da!” Izzy announced cheerfully as she raised her hoof in a direction, which showed to be just a clearing in the woods with crystals and unsprouted flowers around.

The Mane 6 stood quiet for a moment until Zipp broke the silence. “Uh… Izzy? Is something supposed to happen?” Zipp asked her unicorn friend in confusion.

“Yeah, because we’re seeing a lot of nothing right now, Izz.” Sunset commented while scratching the back of her head in confusion.

Izzy just smiled at them as she raised her hoof over her mouth. “Hush.” She said before she walked up to an unsprouted plant as she leaned closer, and then suddenly, the plant sprouted into a big flower that glowed bright as Izzy and the others looked around.

One by one, all the flowers then sprouted all around the clearing and started glowing as the clearing lit up and some glowing tiny flies were flying around as the clearing became a beautiful sight, which made the rest of the Mane 6 awed at the sight.

“Wow.” Sunny said in awed.

“Amazing.” Sunset said with a wide smile.

“Gorgeous!” Pipp cheered with a wide smile.

“Awesome!” Zipp called out with a smile.

“What?” Hitch asked in surprise and awed at the sight as he and Sparky looked around as a glowing fly flew towards them and flew next to Sparky.

Sparky starts gurgling at the glowing fly next to him as he tries to reach it with a smile as it flies away.

Sunny and Sunset then walked up to Izzy. “Wow, Izzy, this is beautiful.” Sunset said in awed.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace as she looked in awe at the sight. “These are the most wondrous flowers I have ever seen. I’ve never seen them glow like this before.” She said with an awed smile.

“Yeah, I've never seen anything like this in my life either!” Sunny cheered while looking at the flowers with a smile. “This is amazing, Izzy!” She added as she touched the flower, but then it glowed brighter by Sunny’s touch.

“Wow, these things glow brighter with a simple touch.” Sunset commented with a wide smile.

“What is it?” Sunny asked in awed.

“It’s called the ‘Lumi-Bloom’!” Izzy answered as she got next to Sunny and Sunset while waving her hoof. “Every moon season, for one week only, all of the plants and stuff in this part of Bridlewood go all wild and glowy!” She explained while gesturing to the area as the Mane 6 kept looking in awe.

“If Luna was here, she would love this sight.” Twilight commented, having a feeling that Luna would love this kind of plants that glow in the moonlight.

“I have a feeling she would, Twilight.” Sunset replied with a smile, having a similar feeling that Luna would love this really well.

A glowing fly then flew to a flower as Zipp then came in front of the flower as she held up her magnifying glass to examine the flower and fly. “So it’s not just some sort of Unicorn spell? Just a natural phenomenon?” She asked Izzy in curiosity.

“Yup!” Izzy answered.

“Well, I have never heard of this kind of flower before or a spell to make them like this, so I think it is natural for them.” Sunset said, which proved Izzy’s point.

“Do you like it?” Izzy asked her friends with a smile.

And then Pipp appeared as she flew in front of them with an excited smile. “Like it?! Do I like it?” She asked excitedly as she turned to her friends. “I love it!” She cheered as she twirls in the air before landing. “It makes me wanna sing.” She added as she then began to vocalize as some glowing flies then flew towards her from her singing as Pipp flew into the air as the flies circled around her head.

The Mane 6 watched Pipp with awed smiles while Izzy got her jaw dropped from that, finding Pipp’s scene amazing.

Pipp realizes the flies are circling around her as she gives an exciting smile. “Oh my glow. Did you guys just see that?” She asked her friends with a smile as she landed back on the ground.

“We saw it, Pipp. And it was amazing.” Sunset spoke first with a wide smile.

Zipp then spoke next with a smile. “Yeah, huh, that was actually really cool.” She said to her sister, finding that amazing to see.

“I have to do it again!” Pipp excitedly said as she flew next to Izzy. “Quick, get it on camera this time!” She added as she gave Izzy her phone.

Izzy nodded as she held up Pipp’s phone as she then started recording while getting the camera to face Pipp as the pegasus landed on the ground.

“Ha, wait!” Pipp suddenly called out as she turned to the others while Izzy lowered the phone as the others were surprised.

“What’s wrong?” Hitch asked in confusion.

Pipp then flew to Izzy and took her phone back with a smile. “I just had an even better idea.” She said as she flew off to the spot she took off again as she landed.

“Well, can you explain it to us?” Sunset asked in interest.

“We can share this beautiful sight with everypony if we bring them all here…” Pipp answered as she then started recording the sight with her phone.

“Whoa.” Izzy was surprised by Pipp’s idea. “How are we gonna do that?” She asked, unsure on how they can get everypony to see the spot.

Pipp then turned to them with a smile as she then hopped and twirled around excitedly. “By hosting the biggest and brightest musical festival that Equestria has ever seen… or heard.” She said with a smirk.

“A festival, I haven’t been to one in years.” Sunset said in a nostalgic smile. “That could work. As long as there is no time loop to get me stuck on the same day again, I’m game” She finished while giving a shuddering thought when she and the Rainbooms went to the Starswirl Festival and was caught in a time loop of repeating the same day.

“This has happened to you, Sunset?” Zipp asked in surprise.

“Oh yeah. Got me stuck in a loop of the same day for three weeks. It nearly drove me crazy until me and Pinkie figured it out.” Sunset answered about that memory where she made things right with Pinkie before ending the loop.

“Yikes.” Zipp cringed from that.

“Yeah, but Pipp’s festival should be really interesting.” Sunset said with a smile, finding Pipp’s idea great.

“That sounds so magical! I love it!” Sunny cheered in excitement.

“But Izzy said the bloom only lasts a week.” Pipp recalled in a worried expression. “Which means… we’re already running out of time!” She called out in panic as she flew in front of her friends. “We have to get started right now.” She stated as she flew ahead of them as the others followed Pipp.

Before Izzy could catch up, she stopped as they heard a maniacal laughter.

“Huh? ” Izzy asked in confusion as she looked behind them as the maniacal laughter continued in the distance as it echoed through the forest.

From behind some bushes and trees where Izzy can’t see the mysterious voice creature as it looks at the two ponies.

“Yes.. Sing for us, ponies.” The mysterious voice said to them slowly as it gave another maniacal laughter that echoes through the woods.

Izzy looked around as the laughter was still heard as she trotted out of the area as the maniacal laughter stopped.

In the morning time at the Crystal Brighthouse, Pipp is at her desk, wearing her glasses, preparing for the festival as she is humming to herself happily while her bed section of the room is covered in piles of papers and books for some ideas she needs for the festival.

Pipp then thought of an idea as she thought for a second. “Hm. Ah-ha!” She called out as she wrote down her notes.

Izzy woke up from her bed as she yawned, stretched a bit and rubbed her eyes as she saw Pipp working and humming happily to herself.

Sunset woke up next and stretched a bit as she noticed Pipp working as well.

“Hmm!” Pipp hummed as she kept humming as Izzy and Sunset came next to her.

“Morning, Pipp.” Sunset greeted her with a small smile.

“Morning, Sunset. Morning, Izzy.” Pipp greeted back with a small smile.

“Whatcha doing?” Izzy asked Pipp with a smile.

“Making my dreams come true!” Pipp cheered as she waved her hooves up as some flowers around her flew up as she took off her glasses. “Because if you can dream it, you can do it, guys.” She added with a smile at them.

Izzy then gasped with a wide smile as she then came next to Pipp. “I just dreamed that I crafted an entire sailboat out of tortilla chips.” She said cheerfully as Pipp cringe back with a small smile at Izzy.

Sunset shook her head in amusement. “Considering all the things you crafted, Izzy, no surprise you would try that.” She said with a chuckle.

“Thanks, Sunset!” Izzy cheered.

“See? I love that for you, Izzy!” Pipp said with a smile as she pushed Izzy back a bit. “And I love this for me!” She added as she held out her notebook to them before hugging it. “But if I want to make the Bridlewoodstock Music Festival happen, I can’t waste a single minute.” She said as she then flew off from her desk as Izzy and Sunset followed her. “Everypony has to see the Lumi-Bloom before it’s over!” She added.

“It is pretty special, huh?” Izzy asked with a smile.

“And like you said, Izzy, it’s only been a week.” Sunset added.

“Which is why I’m going to need help today.” Pipp said as she flew around them before flying towards the board she made about her festival idea. “We’ll have to bring in everything and fast.” She started.

“Uh…” Izzy started uncertainty after what she heard last night.

But before either of them could speak, Pipp continued. “Tents, stages, sound equipment, decorations and of course… musicians!” She listed quickly while saying the ‘musicians’ in a sang tone before exclaiming and laughing.

“Nice planning, Pipp.” Sunset said with a small smile.

“Thanks, Sunset!” Pipp said before noticing Izzy’s uncertain expressions. “Wait. Why does your faces look like that, Izzy?” She asked Izzy in confusion.

Sunset notices this as well. “Uh, Izzy. Is there something wrong?” She asked in concern.

Izzy then spoke nervously. “Well… Uh, we don’t want to burst your excitement bubbles, Pipp, but… there is a little teensy weensy problem with that particular spot.” She explained nervously. “Um.Maybe we should have the festival somewhere else!” She suggested with a nervous smile.

“A problem?” Pipp asked as she landed next to Sunset.

“Izzy, what are you talking about?” Sunset asked, while feeling confusion by Izzy’s words.

“Umm… it’s just that we…” Izzy started uneasy, not knowing how to explain it to them, especially to Pipp. “... we Unicorns think it's kinda Jinxie to sing or make any loud noises during the Lumi-Bloom because of the...." Izzy looked and then loudly whispered, "... the Troggles."

"Troggles?" Sunset questions confused. In her studies with Celestia, she read about Troggles - a race of humanoid creatures with pig-like characteristics, most notably snouts and-in some cases-tusks. Formerly the denizens of Tambelon before they were imprisoned. She never expected them to be in Equestria again.

"Is that it?" Pipp asked, laughing with disbelief like it was a joke, "An old 'Jinxie' rumor? Psst. Ha!"

"No, it's not a rumor! There's even a poem!" Izzy insisted. "It goes like this.." Izzy cleared her throat and began 'Eye of the Monster, form of the big. Sing, laugh or yell, step hoof on a twig.' Izzy made monster pig noises before Pipp cut off.

"Iz! Iz! Iz! Iz! It's going to be fine." Pipp reassured, almost like she ignored the whole warning. "Once the unicorns hear the amazing music with the glowy sights," she flew up behind the chart board she made, "they won't even remember that silly poem."

"I don't know, Pipp." Sunset suggested. "These Troggles might be dangerous given they got Izzy scared."

"Relax, Sunset. It will be that life-changing. Trust me!" Pipp assured again as she flew to the side of the chart.

Izzy gave a nervous chuckle, "Yeah, I guess you could be right. I've never actually seen a Troggle."

"See." Pipp beamed. Pipp flew in front of Izzy and Sunset and held out a small flower petal in her hoof.

"Okay....!" Izzy smiled, taking the petal in her magic, "Let's do it! Bridlewoodstock, here we come!"

Pipp and Izzy turned their attention back to the board and got to work, but Sunset on the other hand, only hummed, thinking about the warning Izzy tried to finish before Pipp cut her off.
‘Maybe Twilight or Discord know something about these Troggles? I should ask them later.’ She thought, since Twilight has read so many books that she might know about the Troggles and Discord being around Equestria longer than anypony else, which makes them the best leads to know about the Troggles.

A little bit later, Sunny and Zipp are in the kitchen having breakfast while Sunny places some pancakes down and Zipp sips her drink.

Sunny then turned and saw Sunset, Izzy and Pipp coming into the kitchen while Pipp was looking at her phone. “Good morning! Breakfast?” She asked her friends.

Izzy then gave a happy gasp. “Yes, please.” She answered with a smile as she levitated a piece of pancake from Sunny’s stack and held it in her hoof.

“I’ll take some.” Sunset said next with a smile as she grabbed a banana.

“Thanks, Sunny, but I gotta fly. Too much to do!” Pipp said as she then flew off. “Emergency music festival planning meeting at Mane Melody later! Be there!” She quickly added to her friends before she flew off.

“At least take a smoothie to-go!” Sunny called out while holding out a smoothie, but Pipp was already gone. “Wow. Who doesn’t have time for a smoothie?” She asked playfully as Izzy took a bite out of her pancake.

“This is a new level of hypeness and getting things done, even for Pipp’s standard.” Sunset commented as she took a bite out of her banana. “I wonder what’s that called?” She asked.

“A pony on a mission, that’s who.” Zipp said as the others looked at her as she sip her smoothie as she then sighs. “Here we go. Everyone, brace yourselves for a wild week.” She told them with a smirk as she tilted her head.

“Care to give us some contents, Zipp?” Sunset asked curiously.

“Pegasi loves music festivals.” Zipp started explaining. “They’re kind of a big deal in Zephyr
Heights. Pipp has always wanted to plan one of her own.” She said as the three ponies looked at each other in surprise. “So she must be feeling the pressure to make it perfect.” She finished.

“What do you mean?” Sunny asked.

“She did stay up all night working!” Izzy pointed out to them.

“And she did have tons of paper and a board of the festival in the room and she was excited about it.” Sunset added after seeing what Pipp was doing in the room.

“Then we have to help her out.” Sunny suggested as Zipp nodded her head in agreement.

Izzy felt unsure but nodded her head slowly. “Uh-huh.” She said as she took another bite of her pancake while looking nervously.

“Well, we can’t stop Pipp now. Once her mind is set, she won’t stop until it’s done. So yeah, we should help her out.” Sunset nodded in agreement before noticing her reaction. ‘And maybe in my free time, I should find out more about these Troggles creatures if I had the time.’ She thought to herself again that she is concerned about this if Izzy is scared.

At Mane Melody, the meeting began with Pipp having the board she used for her planning in front of everypony, Jazz and Rocky, whom she asked to help with the planning as well.

"I want to lean into the theme of the Lumi-Bloom and go full Flower Fest." Pipp began before she stepped in front of the magic mirror which reflected her with a yellow flower crown on her head, "Flower Crowns. Snack tents featuring edible flowers!"

"Uh....where does the music part come in?" Jazz asked.

Pipp walked over to her board again with a smile, "I am glad you asked Jazz." Pipp flipped the board and showed a drawing of the stage she wanted to build. "The Mane Stage!"

Rocky gasped, "What bands are gonna play?!"

"That's where you ponies come in." Pipp answered and the ponies became confused.

"But we're not a band," Hitch pointed out before Izzy slid over and added, "Yet.."

"No, no, no, no, no. I need you ponies to help me secure some amazing bands while I work on.......everything else." Pipp clarified, gesturing to the board behind her. "I think we can get Electric Blue."

"Who?" Sunset asked while Hitch gasped.

"The super epic Pegasus rock band?" Hitch answered.

"Wow Hitch, I didn't know you were such a musical expert." Pipp commented.

"Yeah, I thought you were Mr. Rulebook." Sunset teased.

"I know things.." Hitch huffed and Sunny chuckled.

"And I am dying to have the incredible pop artist, Ruby Jubilee perform." Pipp added and Jazz brought out a picture of the pony.

Ruby Jubilee was a hot pink pegasus pony with a mane design similar to Misty's but having purple with hot pink shading on the edges and from what Sunset could get from the photo, her wing feathers were deep purple and white. "I love her!" Jazz stated.

"Me too! Everypony does. her vocals are unreal!" Pipp added with a squeal while Rocky looked at the picture with a gaping smile, "Which is why she's going to be hard to lock down on such short notice."

"But we have to try, right?" Izzy asked with a cheerful grin.

"Right. But we still need an incredible Earth Pony or Unicorn band to round off the lineup." Pipp pointed out before turning to Jazz and Rocky, "Any ideas."

The ponies thought before Sunny came up with one, "I know! I know! we could get....the Dreamlands!"

"No way!" Jazz breathed.

"Who are they Sunny?" Sunset asked.

"They're this really famous Earth Pony trio that I loved when I was younger. They practically invented the genre of 'girl group' music." Sunny quipped.

“If only they could hear me and my friends play.” Sunset whispered to herself, having a thought the Rainbooms could be one of the bands but that might cause one too many consequences and not all good ones.

"But they haven't performed in moons." Jazz pointed out. "How can we find them?"

"I have a connection. I know ponies." Hitch replied happily before adding, "Well my Grandma Figgy does. She used to cook for the lead singer, Minty."

"Wow." Sunset blinked. "Now that's amazing."

Pipp exclaimed as she twirled and leaped in the air as she landed, happily, "This is all coming together like perfection! Rocky and Jazz, you're on style duty! Zipp, you get Electric Blue!"

"You got it!" Zipp nodded.

"Sunny and Hitch, find those Dreamlands!" Pipp added, looking at Sunny and Hitch before turning to Izzy and Sunset, "And Izzy, Sunset and I will convince Ruby Jubilee to dazzle us!"

"Yeah!"

"Okay!"

"On it!"

"Yeah!" The ponies nodded.

"Hmmm anything a former Lord of Chaos could do?" Discords' voice came before he plastered his face into the board, scaring Jazz and Rocky who let out yelps.

"I couldn't help but overhear Little Pipp's big dream about this musical festival in a supposedly cursed area of Bridlewood, that could be quite chaotic." Discord grinned mischievously.

"Discord, no chaotic pranks for this, please." Sunset warned him, knowing his mischievousness. "This is very important to Pipp. If you want to help, maybe you could help Zipp with Electric Blue?"

"Hmm....alright." Discord shrugged before Hitch, Sunny and Zipp went off.

"Do whatever you have to do, just get those bands to come to Bridlewoodstock and no chaos magic Discord!" Pipp called.

"Yeah, yeah. Phooey." Discord pouted to himself.

“Sorry, Discord. Not everything can be you.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“True. But that’s no fun.” Discord commented with a dull expression.

“Do whatever you have to do, just get those bands to come to Bridlewoodstock!” Pipp called out as the others walked out and went their separate ways as they walked out the door, leaving Pipp, Sunset and Izzy in Mane Melody as Pipp looked at her board to make sure it’s all coming together while Sunset and Izzy looked on.

Sometime later in Zephyr Heights, Discord and Zipp, who is wearing her Z-Goggles, are hiding behind a trash can, while Discord shrunk himself on Zipp’s back, in front of a group of ponies who are facing a store while they have their phones out.

A pony sipping through a cup was walking by as the pony oss the cup as it hit on Zipp’s head.

“Oh…” Zipp groaned as she picked up the cup and tossed it into the trash can.

“Can’t ponies see that there are trash cans around and not litter?” Discord questioned.

“If Hitch is around, he would call out to them.” Zipp commented in agreement as she lowered her Z-Goggles over her eyes as she then saw the Electric Blue coming out of the store as the ponies around them took pictures of them as they stopped and struck a pose..

The leader is a stallion Pegasus with electric sunglasses as he has blue fur and his wings were a deep bluish purple, light blue and then electric blue feathers underneath. His name is Fretlock.

The drummer of the band is a stallion plum purple with light blue and dark blue shading on his legs and sparkly aquamarine eye shade. His mane was a slick mix of blue and purple. On his chest was a vivid pale blue lighting bolt mark. His name is Jam Donut.

The third member is a mare with more of a neon blue with a purple mane and tail that slicked back. Both members' wings feathers were the same colors as the leaders. Her name is Arpgreggia.

“Is that them?” Discord asked Zipp.

“Yep, it’s them.” Zipp answered as she lowered her Z-Goggles and stood up. “Alright, how hard can this be?” She asked with a smirk as she walked up to them.

“This will be easy.” Discord commented in agreement.

Zipp and Discord then walked up to the leader of Electric Blue as she stood in front of the stallion while the ponies around them kept taking pictures.

Fretlock then came across Zipp. “Hey! Electric Blue?” She asked with a small smile.

“Huh?” Fretlock asked in confusion.

“Zipp.” Zipp greeted herself.

“Huh, who?” Fretlock asked in confusion.

“Seriously?” Discord asked with a raised eyebrow, wondering if Zipp’s goggles really kept her face hidden that much when it just covered her eyes.

“Uh…” Zipp said uncertainty as she took off her Z-Goggles and put on her sunglasses quickly. “Princess Zipp?” She asked again with a small smile.

“Oh, hey, Princess.” Fretlock greeted, now recognizing her. “How’s your sister?” He asked as pictures were still being taken.

“She’s great!” Zipp answered. “Actually, that’s why we wanted to talk to you.” She added.

“We?” Fretlock asked in confusion.

“Back here!” Discord called out as he waved to the lead band on Zipp’s back.

“Whoa!” Fretlock said in surprise.

“I’ll explain later.” Zipp said quickly as ponies around them then took notice of Zipp as they took more pictures of her. “But it’s top-secret. Can we…. Can…” She tried to say as she tried to cover herself with her hoof as more ponies were taking more pictures of her, which made her uncomfortable. “Can we get out of here?” She asked.

“This is a little too crowded.” Discord added in agreement.

“Yeah. I’m down with that.” Fretlock said in agreement before he turned to the others. “Hey, guys, let’s go!” He called out as the four pegasi spread their wings and took off.

Their fans then chased after them as they either flew or trotted off to them as they followed the princess and the band.

Electric Blue then posed as statue ponies on a fountain as their fans trotted past them as they didn’t notice that they were the statues.

“Phew.” Fretlock said in relief as he and his two band mates stopped the poses as they sigh in relief that their fans are gone.

“Hey!” Zipp’s voice called out as they looked up and saw Zipp and Discord on top of a tall tower of the castle. “Up here!” She called out to them.

Electric Blue flew up as they landed on a balcony of the castle as the lead of the band walked up to Zipp and Discord.

Zipp took off her sunglasses as she spoke. “Pipp sent us to find you guys because she wants to invite you…” She stopped after Discord elbowed her on her back as she then chuckled nervously. “…we want to invite you to play at Bridlewoodstock!” She announced as she spread her wings.

“Uh, what’s that?” Fretlock asked in curiosity.

“It’s a festival that Pipp came up with herself.” Discord explained simply

“And it’s the very first music festival in Bridlewood and it’s gonna be so… uh… so… rocking? Yeah!” Zipp said uncertainty since she doesn’t know how it will be.

“And we figure we invited you three to play in it.” Discord added with a small smile.

“Hmm…” Fretlock hummed as he then turned to his two bandmates as they huddled together and whispered to each other in discussing it.

Zipp and Discord waited as the band discussed their invitation. “Hmm…” Zipp hummed while they waited. “So, uh…” She tried to ask as she chuckled nervously. “What do you think?” She asked them.

“Have you made up your mind?” Discord asked as he tapped his foot while waiting.

Fretlock walked up to them with an uncertain look. “We’re not sure.” He said.

“Maybe I didn’t explain right!” Zipp said to them as she continued. “So there’s a thing called the Lumi-Bloom, right? And all the plants and flowers and crystals glow!” She added as she flew around . “And it looks awesome! Imagine those visuals with one of your sets. I mean, really cool and uh…” She tried to explain further but feeling nervous as she starts stuttering, not sure if she knows what to say as the lead look listens.

Discord sighs as he then speaks. “You’ll be the headliners!” He called out to them with a smile.

Zipp was surprised by Discords before nodding quickly. “Yeah! The headliners!” She quickly said as the two gave the lead a smile.

“Well, why didn’t you two lead with that?” Fretlock asked with a smile as two of his bandmates walked next to him. “Of course we’ll play.” He answered as his bandmates smiled in agreement.

“Great!” Zipp said with a smile. “Phew.” She sighs with relief.

“Welcome aboard.” Discord said with a smile, seeing that this might work out.

Meanwhile, in Zephyr Heights, Sunset, Izzy and Pipp were in the throne room waiting for news from Ruby Jubilee and Pipp was buzzing with excitement as she was pacing back and forth before going in front of Izzy and Sunset fluttering her wings in excitement.

"I can't believe we're about to meet Ruby Jubilee. This is our big chance to work with the newest, most talented, chart-topper!" Pipp then took a large gasp before saying."Do I look okay?"

"Pipp, calm down and relax." Sunset stated while Izzy gasped.

"Your sparkle is shining bright!" Izzy said cheerfully.

Pipp squealed before Zoom came in and handed Pipp a letter with Ruby's cutie mark on it. It was a microphone. "It's got her cutie mark on it!" Pipp squealed.

Pipp opened the letter and read, "Your Majesty Pipp Petals..." she turned to Izzy and Sunset for a moment, "That's me," and then continued, "Miss Ruby Jubilee sends her deepest regrets. She cannot join you today due to a case of....creative block!"

Pipp and Izzy gasped dramatically. "Hmm, must be having trouble coming up with a new song?" Sunset suggested.

"Maybe we can help her." Izzy suggested.

"My thoughts exactly!" Pipp agreed instantly and the girls went off to Rubys' suite where Izzy was messing with her makeup set and Pipp was sitting in one of the pillow chairs.

"Izzy! You need permission to mess with stuff from a popstar!" Sunset scolded before somepony else entered.

"Princess Pipp?"

Sunset turned around and saw Ruby Jubilee in person and she was surprised to find the girls in her room. "Sorry to surprise you like this, but my friends Izzy, Sunset and I got your note and we had to help." Pipp began as she leaped off the pillow and she and Izzy went over to Ruby.

"We've had creative block, too." Izzy stated before whispering. "We get it."

"Oh Princess, it's just.....ugh, awful!" Ruby grunted in frustration and disappointment.

"You can talk to us, now tell us what's wrong." Sunset stated as they sat down together.

"Yeah. What's going on?" Pipp asked.

"After the success of my debut single, I've just been putting so much pressure on myself to top it with a new hit." Ruby explained her problem before she sighed, "How do you top a chart-topper?"

"Ruby, you have no idea how much I understand what you're going through." Pipp sympathy said.

“I had creators block myself in the past.” Sunset commented, knowing from experience.

"Me too. But Luckily, we have some tricks up our hooves to help." Izzy added.

"You do?" Ruby asked.

"Maybe you need to get inspired by something different from what inspired your last hit single?" Sunset suggested to the popstar. "I've helped Pipp when she was trying to come up with a new hit single but it was really Izzy who helped in the end, making a remix of the song." She referred to the ‘All You Need is Your Beat’ song where Izzy remixed it and it became Pipp's newest single that topped her last song in the end.

"Yes! First, try not to be inspired when you watch this!" Pipp whipped out her phone and showed Ruby the Lumi-Bloom video on her phone.

Ruby gasped at the beautiful natural event in Bridlewood. "Oh My Stars, that is the most magical sight I've ever seen! It makes me think of..." Ruby gasped with a smile on her face, "Quick, I need to write this idea down before I forget!"

Ruby hovered over to her desk and wrote down her idea on her notepad while Izzy, Pipp and Sunset watched with smiles seeing Ruby overcoming her creative block.

"You've already inspired." Izzy beamed.

"And it's even better in real life!" Pipp added before she flew over to Rubys' right, who was still writing her idea, "You have to see it. At the Bridlewood festival! Onstage!"

Izzy came to Ruby's left and asked, "Will you perform for us?"

Ruby thought for a moment, "I-I don't know."

"Please, everypony would love to see you perform." Sunset grinned.

"Wild rubies are in season in Bridlewood, you love rubies." Izzy mentioned.

"I really do..." Ruby sighed happily at the thought of rubies - a part of her name.

"And....you'll be the headliner!" Pipp pointed out and Ruby smiled with glee.

"Wow! Okay! Now I'm really inspired!" Ruby grinned before the pop star flew up and landed on the ground happily, spreading her wings, "I'll do it!' and Ruby happily trotted off with her wings spread to get ready and the girls smiled at each other.

Pipp gave a chuckle as she, Izzy and Sunset gave each other a hooftap.

“This is coming along great.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing that this plan is going great so far.

In Maretime Bay, Sunny, Hitch and Sparky are sitting on a table with Hitch’s grandmother with them as they show a music cover of three earth ponies mares in it, which is the Dreamlands.

“You sure we’ll find her here, Figgy?” Sunny asked after looking at the cover.

“Oh yes.” Figgy answered. “This is where Minty comes to do her weekly shop!” She gestured to the block they were in. “I run into her all the time.” She added.

“You’re so cool, Granny!” Hitch said happily to his grandmother as Figgy placed a hoof on her grandson's cheeks while Sparky sip some smoothie.

Figgy gave a small laugh from Hitch. “So are you, Hitchie.” She replied with a smile.

Sunny then saw somepony in the distance as she gasped with a smile. “Look, over there!” She pointed her hoof in a direction before placing it on her chest.

They turned and saw Minty, who is a green coated and silver mane and tale Earth Pony wearing a purple headband while her eyelids have blue highlights while the edges of her silver mane has green dye on it.

Figgy gasped at Minty. “That’s her alright.” She confirmed as she turned to Sunny, Hitch and Sparky. “Well, don’t dawdle now. Scoot!” She playfully encouraged the two ponies and dragon as they stood up and walked up to Minty.

Sunny clears her throat as she and Hitch walk up to Minty, who was surprised to see them. “Um, excuse me. Are you Minty?” She asked politely.

“Yes. Why?” Minty asked uncertainty about Sunny and Hitch coming up to her all of a sudden.

“I’m Sunny and this is Hitch.” Sunny started as Hitch smiled wide as she continued while holding up the music cover. “And we’re big fans of yours and we wanted to know if maybe you would consider getting the group back together to play at our music festival this weekend?” She asks quickly as she and Hitch give a nervous smile while Minty is surprised by that. “After all, coincidentally, it’s the anniversary of your very first hit single!” She added.

“Yeah!” Both Hitch and Sparky agreed at the same time.

“Anniversary should be celebrated, don’t you think?! Heh.” Sunny said quickly and nervously while Minty just looked at her with wide eyes of surprise. “Sorry. Sometimes when I get nervous, I talk really fast.” She apologized sheepishly.

“It’s true. She does.” Hitch confirmed with a small knowing smile, knowing Sunny’s behavior really well.

“So what do you think, Minty?” Sunny asked Minty with a small smile as she gave Minty the music cover.

Minty looks at the cover with an uncertain look. “I don’t know.” She said as she shook her head. “The Dreamlands broke up moons and moons ago. Even if I could convince Snuzzle and Blue Belle, we’re so out of practice.” She pointed out.

“Oh, I know the perfect place you can practice!” Sunny called out. “It’s called MAne Melody and it’s got a stage and everything.” She added.

Minty then gave an uncertain sigh. “It’s not just that.” She said as she gave the music cover back to Sunny while looking down.

Sunny and Hitch look at each other in concern as Hitch speaks. “Then what is it?” He asked.

“Does anypony even care about our little girl group anymore?” Minty questioned.

“Of course they do!” Sunny answered as she put the music cover away. “You’re the originals! You’re what started it all!” She added.

Figgy then came up to them while holding a basket as she placed it down.

Minty saw Figgy as she gave a smile at the elder mare. “Figgy!” She said with a smile, recognizing her.

“I hope my grandson and his friend aren’t bothering you too much.” Figgy said with a small smile as Sunny and Hitch each gave a sheepish smile. “But I told them I’d help convince you to give it a try. It’d be so wonderful to see you girls singing together again.” She said to Minty.

Minty gave a knowing smile at Figgy as the elder mare opened up the basket slightly. “Is there a key lime pie in the deal?” She asked with a smirk.

“Already baked it!” Figgy answered as she took out said pie from the basket as the four ponies then gave a laugh in response.

After the laugh, Minty nodded her head to them. “Okay then… I’ll guess we’ll do it. As long as we’re not pushed aside at some little stage for ‘old timers’ while the flashy new acts play the mane stage.” She pointed out while waving her hoof around. “We have to make a splash if we’re making a comeback!” She added.

Sunny thought for a moment as she then gave a smile. “You know what? I have an even better idea. The Dreamlands will be the headliners!” She cheered with a wave of her hooves.

“Let’s do it!” Minty said to them with a smile.

Sunny and Hitch cheered while Sparky gurgled while Figgy just smiled.

“Yes!/Yeah.” Both Sunny and Hitch cheered.

At the Brighthouse, the ponies and Discord were entering together,

"Discord and I talked with Electric Blue, they're gonna do it." Zipp said with a smile.

“They agreed.” Discord nodded.

"We convinced Minty to get the Dreamlands to play!" Sunny added with a grin.

"And we got Ruby Jubilee." Izzy mentioned as she happily trotted through the door towards
Pipp. Which you and Sunset knew already, Pipp."

“We were there, Izzy.” Sunset added with a chuckle.

"Great work everypony and Discord. I knew I could count on you." Pipp, wearing glasses, smiled as they all sat down, with Zipp hovering in the air, and Pipp turned to them. "Now we just have to set up an entire festival! Easy peasy..." She let out a slight nervous laugh at this.

Sometime later, the Mane 6 and Discord are walking through the forest of Bridlewood while carrying some supplies they had on a rolling cart Sunny got and Izzy’s motor scooter.

Sparky is playing around with a rock until he sees a bunnycorn hopping by as the baby dragon gurgles as he chases after the bunnycorn as it squeaks as Hitch follows after them with a chuckle.

“Everypony get ready!” Pipp called out to the ponies of Bridlewood as the unicorns all turned to their direction. “The music is coming-to-town! The music festival that is.” She commented as she trotted ahead. “It’s called ‘Bridlewoodstock’!” She called out in front of two Unicorn stallions. “You’re gonna love it!” She finished.

And then a trembling voice can be heard when they turned and saw three unicorns coming towards them with a scared look. “Loud music?! During the Lumi-Bloom?” The blue unicorn mare asked frightfully.

“Of course!” Pipp confirmed, not noticing the tremble in her voice. “Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you’ve ever witnessed?” She asked them with a small smile. “Now it will have a soundtrack!” She added.

“This is a very bad idea!” The pink Unicorn stallion cried out as he shook his head.

The yellow Unicorn stallion then screamed in fright. “Count me out!” He cried out as he and his other two unicorns ran off in fright.

Pipp and the others were surprised by this as they kept walking as more Unicorns began to hide. “Um… Is it just me or do these Unicorns seem kind of…” Sunny started.

“Not into the idea?” Zipp guessed.

“And spooked by this idea?” Sunset added.

“Yeah.” Sunny nodded.

“They are definitely freaked out about something.” Zipp said as a couple of unicorns, a foal and an elderly mare, trotted off in fright.

“These Unicorns are more freaked out by our festival plan, but what?” Sunset asked in curiosity about what got them this spooked.

“Even I have to agree on that.” Discord commented, finding this strange, even for him.

Pipp felt nervous about this as she then spoke up sheepishly. “So… Are there any amazing local Bridlewood musicians who would love to perform at the show?” She asked the Unicorns around Bridlewood, but any Unicorn they saw either hid or screamed as they went into hiding before Pipp saw Onyx and Dapple nearby. “Oh! Onyx! Dabble!” Pipp called out to them as she got close to them. “You two would be perfect additions to the lineup, heh. What do you say?” She asked the two ponies.

Onyx and Dabble just looked at Pipp, while Onyx was giving her a natural look before she spoke. “No.” She simply answered slowly.

“Oh, well that’s okay, heh.” Pipp said with a small smile. “You still have time to mull it over.” She suggested.

“Uh, we don’t need time.” Dabble interrupted.

Pipp then gasped happily. “You don’t?” She asked hopefully.

Sunset than came to Pipp while placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Pipp, I don’t think that’s what they mean.” She said, noticing their tone.

“What?” Pipp asked in surprise.

“And before you ask, let me ask.” Sunset suggested as she turned to Onyx and Dabble. “So question, why?” She asked them politely.

“Because we Unicorns know better.” Dabble answered while gesturing to the other Unicorns hiding behind their tree homes. “You should never sing during a Lumi-Bloom because of the…” He said firmly before he was scared. “…Troggles!” He finished.

The Unicorns gasped before they hid again as Dabble then played with his bongos as he played soft percussive music as Onyx began to sing her poem.

“Eyes of the monsters, form of the pig. Sing, laugh or yell, step hoof on a twig.” Onyx sang as she then stepped hoof on a twig to prove her point. “Troggles appear, steal what’s to be. No cure to be found, past the red ruby.” She then held up a red ruby before wiping her other hoof around it as it vanished as Onyx finished her poem as Dabble finished his bongos.

The Mane 6 looked at the two in surprise by the poem they just did before Pipp broke the silence. “Okay, I… I give up.” She said as she shook her head. “What are these Troggle thingies?” She asked in confusion.

“Yeah. I’ve been wondering about that myself.” Sunset added. “Izzy told us about them earlier but not enough details to go on. Just what are these Troggles that got you ponies spooked?” She asked in curiosity.

“Legends say… that the Troggles are mystical spirit monsters!” Dabble explained with a serious tone.

The blue unicorn mare from earlier then spoke next. “Th-th-they only come out during the bloom!” She cried out frightfully.

“And they steal things from you if you make any noise!” The pink unicorn stallion from earlier added.

“But they can only work their spirit magic at night…” Dabble explained as he got close to Sunset and Pipp, who got startled looks. “..so beware of singing! Or you’ll be cursed!” He finished as he turned back to the other two Unicorns while doing the Jinkies dance. “Bing bong! Bing bong!” He cried out.

And then the other two unicorns followed as they did the Jinkies dance too. “Bing bong! Bing bong! Bing bong! Bing bong!” All three unicorns called out as they did the jinkies dance.

The Mane 6 and Discord just stare at them in strange looks. “Do they do this often?” Discord asked strangely at this.

“Only when curses or other evil words are said.” Sunset answered while still looking at the unicorns strangely.

“Oh. Is that all?” Pipp asked them, not bothered by it while her friends chuckled nervously at this.

‘These Troggles must be really bad if the unicorns are scared of them. But what do they steal from them?’ Sunset thought to herself, having more details about the Troggle creatures, but still having trouble figuring out what they do.

Soon Pipp was present at CBZ Studios to announce Bridlewoodstock to everypony from Maretime Bay, Zephyr Heights and Bridlewood. "Come to the Bridlewoodstock Music Festival and I, Princess Pipp, guarantee you the greatest sighed your eyes have ever seen and sounds your ears will ever hear!" Pipp laughed before she continued, "Yes, that is correct. It's called the Lumi-Bloom. And we'll have the hottest musical acts in the industry; the Dreamlands, Electric Blue and Ruby Jubilee. That's Bridlewoodstock Music Festival, okay! In Bridlewood! Be there or um..." Pipp flew behind Skye Silver and Dazzle Feather, "You know what? Just be there everypony."

In Bridlewood in the Lumi-Bloom field, ponies were busy setting up for the festival, building tents, the stage, etc.

"Looking great everypony! Take five!" Pipp beamed as she walked by.

Pipp then walked up the Marestream that was parked nearby as Izzy popped her head from the door. “Hello!” Izzy called out and then begins to humm happily as the Marestream table popped up as Izzy brought out some cloth, some pillows, a book, a plant and the lantern, lowing the wings to get the tarp open and bringing out some speakers as Izzy hopped out of the Marestream happily as she sat next to a fireplace.

Pipp smiled before she flew towards Izzy as she sat next to her as Izzy brought out some marshmallows and placed one on a stick and roasted it over the fire.

Pipp then sighs in relaxation. “Home sweet Marestream!” She said with a smile before turning to Izzy. “Thanks for setting it up! Isn’t luxury glamping the best?” She asked with her wings spread.

Izzy then levitated the marshmallow off the stick as she ate it happily. “I love to glamp!” She cheered as she placed another marshmallow on the stick before giving a nervous look. “It helps me forget about all my worries.” She said nervously.

“Aw. What do you have to worry about?” Pipp asked in concern.

“Uh…” Izzy trailed off to come up with an explanation before she held up the stick. “Want a toasted marshmallow?” She asked innocently.

Izzy gave Pipp the marshmallow, who accepted it as she ate the whole thing as she sighed. “You’re right. My worries have melted away!” She said with a smile.

“Yes! Yeah.” Izzy said before she started laughing. “Me too, me too!” She said as she stuck another marshmallow into her stick and roasted over the fire.

And then hiding in the bushes behind the Marestream, somecreature is watching them as the rest of the Mane 6, and Sparky and Discord, are coming out of the Marestream.

“Hey, Pipp!” Sunny called out.

The creature then starts breathing raspy as it rustles in the bushes.

“Huh? Uh.” Zipp said as she heard the noise.

“What the…” Sunset said next as she and Zipp flew towards the source of the sound while looking at the bushes and trees. “What was that?” She asked in curiosity.

“Hmm.” Zipp hummed as she tapped her chin.

“Oh no.” Pipp’s voice then heard as the others turned to her as Pipp then began to worry. “What’s wrong? Did one of the bands back out?!” She cried out in panic as she hopped in front of her friends as Sunset and Zipp returned.

“No, nothing like that.” Zipp answered as she and Sunset landed. “It’s just… Are you absolutely sure we should be having the festival here?” She asked uncertainty as she and the others smiled uncertainly.

“Ah, why wouldn’t we?” Pipp asked them with a smile. “It’s literally gorgeous.” She pointed out.

“Um, but you heard what Onyx said earlier about the legend, right?” Hitch asked next nervously.

Izzy then gasped as she stopped using her magic and dropped her stick. “With the Troggles? Um…” She started nervously before going next to Pipp with a nervous look. “Why? Have you seen anything… Troggle-y?” She asked.

“Not really, Izzy.” Sunset confirmed. “Basically every Unicorn in Bridlewood, especially you seemed really worried about them.” She added.

“Yeah, I'm even concerned about this.” Discord added in agreement.

“Trust me, there’s nothing to worry about.” Pipp assured, not worried one bit as she flew up and gestured to the festival as she twirled around. “Besides, look at this place already. Everything is coming together like the harmonies on my last single!” She said as she sang the ‘harmonies’ word before she then gasped. “Izzy! Is that what I think it is?” She asked as she came to Izzy excitedly.

“If you think it's my flower crown booth, then yes.” Izzy sang happily as she smiled at Pipp. “Want a sneak peak?” She asked.

“Yeah, I do!” Pipp said excitedly as she turned to the others. “And I want all of you to stay here in our amazing Marestream and relax! Toast some marshmallows!” She said as she flew off as Izzy followed her.

Sparky waddled around as the rest of Mane 6 and Discord looked in concern. “So we do something to stop all this?” Zipp asked the others.

Sparky picked up a marshmallow, but then he sneezed out one of his dragon fires as it turned the marshmallow into a butterfly as it flew away as Sparky gurgled with a smile.

“Pipp clearly doesn’t take the Unicorns warning seriously. She’s only focused on the festival.” Sunset pointed out after seeing how Pipp is only focusing on her festival.

“I don’t know.” Hitch said uncertainty. “Things do look fine, at least…” He said as he’s not seeing anything bad happening around the construction of the festival.

“And we worked so hard to get the bands to agree to play.” Sunny added with a smile. “Which reminds me, I have to go!” She called out as she raced back into the Marestream, going through some stuff as she excited out, wearing her roller skates and her helmet. “Minty invited me to watch The Dreamlands dress rehearsal back home and I’m pretty excited about it.” She said in an exciting tone.

“Just be careful and be back when you can, Sunny.” Sunset said with a small smile.

“I will!” Sunny nodded as she rolled away. “See you ponies later!” She called out as she rolled out of sight.

“I don’t really want to ruin Pipp’s festival…” Zipp said to Discord, Hitch and Sunset as they turned to her. “...but are you guys still feeling uneasy about those strange Unicorn warnings, too?” She asked.

“Actually, yes.” Hitch said in agreement.

“Same.” Discord nodded.

“I had this feeling when Izzy first mentioned the Troggles.” Sunset commented.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace while giving an uneasy look. “I am feeling uneasy about this too. I’ve never heard about these Troggles but after seeing those Unicorns looking really spooked, this is really concerning.” She said, getting a bad feeling about the Troggles as well from what she heard from them through the necklace.

Zipp then gave them a knowing smirk. “You guys know what I think this calls for?” She asked them in a knowing tone.

“An investigation?” Hitch guessed.

“Boom. You got it.” Zipp confirmed as she lowered her Z-Goggles.

“Well, we need clues and some more information about these Troggles, so let’s get started.” Sunset commented.

“I do love to learn more about them.” Twilight commented.

“Count me in.” Discord raised his hand.

“Alright, come on!” Zipp said with a smile at them as they got started on their investigation.

At Mane Melody, microphone feedback was heard along with a ponys' frustration. That pony was Snuzzle - a silver earth pony mare with short, curly, ruby red mane and tail with blue and pink make up over her eyes and she wore a small blue necklace and a pink and blue hair comb in her mane.

"Snuzzle is right." Blue Belle - a blue earth pony mare with violet purple mane with a purple bow in the back and mane with a light blue bandana on her head and wearing pink and hot pink bracelets on her forelegs, agreed, "Ugh, why did we agree to do this anyway? We're washed up!"

"No we're not!" Minty dismissed.

"They're going to laugh at us." Snuzzle frowned at what the crowds would think of them.

"We just need to run it a few more times." Minty encouraged before she grabbed her microphone. "Come on, let's just try it again from the top."

Snuzzle and Blue Bell got ready as Minty countered, "And a one, two...a one, two, three."

That's when Sunny came in just when the music started, "Ha! Sorry I'm late! I came straight from Bridlewood!" Sunny said to Jazz and Rocky.

"Sunny! So glad you're here," Jazz grinned.

"This is not going well..." Rocky stated before Sunny saw Bluebell nudged Snuzzle a bit too hard.

"Hey watch where you're going!" Snuzzle frowned.

"You're in my way." Blue Belle insisted.

"Stop that you two." Minty soothed.

"Has it been like this the whole time?" Sunny asked Rocky and Jazz.

"As soon as they walked in the door." Rocky answered.

"They can't agree on anything.” Jazz informed.

"And they haven't even made it through a song once." Rocky added.

Sunny frowned worriedly at this. She knew broken up bands do have a hard time getting back in sync with everything but maybe she could add some assistance, "Maybe I can fix this."

The music stopped before Sunny approached the three mares where Bluebell was frowning and exclaimed, "That's it! I'm done!"

"Fine!" Snuzzle gripped as Blue Belle leaped into a chair as Sunny approached with her skates and helmet off.

"Ah.....Minty! Looking fresh!" Sunny greeted pretending she didn't see what just happened. "How is everything going?"

Minty sighed, knowing she saw everything, "Oh Sunny, do not act like you didn't just see that. It's a disaster." She griped. "The dance moves are off, our looks are dated and...."
"We can't agree on what song to perform." Snuzzle added.

"Blue Belle thinks we should try and update our sound to appeal to a younger audience. But that's not so easy." Minty frowned, seeing so many problems with the band trying to make a comeback. "I think this might be a no go for the Dreamlands. Sorry Sunny."

Sunny frowned for a moment before saying, "No wait! Don't give up! And don't try to change yourself." Blue Belle turned in her chair to look at her. "You're classic sounds are what everypony loves about you! You just have to do what you do best and you're gonna rock that stage!"

Sunny's cutie mark began sparkling and glowed as were the Dreamlands as they gasped and looked at them. Minty, Blue Belle and Snuzzle looked at Sunny and then nodded. "Yeah!"

Meanwhile, Zipp, Sunset and Hitch were walking through Bridlewood to find more information on the Troggles. They came across one grayish brown unicorn, "Excuse, what can you tell us about Troggles?" Hitch asked with Zipp having her phone out to record their findings.

"Troggles, where?"The unicorn yelped before running away screamed earning deadpanned looks from Zipp and Hitch.

Next, they came across three fillies in the playground, playing a board game and approached them, "Excuses us, fillies. Uh, do you ponies know that Jinxie poem? About the Tro-" Suddenly, one filly closed Zipps mouth with her hoof.

"Yes but....we don't wanna say it." The filly frowned before the three ran away frightened.

Next they asked a green unicorn with a sleek mulberry purple mane and tail wearing mulberry glasses, "Yeah, I mean...like what is a Troggle anyway, you know?" he asked with a watering can for his flowers in his magical aura.

His response just earned groans and eye rolls from the group, "Like when you think about it, what is anything?"

"And we're moving on. Thanks anyway." Sunset frowned as they moved on.

"Uh, well I think I've come to a conclusion." Zipp griped.

"Well?" Hitch asked.

"The results are inconclusive." Zipp frowned as she grunted and walked in front of the group before moving to their left side, "I can't tell if these monsters spirit things are real or just another piece of spooky Unicorn lore!" she added while two unicorns behind them suddenly stepped to the side wanting to avoid the group and the Troggles topic.

"Me neither. But I think we need to talk to Pipp again." Hitch suggested. "Before it's too late."

"Well given every legend from Equestria has come true in a usual dangerous and unpredictable way, I'd say they're real." Sunset pointed out that every legend from their era had some truth, like Nightmare Moon, Discord, the Pillars and more.

"I must agree, just look at me, I'm as real as they come." Discord mentioned gesturing to himself.

"Hmm, you two have a point. Let's go talk to Pipp." Hitch agreed and Zipp and Sunset nodded at her idea.

After returning to the construction of the festival, they saw Pipp working on the giant butterflies stack while she is now covered in some makeup, she has a flower crown on her head, her wings are rainbowed colored, has a flower necklace on, her mane and tail has blue and pink stripes on them and her legs and eyelids are in yellow highlights.

Pipp turned and saw Hitch, Sunset, Discord and Zipp walking towards her. “Hey, ponies and Discord!” She called out to them with a smile.

“We wanna talk to you about something.” Zipp started.

Pipp just raised her hoof. “Wait, wait! Have you seen the mane stage yet?” She asked excitedly to her friends as she hopped around before she turned and flew off. “Come look first!” She told them as she flew off.

The others just followed her as they showed her the unfinished mane stage for Bridlewoodstock as it is flower based and purple and light pink with three tower stands while the tall one is in the middle as they made it to the front of it with boxes of gems around it. Pipp landed on the stage as the others followed.

“Wow, Pipp. That looks really cool!” Hitch commented at the stage.

“You really put a lot of effort into it.” Sunset added in agreement.

“Don’t you love the rubies?” Pipp asked as she gestured to the rubies and crystals on the floor.

Sparky gurgled happily as he picked up one of the rubies playfully.

“I had them locally harvested from Bridlewood in honor of Ruby Jubilee’s big performance!” Pipp explained as she chuckled excitedly as she turned to the stage. “I’m just so thrilled with how everything is coming together with no snags at all!” She excitedly said.

The others had other thoughts as Zipp scratched her cheeks. “Well, about that…” She started as she tried to explain to her sister. “There’s kind of a snag that we wanted to discuss.” She said.

But before Zipp or the others could explain further, an Earth Pony stallion came up to Pipp. “Uh, Princess Pipp! We need you at artist tent setup!” He informed her.

And then crashing sound can be heard, it was the artist tent, meaning that it must’ve collapse as the others cringe at the crashing sound.

“Please!” The Earth Pony stallion finished.

“Be right there!” Pipp called out as she turned to the others. “Thanks for stopping by!” She said to her friends with a smile as she flapped her wings and flew off, thinking her friends were about to say the tent problem to her.

“No! Pipp! That isn’t what we were…. Ah, she’s gone.” Sunset muttered as she placed her hoof on her face.

“Am I the only one who is worried about all this Troggle stuff?” Zipp asked her three friends before she turned to the stage. “Look! There are even Unicorns on board with the festival now.” She pointed out to the Unicorns setting up the stage.

And then a unicorn mare rolled the crates of crystals and rubies with some wood on it, but it tripped a bit as some wood and a ruby fell off as the mare and unicorn stallion gasped in fright as they looked around nervously.

“Then maybe you are just trying to dig up trouble where there isn’t any.” Hitch said as he placed a hoof around Zipp.

Zipp smiled a bit as she spoke. “You’re right. Maybe sometimes…” She then sighs as she continues. “...there just isn’t any mystery to solve.” She admitted.

“And that’s okay.” Hitch said.

“I don’t know, guys. I'm even worried about this Troggle thing as well.” Sunset said in concern.

“And the Unicorns are still scared out about this if they are still setting up the stage while looking nervous.” Discord added after seeing the Unicorns get scared even when setting up the stage.

“Well, they have been scared recently from hearing just the name.” Hitch noted from what they saw earlier when the Unicorns panicked. “But they were always like that when they thought magic was bad news and some other things, guys. So nothing new there.” He added.

Sunset thought for a moment as she then sighs. “Alright. You got us there. But whether it’s real or not, I’m keeping my guard up even during the festival.” She told them.

“And I’ll keep watch.” Discord commented.

“Duly noted.” Hitch nodded his head in understanding.

“You know what? I’m gonna try and have fun tomorrow.” Zipp said with a smile. “Lean into the whole music festival experience. For my sister.” She added with a smile.

“Me too.” Hitch replied with a smile before the two turned to Sunset and Discord.

The two looked at each other and back at Zipp and Hitch as they sigh. “We’ll have fun too, but we are still gonna keep our guard up.” Sunset said with a determined look. “I had my experience of something happening even from a festival or a vacation and I’m not gonna get off guard by that again.” She added, knowing from her experience with Equestrian magic in the human world that she would keep her guard up at times.

“And I’ll have fun as well. I can do both keeping my guard up and have fun at the same time.” Discord added.

“We understand you two.” Hitch said with a small smile as Zipp nodded her head in agreement.

The four then turned and saw Sparky gurgling as he picked up a ruby as he jumped up and accidentally breathed his dragon fire on it as the ruby turned into a beach ball as Sparky gasped and gurgled in frustration as he looked down in sadness.

Sunset chuckled as she picked up a ruby and gave it to Sparky. “Here’s a treat, Sparky.” She said with a smile as Sparky gurgled in excitement as he grabbed the ruby and ate it happily as Sunset chuckled. “Dragons love gems to eat. It is their treat and Sparky must’ve wanted one.” She said with a fond smile.

“Good thing you, Discord and Twilight told me about dragon diets, Sunset.” Hitch said with a slight chuckle.

“Yeah. After it took us to get through your overprotective rules to know a dragon diet, we gave you the information for Sparky to eat something sometimes for a treat.” Sunset commented with an amusing smile.

Discord chuckled. “I hang out with my pal Spike to learn something like that.” He added with a laugh.

Zipp chuckled in amusement as Hitch scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. “Yeah, I overreacted a lot, true that.” He honestly said as the others laughed at him as he joins in.

And then the next day at near sunset, ponies are walking into the Bridlewoodstock Music Festival, which is now complete, from the main entrance while Pipp is at the entrance while showing the ponies in as the ponies are all cheering at the festival.

“Welcome to Bridlewoodstock, everypony!” Pipp announced to the crowd as they entered the festival.

Hitch, Zipp, Sunset and Discord are watching the ponies enter the festival while having worried expressions.

“This is all gonna be okay, right? Even after all the stuff those Unicorns said?” Hitch asked his three friends, worried.

“I really hope so.” Zipp said in the same tone.

“I had a feeling that it would show at any time.” Discord commented.

“Knowing from experience, I say it will in time.” Sunset added as the four entered the festival as Pipp flew around.

Rocky and Jazz are walking by while wearing glowing glasses and Jazz is wearing a glowing headset on her head as they chat and laugh together.

The rides of the festival are working, for example, the merry go round with Pegasi seats are on it circled around.

Alphabittle is pouring some tea he is levitating into a cup and giving it to a pegasus.

Two Earth Ponies fillies are watching the Unicorn mare levitating a flower crown as she puts it on the orange Earth Pony filly’s head as she then twirled around in joy.

“Pipp really pulled things together fast, huh?” Hitch commented as they looked around as ponies were enjoying the festival.

“Not as fast as Pinkie Pie or Rainbow from my time, but fast for Rarity’s standards.” Sunset commented with a chuckle.

“Hehe. That is so true.” Discord chuckled in agreement.

“Heh.” Zipp chuckled with a smile. “That’s my little sister for ya.” She said with a small smile. “When she wants something, she will make it happen!” She added.

“Well, I’m impressed.” Hitch commented. “This place looks awesome!” He commented as he gestures to the festival that the ponies are enjoying it. “Very floral.” He added.

“Not to mention completely planned out.” Sunset added with a smirk.

“Yeah, it does.” Zipp said in agreement as she turned to them. “Alright, I’ll admit it. I am a little excited.” She said with a smile. “And I can’t wait to see Electric Blue headline the show!” She added as she walked off.

“Same here. This should be exciting.” Discord added as he followed Zipp, leaving Sunset and Hitch surprised by what she said.

“What?” Sunset asked in confusion.

“Huh. I thought The Dreamlands were headlining the show?” Hitch asked as he followed Zipp.

“But is Ruby Jubilee headlining it?” Sunset added in concern as she had a feeling that this might be a problem as she followed after them.

“Hey, look! There’s Izzy’s booth!” Zipp called out to them while pointing at the tent Izzy is in as they walked up to it.

Inside Izzy’s tent, the cheerful unicorn having her mane in rainbow stripes while wearing a flower glasses and a flower crown while wearing some necklaces while her horn has some glowing string on it, is placing flower crowns over some crystals as she hummed happily as her four friends came by.

“Hey, Iz. What’s all this?” Zipp asked in interest.

Izzy gasped in surprise before she turned with a smile. “The FLower-fication Station! Station! Station!” She announced while making an echo sound with a whisper. “It’s so much fun, it’s almost making me forget about how super Jinxie this all this.” She said while taking off her glasses while giving a really worried look before she smiled cheerfully. “Take a seat!” She said to them.

“Okay!” Hitch said with a smile while Zipp, Discord and Sunset looked a little creeped out by that.

“Wit, what did you just say, Izzy?” Zipp asked.

“Yeah, you just freaked out.” Sunset commented.

“And a lot more worried too.” Discord added.

But Izzy didn’t hear them as she was humming happily to herself as Hitch took a seat, seeing that Izzy won’t speak, Zipp groaned as she and the rest of them, including Sparky, took a seat on the pillows.

Izzy kept humming as she turned to her friends for a sec before she turned back around and made five flower crowns as she tossed them onto their heads with a smile, while one of them did not land properly on Zipp’s head as she held her flower crown.

“How did you just-” Zipp tried to ask but was cut off when Izzy went behind them with wide eyes.

“Wait! There’s more!” Izzy said with a smile as she then whistled and laughed as she went out of sight.

And then Jazz and Rocky appeared with Jazz holding her makeup kit as they gave a smirk to the three ponies, baby dragon and lord of chaos.

They then started putting some makeup on their faces, polishing their hooves, or talons or claws for Sparky and Discord case, with glitter, through some glitter dust on their faces, which made them cough, did a little face paint on their faces, did a little face brush on them, spray their mane and tails with some sparkling glitter colors, and then add some few accessories on them. After a few minutes, they opened their eyes and saw their look and wear for the festival.

“Yeah!” Hitch cheered with as he and the others smiled wide at their new look as Sparky gurgled in excitement.

“Awesome!” Sunset cheered, loving the new look.

“Wow!” Izzy cheered with a smile as Jazz and Rocky appeared on both sides of her. “Now you’re really festival ready!” She said with a smile.

Jazz then held up a mirror to Zipp as she looked at her reflection, which made Zipp laugh at her look.

“Yeah we are!” Hitch excitedly said as Sparky got on his back and gurgled excitedly as Hitch walked off.

“Thanks, Izzy!” Zipp thanked with a smile as she and the others followed Hitch.

“This is an amazing thing you gave us!” Discord added with a smile.

“You’re welcome!” Izzy cheered as she waved her hooves. “Have fun and don’t let the Troggles bite!” She called out as the others then stopped in shock as Izzy then laughed nervously after realizing what she said.

“What was that?” Zipp asked as she and the other turned around.

“Umm… just some silly old Jinxie saying!” Izzy said with a nervous smile as she tapped her hooves nervously.

“Is it something we should worry about?” Sunset asked in concern and suspicious.

“Nope! Nothing to worry about! Probably.” Izzy said nervously before she turned to the others. “Okay, catch ya later!” She said with a raised of her hoof.

Hitch then turned to the others with a smile. “Who’s hungry? I’m starving.” He said as he walked off like nothing happened, leaving the others in confusion.

“Huh?” Zipp asked in surprise.

“For real?” Discord asked in surprise as well.

“Hitch? Seriously?” Sunset asked in annoyance that Hitch didn’t get what Izzy just said while having a bad feeling about this.

And then the spooky voice, which is a Troggle, is hiding in the bush as he watches them. “Hungry.” It said in a spooky voice as Zipp, Discord and Sunset looked around for a bit before following Hitch. “Hungry!” It said again.

Zipp, Sunset and Discord stopped as they heard maniacal laughter in the distance.

“Hmm-hmm…” Zipp hummed as Sunset and Discord noticed it too as they looked around. Did you just hear that?” She asked the others.

“Come on, let’s get some snacks. Woo!” Hitch cheered, not hearing Zipp’s question as he kept walking.

“I heard it. But what?” Sunset asked in suspicious.

“Don’t know. But even I found that noise to be worrying.” Discord commented as they followed Hitch.

At a snack stand, a pony was selling fries at a small stand and Hitch, Sunset, Discord and Zipp were in line for it.

Of course Zipp being the action pony she was, easily got bored, "Ugh, this is taking forever....what are we in line for anyway?" Zipp asked Hitch.

"Fries. With dipping sauces." Hitch replied and Sparky cooed and gently licked his lips.

"I still can't believe you ponies actually sell this new kinds of food and not just hayburgers and such." Discord quipped.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool." Sunset grinned.

"Oh yeah. Huh. That does sound pretty delicious." Zipp agreed while Hitch spotted one pony dipping fries into a small cup of ketchup.

"Dipping Sauces." Hitch repeated.

The four of them waited in line for about an hour before they got close to the stand with Zipp groaning a few times, "Yay! Zipp! Sunset! Discord! We're almost there!"

However, Pipp suddenly appeared spooking the group. "There you four are! Ugh! Thank hoofness! I've been looking everywhere!"

"What's got you panicked?" Sunset asked.

"You look amazing, by the way," Pipp commented before she literally pushed the four of line, showing her surprising strength.

"What the hay Pipp!" Zipp snapped.

"Sorry but this is a festival emergency!" Pipp exclaimed. "Come with me!"

Zipp, Discord and Sunset followed while Hitch lingered for a bit watching a unicorn come by with fries and dipping sauce, "But..But...dipping sauces." Hitch whined before Pipp grabbed him and dragged him over near the Marestream.

The four of them made to the Marestream as Pipp landed in front of them with a worried look.

“I don’t want to alarm you, but this is bad.” Pipp said as she began to panic. “Like epically bad.” She added as she gave a panicked look.

“What’s the problem, Pipp?” Sunset asked in concern.

“Does this have something to do with the Unicorn legend?” Zipp asked next. “We’ve been worried about that, too.” She added.

“Almost every Unicorn here is worried about it.” Discord added.

“Mmm-hmm.” Hitch nodded in agreement.

“And so has Izzy, even if she won’t admit it.” Zipp added in concern.

“Even though the signs were all there when she freaked out about it.” Sunset commented.

“Huh?” Pipp asked in confusion and surprise about what they just said.

“We didn’t want to upset you.” Hitch said as he and the others gave them sympathy looks. “But, you can be sure that Zipp, Sunset, Discord and I will do whatever we can to minimize damage and help shut things down before it’s too late.” He quickly assured as the others nodded their heads in agreement.

“What? Why would you do that?!” Pipp called out in shock.

“Because of the Troggles?” Zipp asked in confusion.

“Isn’t that why you called us?” Sunset asked in confusion with a raised eyebrow.

“Okay, I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but we actually do have a serious problem on our hooves here.” Pipp said, not getting the whole Troggle thing.

“More serious than ancient ghost monsters?” Zipp questioned with bored narrow eyes.

“Yes!” Pipp answered. “So two of our major musical acts, Electric Blue and Ruby Jubilee, are here!” She pointed out in panic.

“That’s the problem?” Discord questioned.

“That’s a good thing though… right?” Hitch asked in confusion.

“Uh, it would be, if they didn’t both think they’re the headliner!” Pipp stated in panic. “I just don’t understand how this mixup happened.” She said in worried.

“You know, that is strange.” Sunset said in surprise. “We said to Ruby that she would be the headliner. So why is Electric Blue thinking the same thing?” She asked.

Discord and Zipp widened their eyes from that as they understood why. “Oh!” Zipp said nervously.

“Oh boy.” Discord sighs as he places his paw over his face.

Sunset then turned to them as the others did. “Zipp, Discord, is there something you two aren’t telling us?” She asked.

“We may have had something to do with that.” Zipp nervously said slowly.

“And why Electric Blue thinks they're the headliner.” Discord added with a sheepish look.

“Whoopsies?” Both Zipp and Discord said nervously.

“Zephyrina! Discord! What did you two do?” Pipp questioned as she leaned forward to them as Zipp and Discord flinched.

“Hey, we were just trying to help you out!” Zipp said in defense.

“We talked to Electric Blue about the festival and wanted them to join after we came to them.” Discord reasoned.

“But they were on the fence about performing, so we uh…” Zipp continued as she gave a nervous look. “...sweetened the deal by promising some stuff?” She said nervously.

“And that they would be the headliner?” Discord finished as he and Zipp looked nervously.

“What!? But we told Ruby that she would be the headliner!” Sunset called out in surprise by this, now realizing the issue Pipp is having.

“Like I said, this is epically bad.” Pipp cried out as she looked really nervous and worried. “What are we gonna do?!” She asked them while on the verge of tears.

“We’ll just have to tell them the truth about what happened.” Hitch suggested as the others, san Pipp, smiled in agreement. “I’m sure they’ll understand.” He assured Pipp.

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no!” Pipp franctally said. “You do not tell a musician that they’ve been demoted from the headliner! You just don’t.” She pointed out as she then started flying around in panic while looking at her friends in panic. “Maybe they can be double-headline! Is that a thing? That’s not a thing, is it?! But it could be! If we make it one! Yeah! Yeah! That could work.” She said frantically as the others watched her flying around in concern. “And then, and then we’ll still have plenty of other bands to go on first and open for them. Like The Dreamlands!” She said with a smile as she landed in front of the others. “Are they here yet? Where’s Sunny?” She asked them before Sunset slapped her across the face. “Ow!” She called out as she rubbed her cheeks.

“Calm down, Pipp! We haven’t seen Sunny since she went to see The Dreamlands practice.” Sunset scolded before having a thought. “But you are right. Where is Sunny? She should’ve been here by now.” She said in agreement.

“Right here!” Sunny’s voice called out as the others turned and saw Sunny, in her Bridlewoodstock things on her, walking by with the Dreamlands behind her. “And your headliners have arrived! Here they are!” She said as she gestured to The Dreamlands.

“Hey, everypony!” Minty called out with a smile.

“We are really excited to be headlining a show after all this time!” Blue Belle said next.

“Thank you so much for this! We feel so special!” Snuzzle said next.

Pipp and the others looked at each other in surprise and shock by what they just said about being headliners as they turned to Pipp, who’s right eye is twitching as she looks like she’s about to explode in panic as she gives a nervous chuckle with a nervous smile.

“Oh ponyfeathers. This did not go as planned.” Sunset muttered quietly as they see the issue they were in, and seeing they said the same thing to the other musicians, which is pretty bad news and complicated.

A little bit later, laughter can be heard in the Dreamlands tent.

"On behalf of the Zephyr Heights royal family.” Pipp began in the Dreamlands tent with her friends before she began hovering in the air, "and um...the friendship fellowship of the Unity Crystals. We are so honored that you have graced us with your talents this fine evening at this celebration of music." Hitch looked away while Sunset, Discord and Zipp gave Pipp a deadpanned look. Sunny and Izzy just kept their smiles.

"So are we." Minty replied.

"We weren't even sure we could perform together anymore, let alone headline a festival." Snuzzle added.

"Yes, yes well please get comfortable as you warm your vocal cords and prepare for your grand performance. And do let us know if you require anything else, heh....we shall check in on your later, hmm?" Pipp added trying to keep her cool and composure before she and the group left.

"Why was she talking like that?" Minty wondered about Pipp's behavior.

"Uh, royals are fancy?" Blue Belle shrugged her shoulders.

Once the Mane 6 and Discord were out of the tent, Pipp then starts groaning as the others just look at her.

“Before you say anything, I know that I was just acting totally weird in there!” Pipp said nervously.

“As long as you know.” Zipp sarcastically said to her sister in a non surprise tone.

“It wasn’t that hard to tell.” Sunset commented with a bored expression.

“I just panicked!” Pipp called out as she lifted her head up to look at them as she continued. “But it’s okay. We will come up with a plan and fast. But for now, all we have to do is keep the bands separated until the show, heh.” She said frantically. “We have time to figure it out!” She finished while looking really nervous.

“Umm, not to burst any more of your bubbles, but not really.” Izzy pointed out as she looked up to the sky while the others followed her gaze as they looked up.

“It is almost dusk.” Sunny said as they saw the sun setting as owls were hooting, meaning that it’s gonna be dark soon.

“Too much time has passed already that the sun is setting and the play is about to start soon.” Discord commented.

“If you want the full effect of the Lumi-Bloom, we gotta get started!” Izzy added before looking nervous again. “Plus, the sooner we start the show, the less chance of any uh… unwanted visitors showing up!” She quickly said as she tapped her hooves nervously.

Sunset then turned to Pipp. “You heard Izzy, Pipp. We don’t have much time and something bad might come.” She pointed out, since she knows that Izzy is talking about the Troggles.

“Okay. I’m not going to let anything ruin this.” Pipp said as she spoke frantically again. “Not ‘Troggies, diva musicians, or… the sun setting!” She called out as she pointed her hoof to the sky.

Zipp just gave her sister a smirk from that. “You’re sounding pretty weird again, sis.” She teased with a smirk.

“I know!” Pipp called out as she turned to her sister with her wings spread, which made Zipp flinch from that. “What’s even weirder is triple headliners. We gotta fix this and convince one of the groups to open!” She said as the others thought of a plan to fix this mess.

"So in conclusion, when you really think about it," Zipp told Fetlock, Jam Donut and Arpeggia in their tent with Discord, Sunny and Pipp, "Opening the show is actually way better than going last cause you'll be the first ponies in history to rock out to the visuals of the bloom!" Zipp finished breathing heavily.

"Feel better?" Sunset teased.

Fetlock looked at Jam Dounut and Arpeggia for a moment before whom smiled at him with Arpeggia twisting his drum stick in his hooves, "Alright, you got it."

"Hey, that was a great speech." Sunny praised while Zipp sighed in relief.

At Izzy’s tent, she, along with Jazz and Rocky, are giving the Dreamlanders some makeover as they put some on them with Hitch and Sunset with them.

“So you know what I was thinking?” Hitch spoke up as the Dreamlanders and the others listened. “Who wants to go last when everypony is tired to sing and dance along? Really, being first up is the perfect place to be is what I always say!” He said as he chuckled nervously.

“Hmm…” Minty thought for a moment as she spoke. “You know…” She started as Hitch kept chuckling nervously until Minty smiled. “You have a really good point, Hitch.” She said.

“I think so too.” Snuzzle said in agreement.

“Let’s do it.” Blue Belle said with a smile. “Let’s go on first.” She said.

Sunset, Izzy and Hitch smiled at this. “Phew.” Hitch said in relief.

“That went well.” Sunset commented, thinking this might work.

Pipp and Sunset entered Rubys' tent as she saw her approach and turned in her chair a bit, "Princess Pipp, Sunset! I wanted to talk to you-"

"Okay Ruby, it's all set. You are the star of the whole night!" Pipp announced,."Our magnificent headliner on our stunning 'Ruby Stage'."

"Actually," Ruby said as she began moving some part of her mane out of the way. "I was kinda hoping you two wouldn't mind if I go on first instead?"

Pipp and Sunset blinked, "What?"

"You wanna go first?" they asked.

"I love to sing during sunset and it matches the exact vibe of the new song you two and Izzy inspired me to write." Ruby grinned at the pair before turning back in her chair.

"So....you wanna go first now...?" Pipp squeaked, beginning to panic again.

"Pony feathers." Sunset facehoof herself, seeing the same thing happening again!

Everypony and Discord met outside the tents again as they discussed what happened.

"So we have three openers and no pony that wants to be a headliner?!" Pipp exclaimed.

"That's the situation! Mm-hmm." Hitch nodded.

"This just keeps getting worse!" Pipp groaned.

Zipp cleared her throat, "Not to point out the obvious but isn't Sunset a singer too?" She asked. "Why can't she be the opener for the show?"

"M-Me?" Sunset blinked, "B-But I haven't practiced at all and I don't know what song to sing."

"Just sing from the heart, like you have been telling Pipp." Sunny encouraged her. "And you'll do great on the stage." Sunny beamed.

"And I can handle the musical background for your performance anyway." Discord offered hovering behind Sunset.

"Well.....if everypony insists..." Sunset trailed.

"Yeah!"

"Go for it!" The ponies cheered.

"Then alright." Sunset agreed

"Yahoo! The show is saved...!" Izzy cheered before muttering. "Probably." She said as she is looking around nervously.

“Alright.” Pipp spoke next. “Let's get this show started right now.” She said to her friends as they nodded in agreement.

“I better get ready quickly.” Sunset said as she and the others trotted off, leaving Izzy and Pipp behind.

“Hey, Pipp?” Izzy asked.

“What’s wrong now?” Pipp asked nervously if it’s any more bad news.

“My tummy feels like it’s full of butterflies!” Izzy said nervously. “I’m still kinda nervous that the Troggles might show up.” She added.

“No, no. That’s just pre-show jitters!” Pipp assured.

“It is?” Izzy asked hopefully.

“Don’t worry, everypony gets them.” Pipp assured with a smile. “Even me! Just go trot it off!” She suggested.

“Okay.” Izzy said with a smile as she walked off as she hummed to herself.

“Phew.” Pipp sighs in relief.

But what she didn’t see was ghost like figures with horns on their heads and a pig face with their eyes glowing blue as they gave maniacal laughters, it is the Troggles!

Pipp turned her head as she heard laughter, but didn’t see anything as the Troggles disappeared before she saw them. “Huh.” she said as she walked off.

It was night time as the Lumi-Bloom began to glow and shine as ponies around it started walking towards the stage as they saw the Lumi-Bloom as they looked in awe at the sight as the plants glow brightly as ponies came up the stage as they cheered in excitement.

Pipp came up to the stage as she gasped in joy as the rest of the Mane 6, except for Sunset, and Discord walked up to the front as Pipp brought out her microphone as she got her wings spread.

“Welcome, everypony, to Bridlewoodstock!” Pipp announced as the lights of the stage turned on and the crowd started cheering, including the rest of the Mane 6 and Discord, but they didn’t notice a Troggle was spying behind them. “Now before we start our first artist, how about a little music reveal to my friend, the Princess of Friendship, the Guardian of Harmony herself, Sunset Shimmer!” She announced as the crowd began to cheer.

Sunset appeared from the stage as she waved to the crowd as Pipp gave her the microphone as she spoke. “Now, I just wanted to let you know, thank you for coming. And I’ll be happy to sing a song to you ponies. And it’s an original that helps bring out the magic from within. So are you ponies ready to hear it!?” She called out as she began to sing as music tunes from the background of the stage began to play, which Sunset is very familiar with as she hasn’t sang in years.

(Embrace the Magic Song:)

(Sunset)
So you have magic
And it's not that great
But when it found you
You know it was fate

The crowd, including the Mane 6, looked in Sunset awed at her singing the song as she sang her heart out.

And it might seem scary now
But it can be wonderful, too
So how about we embrace the magic
And make the magic part of you?

You take a little dash of magic
And you let it ignite
Mix things up a little bit
And it might start to go right

In just five seconds flat
How the story has changed
All 'cause now you've embraced the magic
And it just got better in every way

The Unicorns then started glowing their horns as they lit up some lighting for Sunset as she kept singing as the rest of the Mane 6 and Discord smiled at Sunset and her singing, finding it really inspiring and motivating as some magical sparkles started appearing around her and she caught it in her hoof before releasing it.

I say embrace the magic
No more holding back, just let it out
If you can take the magic
And learn a little more what it can do
Once the magic is part of you

The crowd began to cheer as Sunset kept singing loudly as she sang her heart out while feeling nostalgic at singing one of her old songs as she flew around the stage.

What's standing in your way
That you can't move today?
You've got the strength in you
To make your dreams come true

No need to shield yourself
From the magic that can help
Protect from any harm that might come

Sunset did a few flying tricks while she was singing her song as she kept singing before she sang a little quieter again as she looked down at the crowd with a smile and looked at her friends as she landed on the stage.

So you have magic
And it's not that great
But when it found you
You know it was fate

So if you listen close
You might make a new friend
And together we can make it!

Sunset then walked up the stage as she sang as she kept cheering as she sang loudly and happily.

I say embrace the magic
No more holding back, just let it out
If you can take the magic
And learn a little more what it can do
Once the magic is part of you
Once the magic is part of you
Once the magic is part of you

The magic mist appeared around Sunset again as it then flew among the cloud before it faded as Sunset sang her final note.

Once the magic is part of you

Sunset finished as the song faded and she took a bow as the crowd then started cheering to her, including her friends.

“Go, Sunset!” Sunny cheered.

“That was awesome!” Zipp cheered next.

“It was beautiful!” Hitch said as he wiped his tears off.

“Your sparkle is as bright as the stars!” Izzy cheered loudly.

“It was so inspiring that it really brings tears to my eyes.” Discord said as he wiped his tears of joy off as Sparky gurgled in excitement.

Sunset waved to them and the crowd as she walked up to Pipp and gave her microphone back. “Wow, Sunset. That was amazing.” Pipp said with a wide smile.

“It was an original song I sang to my old friends years ago. When they were having some problems.” Sunset said with a small smile at that memory when she helped the Rainbooms embrace their magic when they first camped in Camp Everfree.

“Well you did great, Sunset. Thank you.” Pipp said as Sunset nodded and flew off stage as she joined the others as they smiled at her before Pipp spoke again through her microphone. “Sunset did an amazing note, ponies! And now, it’s time to give a glowy, warm welcome to our first artist! The one… the only… Ruby Jubilee!” She announced as she flew off.

The crowd cheered as Ruby appeared from behind the stage as she did a pose before she spread her wings and walked slowly before she opened her eyes and smiled as she brought out her own microphone.

“Are you ready to get this pony party started!” Ruby announced as the crowd cheered. “Don’t be afraid to sing along!” She added as she then did a dance as a different music then started playing.

(Iconic song:)

(Ruby)
(Iconic... Iconic...)

Ruby started singing as the crowd then began singing along with her.

Oh, tell me, can you hear that rockin' sound?
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
If you listen, you can hear it comin' 'round
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)

Ruby then did a twirl as she flew into the air as the crowd either cheered or sang along as Pipp landed beside her sister and her friends.

Yeah, we're movin' to a brand new beat, oh-ohhhh
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
And you can see us dancin' in the street
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)

Ruby then flew into the air as she twirled around as she gave a wink and then she started flying around and flew close to the crowd.

So call your favorite bestie and bring 'em along
'Cause we're movin' and we're shakin' to our favorite song
Oh-ohhhh
Yeah, it's always in style
(Yeah, it's always in style!)

What everypony doesn’t realize is that the Troggles are appearing from in the woods as they didn’t notice as they saw Ruby singing and flying around after seeing Sunset sing and fly around.

Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's magic
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's classic
Iconic, when we are together
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
Iconic, yeah, we are forever

The ponies, the Mane 6 and Discord bobbed their heads or bodies to the music as they listened to the music.

And then two Pegai hold out their phones as they aim their camera phones at Ruby as she sings and dances, but then an error shows that there's no signal as their phones buzzed.

Pipp then flew to them as she gave them a slight smile. “Oh, don't bother. The service out here is nonexistent. In Bridlewood, it's more about forest streams than streaming, you know?” She joked as she smiled. “Be in the now, ponies! Forget those phonies!” She said as the two Pegasi smiled in agreement as she went back to her friends.

(Ruby)
Yeah, you can see them movin', young and old, oh-ohhhh
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
Dancin' together, yeah, they feel it in their soul
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)

Ruby kept singing as the Pippsqueaks, Glory, Seashell and Peach Fizz, were moving towards the music as Ruby spread her wings before Peach Fizz climbed on top of her two friends as she cheered for Ruby, not that her friends didn't mind.

We're with all of our friends, yeah, we're singin along
To the sparkle and the magic of our favorite song
Oh-ohhhh
'Cause they're always in style (sty-y-yle)
(Oh, yeah!)

Ruby kept singing as ponies waved their hooves to her as they cheered as Ruby gave a wink to them and then started dancing again as she twirled around.

Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's magic
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's classic
Iconic, when we are together
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
Iconic, yeah, we are forever

Pipp kept moving to the music as she and the other ponies didn’t notice that more Troggles are appearing from the bushes as Sparky than begins to feel that something is wrong as he look around and notice the Troggles are moving around with nopony noticing as they are distracted by the music,

Sparky tried to get Hitch's attention as he tapped him on the head, but Hitch didn’t feel or notice as the Troggles drew closer to Ruby.

(It's magic... It's magic... It's magic...)
(Iconic... Iconic... Iconic...)

"Icon-" Suddenly, Ruby's voice suddenly began cutting out and the ponies gasped.

"What's going on?" Sunny asked in concert.

"Technical Difficulties?" Hitch asked.

"Oh no, her mic cut out!" Pipp breathed in shock.
Sunset saw Ruby's throat area glowing in a yellow sphere!

"No! Worst! Ruby behind you!" Sunset called before she leaped on stage as Ruby turned around and saw a Troggle - a ghostly creature with a pig-like face and horns on its ghostly head.

Sunset skidding in front of Ruby before the Troggle could take her voice, "You're not taking her voice, ghostly mister!" Sunset frowned but the Troggles magic now turned on her and took her voice as Sunset held her neck in shock at what just happened.

"Sunset!" Sunny called out as she and her friends were shocked as Sunset tried to speak, but no sound of her own voice was heard, not even a squeak.

One of the unicorns dropped a fry from his mouth. "TROGGLES!" The Unicorn yelled in fear.

Suddenly, more Troggles came out and began attacking and the ponies screamed and ran away while others fell victim and had their voices taken.

One unicorn was cornered near a tree, "NO way dude, don't take my v-" he began but the Troggle took his voice and made him a mute.

Sunset used her magic to keep the Troggles away from Ruby, even though she can’t talk, she can still use her magic, while the rest of the Mane 6 could watch in horror while Discord was eating popcorn, "This is better than the movies." He quipped.

“B-But...the show!" Pipp gawked in panic.

"Pipp, we've got bigger problems!" Sunny scolded, acting like Sunset since she doesn’t have her voice, which made Pipp flinch from that as she quickly nodded her head.

Zipp and Hitch looked at each other and nodded before stepping in front of the ponies. "Come ponies. We need to stop this!" Zipp urged.

"Yes, but first we need a plan!" Sunny stated.

Izzy thought of something and re-told the poem about the Troggles that Onyx told them as she looked at her friends. "Eye of the monster, form of the pig! Sing, laugh or yell, step hoof on a twig!” She said as her friends looked at her strangely. “Troggles appear, steal what's to be! No cure to be found, past the red ruby." She did a silly dance.

Zipp held up her hoof to Izzy to get her to stop. "Izzy, we don't have time for poems right now!" She snapped before the answer clicked. "Wait, did you basically say that rubies can defeat the Troggles?!" She asked in shock.

Pipp and Sunny looked at the young unicorn in shock,."Huh...I guess I did!" Izzy beamed as they turned and saw Sunset blasting the Troggles away from Ruby to get her voice. Ruby fought back with her mic but she dropped it and a ruby came out and onto the floor. A Troggle picked it up and absorbed it and it vanished.

"What?” Zipp said in amazement before she had an idea. “Everypony, grab the rubies!" She ordered while pointing to the rubies on the stage.

The rest of Mane 6 went and grabbed them but they were glued tightly onto the stage, "They're really stuck on there." HItch grunted.

"That's because we used extra strength super duper ruby glue!" Izzy explained, trying to pull one off with her magic.

"Why did we do that...?" Pipp grunted in despair on why they used that idea.

Sparky babbled at one and let out a puff of smoke but it turned a ruby into a balloon. Sunny looked around at the chaos the Troggles were causing and knew she had to do something before the Troggles took every voice away including their own.

"Come on. My friends need my help." Sunny concentrated and brought out her Alicorn form. "Yeah!" She flew up into the air, "Everypony away from the stage!" She called and her friends backed away with cheers while Sunset smiled and nodded at her.

Sunny used her Alicorn power to strike the rubies forcing them to fall off and around the area, "Everypony, grab a ruby!" Zipp called and the ponies and Sparky grabbed a ruby each and held up making them glow and grabbing the Troggles attention.

They floated over and absorbed them, vanishing and returning the voices to the ponies.

“Hello.” The Earth Pony mare asked as she then gasped in joy. “Hello! Uh, my voice is back." She said in joy.

The two pegasus saw this and threw rubies at the Troggles and the same thing occurred and two voices were returned to two fillies who gasped and threw rubies to help the other ponies as did others.

The Troggles went for them and vanished. Ruby held up one ruby and the one who took Sunset's voice took it, absorbed it and returned Sunset's voice.

"Uh, Friendship is magic?” Sunset asked to test herself before she widened her eyes with a wide smile. “My voice!" She beamed.

“Iconic woah oh!” Ruby sang as she gave a laugh

"It worked!" Hitch beamed.

"Sunset!" Sunny beamed as she flew over and hugged Sunset, happy she was alright.

Sunset chuckled as she returned the hug. “I’m alright, Sunny. Thank you.” She said as she then gave Sunny a proud smile. “And you did well on helping the ponies take care of the Troggles.” She said with a smile.

Sunny smiled in return as she spoke. “I have a great teacher.” She said with a nudge to the two Alicorns laughing together as they regrouped with their friends as Sunny’s Alicorn form disappeared.

Pipp sighs in relief. “Ah, thank hoofness!” She said in relief as she flew on stage as she picked up the microphone as it gave feedback. “Uh, is this thing on?” She asked as she gave a nervous chuckle. “Wow… So I just wanted to say… that I’m sorry. To everypony.” She said in feeling guilty as the ponies around them turned to her as she continued. “But especially to the residents of Bridlewood.” She added as the unicorns began to come out of hiding from the bushes as Alphabittle and a Unicorn mare walked closely. “This forest is your home and you know it best. You tried to warn me, but I didn’t wanna listen to you or to my friends.” She said as she turned to her friends as they listened. “Who only wanted to help make my dream of this festival come true and it resulted in one of my best friends losing her voice.” She added while feeling guilty that she caused Sunset to lose her voice for not listening to the Unicorn warnings about the Troggles as her friends smiled in understanding. “I guess I just got so focused on planning the perfect Bridlewoodstock festival, that I forgot to consider Bridlewood. And all of the history that comes along with it.” She said as she turned to Izzy with a smile. “Even the Jinxie stuff.” She added as Izzy smiled at Izzy as Pipp continued as her voice began to break in sadness. “But I know better now. And I wanna thank you all for coming to the first and last Bridlewoodstock. The festival is over!” She cried out as she tossed the microphone away as she began to walk out stage with her head down.

“What?!” A unicorn stallion with glasses called out as Pipp stopped and turned to said unicorn. “Don’t stop it now!” He called out, which surprised Pipp.

“This is the most fun we’ve ever had during the Lumi-Bloom!” Another unicorn stallion said in agreement.

“Now that the Troggles are gone, we’re not scared anymore!” The unicorn stallion with a deep voice added.

“We want more music!” A Unicorn mare called out.

“Yeah! Let’s go!” Another mare cheered in agreement.

“We want more! We want more!” A unicorn mare called out as the other ponies began chanting in wanting to continue with the festival.

Pipp was surprised by this as she started to smile with joy as she turned to Ruby, who was surprised by this as well. “What do you think, Ruby?” She asked with a smirk.

Ruby gave a laugh as she spoke. “I think the fans have spoken!” She said in agreement.

“Then the show must go on.” Pipp declared with a smirk as she came next to Ruby as she picked up her microphone again. “What are we waiting for? Start the music!” She announced.

The crowd then begins to cheer in agreement as the festival continues.

A little bit later after fixing things up, the ponies began to cheer as Pipp spoke through her microphone again with Ruby next to her.

"We have more incredible acts coming up!" Pipp announced.

"Please welcome.....Electric Blue!" Ruby Jubilee added and Fretlock and his bandmates were shown in the spotlight as the crowd screamed wildly.

"How's everypony doin' tonight?” Fretlock announced. “I'm Fretlock. And Jam Donut on Bass Guitar and there's Arpeggia on drums. And we are Electric Blue! Woo!" Fretlock called as the crowd cheered excitedly.

"And joining us are our very special guests." Pipp continued with a smile.

"The original girl group." Ruby spoke next.

"The ones who started it all." Pipp continued.

"The Dreamlands!" Both Pipp and Ruby announce in unison.

Minty, Blue Belle and Snuzzle were in the spotlight together as the crowd cheered with Sunny and Hitch being the most boisterous as they hugged each other in cheering, while Sunset gave them a smirk after she saw that.

“The Dreamlands!” Sunny cheered as she and Hitch screamed as true fans they are.

“Heheheh. They are true fans of their favorite musicians alright.” Sunset said in amusement with a chuckle as she looked at the Dreamlands as they began to sing.

(Hooves Together Song:)

(The Dreamlands)
Ohhhhhh, hey!
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh
Put your hooves up, put your hooves up
Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Put your hooves up, put your hooves up

The Dreamlanders began to sing in sync as Ruby and Pipp moved to the beat as Pipp began to sing through her microphone as they started dancing as Electric Blue played the music as Ruby laughed and ponies started cheering as they moved to the music.

(Pipp)
Generations comin' together
Celebrations, dancing, and laughter
This is a call to you from all walks of life
Lift up your hooves now under the starlight
There's magic rainbows for hundreds of miles

(The Dreamlands)
Me and my ponies never go out of style

Ruby and Pipp then moved and twirled in the air as they raised their hooves in the air as they landed as all musicians started singing as Ruby and Pipp danced in sync.

(All)
We don't hang our heads
When things get too hard
We put our hooves together
'Cause we're forever friends
Making our mark
And putting hooves together

The Pippsqueaks are having trouble seeing the stage, which a couple of unicorns notice as they used their horns to levitate them into the air as the Pippsqueaks begins to cheer as they hold each other hooves.

(Minty)
All new places, the lengths that we've gone to
Newfound faces, the friendships that grew

The beachball Sparky made from the ruby he had earlier starts bouncing around the crowds’ hooves.

(Blue Belle)
This is a call to you from all walks of life

(Snuzzle)
Lift up your hooves now under the starlight

The Dreamlands lifted up their hooves as the crowd did the same as they lifted theirs as well into the night sky as rainbow colored lights lit up.

(Pipp)
There's magic rainbows for hundreds of miles

The rest of the Mane 6 and Discord dance to the beat as they are enjoying the music.

(The Dreamlands)
Me and my ponies never go out of style

(All)
We don't hang our heads
When things get too hard
We put our hooves together
'Cause we're forever friends
Making our mark
And putting hooves together

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
We put our hooves together
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Put our hooves together

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Ruby and Pipp then started moving in sync again as they took to the sky while doing some moves and twirls in the air as they landed back down as they danced and touched each other's hooves in sync as the rest of the Mane 6 and Discord kept dancing and cheering while Electric Blue kept playing their instruments while Ruby laughed a bit before doing a pose as the crowd cheered.

(Minty)
If it ever feels like there's something out to get ya

(Snuzzle)
Or if it ever feels like you're wasting time

(Blue Belle)
Yeah, we come galloping from across Equestria

(Pipp)
You just reach out and touch your hooves to miiiiiiiiiine!

Pipp moved back from the Dreamlands as she twirled in the air before landing next to Ruby again as the two touch hooves again. And then a firework is launched as the Mane 6, Discord and the crowd watches as the fireworks explode, making them look amazed at the sight as they cheered.

(All)
We don't hang our heads
When things get too hard
We put our hooves together
'Cause we're forever friends
Making our mark
And putting hooves together

Ruby and Pipp landed back on stage to move to the music as the Dreamlands sang in sync as Electric Blue kept playing their instruments as they raised their hooves in the air as the crowd cheered and some raised their hooves as well.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Put our hooves together
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Put our hooves together

Pipp and Ruby dance together in sync again on the stage as they move and twirl around as they dance.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Put our hooves together
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh

(Pipp)
Putting hooves together!

Pipp finished the last note as she and Ruby moved in circles in the air as they touched each other's hooves as the crowd cheered and more fireworks went off once the music ended, as everypony have enjoyed Bridlewoodstock, and it was time they will never forget.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 1:

Chapter 4 Ep 2: Top Remodel

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

Chapter 4 Ep 3: The Jinxie Games

Chapter 4 Ep 3: The Jinxie Games

In Maretime Bay, Sunny, Sunset, Zipp and Pipp are at the smoothie stand as Sunny and Sunset are making some smoothies for their friends.

Zipp is sitting on the ground while looking at her phone while Pipp is pacing back and forth while groaning, worrying for some reason as she takes out her phone for a message, seeing no message as she puts it away.

“Argh!” Pipp groaned in worry.

Sunny and Sunset then turned with a couple of smoothies. “Okay, a Protein Power Punch for Zipp. A Fruity-colada for Pipp.” Sunny said as she placed two smoothies down.

“And for her ‘Royal Flyness’, the usual: a Green Monster with extra greens.” Sunset said with a smile. “Hold the monster.” She added with a chuckle as Zipp then started sipping on her smoothie.

The two ponies then notice somepony missing. “Hey? Where is your mom, anyway?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“Yeah. Wasn’t she supposed to be here by now?” Sunset asked as well, noticing that Queen Haven hasn't arrived yet.

Before the two sisters could answer, Pipp’s phone chimed, which made Pipp smile as she held out her phone. “Oh, she sent a text!” She cheered as she looked at her phone. “She says…. Huh. Dog emoji?” She asked in confusion as all her phone has is an emoji that looks like Cloudpuff is winking.

“That makes no sense.” Sunset commented with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, what does that mean?” Sunny asked as well.

“Mom’s terrible at texting.” Zipp reminded them with a smile, knowing their mother really well that she is not good at texting. “Last week, she sent me a text that just said, ‘Don’t’.” She added.

“Knowing her, that is so true.” Sunset commented with a chuckle, knowing Queen Haven well enough that she is not good with phones.

“But she never misses mother-daughter brunch!” Pipp pointed out in worry as she looked at her phone. “And now, she’s sending us cryptic messages?!” She questioned as she showed it to her friends while Zipp kept sipping on her smoothie. “It can only mean one thing… She’s been ponynapped!” She called out while giving a panicked look.

In that reaction, Sunset, Sunny and Zipp just laughed at Pipp from that, finding it ridiculously and funny that she can even think that.

“Ponynapped? Really Pipp?” Sunset asked through her laughter at Pipp’s theory.

Pipp gave a nervous chuckle after realizing what she just said and seeing why her friends find it funny. “You’re right. That sounded less silly in my head.” She admitted, finding her theory far-fetched and silly.

“Ponynapped?!” Hitch’s voice called out.

“Huh?” Pipp asked in surprise as she and the others turned and saw Hitch and Sparky coming.

Hitch is wearing some hoove straps while balancing himself on his hindlegs while balancing a crystal on his muzzle.

“Never fear, Hitch is here!” Hitch announced to his friends as he kept his balance by hopping while Sparky came behind him, wearing a headband.

“There’s something you don’t see everyday.” Sunset commented with a slight chuckle at what Hitch is doing.

“Slow your roll!” Zipp said to Hitch but then noticed Hitch kept hopping. “Or uh… slow your hop, buddy.” She corrected herself. “It’s no big deal. Mom just didn’t show up for our monthly brunch.” She assured him as she took another sip of her smoothie.

Pipp then got in front of her sister while showing her phone to Hitch. “But she did send us this dog emoji!” She called out.

Hitch didn’t see it as he was focusing on balancing his crystal. “Sorry! Can’t see… while… bouncing!” He managed to say.

Sunny and Sunset walked out of the smoothie stand to join their friends while looking at Hitch in curiosity. “Yeah, I’m gonna need some context for what all of this is, Hitch.” Zipp said while winding why Hitch is doing this.

“The rest of us do.” Sunset added as she wondered this herself. “Is this some kind of new exercise thing, Hitch?” She asked.

“Not really!” Hitch answered while panting a bit as he kept hopping and balancing his crysta before catching in his hoof. “I’m training for Forest Critter Field Day!” He explained with a smile to his friends.

“Forest Critter Field Day?” Sunset repeated in curiosity.

“What’s that?” Sunny asked next in interest.

And then a whistle blew as the others looked up and saw Izzy on top of the smoothie stand while wearing sunglasses and blowing on whistle.

“That’s a hop-stoppage penalty! You’re out!” Izzy called out with a smile as she waved her hoof.

“What?!” Hitch asked in surprise. “That’s not in the rules!” He pointed out.

“Uh, yes it is!” Izzy pointed out as she hopped down from the stand and faced Hitch with a smile as she held out a book. “Right here in the Forest Critter Field DAy manual. Page 403.” She added as she opened the said page on the book.

“What’s Forest Critter Field Day?” Sunny asked again.

“Yeah. This is the first we heard of it.” Sunset added.

Izzy then gasped in shock as she turned to her friends with a smile. “It’s only the greatest ancient Unicorn tradition there is!” She explained.

“I don’t think we had that back in my time.” Sunset said while she never heard that before.

“It was made after your time, Sunset. So you wouldn’t know.” Izzy explained as she continued. “Every fourth purple moon, all the ponies in Bridlewood gathered for a day of thrilling events and games!” She announced as she raised her hooves in the air before she got close to Sunny, Hitch and Zipp. “Games… games… games…!” She repeated cheerfully.

“What game is this? ‘Bounce around’?” Zipp asked in confusion about Hitch balancing his crystal and hopping again on his hind legs.

“No, that’s later!” Izzy revealed cheerfully, which surprised Zipp by that as Izzy continued. “Hitch is training for the Bunny Hop Relay.” She explained.

“You bunny hop through an obstacle course while balancing a crystal, then pass the crystal to your critter, who has to hop over hurdles to the finish line!” Hitch explains as he tosses his crystal around to demonstrate. “I’m teaming up with Sparky!” He added as he looked down at Sparky.

Sparky growled excitedly while raising his claws up.

“That’s actually no surprise there.” Sunset commented with a smirk, having a feeling that Hitch would choose Sparky first.

“Sparky, catch!” Hitch called out as he tossed the crystal in the air to Sparky.

The crystal landed on Sparky’s mouth, but Sparky spit it out but then blew his dragon fire on it, which turned the crystal into a banana peel as it landed on Izzy’s horn.

“Mm. That’s a crystal droppage penalty!” Izzy called out. “You’re out!” She added as she then blew on her whistle again.

“Wait, who’s out?” Hitch asked in confusion. “Me or Sparky?” He questioned.

“You’re both out!” Izzy answered. “You dropped your crystal and Sparky isn’t even a critter. He’s a baby!” She added with a smile while pointing at Sparky, who is teasing on his headband.

“But, but…” Hitch tried to say but was surprised by this as the others watched in confusion.

“What?” Sunset asked in surprise by this.

“Look!” Izzy said as she then brought out the rule book again. “‘Every pony contestant must compete with a critter! No baby dragons.’” She read with a smile.

“There’s no way it says that.” Hitch said, not believing that book is true until Izzy showed him the page, which Hitch looked at and widened his eyes from that. “Oh. Wow, it does say that.” He said in surprise.

“Let me see that.” Sunset said as she looked at the rule book carefully and raised an eyebrow. “Izzy, Sunny said that dragons haven’t been seen for generations until Sparky showed. How come there’s a rule about this kind of thing?” She questioned in confusion.

“That rule has been there since the games were first created.” Izzy explained cheerfully. “While dragons haven’t been around or seen for generations, that doesn't mean that we don’t believe that they aren’t real.” She added.

“Huh. That is a fair point.” Sunset commented as she gave the book back to Izzy.

“Well, no I need a new partner!” Hitch said in disappointment. “What kind of critter should I compete with?” He asked his friends while wondering what critter he can compete with if Sparky can’t play.

Sunny then looked up as she widened her eyes. “Oh! A dog!” She called as she pointed her hoof in the air, which Sunset and Zipp followed.

“I know! But why did she text a dog?” Pipp asked in confusion, apparently still paying attention to her phone about Haven’s text.

“No, Pipp.” Sunset rolled her eyes as she turned Pipp’s head up to look at what they saw. “A dog in the sky.” She pointed out.

“Hmm…” Zipp hummed as she rubbed her chin while looking up.

“Ah-ah!” Hitch called out after seeing it as well.

In the sky is Cloudpuff, who is flying towards them while holding a note in his paws as he gives a bark.

“Oh!” Pipp said in realization of what they meant.

“Mom sent Cloudpuff? With a note?!” Zipp asked in surprise. “Mom. Just learn how to text! Ugh!” She groaned that their mother really need to learn how to text instead of sending Cloudpuff all the way as she tried to grab the note from him, but Cloudpuff flew back

Cloudpuff look at Zipp in annoyance gave a bark at them and then he flew away.

“Cloudy, wait!” Pipp called out as she flew after him.

“Look at that dog go! He’s so fast!” Hitch said with a smile after seeing how fast Cloudpuff is as said dog and Pipp flew straight to the Brighthouse before Hitch gasped in realization. “Which is perfect!” He said with a smirk, having an idea.

But once Hitch turned around, he gasped in surprise that is the others trotted off after Pipp and Cloudpuff ahead of him, leaving him and Sparky behind as Hitch gave a groan a bit before he picked up Sparky and put him on his back as he trotted after his friends.

Pipp and the ponies followed Cloudpuff to the Brighthouse with Pipp, Zipp and the others panting from the chase.

“Cloudpuff?” Zipp called out as they saw Cloudpuff as she tried to catch him, but Cloudpuff dodged and Pipp tried to do the same but missed as well as he hovered in the air with the note and barked twice.

"He says 'Dearest Princess, I bring a message from your dear mother, her Royal Majesty Queen Haven of Zephyr Heights'." Hitch began talking in a royal tone and bowing slightly.

"Get to it, Puff." Pipp quipped wanting to get to the point.

Cloudpuff barked twice again, "Cloudpuff says that before he delivers his message, 'He first requires a meal of the finest-'."

"Oh for hoofness sake." Zipp groaned before she went and grabbed a treat and held it in front of Cloudpuff, who barked and grabbed it while dropping the note that Zipp caught and unrolled.

"My darlings, it is with deepest regrets that I must postpone today's mother-daughter brunch. Some very important state business' has come up and couldn't wait…" Zipp began as Pipp hovered to her side and gasped, "Let's reschedule for a time that is more inconvenient for you both, With Love. Mother'."

"Inconvenient?" Sunset asked in confusion.

"Didn't she mean to say 'more convenient'?" Sunny asked as well.

The two royal sisters sighed, "No.." They both said.

"Mom takes royal meetings all the time, but our special brunch is special and she loves brunch!" Pipp explained as she and Zipp landed back on the ground before Pipp gasped again, "I think maybe she has been ponynapped."

"Pipp, don't you think you're overreacting?" Sunset asked.

"Come on." Zipp agreed.

"Look at the bottom!" Pipp gestured back to the note that had a red heart at the bottom, "A cute little heart? When has she ever drawn a cute little heart on a note before?"

"Hmm, you know what? That is suspicious." Zipp replied before taking out her phone and taking a picture of it. "What do you make of this Sheriff?"

However, Hitch was examining Cloudpuff to see if he was the perfect replacement for Sparky, "Make of what?" He asked in confusion.

"What else?!" Pipp explained before she paced a bit, "Cryptic Messages and cute little hearts! Something sinister is ahoof. Maybe...Moms' being held hostage somewhere. All alone....with no brunch to eat!"

"Pipp, you're overthinking and overreacting more than usual." Sunset reasoned. "If she was ponynapped, everypony in Zephyr Heights would be in chaos because of it and Thunder and Zoom would be here at this moment to tell you themselves, but they aren't."

"Yeah, Sunset's right. I think someponys' being overdramatic." Zipp added, putting a hoof on Pipp's back. "But something is definitely up with her. Hmm...?"

Zipp turned and went over to Hitch whom was still looking over Cloudpuff whom at the moment was having his tongue held out by Hitch, "Could you help us figure it out?" Cloudpuff licked Hitch happily.

"I will help you." Hitch replied. "And I know just where we should look for her first."

A little bit later in Bridlewood, ponies are preparing for the games as the Mane 6 arrive.

“Oh yeah!” Hitch said with a smile.

“Hitch!” Pipp called out as she flew to him. “The Queen of Zephyr Heights is not being held captive at the Bridlewood Forest Critter Field!” She pointed out in worry.

“But you never know!” Hitch said with a smile. “It’s as good a place to start our search as any.” He added. “Come on, Puffy, let’s go register!” He said as he and Cloudpuff walked up to register in the games.

Pipp just gave Hitch a dull look as the others just smiled.

“Just let them have it, Pipp. I’m sure your mother is fine.” Sunset assured with a chuckle.

Hitch walked up to the register stand as he signed in and grabbed a number 5.

“Now don’t lose this.” The unicorn stallion said to Hitch.

“Yeah!” Hitch cheered as he came up to the unicorn, who was trying to put a helmet on Cloudpuff as he flew away with a bark. “Hey, uh… You haven’t seen any Pegasus Queens around here, have you?” He asked in a slight whispering tone. The unicorn didn’t respond as he just walked off, making Hitch shrug in response.

The rest of the Mane 6 are at a bench while the two sisters are sitting on while Sunny, Sunset and IZzy chat to each other as Hitch comes to them.

“Well, guess you two were right!” Hitch called out to them as the girls turned to him. “She’s not here. But I’m sure your mom is just fine. She’s probably somewhere enjoying brunch right now.” He assured them.

“That’s what I said.” Sunset said in agreement.

Pipp just groaned at Hitch as she flew in front of him. “Without me? Ugh! She could never!” She retorted as she crossed her hooves.

“Pipp. Not everything is about you.” Sunset called out as Pipp flinched from that as Sunset gave her a look. “If something bad would’ve happened to her, she would’ve sent Thunder and Zoom to warn us and not to mention Zephyr Heights would be in chaos if the other Pegasi doesn’t know about it.” She pointed out.

“Really?” Pipp questioned.

“Yeah, Pipp.” Hitch said in agreement. “But hey, now that’ we’re here, now you can cheer me and Cloudpuff on in the first event!” He cheered, which made Pipp give a down expression in response.

Zipp then came to her sister as she flew next to her. “Come on Pipp, let’s go watch some weird sports.” She said as she led the down pegasus princess back to the bench as they sat down with Sparky in the middle of them.

Pipp groaned in complaint from this as she gave a look.

“Or you could help me give out the trophies?” Izzy suggested cheerfully as she hopped in front of them.

“I’ll help, Izzy!” Sunny called out. “All these new unicorn traditions are so fascinating.” She said as she looked around at the game's setup. “I’d love to get an inside look.” She added.

“Ooh!” Izzy squealed as she hopped down. “Wait until you ponies see it. The Field Day games are so elegant!” She said in a fancy tone. “Beautiful! Majestic!” She added as she walked off.

And then a ball came bouncing passed them as a unicorn chasing it left a trail of dust in front of them.

Pipp gave a cough from the dust. “Majestic.” She said in a bull tone.

“What about you, Sunset? Aren’t you gonna learn about this new Unicorn tradition?” Izzy asked Sunset.

“No thanks. I like to see and learn about it on my own by watching it.” Sunset answered. “Besides, knowing our experiences with festivals and games, I gotta make sure nothing bad happens like what happened in Maretime Bay Day, the Wishday holiday, other festivities, and most recently the Bridlewoodstock festival. Gotta make sure nothing bad happens this time.” She added while giving a straight face.

The others looked at her in surprise before they chattered and nodded in agreement, knowing their experience from those times.

“You make a good point, Sunset.” Sunny said in agreement.

“Yeah, even I could understand that.” Izzy added.

“Agreed.” Zipp said.

“Totally with you.” Pipp added.

“Yep.” Hitch nodded.

“So I’m gonna check around and make sure things go well. I’ll be back in a sec.” Sunset said as she walked off to make sure things went safe for them in the games and now magical or mystical incidents happen again so soon.

Meanwhile, Misty was walking towards the Brighthouse with a sigh before she entered it and found it empty.

"Hello? Anypony home? Sunny?" Misty called out as she walked a few more feet inside and called, "Izzy?"

"Stay right where you are." Misty gasped before she turned and saw the TV with Skye Silver and Dazzle Feather on the screen. "You don't wanna miss a minute of our Bridlewood Forest Critter Field Day coverage."

"Oh." Misty looked and saw she accidently stepped onto the remote for the TV and turned it on. Groaning, she flopped onto their couch. "This sneaking around thing is stressful. I wish there was another way for a pony to get a cutie mark." Misty looked around and saw she was alone. "Guess they're not here, though." She added as she looked at the TV.

With that Misty began to watch the TV unaware of a certain invisible Draconequus watching her from above, "Hmmm?" He hummed, seeing Misty.

"Next Up - It's 'Push Overs'." Skye added.

Back at the Bridlewood Field Critter Games, Sunny and Hitch are watching Hitch practice with an elderly unicorn stallion, who is asleep, as a camera stallion is aiming a camera at them.

“Hey, girls.” Sunset's voice called out as she came to them.

“Hey, Sunset. How are things?” Izzy asked with a smile.

“Well, no other dangers or mythical creatures are gonna show.” Sunset revealed with a smile. “I searched this place top to bottom and asked ponies around and nothing bad is going to happen this time.” She assured them.

“Great to hear! You’re just about to see Hitch start .” Izzy said while pointing at Hitch.

“So, the point of the game is you push somepony over?” Sunny asked after Izzy explained it to her.

“Right!” Izzy said with a smile. “Or… they push you over!” She added after looking at the book.

“That’s a weird push game to do.” Sunset commented in surprise by it.

“You just push?” Hitch asked in confusion. “Is her a starting bell? Or a score? DO we flip a bit to see who goes first?!” He frankly asked. “Or do I just…” He then slightly pushed the elderly unicorn stallion as he fell to the floor, which made him wake up.

“Right! Winner!” Izzy cheered as she held out a trophy as she gave it to the elderly unicorn stallion, who chuckled as he was giving the trophy.

“Wait! Him?!” Hitch asked in shock by this. “That makes no sense!” He argued.

And then a bunnycorn then pushed Cloudpuff down as the dog laid on his side.

“Another winner!” Izzy cheered again as she gave a mini trophy to the bunnycorn as it squeaked and Cloudpuff barked.

“What?!” Hitch asked again as he rubbed his head in confusion.

Sunset sighs as she places a hoof on her face. “These rules are really weird.” She muttered.

Meanwhile, Zipp and Pipp were walking together in Bridlewood together.

"Ugh, it’s hard to focus on these games when all I can think about is Mom." Pipp frowned in worry.

"I'm sure she's fine." Zipp assured.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure!" Pipp whined. "You're a detective, can't you do an investigation or something." Pipp gave her elder sister puppy dog eyes and Zipp sighed before taking out her phone.

"New Entry: Case of the Missing Mother." Zipp said with a small smile.

"Yes!" Pipp sang with her wings spread as they continued.

"We should ask that grumpy Old Alphabittle at the Tea Room, he knows all the Bridlewood gossip." Pipp replied before the sisters heard a maniacal laughter coming from the team room, "That laugh! That's Moms' laugh!"

"Uh, no its' not. Flypad, play Queen Haven laughing." Zipp told her phone which played back a nicer sounding laugh. "That’s Mom’s laugh."

"No, that's the phony laugh she does in public." Pipp dismissed before the maniacal laugh was heard again as it was coming from Alphabittle’s tea shop. "That's Moms' real laugh!"

The two sisters then trotted to the tea shop as they burst through the door as they saw their mother with Alphabittle, while the two didn’t notice that Queen Haven and Alphabittle are looking at each other lovingly as their two hooves are touching each other as they smiled to one another.

“Ah-ha!” Pipp called out while pointing a hoof at them.

“Mom?!” Zipp asked in surprise, which startled Queen Haven as she gasped in surprise that her daughters were here. “What are you doing here?” She asked in confusion.

Queen Haven looked nervous on how to explain this to her daughters while Alphabittle just gave a small smile at the two sisters as Zipp and Pipp looked back and forth to the adult ponies.

“Blink twice if you’re being held hostage!” Pipp whispered a bit to their mother.

Queen Haven was just surprised that her young daughter would think that before she looked nervous again before she gave a nervous smile. “Girls! This is Alphabittle! And uh, this is his Tea Room! Alphabittle, these are my daughters, the princesses Pipp and Zipp.” She introduced quickly, even though they had already met before.

“We know him!” Zipp pointed out. “But why are you guys hanging out together?!” She questioned.

“And why didn’t you show up for brunch?!” Pipp questioned as well.

Alphabittle just gave them a smile. “If you two are hungry, we got a great brunch here, right, Haven?” He asked Queen Haven with a smile.

Queen Haven looked at Alphabittle as she smiled in return at him. “Mm-hmm.” She said in agreement as the two adult ponies looked at each other lovingly as Queen Haven placed her hoof under her chin as she looked at Alphabittle.

And then as memories hit them like bricks, Zipp and Pipp then remembered that their mother has been dating Alphabittle for a while after they’ve found out since Mare’s Day, which was rough at first when they found out during that time as the two sisters widened their eyes in realization.

Pipp gasped in shock after she remembered. “Hitch was right! You brunched without us!” She said in shock as she landed on the ground next to her sister.

“Didn’t you get my message?” Queen Haven asked her daughters with a smile as the two sisters each took a seat. “Didn’t Cloudpuff look so sweet with his little scroll?” She added with a cute face with a smile at picturing Cloudpuff with the little scroll. “Sure it was a little cryptic, but you girls do love decoding things!” She reseasoned since that’s what her daughters do.

Alphabittle came up while levitating a tea kettle with a smile. “Would you two like some tea?” He asked politely.

Zipp then got up right to his face, which surprised Alphabittle. “We’re having a family discussion! Can you please give us a minute?” She asked as Alphabittle turned a way and walked off.

Queen Haven gave a look at her daughter’s rudeness. “Girls! That was very rude.” She lectured, not liking how they just spoke to Alphabittle like that as she placed her hooves on her hips.

“Like bailing on a brunch date?” Zipp retorted since their mother bailed on them from their mother-daughter brunch to spend time with Alphabittle.

Queen Haven just sighs as she gives a small smile to her daughters. “Darlings, I told you that something important came up.” She reminded them.

Pipp then held out her phone to show Queen Haven the video that is livestreaming Hitch push game thing from earlier. “This is important?!” Pipp questioned while pointing a hoof at her phone.

“Winner!” Izzy cheered through the video as she gave the trophy to the bunnycorn after tripping Cloudpuff, leaving Hitch bewildered by that.

Queen Haven just scoffed as she lowered Pipp’s phone. “Ugh, this Field Day is a special occasion for the Unicorns, and now that Pegasus and Unicorns are…” She trailed off after looking at Alphabittle, who was giving a smile at her as Queen Haven blushed a bit with a small smile before recomposing herself while tapping her hooves nervously as her daughters looked confused. “…reuniting, well, it’s, it’s important that we have, um… ambassadors to… when they…” She trailed off as she waved her hoof at them while following Alphabittle with her eyes as she can’t take her eyes off him.

“What are you saying?” Pipp asked in confusion while Zipp was confused by their mother’s words as well.

Queen Haven turned to her daughters as she got up as the two sisters followed a bit as they got in front of their mom as Haven took a breath before she yelled. “I am here in an official capacity!” She yelled, which made Zipp and Pipp startled by their mother’s voice as they looked at each other before turning their gaze back to their mother as. “Now, if you don’t mind, Alphie and I were discussing official… negotiations?” She suggested as she sat back to her seat while looking at Alphabittle with a small smile as Alphabittle smiled back at her.

Zipp and Pipp are creeped out by their mother that they backed away a bit with a nervous smile. “Uh…” Pipp said uncertainty.

“Yeah.” Zipp said next. “We’re gonna… go outside now.” She said as she trotted to the door.

“Hm.” Pipp said with a look before Zipp grabbed her sister as they made it to the door.

The two sisters groaned in disgust as they felt disturbed when their mother was hanging with Alphabittle as Pipp gagged a bit while Zipp just had a surprise look.

“Is it sometimes disturbing when she calls him ‘Alphie’?” Pipp asked her sister as Zipp nodded in agreement.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Misty just came down from upstairs as she was looking around.

“So, the dragon’s not here and I still can’t get up the elevator, but there’s got to be something I can take to her.” Misty said to herself, having searched around to find out that Sparky isn’t in the Brighthouse and she still can’t use the elevator to get to the Unity Crystals.

Discord was still watching her from above as he is invisible to make sure Misty doesn’t see him as he wondered who Misty is talking about.

“I can’t show up empty-hooved again or… wait!” Misty then had an idea as she then saw a box under the stairs as she trotted to it and moved it out while grunting in effort as she opened it up as she gasped. “Bingo.” She said with a smile at all the stuff the Mane 6 made over time during their festivals and games they had. “If I can’t bring Opaline their dragon, maybe I can bring her their memories.” She suggested.

Discord widen his eyes in shock at what Misty just said when she spoke ‘Opaline’ as he gasped quietly, has he is having flashbacks of memories returning when ponies and creatures were arguing about their differences and the purple cloud mist that attacked them as he then saw dark blue eyes in the mist as it gave an evil laugh, which makes Discord shiver to the bones.

Misty then took out a book. “Maybe there’s magic in them.” She said to herself as she open up the book to find it to be Sunny’s photo album with pictures of her and her friends.

“Now, what event is this we’re watching, Skye?” Dazzle asked her news partner as the TV but Misty didn’t pay attention to it.

“Well, Dazzle, I’m glad you asked.” Skye said with a smile. “This isn’t an event at all.” He revealed as a scene showed the Fair Games of every Unicorn and their critters doing the jinxie’s dance. “What the unicorns are doing here is called a ‘jinxie’ dance. This is an interesting ritual that they sometimes perform…” He informed the camera then turned to another Unicorn and her critter, with Hitch looking confused by this as he then saw the camera and was surprised by this as he gave a sheepish chuckle with a smile as he backed away. “...to ‘unjinx’ themselves if they’re confronted with anything magical.” Skye added with a smile. “They believe magic may bring bad luck.”

“Aren’t unicorns themselves magical?” Dazzle asked.

Skye nodded. “Oh yes, but we know, they didn’t have access to their unicorn magic for many thousands of moons.” He explained the scene then showed another unicorn and her pegamouse doing the jinxie’s dance while the rest of the Mane 6 watched while Sunset just covered her face in embarrassment from the unicorns doing this, striking her former Unicorn pride from that.

“Fascinating, Skye.” Dazzle said to her partner. “Truly superstitious.” She added as Skye nodded before facing the camera.

“And stay tuned after the games, tonight at eight. The ZBS true Zephyr story: the royal family.” Skye informed while Misty is still going through the box as she groaned at the things she needed to take with her, not finding anything useful for Opaline. “Check back in with our favorite high-flying sovereigns.” Skye finished.

Dazzle then shows a picture of the Royal Family, Haven, Zipp and Pipp, with a crown symbol over them, “The young princesses may have flown the nest of the Palace now, but royal bonds are keeping this family closer than ever!” She finished.

Back at Bridlewood near the Tea Room, Zipp and Pipp were peeking behind a tree as they came over and peeked at Alphabittle and their mother.
"This is even worse than I feared." Pipp said.

Alphabittle was laughing before she snorted a little but Queen Haven didn't mind before he looked at her phone. "Aww, look at that cute little face." He said.

"Now she's showing him embarrassing photos of me as a filly." Pipp gently accused but Haven was actually showing him photos of Cloudpuff. Zipp and Pipp trotted off and popped their heads above a bush near Alphabittle and Queen Haven.

"And here is as a little pirate, and him as a little ballerina." Queen Haven reminisced showing Alphabittle the photos of Cloudpuff before showing him a video of him on his birthday as he ate a puppy treat cupcake whole. "And look at this, he eats his whole Puppy cupcake in one bite."

"Hehe, now that's a hungry Pup." Alphabittle grinned while Haven sighed.

"Thank goodness I have Cloudy. With the girls away now, I feel so...alone sometimes." Haven frowned.

With Zipp and Pipp in Maretime Bay, she basically had the palace all to herself, which wasn't as exciting compared to her daughters being with her.

Alphabittle then placed a hoof under her chin as she turned to him. "Hey, you're not alone." He replied as she got close to her and smiled and she returned it.

That made Zipp and Pipp gag before they turned around, almost like they were about to vomit at the romance.

Hitch then came trotting towards them with Sparky on his back with Cloudpuff behind them as he skidded to a stop as he faced the two sisters.

“Hey! Can you two Sparky-sit for a sec?” Hitch asked them with a smile as Zipp and Pipp stop gagging. “We’ve got to get across this balance beam before those birds drop stewed cabbage balls on us!” He quickly explained as he pointed his hoof behind him.

Kenneth and a flock of birds that were flying towards him, holding said stew cabbage balls. He didn’t need an answer as he gave Sparky to Zipp, who giggled in response.

“Thanks! I think I’ve finally figured out the rules! Ha-ha!” Hitch yelled out as he trotted off with a laugh, but then he tripped and fell to the floor as Kenneth and the birds dropped the cabbages on him. “Ow. Ow.” He said as the cabbages fell on him.

Izzy then came by with Sunny and Sunset as she blew her whistle while holding two more trophies. “Winners!” She called out as she gave the trophies to Sunny and Sunset.

“Uh.” Sunny said in surprise as she and Sunset held the trophies.

Hitch just sighs from this. “Spoke too soon.” He said as he flopped to the floor.

Sunset just sighs as she gives her trophy to Hitch. “Here, Hitch.” She said with a smile.

“What?” Hitch asked in surprise.

“You deserved it more.” Sunset said as she gave the trophy to Hitch, who accepted it.

Hitch smiled at Sunset from that. “Thanks, Sunset.” He said.

“What are friends for?” Sunset asked with a smile.

“But Sunset, the rules clearly said…” Izzy tried to explain as she held up the rule book, but it was blasted out of her hoof. “Woah!” She called out.

“Izzy, enough with the rules!” Sunset scolded while giving Izzy a firm look. “Hitch hasn't had a simple trophy yet from this game, so I’m giving him mine since I never competed in this game. And don’t you even say what the rules think.” She firmly said.

Izzy gave a nervous chuckle at Sunset as she picked up the rule book. “Okay. I’ll let this one slide.” She said sheepishly before she slowly walked backwards as the others followed to resume the game.

Sunny then turned to Sunset. “You feel sorry for Hitch for not following Bridlewood’s rules, right?” She asked knowingly.

“Yes. And I know you feel the same way.” Sunset said with a small smirk.

Sunny gave a slight blush as she chuckled sheepishly while looking at Hitch, who was smiling at his trophy that Sunset gave him. “Yeah. I do. I would give my trophy to him if he doesn't get the others in the next game.” She said with a small smile as Sunset chuckled as the three made it to the next game.

A little bit later, Hitch is hopping on some hoops while balancing his crystal on his muzzle before tossing it to Cloudpuff.

Cloudpuff than hopped through three wooden hoops as he made it to the finish line as he drop the crystal.

“Yeah!” Hitch cheered.

Izzy then blew a whistle as she landed on a bench with other ponies. “Winner!” She gave the green unicorn a trophy as the other ponies cheered.

“Huh?” Hitch asked in bewilderment again.

And then in the next game, Hitch and a few other ponies are hopping in sacks while their critters' companions are in sacks of their own when they’re either hopping or flying around.

Cloudpuff’s sack covered his eyes as he started barking and then hit a tree face first as the exclaimed as Sunny and Sunset are next to said tree.

“Uh… winner?” Sunny guessed as Izzy slides down the tree,

“Mm-hmm.” Izzy nodded.

Hitch gave a sigh from this.

Sunset facehoof herself from that. “This is getting ridiculous.” She commented.

In the next game, a group of unicorns are digging on the ground while Hitch lifts up a soft football as he throws it to Cloudpuff.

Cloudpuff caught the ball with a bark, but the unicorn group use their magic to levitated off of his grasp as they did a magical tug-a-war before the ball ripped apart with confetti coming out.

Izzy blew the whistle again as she placed the trophy in the center of the ripped up ball. “Winner!” She called out as the ponies started cheering again.

Hitch just gave a frustrated sigh from this as he didn’t get another trophy, again.

A little bit later, the rest of the Mane 6 were all confused as to what was happening as the ponies seemed to be tossing a ball back and forth to each other.

"What in the hay is happening out there?" Zipp asked as one pony tripped and his pig critter partner bumped into him.

"No clue." Sunset replied.

"Ugh, I don't know. This is literally what every sport looks like to me." Pipp answered.

Just then, some mic feedback was heard and Onyx was on stage near a small podium. "This poem means alot to me. It's called 'Visiting dignitary Queen Haven of Zephyr Heights is about to make public remarks on the Grand Marshall Stage'." Onyx cleared her throat before soft percussion was heard, "Pain. Metamorphosis." Zipp and Pipp tilted their heads to the side confused as Onyx continued, "Long Division."

Then another unicorn stallion came over to Onyx and said. "Alright. Sorry everypony." He gently ushered Onyx off of the stage, "Uh...Queen Haven on the Mane Stage, um....right now."

And Queen Haven took the Mane Stage at the podium as the ponies started cheering.

“Um…/Huh?” Pipp and Zipp asked in confusion.

Sparky just sat there until he saw the tree from the Wishday Holiday as he gasped in excitement as he jumped off the bench an ran on all four to the tree without the girls knowing.

Queen Haven then made it to the Mane Stage as she spoke through the mic. “Thank you! I’m very honored to be here on this very special day. Here we all are, Unicorns, Earth Ponies and Pegasi united and rebuilding the strong bond that once…” She trailed off when she saw her daughters and their friends sitting at the bench looking at her as her daughter gave her a look. “...we didn’t, uh…” She stuttered before she remembered how she didn’t show up on their mother-daughter’s brunch earlier as she continued. “We didn’t realize how much we needed each other.” She said in sympathy as Zipp and Pipp looked at each other for a moment before going back to their mother. “How wonderful it can be when we’re… all together.” She said as she then saw Alphabittle coming towards her with a small smile as she smiled back at him as she continued her speech. “Which is to say, I’m very excited to join in the judging of the day’s final event, the “Forest Critter Grand Prix”! She announced as she spread her wings.

The crowd than cheered from Queen Haven’s speech, but they didn’t notice that Sparky is running around behind them as he made it to the tree as he exclaimed as he touched it, which made his claws glowed as he smiled in awed at this as he starts climbing the tree, which his glowing claws gave him the ability to climb something as he climbed and hop on the tree like how he usually do on the ground.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Misty is still going through some stuff, Discord is still spying on her while being invisible while the TV still shows Dazzle and Skye’s news.

“Coming up next: the final event of the day and this is a big one!” Dazzle announced. “The Forest Critter Grand Prix!” She announced.

Misty didn’t pay attention as she was still going through the Mane 6 stuff while finding nothing useful for Opaline as she groaned in frustration as she got out of the box and sat in front of it and sighs in defeat as she picked up the photo album again.

“Oh, we’re so happy!” Misty yelled in an intimidated voice in frustration as she finally had it as she looked through the pictures of the Mane 6. “We all have Cutie Marks and get to live with our best friends!” She yelled as she stopped at the picture of her with the Mane 6 as she gasped in surprise before she started to get a heartfelt look. “Oh!” She sighs heartily after looking at the picture.

Discord saw Misty’s reaction, at first he was annoyed at Misty when she was venting out, but after hearing those words and seeing Misty getting a heartfelt expression after seeing the picture of her and the Mane 6, he felt sympathy for the Unicorn for something she doesn’t have.

“But before we get to that, let’s take one more look at Queen Haven’s very moving Field Day remarks.” Skye announced as Dazzle nodded in agreement as the scene replayed Haven’s speech.

“We didn’t realize how much we needed each other.” Queen Haven said as Misty listened while Discord did as well while invisible while Misty looked at the picture again as she began to smile while Discord gave a sympathetic smile at Misty, understanding how she felt. “How wonderful it can be when we’re… all together.” She repeated.

Back at the Field Day Prix, light drumming was heard as Hitch, with Cloudpuff on his back,got ready for the final event of the games alongside three other ponies, including Elder Flower.

"On your marks....get set..." Onyx began as the ponies got ready and she blew a confetti horn and the racers were off.

"Oh! Wait until you see this one! The Grand Prix. You're not going to believe how wild it is. The Grand Prix is the biggest event of the whole day. I'm so excited!" Izzy cheered before some ponies precariously came in front with signs and began cheering and shouting. "Uh, hey! Stop the games! We can't see!" She whined.

"We got this Izzy." Sunset gestured to herself, Pipp and Zipp.

"Yep." And the three of them flew up to see what was going on.

"Okay! They're pulling a boulder up a hill with like....some sort of giant rubber band?" Zipp quipped.

"You've gotta be kidding." Sunset blinked in disbelief.

"Oh-Oh! That's the Rock trot! Whose in the lead?" Izzy called up.

"Hitch is." Pipp grinned.

"Yes!" Izzy grinned.

Meanwhile, unsupervised Sparky waddled over to a tree and cooed at it before he touched it and his own personal magic began to emit before he climbed up the three with no problem at all which caught the attention of two unicorns, "Uh...there's a baby up here."

"Is this a part of the race?" Another unicorn asked as Sparky climbed higher while the other unicorn shrugged.

Zipp, Pipp and Sunset are looking at the race with their binoculars as Pipp then turns to the Mane Stage.

“Hmm.” Pipp said to herself as she saw her mother and Alphabittle with binoculars as well to see the race as they then turned to each other as their binoculars bumped a bit before they smiled and waved at each other. “Huh? She asked in surprise before she groaned in disgust as she lowered the binoculars.

“Now he and Cloudpuff are… are they on waterskis?!” Zipp asked in surprise while looking at the race.

“It is actually.” Sunset confirmed with a raised eyebrow. “And apparently, it looks like they’re being pulled by a gaggle of geese?” She asked in confusion.

“Oh, oh! The water fowl slalom!” Izzy explained. “The goose is loose!” She announced in excitement. “Did they jump through all six flaming hoops yet?” She then turned to Pipp. “Pipp? Pipp! What’s happening now!?” She asked.

Pipp is still aiming her binoculars at Queen Haven and Alphabittle as she wasn’t paying attention to the race as she saw Alphabittle feeding her mother some cheese they got from the snacks they just got as Queen Haven smiled sweetly at him.

“No!” Pipp cried out from that as she lowered her binoculars. “He’s feeding her cheeses, from a fancy platter!” she cried out.

“Wait, what?” Sunset asked in confusion as she lowered her binoculars.

“Who, Hitch?” Izzy asked in confusion as Sunny is the same way. “Hm? They aren’t supposed to eat the cheese until the Gouda Relay…” She stated.

“Uh-huh?” Sunny said in confusion.

“I don’t think Pipp is talking about Hitch, Izzy.” Sunset said as she moved next to Pipp. “Let me see.” She said as she looked through her binoculars and saw Queen Haven and Alphabittle laughing with each other. “Pipp, that’s just Queen Haven and Alphabittle laughing together. Why are you…” She was cut off when she saw something else. “Wait. Are they… Yes they are.” She said with a smirk as she gave a chuckle from that as she lowered her binoculars.

“What is it?” Pipp asked in worry.

“Hehe, sorry Pipp. But, that’s just love there.” Sunset said with a chuckle as she went back to the race.

“What?!” Pipp yelled in shock as she looked through her binoculars again before she groaned and covered her eyes before looking through them again. “Oh, oh, it’s just so gross!” She cried out as she saw that both her mother and Alphabittle were feeding each other cheese as they smile at each other.

At the top of the tree, Sparky is walking on a branch as he giggles to himself as a group of unicorns are watching him as he walks back and forth of the branch.

“Uh… what do we do?!” The pink unicorn stallion asked the others, not sure what to do.

Sparky kept giggling as he walked up to a leaf on the branch as he blew his dragon fire on it as it turned into a cookie as he giggled and sat down on the branch.

“This is bad luck!” The unicorn mare with glasses said. “Terrible luck! I know how to solve this!” She then did the jinxie dance. “Bing-Bong! Bing-Bong!” She chanted.

The other Unicorns follow along as they do the jinxie dance. “Bing-Bong! Bing-Bong! Bing-Bong!” They chanted as well.

Hitch kept trotting through the field with Cloudpuff beside him as he grunted in effort while he made it to an infinity track obstacle course as he hopped through hoops as he got his eyes on the finish line.

“Come on, Cloudpuff! We’ve almost got this!” Hitch said to the Pegasus dog with a smile as he trotted ahead.

Back at the tree, Sparky is still on the branch as he now has an acorn on his head as he is still giggling to himself as he balances the acorn on his head, but then he slipped as his claws grabbed the branch. The unicorns gasped in worry as Sparky held onto the branch but still giggling to himself.

“Oh my chamomile!” The Unicorn stallion with glasses gasped before he fainted as he fell to the floor.

“Uh, what do we do?!” The yellow unicorn stallion asked the group in worried.

“Somepony help!” Another stallion called out before looking up at Sparky. “Hang in there, baby!” he called out to the baby dragon.

"Oh no, Alphie look!" Haven gawked and Alphabittle turned his binoculars and saw Sparky.

"What is she pointing at?" Pipp asked in confusion as she, Sunset and Zipp turned and saw Sparky hanging from the three and gasped. "Sparky!" Pipp cried out as she, Zipp and Sunset.

"Hold on Sparky!" Zipp cried as the trio flew over to catch the baby dragon which caught Hitch's attention as he skidded to a stop and saw his dragon son hanging from a branch. Hitch gasped and looked at the finish line but he knew Sparky came first.

"Cloudpuff, hurry!” Hitch urged and the pair headed over.

Sparky let go of the branch and cooed oblivious to the danger as Pipp, Zipp and Sunset flew faster to catch him.

“I’ve got you!” Zipp cried out, but then the baby dragon bounced on the trunk and avoided them all.

"Oh no!" Zipp cried out.

"Ah!" Pipp cried next.

"Missed him!" Sunset called out in panic.

The Unicorns below gasped, "Somepony use your magic!" One cried and Hitch gasped before he used his magic and created a vine he galloped on.

"Sparky!" Hitch cried as he caught his baby dragon in his front hooves to everyponys' relief as Izzy and Sunny came over. "Are you okay, Sparky?" Hitch asked and Sparky babbled and cooed innocently.

"He's fine, Hitch." Sunset giggled.

Hitch sighs in relief as Sunset, Zipp and Pipp flew down to him with smiles of relief that Sparky is okay as the baby dragon hopped on Hitch’s back as Hitch walked down the branch while Sparky was gurgling in excitement as he went back to the race.

Windy jumped on a ramp, which caused her critter to be tossed into the air while Hitch and Cloudpuff, with Sparky in his back, raced to the finish line as they made it past a unicorn and her pig as they jumped through the hoops.

“Come on, we got this!” Hitch encouraged as the three then crossed the finish line as the line as the streamline break. “Woo-hoo! Yeah!” He cheered.

The crowd then cheered to Hitch. “Awesome!” A unicorn mare among the crowd cheered.

“Woo-hoo!” Sunny cheered to Hitch.

“Go Hitch!” Sunset cheered as well.

“Woo!” Hitch cheered at his achievement before he, Sparky and Cloudpuff started levitating by other unicorns at the finish line. “Oh yeah! Woo-hoo!” He kept cheering as he did a victory dance.

“Winner!” Izzy announced while levitating a big trophy.

“Yes!” Hitch cheered, but just when it was about to move it away from him. “What?!” He asked in bewilderment again.

Elder Flower and her critter made it to the finish line second as Izzy gave her the trophy. “Yay!” She cheered.

“Huh?” Hitch asked in confusion as the ponies stopped using their magic on him. “Ah! Oh!” He yelled out as he fell to the floor as Cloudpuff fell next, which made Sparky giggled as they looked at Elder Flower.

“Oh, happy day!” Elder Flower cheered.

“But I…” Hitch started as he doesn’t understand this outcome. “But we… We finished first!” He told Izzy.

“And Elder Flower finished second last year, so we promised her that no matter what, she could be the winner this year.” Izzy explained with her usual smile as she brought out the rule book again. It’s right here in the rules. Page 372.” She explained.

Hitch saw the page as he then gave a frustrated look. “This is ridiculous! Let me see that!” He yelled as he took a closer look at the book as he looked at the page before he sighs in frustration as the bunnycorn critter from the ramp landed on the trophy as the three ponies just looked at it for a moment.

At the Mane Stage, Alphabittle then spoke through the mic.

“Thank you all for--” Alphabittle started but was cut off when Hitch spoke.

“Hey, can we get an official Grand Marshal ruling on this?” Hitch asked the two elder ponies to get to the point quickly after what he had been through the whole game.

Alphabittle and Queen Haven looked at him for a moment before they started whispering to each other as they looked at Hitch and Cloudpuff as they smiled to each other.

Alphabittle then spoke through the mic again. “The Queen and I discussed it and there has indeed been a grave oversight.” He announced, which made Hitch gasp with a smile as Alphabittle continued. “The Bridlewood Forest Critter Field Day awards the team of Hitch and Cloudpuff…” He started.

“Uh-huh…” Hitch said with an eager nod.

“...the very prestigious cutest puppy award!” Alphabittle finished as the crowd started cheering.

“The what?!” Hitch asked in shock as Cloudpuff smiled. “That’s not even a real category! He’s the only puppy here!” He pointed out.

Izzy then appeared with a small meddle. “Winner!” She said as she placed the medal on Cloudpuff’s helmet as Cloudpuff twirled around in victory with a smile as Izzy held out the book. “It says it right here, dude. Cutest puppy.” She said as she turned it to said page.

Hitch just sighs as he gave a straight face from that before the book was blasted away again, which startled the two before turning to see their friends coming towards them while Sunset’s horn glowed a big.

“Next time, Izzy. How about giving Hitch the rundown of the rule instead of revealing it at the last minute of something?” Sunset suggested as she gave Izzy a firm look for keeping revealing the rules out of nowhere.

Izzy gave a sheepish chuckle while scratching the back of her head. “I’ll remember that next time.” She said, going to have to not keep revealing the rules to Hitch at the last minute.

“We are so sorry we lost track of Sparky!” Zipp apologized to Hitch for her and her sister for not paying attention to Sparky.

“Seriously.” Pipp said in agreement. “We let our own stuff get in the way and feel so bad!” She apologized.

“It’s not your fault.” Hitch assured with a smile. “I’m the one who let his own stuff get in the way of things.” He honestly said. “Sparky’s my responsibility. I just got so wrapped up with these games and trying to figure out the rules.” He added. “But they make no sense!” He snapped before he calmed down. “That… Did that make any sense?” He asked them.

“A little bit.” Sunset said with a shrugged.

“And I’m sorry, too. Hitch.” Izzy apologized with a guilty look. “I should’ve told you about the rules before hoof instead of just saying them after each game or practice, then you would’ve won at least one of them.” She added while looking down in guilt for not giving Hitch the rundown about the rules before the game.

“That’s okay, Izzy.” Hitch assured with a smile. “I should’ve looked through the book before the game or practice to know ahead of time.” He added as Izzy smiled in response.

“So… you’re not mad?” Pipp asked.

“Only at myself.” Hitch answered.

Izzy then wrapped a hoof around Hitch with her cheerful smile. “Come on, champ! All the winners have to go answer questions for the Bridlewood Pony Press Association.” She explained as she dragged Hitch and Sparky away while Cloudpuff followed along.

Sunset gave a chuckle from that. “Come on, ponies. Let’s join them.” She said as she and Sunset followed after them as Pipp and Zipp followed behind.

But before the two sisters could catch up to their friends, their mother came up to them with a proud smile. “THat was very noble of you, girls.” Queen Haven said to her daughters with a proud smile. “It’s not always easy to apologize.” She added.

“Yeah, well…” Zipp started. “Hitch is our friend, you know?” She stated as she and Pipp smiled.

“I do know.” Queen Haven said with a smirk as she pointed her wing to Alphabittle behind her, who was giving a smile to her in return.

Both Zipp and Pipp then realize what their mother meant as they cringed in disgust.

“Oh yuck!” Pipp cried out in disgust as she spread her wings. “Hitch is our friend! We play board games with him! Not like… like whatever this is.” She explained.

Before Pipp could explain further, Haven gave them a look as she yelled with her wings spread. “Pipp Petals! Zephyrina Storm! You will listen to me right now!” She lectures as she stomps her hoof down.

“Uh-oh.” Pipp said as Zipp gasped, knowing that their mother was angry as they shrank a bit as they looked at their mother.

“Sorry.” Queen Haven apologized from her outburst as she calmed down. “Ahem… It’s just that… you two are growing up. You’ve flown the nest and started living your lives! But I still have a life too.” She pointed out as the two sisters looked down while processing their mother’s words after understanding how she’s feeling. “I love your new friends and I love the ponies you’re all growing into.” She said with a smile as Zipp and Pipp smiled back at their mother before Haven turned to Alphabittle with a smirk. “And I also love--” She tried to say but was cut off.

“Okay! Okay! We get it.” Pipp quickly said as she closed her eyes and Zipp covered her wings as they knew what their mother was about to say next but didn't wanna hear that part.

“We’re sorry, Mom.” Zipp apologized as she lowered her wings while she and Pipp gave her apologetic expressions. “We do want you to be happy.”

“Yeah.” Pipp said in agreement. “You deserve to have brunch, even when we’re not there.” She added as she began to tear up for saying those words as she waved a hoof to her face.

“Oh. Thank hoofness for that!” Queen Haven said with a smile at her daughters. “I love you, girls.” She added with a heartfelt smile.

“We love you too.” Both Pipp and Zipp said at the same time.

Queen Haven then flew up as she spread her hooves with a wide smile. “The hug mother!” She said to her daughters as she came to them as the three shared a hug as they each had smiles on their faces.

After the hug, Alphabittle came to them as he and Queen Haven walked off together as the two sisters smiled as they watched them go as they smiled at each other before catching up to their friends.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Misty has fallen asleep on the couch while holding the picture of her and the Mane 6 in her sleep as the TV kept going as Skye spoke.

“For Dazzle and the rest of the team here at ZBS Sports, this is Skye Silver wishing you all a magical night from Bridlewood. Fly safe everypony!” Skye finished the news.

Discord turned visible again after Misty had fallen asleep as he looked down at the unicorn while feeling sympathy for her.

“You poor thing. Not having a cutie mark and working with a mad pony. That’s cruel, even for me.” Discord said quietly without waking up Misty while feeling sorry for her for having this kind of life. “What can I do? I can’t tell the others about Misty and Opaline or they will think Misty is the enemy.” He said to himself whether or not he could tell Sunset and the others but that might make Misty lose her only friends, but if he doesn’t then things will be bad with Opaline out there.

Before Discord could think any further, tire screeching sounds could be heard outside as he flinched and flew upstairs just before Misty woke up with a gasp from the sound.

Misty got off the couch as she looked out the window and saw the Mane 6 exiting the Marestream as they laughed with each other. Misty realizes that she needs to go before they see her, so she timed it right and opened the window just before the Mane 6 entered the Brighthouse with laughter as Discord came from upstairs, having seen the whole thing.

“Hey, ponies. How was the game?” Discord asked as if he thought he just saw them without being too suspicious.

“It was really something, Discord.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Is it?” Discord asked in interest.

“Trust us. Have we got stories for you.” Sunset replied with a chuckle.

Sunny then notices the window next to the door is open. “Which one of us forgot to close the window?” She asked her friends with a smile.

Izzy then hopped near them with laughter as she smiled at them. “Wasn’t me!” She cheered before hopping away.

Sunset turned to Discord. “You know why the window is open, Discord?” She asked the Lord of Chaos.

“Uh…” Discord said as he thought of an excuse with a small smile. “There was a butterfly in here earlier, so I opened a window to release it back outside to set it free.” He quickly said with a nervous smile.

Sunset raised an eyebrow at Discord from that before she shrugged. “Well, we had a lot of critters that come here when the garden is crowded, so that makes sense.” She acknowledged as she walked off.

Discord sighs in relief as he turns to where Misty left, hoping that Unicorn will be find until he finds a way to break to the others without them thinking she’s the bad guy.

Outside the Brighthouse, Misty made it to the side of the Marestream as she looked at the front door of the Brighthouse to make sure that the close was clear.

Once it did, Misty was about to walk away, but heard a grunting sound as she turned and saw that Sparky was behind her, holding the picture she had earlier.

Misty turned to Sparky in surprise as she grabbed the picture of her and the Mane 6. “Oh… thank you.” She said with a sheepish smile. “I… I must’ve dropped--” She tried to make a cover story.

Sparky cut her off by making grunting noises as he smiled at Misty before making moaning sounds at her.

Misty looked at him before looking at the picture while hearing Opaline’s words in her head. ‘Get that dragon!’ It echoed in her head.

Misty gave a sigh as she picked up Sparky while making her choice.

At the front door, Izzy popped her head out as she looked around before seeing Sparky right in front of her.

“Hoofness gracious, Sparky!” Izzy said with a smile. “How did you get outside?” She asked the baby dragon as she gave him a nuzzle before looking around with a suspicious look. “Hmm. Huh.” She said as she walked back into the Brighthouse with Sparky.

Turns out, Misty made the right choice of not taking Sparky this time as she left him at the front door for the others to find him.

Sometime later at Opaline’s Castle, Misty is in her room as she looks at the picture of her and her friends with a smile.

But it didn’t last long as Opaline’s voice called out. “Misty!” She called out, which made Misty flinch as she stood up and dropped her picture. “Get down here right this instant!” She demanded.

Misty just sighs as she has a feeling what Opaline is gonna say. “Coming, Opaline.” She said as she walked out of her room while leaving the picture of her and the Mane 6 on her bed bag as she went to Opaline.

Later on, Sunset was in her little room when Discord appeared as she brought Twilight out of her Amulet, "So Discord, what is it you wanted to tell us?" Sunset asked.

"Well, you know that Misty pony?" Discord asked and Sunset nodded.

"Well she came by the Brighthouse today and she said this ponys' name, Opaline." Discord replied.

"Opaline...is that what your message was trying to say. Watch out for Opaline?" Sunset realized.

Twilight gasped dramatically as her memories began to come back in a flash - ponies fighting, the mist from the amulet being emitted from Opaline and her laughing, "Y-Yes a-and I remember that name." Twilight nodded. "W-What else did Misty say about her?"

"She said that she wanted the baby dragon."

"Sparky?!" Sunset yelped in horror. "Why?!"

"Don't know." Discord shook his head, "But I can tell its' not good."

"B-But why would Misty serve Opaline?" Sunset asked.

"Misty was wondering if there was another way for a pony to get a cutie mark." Discord responded.

"But the only way a pony can earn a cutie mark is to find out what makes your special on your own." Twilight replied.

"I'm afraid this Opaline pony might have twisted that answer to force Misty to work for her." Discord frowned.

"So Opaline is manipulative." Sunset muttered worriedly. "And she wants Sparky for whatever plan she has. Well then we'll have to keep a closer eye on Misty."

"I could tell she's not the same pony as Opaline. Sparky gave her the photo of you all at the sleepover and she looked like she cherished it greatly. I think she's been alone for so long and misguided that she doesn't truly know which path to take, like I did." Discord sympathized. "And she even had a chance to take Sparky at that moment but she returned him to the front door."

"So she's a misguided pony struggling with a double life." Twilight frowned sadly. "One with Opaline and one with us....her friends."

"That would explain why she said 'no internal struggle between good and evil over here'. when we had the incident with the Amulet." Sunset pointed out.

"It must have been given to her by Opaline!" Twilight gawked. "That's why that mist looked so familiar!"

"So she's skilled in dark magic then? That explains how she turned Sunny and the others into the opposites of their true selves through the Amulet." Sunset asked with concern. "Hmm....we better loop Zipp into this. Could bring us closer to solving this mystery once and for all and protecting Equestria."

"And Misty?" Discord asked.

"Perhaps you could secretly talk with her about what she thinks of this Opaline pony, since you understand what she's going through. But not when Opalines' around cause we don't want her to know about you. It'll put you at serious risk." Sunset advised.

"Right." Discord nodded.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 3.

Chapter 4 Ep 4: Sunny Side Up

Chapter 4 Ep 4: Sunny Side Up

At Opaline’s Castle in the throne room, purple flames burst around the throne room.

“Sparks of fire! Explosions of annihilation!” Opaline enchanted as she came through the flames before she gave an evil laugh before she started coughing as Misty was standing next to her with an innocent smile. “We’re finally steps away from our plan of total pony takedown! But we just need one more thing…” She then summoned some magical flames as she summoned Misty’s picture of her and the Mane 6 she got from the Brighthouse.

Misty was surprised that Opaline brought out her picture. “Oh, where’d you get… I, uh… I can explain!” She said nervously, trying to come up with an excuse from the picture.

Opaline just gave a small mischievous smile at Misty. “It’s good I found your photo because it brought my attention to something big. Their Cutie Marks.” She stated as she gestured to Sunset, Sunny, Pipp and Zipp in the air while their Cutie Marks glowed in the picture as Opaline slammed the picture into Misty’s face before the unicorn caught it in her hoof. “That is the evolved magic that’s powering their silly Prisbeam. That’s our ticket into taking over and destroying the remaining Guardians of Harmony.” She declared as Misty listened, while knowing she’s referring to Sunset, Twilight and Discord. “If we can steal their Cutie Marks, then we’re not just powerful, we’re all-powerful!” She declared as she spread her wings as she gave her evil laughter again, but she coughed again for a second as she looked at Misty. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, I need to find a way to boost my power.” She explained as Misty looks nervous. “Then, I’ll cast a transformation spell to capture those Cutie Marks! Then…” She tried to continue but she coughed again as she rubbed her neck. “I’ll book a throat detox.” She added, going to need to detox her throat from her coughing. “And then after, well, as they say, Misy, ‘The rest is history’.” She finished as she walked off.

“But do we have to steal their Cutie Marks?” Misty asked, feeling unsure if they could steal the Mane 6’s cutie marks. “They’re actually kind of nice ponies…” She tried to explain.

Opaline gritted her teeth as her horn glowed in a bright flame. “Nice ponies?!” She questioned in rage, which made Misty flinch in fear as Opaline’s flame on her horn faded as she turned to Misty. “Don’t tell me you really were having fun with those ponies?” She questioned if Misty was really having fun with them in the past when she’s out of the castle.

Misty shrank down a bit when Opaline’s face was close to her. “No! Not at all! I’m still just as bad as I’ve always been!” She quickly said while backing a bit with a nervous smile. “When we were together, they complimented me on my mane and I did not compliment them back! Ha!” She added with a cover up.

“Well, good.” Opaline said after she calmed a bit from Misty’s words. “Because now that we have the Dragonfire, there’s no going back.” She said, thinking that Misty already had Sparky when she returned to the castle.

"Oh, ah…Well, that’s the other thing I wanted to tell you, um…" Misty stammered. "I kind of, um, maybe didn’t get it, again.” Opaline just gave her a straight face. "Wow, Opaline. You’re taking this surprisingly well." She said in surprise, but that didn’t last long.

"TAKING IT WELL?!" Opaline roared, which made Misty flinch in fear. “I WAS BUILDING UP MY BREATH TO YELL AT YOU! YOU…" Opaline coughed again. "See what you’ve done to me, Misty?" She wheezed before she stomped her hoof down. "Ugh! This is a failure worthy of my worst punishment yet.” She growled as Misty gulped in fear. “And not only do I not have the Dragonfire, but I wasted all of my magic showing off my cool plan?! Ugh!!" Opaline looked at her horn which glowed dimly. "I’ll just have to wait for my power to replenish." Opaline turned to Misty, "Need a little refresher on why this is so important, huh?" Opaline scoffed before she went to her cauldron and Misty followed, "When I was growing up in Skyros," She started as the two looked at the cauldron.

The cauldron showed Celestia and Luna as fillies together - happy as could be and playing together and nuzzling each other, "They were the 'golden ponies'. The favorites. Everypony loved them, but I saw right through their act!" The cauldron showed Filly Opaline waving hi to the pair but Filly Celestia and Luna just snubbed her, "They thought they were so great cause they had the whole 'sun and moon' thing going. Please!"

Filly Celestia and Luna walked away while Filly Opaline frowned with anger and jealousy. "I had something much better. I was an Alicorn of fire." Filly Opaline spread her wings and formed a ring of fire with her magic before she sneered.

"Of Power, of strength! And because of that, I had to prove I was not to be underestimated!” Opaline explained as purple flames appeared in her eyes as the cauldron showed Filly Celestia and Luna walking away from Opaline. They'd learn I was not only the wrong pony to push around, but I would be so much more! I would live up to my elemental duty!" She declared as she spread her wings with a glare.

“And you will, Opaline!” Misty said with an encouraging smile. “I’m sorry I failed you, I promise I won’t ever do that again.” She promised.

“Oh, I know.” Opaline said with a smile as Misty smiled back before Opaline frowned at her. “Because you won’t have a chance to.” She added as Misty now felt fear as she backed away. “I’m using my last bit of magic to make sure you really think about your failure.” She said as her horn began to flame up. “From this moment on, consider yourself grounded!” She declared as she used her magic on Misty.

Misty then begins to move backwards while her hooves are being drag on their own as Misty screamed out of the throne room and down the hall as she went into her room with her hooves magically stuck in place as Misty is now panting from that rush as she tried to move her hooves, but couldn’t budge it.

In the throne room, Opaline smiled as she sighs. “Ugh. How lovely. I’ve been dying to get out of the lair.” She said to herself, having built enough magic to finally get out of the castle as she walked out of the castle to begin her quest.

At Maretime Bay, the ponies are gathered around at the Canterlove Studio while the Mane 6 are in front of the crowd, ready for the grand opening of the studio.

“Thanks, everypony!” Hitch called out through the mic while holding a giant pair of scissors. “Big day in Maretime Bay. A day we’ll remember forever. A day where we all come together, a day where we all say--” He continued but didn’t go any further as Zipp spoke.

“The same thing we said the last time we had a grand opening.” Zipp said with a small smile in amusement as Pipp smiled as well with her sister. “Hey Hitch! Can we wrap it up? Or…” She then gave a chuckle at what she said next. “Cut it up?” She joked as she mentioned the scissors and the ribbon.

Sunset chuckled at that joke. “Okay. That is a good one and true.” She said before turning to Hitch. “But seriously, Hitch. We heard that speech hundreds of times, can we ‘cut it up’ already?” She asked as she and the others chuckled a bit from that.

Hitch then turned to the mic and the crowd again as he spoke quickly. “And for the first time in this building’s history, this will be a place for everypony! Welcome to Canterlove Studios!” He said quickly as he took a breath. “Okay, I’m done. Woo!” He said as he cut the ribbon, which caused the crowd to cheer as they then trotted off the building, leaving Hitch confused by that. “Wait, where are they going? I just said this is for everypony!” He pointed out in confusion.

“Maybe inspiration doesn’t come that quickly?” Pipp suggested as she walked up next to Hitch.

Zipp then flew next to them. “Maybe there was something confusing about your messaging?” She asked next with a small smile since sometimes Hitch’s speeches can be really confusing.

“Oh oh!” Izzy hopped cheerfully next to them. “Maybe they realized they left their ovens on at home!” She suggested cheerfully.

“All of them?” Zipp asked in an unamused expression as Pipp just looked in confusion by that statement.

“You’re right, too far-fetched.” Izzy admitted. “It was probably their microwave ovens.” She suggested.

“I don’t think it’s that either, Izzy.” Sunset spoke next as she and Sunny came next to their friends. “Canterlove Studios is new and I don’t think the ponies in Maretime Bay knows how to use a studio.” She suggested.

“Yeah. Maybe they just need an example of how to use the studio first.” Sunny said in agreement as she now has an idea. “Oh! We should get a show up and running to show the possibilities!” She suggested.

Pipp then squeals in excitement at Sunny’s idea. “That’s a great idea, Sunny! I see my two stars now.” She said as she looked at Zipp, Izzy and Sunset, while Izzy smiled, but then she turned to Hitch and Sunny. “You and Hitch will be the co-hosts of a smoothie-making cooking show!” She declared.

“What?” Sunny asked in surprise that Pipp wants her and Hitch to do a show together. “Uh, no thanks, Pipp. I-I didn’t mean me.”

“Hmm.” Pipp said as she was having a thought. “Actually, we need a show title first.” She suggested.

“Thank you.” Sunny said with a smile in relief. “I was hoping we could brainstorm it up--” She tried to say.

But Pipp cut her off as she flew over the mic desk. “Yes, I’ve got it!” She called out as she spread her wings. “The show will be called… ‘Sunny Side Up’ featuring Hitch!” She declared as she got down from the desk she was leaning. “Just two lifelong besties sharing their recipes for yummy food and friendship!” She explained as she then squealed in excitement again. “I am loving this concept.” She added with a smile.

“Pipp, we didn’t have time to discuss this idea yet. You’re just popping out of nowhere without us planning this first.” Sunset pointed out, while she thinks it’s a great idea to start a show, they need to discuss it instead of just saying it.

“I agree with Sunset on this one, Pipp.” Hitch said in agreement while looking worried. “Also, I’m not really an ‘in the spotlight’ pony.” He tried to explain.

But before either of them could reason with Pipp, Pipp already flew into Canterlove Studios as she flew through the front door at top speed, which blew some wind on her friends and twirls Izzy around and fell to the floor as some of Pipp’s feathers fell off.

“Woah, that was fast.” Hitch said in surprise at Pipp's speed as Izzy got up while looking dizzy.

“She’s as fast as Rainbow is when wanting cider.” Sunset commented in surprise at Pipp’s excitement as she turned to Zipp. “Does she do this when she gets this excited?” She asked.

“You have no idea.” Zipp answered with a smile, knowing her sister well enough that when she gets excited, she flies really fast as the others entered the building to follow Pipp.

Inside, Zipp was getting the camera ready while Hitch and Sunny were with Pipp and their prep stations.

"Nervous?" Pipp asked.

"Extremely." Hitch honestly replied.

"Not really." Sunny replied next.

"Don't worry," Pipp assured as she and the girls went near the kitchen area, "I'll teach you everything you need to know, how to smile, how to stand, how to sit, how to 'smize' when you can't stand or smile."

"Smize?" Hitch echoed.

"Smiling with your eyes." Pipp replied with her eyes going wide and cheerful.

"You try." Pipp replied but when Hitch tried it all she saw were very weird faces.

"Oh…” Pipp said while feeling weird out by Hitch attempted to smile with his eyes. “Or maybe, just try to work on standing still, then you won't look nervous." She suggested as Sunny and Hitch went behind the counter.

"Me? Nervous?” Sunny asked with a smirk. “I'm a smoothie making master! This is easy peasy lemon-squeezy." Sunny grinned while Hitch fumbled with a lemon and landed on Pipp's right ear accessory.

Sunset then came over with a speaker set on her head. “That is if Hitch can handle it.” She said after seeing the lemon feel on Pipp’s accessory.

"Sorry, Pipp!” Hitch apologized while feeling uncertain about this. “Maybe that's a sign Sunny should just host the show by herself or maybe Sunset should do it with her? I mean, remember how bad I was when I ran the smoothie cart with Sunset? And that was without anypony watching on TV." He suggested that Pipp got the lemon out of her right ear accessory and put it on the counter.

“You know, he does have a point. And he made terrible smoothies to be honest.” Sunset added in agreement when that time Hitch and Sunny switched places when their cutie marks were switched. “No offense, Hitch.” She quickly added.

“None taken.” Hitch assured, knowing that he is bad at making smoothies.

"Oh. pssh. You'll be great, Hitch.” Sunny waved off that Hitch will do great with her by his side. “Just pretend you're giving a Sheriff speech and follow my lead." She assured him, however Hitch's eye slightly twitched and that was only seeing Zipp, Pipp, Izzy and Sunset in the room.

Hitch muttered awkwardly before placing his hoof on the table with his elbow on the table but he knocked over a bowl of lemons and went to catch them but only fumbled with them. "Ow.” He said.

“Good thing we’re not on yet, or that would’ve been embarrassing.” Sunset commented with a smile and a chuckle before giving a smirk as she turned away from the two to look at the others. “And a chance for Sunny and Hitch to do something together with their moment.” She muttered quietly with a chuckle as the others chuckled as well.

“We heard that, Sunset!” Both Sunny and Hitch called out as the two started blushing from her teasing.

Sunset and the others then started laughing from the tease as the two Earth Ponies looked at each other before giving a sheepish chuckle as they blushed and looked away.

Back at Opaline’s Castle, Misty is still in her room while her hooves are still stuck to the ground as she tries to break free, but doesn't budge so far.

“‘Worst punishment yet.’” Misty repeated as she complained about being grounded by Opaline. “This is nothing. I’ll get out of this!” She encouraged herself with a smile as she grunted again to break free, but then she gasped as she saw her phone on the top shelf. “Oh…” She said as she had an idea.

Misty looked around as she picked up a straw with her teeth as she tried to move her phone. “Ah…” She groaned, but barely moved her phone as the straw hit her in the face and she spitted it out. Misty then tried to use her to reach her phone but couldn’t get it closer with her hooves stuck to the ground as she moved her tail. She then tried to use her horn to move her phone as she strained a bit to get a reach on it, but could barely move it.

“Oh!” Misty groaned in frustration as she looked down at her flank. “If only I had my Cutie Mark, I could use Unicorn powers. Right?” She asked herself as she then tried to break free.

But then without knowing, Misty’s horn begins to spark up as magic flows out of it and goes to her right hoof, freeing it from Opaline’s magical grasp as Misty looked down in surprise at that.

“Ha! Well, better than nothing.” Misty said with a smile, not knowing that she did magic as she then used her free hoof to try and reach her phone again.

Outside of the Dark Castle in a foggy forest, Opaline was panting heavily as she walked through the woods.

"Oh, I must be getting close!" Opaline tried to fly but she was too weak now. "Ugh! All that sitting around and scheming in the castle has got me out of shape! Ha, ha! I really must have Misty set up a home gym. Hmm."

Opaline walked to a small lake and stared at her reflection, "No Dragonfire yet? No problem! For now, I'll just find the one item that will harness its power even better. Sure this plan has a high chance of wiping out all of the pony magic in Equestria forever but as the fillies say today, NMP." Opaline leaped over the lake before she continued on, "Not my problem." She gave an evil laugh as she continued on her way.

What she knew was an invisible Discord clone was watching her from afar with narrowed eyes while the real Discord was secretly scurrying towards the Dark Castle.

Seeing Opaline’s Castle up close, made Discord shiver a bit but knowing Misty was inside it, made him press forth.

Back in Misty’s room, Misty strained as her magic finally broke free from the rest of Opalines' bounds.

Misty just stood there in surprise that she is now free, thinking she is free by strength when she didn’t know that she used magic as she smiled and then giggled as she grabbed her phone.

"Opaline thinks she's so powerful and magical. But she's no match for my hooves." Misty bragged acting cool but a squeak was heard and she yelped, jumped back and into her bed bag but it was only the magical mouse which scurried off. "And speaking of magic, let's see what those ponies are up to?" Misty climbed out of bed and picked up her phone and watched a live video with an intro with Sunny’s face on it.

Without knowing, Discord is at the front of her door while being invisible as he watches Misty on her phone from her room through the door.

At the Canterlove Studios, the rest of the Mane 6 are aiming the camera at Sunny and Hitch as they begin the show.

“Three, two, one.” Pipp said as Izzy used a clapper board to give the signal as Zipp aimed the camera while Sunset was next to them. “And… we’re on!” She announced.

The music starts playing as the lights are shining as the camera aims at Hitch and Sunny, while Sunny is smiling happily at the camera while Hitch looks nervous as he gulps nervously.

“Welcome to Sunny Side Up!” Sunny said to the viewers. “I’m Sunny and this is Hitch, coming to you live from Canterlove Studios…” She greeted herself and Hitch as Hitch gave a nervous smile. “...and we’re gonna tell you what’s up with making delicious food from home!” She cheered with a wide smile as she turned to Hitch. “Isn’t that right, Hitch?” She asked Hitch with a smile.

Hitch just stood there with an awkward face while smiling nervously as he then started making weird faces while making babbling sounds while still making weird faces.

Sunset gave an amusing expression as she quietly chuckled. “Hitch’s stage fright reaction is just really funny. I gotta rewatch that moment later.” She quietly said as she found Hitch’s stage fright reaction really funny, and something she found differently when Fluttershy had her stage fright, which she can tell runs in the family since Hitch is her descendant.

“Uh, yeah… you said it.” Sunny awkwardly said before looking at the camera as she continued. “Today, we’re going to be making Pearnana Delights!” She said as she bent down and grabbed a Pearnana from her side while talking to Hitch through her teeth. “Remember what we talked about Hitch. Just follow me!” She reminded him as she brought up two bowls, one with some fruits and the other with some ice. “First, we’re gonna grab as many chopped Pearnanas you believe are going to delight your morning!” She started as she twirled around to her blender and dumped some chopped Pearnanas into it.

Hitch then came next to her in confusion. “Wait, is that one hoof-full or two?” He asked. “The recipe says--” He tried to explain but Sunny kept going.

“Then, add enough ice to your heart’s desire!” Sunny said next with a smile as she poured some ice into the blender.

“Wait, how much is that?” Hitch asked as he was holding three bowls of ice while pouring some in the blender.

Sunset facehooved herself. “Oh, Celestia. Hasn't he learned from the Cutie Mark switch that just follow your heart and not follow the rules?” She questioned quietly as Hitch’s law instinct kicked in again like that time at the smoothie stand.

Sunny kept smiling as she moved her hoof around. “Then swirl in a secret ingredient with your eyes closed, so it’s a surprise, especially to you!” She cheered as she closed her eyes and held out a bowl of cookies as she poured some in the blender.

“What?!” Hitch asked in confusion as he looked at the blender.

“Now, chop up your favorite fruit!” Sunny cheered as she poured some more fruit in the blender.

“Sunny, slow down!” Hitch cried as he held out two different kinds of fruit on his hoof.

Sunny then put in an apple in her blender, while Hitch screamed as he was somehow juggling five apples for some reason as he finally placed them in the blender as he sighed in relief.

Sunny then places a chopped mushroom in the blender with her eyes closed while Hitch then starts putting in more fruit and other things like cinnamon into the blender as he is having trouble keeping up.

“Sunny, stop closing your eyes while you’re operating a blender!” Hitch called out as Sunny turned her blender on, and then Hitch slipped on an apple and he started skiing across the floor. “Wah! Sunny, watch out!” He cried out while holding the bowl of fruit.

Sunny opened her eyes and saw Hitch coming towards her as Hitch hit the blender face first, which caused the smoothie contents to spill out and splash them onto Sunny as Hitch gasped in shock at what he did.

Zipp and Pipp gasped from that.

“Woah.” Izzy said in shock from seeing that as well.

Sunset was wide eyes from that. “Oh crud.” She said in shock.

Hitch backed away as he got Sunny all messy by mistake.

“Hitch! That pearnana juice went right into my eye!” Sunny cried out as her right eye was shut to keep the pearnana juice from entering it as she placed a hoof over her eye.

Hitch felt guilty as he came up to Sunny and placed his hooves on her face to try and get the smoothie off her. “Aw, Sunny I’m so sorry…” He tried to apologize, but his hoof stepped on a bottle as he tripped and fell on Sunny as the two Earth Ponies fell to the floor together with a crash.

Pipp gasped from that. “Guys, get it together!” She called out.

Sunset gave a look to Pipp from that. “Seriously, Pipp? You’re only focusing on the show?” She questioned while feeling annoyed that Pipp is worried about the show instead of showing concern to their friends.

Before Pipp could respond from that, she looked at her laptop and saw emojis, likes and comments appearing on the video that shows Sunny and Hitch on the floor together while Sunny is laying on her stomach while Hitch is on her back as Hitch had a hard time getting up before he fell on Sunny again.

“Oh, uh, keep up the great stuff!” Pipp called out with a smile, changing her mind as she had a feeling this might be great.

“What?” Sunset questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh…” Sunny simply said before she faced the camera again with an embarrassing smile, which caused Hitch to fly off Sunny’s back. “Uh, that’s okay! Um, falling is part of the recipe!” She said nervously while walking back to the desk as she giggled.

Hitch tried to walk up to her, but then he tripped. “Ah!” He called out as he fell to the floor and groaned as he got some fruit on his face as he picked one off him.

Sunny just laughed playfully at Hitch, finding that funny. Hitch then had an idea as he smiled mischievous at Sunny as he grabbed some more fruit as Sunny kept laughing.

Sunny stopped laughing as she realized what Hitch was thinking when he saw his expression. “You wouldn’t dare.” She said in a playful serious tone and a playful glare expression, knowing what Hitch is about to do.

Hitch then starts throwing fruit at Sunny as she gives a startled scream as Hitch starts laughing playfully. And then both Earth Ponies started laughing together as they each tossed some food at each other as they started a food fight.

“Food love fight.” Sunset teased with a chuckle at Sunny and Hitch playing with each other.

Pipp looked at her phone with an excited smile as more emojis are popping up as Hitch and Sunny kept playfully throwing food at each other as Sunny throw some food at Hitch, Hitch found some whipped cream as he shook it, having a thought with a playful smirk.

The ponies that are watching the show from their phones watches in amusement with Sunny and Hitch playing with each other in a food fight as the sound can be heard that Hitch is spraying whipped cream on Sunny as the two ponies laughed at each other while ponies like Dahlia, Toots, an Earth Pony mare in Maretime Bay, the Pippsqueaks, Glory, Seashell and Peach Fizz in Bridlewood, and in Mane Melody where Jazz and Rocky along with two other ponies are watching the show on their phones as they find this really amusing.

Back at the Canterlove Studio, Sunny and Hitch are still having food fights with each other.

But then Sunny slipped on some smoothie juice that fell on the floor as she skidded across the room until she hit the wall before she fell to the floor on her back as her friends laughed their guts out as she gave a playful smile at them, finding it really funny.

“Haha! Nice slide, Sunny! Really good impact!” Sunset said through laughter, even she couldn’t keep a straight face.

Sunny laughed with her friends. “Yeah. It is funny.” She said through laughter.

At Misty’s room, Misty laughed at the messed up too while watching on her phone before she gasped.

"If they're there, then that means they're not watching Sparky and I can grab the Dragonfire after all!" Misty said with a grin as she got off of her bed bag. "And then Opaline won't doubt my loyalty!" Misty drew her fake cutie mark on her left side. “Just in case I’m spotted!” She said and laughed.

Discord is still watching Misty while invisible, at first he laughed at the video as well before he focused on Misty’s plan again.

"Ooh, this is gonna be great!" However, Misty forgot Opaline magically confined her to her room as the shield on her doorway forced her back inside. "Or it couldn't possibly be that easy." She muttered she said to Madame Tail.

Discord cringe when Misty hit the shield, having not noticed that as well as he shook his head in sympathy to her.

Somewhere in the forest, Opaline pulled apart some large leaves and saw a mountain covered in blue crystal in the distance and she gasped with a smile.

"Dragonstone! Just like I remembered." Opaline said with an evil smile. At the top of the mountain hovering in between two of the largest blue crystals was an odd looking stone with a green gem in the bottom of it. "And the magic's return has begun to activate it, just as I hoped! Once I add Dragonfire to it, it will be unstoppable and so will I!" She then gave an evil laugh at the thought.

Back at Canterlove Studios, Hitch and Sunny finished their food fighting as they looked really tired as the whole studio was a mess as they started cleaning up.

Sunny grunted as she got a piece of fruit out of her ear, which somehow got there, Hitch picked up the blender as Izzy is sweeping the floor while levitating a broom with a cheerful smile while Sparky is chomping on some lose fruit on the floor while Izzy is humming before she look at Sparky with a smile.

“Oh! Found some floor food? Yum!” Izzy cheered, but before she could join Sparky into eating the floor food, Hitch’s voice called out.

“Sparky, don’t eat food off the floor!” Hitch lectured.

“Aww.” Izzy said in disappointment while Sparky whimpered.

Sunset throws a pencil at Hitch. “Ow!” He called out as he rubbed his head.

“Hitch, he’s a dragon. I doubt it would harm him. I know a certain dragon who does that and has a weird diet.” Sunset pointed out while giving Hitch a stern look.

Twilight appeared from the necklace as she looked at Hitch. “And yes. Spike has eaten weirder things before. And some of them I wish to forget, and disturbingly gross ones, that I learned that dragons have tough stomachs.” She added, while remembering when Spike eats weird food and somehow kept them down while feeling gross out about it.

“Really?” Hitch asked in surprise.

“Yes/Yes.” Both Twilight and Sunset said at the same time.

“Great!” Izzy cheered as Sparky started eating again, before Izzy about it ate hers, Sunset yelled out.

“Izzy, no!” Sunset yelled as Izzy turned to her. “Trust me, you don’t want to do that.” She added with a straight face.

“Aww.” Izzy said in disappointment.

Sunny and Hitch then went back to cleaning up as Pipp looked at the laptop and saw only a couple of emojis showing as she then exclaimed dramatically.

“We’re losing them. Let’s mix it up!” Pipp cried out dramatically as she flew off.

“What?” Sunset asked in confusion.

“Now do a recipe with these bags of mystery ingredients!” Pipp called out as she came back with a bag of food. With a smirk before she spread her wings in another thought. “Oh! Oh! And the winner becomes cooking royalty!” She held out a royal staff and crown.

Pipp tossed the staff to Sunny while throwing the crown at Hitch, which hit him in the head. “Oof!” He called out from the throw.

“Pipp…” Sunset tried to speak but Pipp kept going as she came from behind Sunny and Hitch.

“And maybe, maybe Sunny instructs Hitch blindly as he cooks! Ooh, I like it!” Pipp exclaimed as he brought out a bed mask and put it on Hitch.

“Huh? Um…” Hitch asked in confusion while looking around with the bed mask on.

“What?” Sunny asked in shock. “I really don’t think this is a good idea.” She pointed out, not wanting to do those ideas, especially doing that to Hitch.

Hitch waved his hoof around while the bed mask still covered his eyes as he gave a small smile. “Well, I’m really starting to get a hang of this whole hosting thing and I think it’s a great idea!” He cheered before he then walked by Sunny blindly, who raised an eye by Hitch’s words. “But if you wanna sit this one out, Sunny, I’m happy to host solo.” He suggested.

“But the show is called ‘Sunny Side Up’.” Sunny pointed out.

“Yeah, isn't Sunny the star here?” Sunset questioned the others with a raised eyebrow.

Pipp then came up next to Sunny. “She is, and pretty soon it’ll be called, ‘It’s Over’!” She yelled dramatically as she shook Sunny.

Sunset then got between them as she pushed Pipp away from Sunny. “Pipp, cut it out! You are being dramatic again!” She lectured.

“But guys, we gotta recapture the magic and do it fast!” Pipp reasoned.

“Pipp, this is not your show! This is Sunny’s!” Sunset yelled out as Pipp flinched from that.

“What?” Pipp asked in surprise.

“This whole thing was your idea and we didn’t even discuss this, but instead, you just rushed off without us planning together and doing things your way.” Sunset pointed out while giving a firm look to Pipp. “We’re supposed to show ponies how to use Canterlove Studios and how it’s gonna be, not making a show of your dreams.”

“But, this is gonna work. And the viewers are…” Pipp tried to explain but was cut off.

“We’re not doing a show of your dreams for the rest of our lives, Pipp!” Sunset yelled sternly, which quieted Pipp as Sunset calmed down. “And instead of doing what Sunny planned, you are doing what you planned of what the show’s purpose is and made it into an entertaining show where Hitch and Sunny are embarrassing themselves for comedy, this is not how it’s supposed to be.” She added as Pipp looked down in guilt. “Granted they love this show, but because they love comedy, they don’t understand the true purpose for this. So at this point on, I’m in charge.” She said sternly.

“But Sunset…” Pipp tried to reason.

“No buts.” Sunset said sternly. “We’re going to do this right and we’re going to make this show have a purpose.” She added as Pipp slowly looked down and nodded her head in understanding.

Hitch kept walking as he tripped to the stage and fell to the floor. “Ow.” He said.

“Ugh!” Pipp groaned from this.

“We’re gonna have to plan this out.” Sunset said with a sigh as she rubbed her head.

At the Dark Castle in Misty’s room, Misty is still looking at her phone as she sighs as the show continues, Discord hears Misty’s sigh as he feels bad for her.

“Welcome back to ‘Sunny Side Up’, where my co-chef Hitch will be baking Cinnamon-Raisin Fruity Cutie Cookies!” Sunny announced through the phone while Hitch got up while finding his way around with the bed mask on his face.

Pipp pleaded Sunset to let her have one more show before she does it her way, with a little begging and puppy eyes, Sunset conceded and let Pipp have another chance, which they’ll learn soon enough about the true purpose of your own show.

At the studio, Sunny continued the show while Hitch found the table.

“He’ll be cooking blindly while I… instruct him?” Sunny said uncertainty as she turned to Pipp, who was waving her hoof to keep going. And then Sunny looks at Sunset, who has her hooves crossed while shaking her head at this, finding it not the way they would have planned and what Sunny would’ve wanted. Sunny then gave a down expression as she remembered what Sunset told Pipp. “You know what? I can’t.” She said as she shook her head.

The rest of the Mane 6 looked at Sunny in surprise by her words while Sunset had a smile forming, knowing that Sunny has learn the lesson first.

Hitch lifted his bed mask up as he looked at Sunny in surprise. “Sunny? What are you doing?” He asked in surprise.

“I’ll tell you what we’re not doing, a cooking show!” Sunny pointed out while gesturing to the messy stage around them. “Sunset is right. Look at this place. Look at us. How did we become such a mess?” She questioned as she looked down a bit before she continued. “Ever since we just started trying to follow likes, I totally lost track of what’s most important.” She said as she faced the camera with a smile. “You wanna know what I love about being a chef? What I thought this show would be about?” She asked her friends and the viewers.

At the Dark Castle, Misty and Discord are listening to Sunny’s speech through the phone as she continues.

“It’s a way to let loose and break free of expectations!” Sunny continued as Misty and Discord began to smile at her words.

“Cooking is great to get out of a rut!” Sunny added as Hitch took off his bed mask as he and the others listened to Sunny’s words. “Like if you’ve lost your way or if you’re stuck.” She added before she gave a look at Pipp. “Especially if the reason that you’re stuck is because somepony’s keeping you there against your will pushing you to do something you don’t think is right!” She added while giving a look to Pipp.

Misty eyes widen at Sunny’s words as she can relate when she suddenly feel that way with Opaline while Discord feels more sympathy for the unicorn as they listen to the phone.

Back at Canterlove Studios, Pipp gave an awkward chuckle from that, knowing that Sunny is talking about her and about what she been doing to her and Hitch the whole show as Sunset nodded in agreement with Sunny while giving a stern look to Pipp.

“Okay, maybe that was a little over-dramatic.” Sunny admitted with a sheepish chuckle as Hitch smiled back at her. “But, if you’re going through something like that, well, cooking is a great way for you to reclaim your power.” She said as she grabbed a leaf from the table and placed it in a smoothie as she continued. “Quit doing things you don’t want to do just to make everypony else happy, and simply be yourself!” She said with a smile.

“So, to everypony watching, it’s time to start believing in yourself.” Sunny continued as Misty began to smile as she was inspired by Sunny’s words as Discord smiled at Misty’s spirit being lifted up.

“And every dish, desert, or Pearnana Delight you make, no matter if you followed the recipe or improvised your own, has the power to be delicious and unique.” Sunny continued while shaking the smoothie in her hoof as she gave a smile to Hitch as he smiled back as the two unicorns looked at the camera together. “Just like you.” She finished with a wink as she took a sip of her smoothie.

Hitch’s eyes widen from that as he knows which smoothie that is. “Sunny, wait! No!” He called out but it was too late.

Sunny’s eyes widened from the taste of the smoothie as she spit it out in disgust, which hit Hitch’s as he gave a shock expression from that as Sunny started coughing from the terrible taste. “O my…” She managed to say before she started coughing again for a moment. “Except when it’s a cup full of sour ingredients your co-host threw at you earlier.” She managed to say with a small smile as she gestured to Hitch, who gave a sheepish smile as he slowly waved at the camera. “Blech.” She said in disgust.

Hitch just gave a small chuckle at Sunny as he gave her a towel, which Sunny accepted as she smiled back at Hitch.

At Misty’s room, Misty saw the whole thing as she thought of what Sunny just said as she is taking her words by heart.

“She… she’s right.” Misty said as Sunny’s words are true since the very thing is happening to her with Opaline. “The reason I’ve been failing my missions for Opaline lately is because I…” She stopped for a sec as she continued. “I don’t want to succeed.” She admitted.

Discord was surprised by Misty’s words as he was moved by Sunny’s words as well as he now learned why Misty hasn’t gotten Sparky yet and why she kept failing, because she doesn’t want to.

“I… I don’t want to take away the ponies’ power.” Misty added as she continued. “I focus so much on trying to please her, to try and follow her every order that I never once asked myself what I wanted.” She said as she gave a down expression. “I never once… thought to believe in myself.” She finished.

Discord felt more sorry for Misty as she had never thought for herself while following Opaline’s orders as he felt bad for Misty not believing herself in thinking she can do what she wants to do.

Misty then gave a determined look as she jumped off her bed bag. “I’ve got to find a way out of this!” She declared as she tried to find a way to escape while Discord smiled at Misty spirit’s rising.

At Dragonstone, Opaline began scaling the mountain blasting rocks out the way with her magic out of annoyance.

“Ugh!” Opaline growled as she blessed a pile of rocks in the past, she continued her walk as she nearly tripped on a rock. "Ugh, this hike is atrocious!” She complained before her trip. “Ah!” She yelped as she regained her balance as she continued up the mountain. “Why does every magical thing have to be precariously perched on a hill with stuff in the way?” She asked herself as she then blasted another pile of rocks with her magic as she groaned a bit as she panted a bit in exhaustion as she dusted herself off. “HERE'S AN IDEA! BURY YOUR MAGIC THING WITHIN HOOVES REACH!" She yelled out in complaint to the mountain.

“Opaline has been lying to me from the moment we met! I knew something was off when I found out Earth Ponies didn't have laser eyes." Misty said as she paced around her room before she went to her tiny chest and let out the contents including the picture of them all together, "All they ever treated me with was Kindness. The Kindness I deserve."

Misty began putting her small amount of items into her own saddlebag, "But is this really the right move Taffytail? This is the only life I've ever known. But maybe that's even more reason to go out there and experience more of it." She explained.

Back at Canterlove Studios, the others are now going to take a break from the filming.

“And that’s a cut to commercial!” Pipp called out.

Zipp laughed from that as Izzy dropped the clapper board. “And maybe when we’re back, can we actually have you guys make some food?” She asked with a smile.

“We are getting hungry.” Sunset added with a chuckle.

Hitch was setting up for the next part while Sunny sighed and looked at him.

"Hitch, I think we really need to talk. All I wanted was to be a great chef and an inspiration." Sunny began as the pair walked together for a bit, "But everything got out of control. When I made that big speech about needing to be myself, it made me realize that you needed to be yourself too." Hitch stopped and Sunny walked in front of him. "You were so nervous and instead of encouraging you to do things your own way, I let us both get caught up in all this chaos. I'm sorry, can you forgive me?"

"Sunny...I'm shocked." Hitch replied.

"Look Hitch, I already said sorry you don't have to rub it in." Sunny said.

"No, No 'Forgive you'? Sunny, this has been an awesome day!” Hitch pointed out with a wide smile. “Sure, I didn't actually learn how to cook from the master, and I'm pretty sure nopony at home did either.” He added as he circled around Sunny and nudged her, which made Sunny giggled in response. “But I had a great time! It actually reminded me of how we used to play as kids in Grandma Figgy's kitchen. Our food fights were epic, right?" She asked with a smile.

Sunny laughed. "How could I forget?" She questioned with a smile.

Hitch and Sunny shared a laugh before Hitch went over to her computer.

"And besides, you're a great chef and an inspiration." Hitch turned Pipp's computer around and played the video of their food fight. "You certainly inspired me to get over my stage fright! The food fight helped with that too. Maybe if we met in the middle, we'd create a show we both wanted to make?"

"One that celebrates both of our strengths." Sunny agreed.

At Dragonstone, Opaline finally made it to the top as she leaped from crystal to crystal and she saw the Dragonstone Crystal.

"But Opaline you shouldn't. Do you really want to seize the most powerful crystal in all of Equestria for your own selfishness?" Opaline talked to herself before she laughed. "Oh, that was a good one. Why am I so funny when nopony else is around."

Opaline used her magic and grabbed the Dragonstone Crystal, but it suddenly fell down into a chasm, “Noooo!” Opaline cried. “Magic, retrieve it!” Opaline tried her magic but it was weakened now. "Ugh…” She groaned as she looked up and saw the sun setting as she gave a sigh. “I’ll be back." Opaline turned to head back to the Dark Castle.

What she didn't know was that the Discord clone looked at the Dragonstone with a mischievous grin before it did a snap of its fingers made an exact copy of the Dragonstone while putting a magical shield around it.

"And another thing! Other Unicorns aren't trying to trick me," Misty ranted on in her room. “... though there was that one time Izzy blindfolded me and forced me to hit a weird thing called a 'pine-a-tah'." Misty sighed and sat on her bed bag. "Hmm. Oh I'm so confused. Okay think. Let's focus on the facts. Opaline lied to me and I still don't have a Cutie Mark. Maybe I never will."

Misty finally made up her mind at that moment, "Okay, then it's settled! I'm finally leaving Opaline for good." Misty decided. "Now I just have to figure out how." She said as she stare at the shield on her doorway

Misty looked at the confined shield of her room while Discord gave a smile at that Misty changed her mind as he snapped his fingers to free Misty, but for some reason, the shield is still there, which made Discord go wide-eyed from that. Discord snapped his fingers so much that he nearly got a cramp, realizing his magic can’t counter Opaline’s, which means that he can’t free Misty.

Back at the Canterlove Studio, the Mane 6 are about to continue the show.

“Three, two, one, and we’re back!” Zipp called out as Izzy levitated the clipboard upside down as they began to film again.

Sunny and Hitch smiled at the camera as Sunny spoke first. “Welcome back to ‘Sunny Side Up’! I’m Sunny.” She greeted

“And I’m Hitch.” Hitch greeted next with a salute.

“And we’re finally gonna tell you what’s up with today’s Pearnana Delights recipe.” Sunny said next as Hitch lifted up his blender as he placed it on the table as she held up a bowl of chopped up pearnanas. “Now before, I mentioned grabbing as many chopped Pearnanas as you believe will delight your morning, but to be more specific, that’s about a cup and a half.” She explained as she poured some in her blender, wanting to be specific for Hitch to understand better.

Hitch then spoke next as he held up two bowls of fruits. “And before, I started slinging fruit when I got frustrated.” He said with a small smile in amusement as he poured the entire thing of the two bowls into the ball. “When really, I should’ve been more patient and clear with my follow-up questions.” He quickly said.

Sunny and Hitch smiled at each other as they gave each other side hugs as they face the camera with smiles on their faces.

Sunset then smiled at the two Earth Ponies, glad that things are working out and that they are following along together as she turned to Pipp, who is looking at her laptop as she saw emojis appearing less than last time.

“Guys! Our viewership is plummeting!” Pipp dramatically cried out. “You two getting along is not compelling television. What should we do?” She questioned.

“We’re not gonna do anything, Pipp.” Sunset answered while still watching the two Earth Ponies with a smile.

“What?!” Pipp asked in shock.

Zipp came to her sister with a smile. “Yeah, we’re gonna do nothing at all, Pipp. This is the real ‘Sunny Side Up’.” She answered as they watched Hitch and Sunny making smoothies in sync. “Sure, the numbers aren’t as high as when they were hurling whipped cream at each other.” She started.

And then Izzy came to them while eating some whipped cream from the can. “But it’s sweeter! Simpler!” She added as she accidentally spit some whipped cream on Zipp, who wiped it off from her face.

“The way it should’ve been from the very beginning.” Pipp said in realization as she now realizes that this should’ve been like this at the start instead of doing comedy while wanting big viewers as her friends smiled at her.

“Yeah, Pipp.” Sunset nodded with a smile. “While we may want big viewers, we need to do what we planned and what we all equally wanted to do in a show instead of doing something we don’t want to do. We wanted to make it simple and clear while also following the script, not just randomly funny out of the blue.” She added, having experience when she and the Rainbooms were chosen to play as the Power Ponies character before Juniper was caught and kicked out when she stole a relic product.

Pipp thought of what Sunset said as she sighs with a smile. “Yeah, I guess I just wanted more views for this show, that I got carried away for the true purpose of filming a show. I’m sorry, Sunset. I guess I overdid it again.” She apologized.

“That’s okay, Pipp.” Sunset said with a smile as she placed a wing over on Pipp’s back. “Filming something is your thing, so I don’t blame you for wanting to get more views. But next time, how about explaining it to us before you rush off again?” She asked with a smirk.

Pipp gave a sheepish chuckle in response. “I’ll try.” She said with a small smile.

Sunny and Zipp are sipping each other smoothies as they are enjoying it.

“Hm! This is delicious!” Hitch said as he smiled at his smoothie.

“Thanks so much for tuning in, everypony!” Sunny said to the camera.

And then the ponies who were watching the show are still on their phone as they listen to Sunny, from Maretime Bay, Bridlewood and Mane Melody with the Pippsqueaks, Glory, Seashell and Peach Fizz, Dahlia, Toots, the pink Earth Pony mare and Rocky and Jazz with the two Earth Pony stallions watching it.

“But before we go, we want to say something.” Sunny said as it got the viewers surprised by that.

“This will be our first and last ‘Sunny Side-Up’ broadcast.” Hitch spoke next, which surprised the viewers about the news as they began to smile. “Thank you all for tuning in today. The ups, the downs….” He continued.

“The Pearnanas that we’ll be cleaning up for weeks!” Sunny spoke next before a pearnana fell from above as Sunny and Hitch looked at it between them before they looked at each other with a smile as they laugh together.

“But we hope it inspired everypony to come down to Canterlove Studios and join in on the fun.” Hitch said as he and Sunny tapped each other smoothies as they sip some again.

“Ah!” Sunny sighs at the taste after the sip with a smile.

“And cut!” Zipp called out.

“That’s a rap, ponies!” Sunset called out while clapping her hooves with a smile as she, Zipp and Izzy ran up to Hitch and Sunny.

“That was brilliant!” Izzy happily cheered.

“That was actually very educational!” Zipp added.

“It was very inspiring as well!” Sunset added with a wide smile.

Pipp looked back and forth in a shock expression as she spoke. “That was… a great save, ponies!” She cheers with a smile as she spreads her wings as she looks at her clipboard. “Now, are you sure you don’t wanna do an encore?!” She asked eagerly as she flew to them. “I’ve already got amazing ideas for merch!” She said as she then had a thought. “Oh! Maybe we tie-dye shirts to look like they’re stained with Pearnanas?” She suggested.

Before Pipp could go any further, Izzy brought out her phone as she saw something that made her smile wide. “Whoa, whoa, hold everything!” She called out as she levitated her phone to show Sunny and Hitch something as she moved it close to them. “Everypony in Maretime Bay just signed up!” She revealed as the others are surprised by this. “Looks like the studio is now fully booked for the next six months.” She added with her cheery smile as she showed the calendar on her phone with ‘X’s marked on it, meaning that Canterlove Studios is now booked for that long.

“Wow, that was fast. And talk about busy television plans.” Sunset commented with a chuckle that Canterlove Studios will be pretty busy for a while and how quick ponies signed up for it.

“Mn, probably for the best.” Zipp said as she turned to Hitch and Sunny with a smile. “You two wouldn’t be able to top that episode, anyway.” She added.

“Yeah, that show was so great and inspiring that it taught us a lesson in it. And when you two work together, you both sync up and work as one.” Sunset added with a proud smile.

Sunny and Hitch smiled at their friends from that as they looked at each other as they smiled to one another as they gave each other light blush on their cheeks.

At the Dark Castle, Misty is still venting out her words.

“From this moment on, I make my own choices! From this moment on, I make my own friends! from this moment on-“ Misty ranted before she heard Opaline trying to cackle. “Can’t let Opaline know I said that!” Misty quickly put up her saddlebags and his Madam Taffytail before standing in place to make Opaline think she was still confined to the ground.

Opaline cough again as she tried to clear her throat as she then did her evil laugh again but she coughed again. “Come on! My cackle used to be my greatest quality!” She said before she gave a chuckle. “That’s a lie, every quality is my greatest quality.” She said with a small smile as she used her magic to make the shield on Misty’s doorway to vanish as she walked into Misty’s room. “Misty….somethings different.” Opaline started as she walked past Misty and to the window. “I’ve grown more enchanted in the past few hours.” She said while looking through her reflection.

Misty quietly let out a sigh of relief while Discord listened in while still being invisible.

“I hope you thought hard about your failure while I was gone.” Opaline said as she faced Misty.

“I have and I will.” Misty said before she realizes what she said. “I mean I won’t fail you again.” She quickly corrected herself, not wanting Opaline to know what she said.

“Okay, okay. Easy.” Opaline quickly said. “You don’t have to spit on me while you grovel.” She pointed out as Misty looked down a bit before Opaline came closer to her. “Misty, dear. I hope you know why I’m so hard on you because I believe in you.” She said as she placed a hoof on Misty’s cheeks, which Discord can tell that Opaline is playing tricks on her as he glares at her. “I see so much of the young pony I once was: strong. Determined. Destined for greatness. But that doesn’t come easy.” She said while acting concerned to Misty as she placed a hoof on Misty’s cheeks while acting all motherlike. “You understand, right?” She asked with a small smile.

Misty thought of what Opaline just said as she spoke. “I do.” She said, which made Discord widen his eyes as he can tell Opaline tricked Misty again.

Opaline smiled at Misty from that. “Good.” She said as she used her magic to free Misty, she didn't know that Misty was already free as the Evil Alicorn walked out the door.

“Woo! Oh, thank you, Opaline!” Misty cheered while acting like she was free as she moved her hooves around. “I am now free! Oh! It is great to be free!” She fake cheered as she hopped around the room before walking out with Opaline as she gave a nervous chuckle.

Discord stayed invisible as he followed the two ponies to the throne room as Opaline summoned an image of the Dragonstone crystal from her cauldron, which made Discord gasp quietly from that before he made is way out of the castle quietly.

“And I’ve been busy as well. Very busy.” Opaline said as she showed Misty the Dragonstone. “I’ve located it.”

“It’s beautiful.” Misty said in awed.

“It’s immaculate!” Opaline added loudly with a smile before getting a straight face again. “But also, terribly stuck.” She added in her normal time as the image of the dragonstone faded. “Get plenty of rest tonight because in the morning, we galop.” She said with a spread of her wings. Misty then walked out of the throne room to get back to her room, but then Opaline said again. “But before we get started with all that…” She started with a smile.

Misty stopped as she turned back to Opaline with a smile. “Anything you need!” She quickly said.

“Mind telling me what that is?” Opaline asked with a smirk as she pointed to Misty’s fake Cutie Mark on her flank.

Misty gasped as she forgot about her fake Cutie Mark as she’s been caught in the act.

A little bit later, Discord reunited with his clone as it showed him the copy of the dragonstone he managed to get while the original was still on top of the mountain. After fusing back together with his clone. He made it back to the Brighthouse where he met Sunset and Twilight in the room they were discussing as he showed them the Dragonstone.

“A Dragonstone? That’s new.” Sunset said in surprise as he looked at the stone in interest.

“I’ve never heard of Dragonstone before. Or that if the dragons from the Dragon Lands back in the day knew about it. And I doubt Ember did as well.” Twilight stated since she never heard of the Dragonstone before or that Ember or the other dragons told them about it or that they knew about it.

“Well, it is something Opaline talked about.” Discord said while giving the information he learned today. “She said with it that she will become all-powerful.” He said in worry.

“And with the original still at the top of the mountain, there is still time.” Sunset stated. “What about Misty?” She asked in concern for the Unicorn.

“Misty is the first to know about it before Opaline got back. She was grounded and was thinking about her loyalty to Opaline after watching the show you ponies played, which by the way, was really great.” Discord said with a small smile, finding their show they put on great.

“Well, Sunny’s words were inspiring.” Sunset admitted before giving a concern look. “But I had a feeling that Misty is questioning about her royalty to Opaline about her Cutie Mark and doing the wrong thing.”

“It’s a sign that she must be planning on making the right choices for herself. That is great for her.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Heard it myself when I was spying on her.” Discord said with a smile before frowning. “But it looks like Opaline messed with her mind again with fake words. Misty was fortunate that her acting paid off.” He added.

“Then we better make sure Misty stays the right path she is trying to stay on.” Sunset said firmly. “If Misty wants to be free, we need to make sure she doesn’t fall on the wrong path so that she can have a better life.” She declared.

“Agreed.” Discord nodded in agreement.

“That’s right.” Twilight nodded as well.

“And until then, let’s find out more about this Dragonstone.” Sunset declared as she looked at the copy of the Dragonstone as Twilight and Discord followed her gaze, determined to know what this dragonstone does and what Opaline plans to do with it.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 4.

Chapter 4 Ep 5: The Manesquerade Ball

Chapter 4 Ep 5: The Manesquerade Ball

At Mane Melody, Kenneth was flying around before landing on the small roof only to be bumped around and chirped to the beat of All You Need Is Your Beat song before flying off.

Inside, Rocky and Jazz were getting the Mane 6 and Discord ready for The
Manesquerade Ball - a glamorous event in Zephyr Heights.

Dancing to the beat of the music, Rocky and Jazz used glitter spray paint on their hooves, manes, tails and eye shadow on the Mane 6 giving them beautiful new looks.

Zipp had the colors light blue and pink and her hooves had lightning bolts on them.

Pipp had the colors purple and yellow with a yellow stripe in her mane and tail while the top part of her wings were dyed white and her hooves had musical notes on them.

Sunny had the colors light blue and yellow to go with her light blue eyeshadow.

Izzy had glitter in her mane and tail and a purple stripe while her legs had light green and pink highlights with her green eyeshadow.

Sunset had glitter in her mane and tail as well and was given dark red and pale yellow eyeshadow and glitter spray.

Discord had a polka dotted tie for his get up for the Ball.

Meanwhile, Hitch, who had the colors lime green and pink on his hooves and mane, was looking in the magic mirror and using his phone to figure out which hoof design he wanted while Sparky, who had a red and white polka dotted bow, were off to the side, dancing and he finally found one called the Hoof Stars.

"Okay I saw this one look in the magic mirror that screams, 'Sheriff of the Town'." Hitch said as he went over to Jazz. "Can you do the Hoof stars?"

"Only if you plan on showing them off on the dancefloor tonight!" Jazz grinned.

"This is going to be the best Manesquerade Ball ever!" Pipp beamed as Izzy popped behind her chair.

"I can bel-izzle we're invited to the most glamouriffic event in Zephyr Heights!" Izzy grinned with excitement,

"Just wait until everpony at the ball see the Unity Dance I choreographed for us!" Sunny added to Zipp, who was reading a magazine while getting dressed up.

“This is gonna be one of the great special events similar to the Grand Galloping Gala back in my time.” Sunset said with a smile as she is interested in going to the ball like

"Hey Jazz." Izzy called and she leaped into another chair, "Can you do a glitter topcoat on my horn?!" She excitedly asked.

"You know how we do!" Jazz nodded before swiping her glitter spray bottle and performing the glitter top coat.

Rocky gasped. "My hoofness Jazz. You've done it again!"

Izzy turned around and Jazz gave her a mirror to see, Izzy gasped as her horn now covered in glitter green on it as it sparkled. "It's everything!" She grinned.

Jazz and Rocky are now doing Zipp’s mane as Rocky brushes her mane while Jazz spray some more glitter makeup on it.

Zipp feels uncomfortable about this. “Uh, you don’t really have to.” She said to them with a small smile.

“Of course we have to!” Rocky said.

“You’re going to the Zephyr Heights Manesquerade Ball!” Jazz pointed out with a wide smile as Rocky nodded in agreement. “Everypony that attents always looks beyond.” She added while holding her spray bottle while giving a thoughtful look.

“True.” Zipp admitted as she waved them off for doing more of her mane. “But shouldn’t you two be getting ready, then?” She asked with a smirk.

Both Jazz and Rocky were taken back by that. “Us?” They both asked in surprise.

Pipp then turned her as she smiled wide at them and pointed her hoof at the two stylish ponies. “Yes, you! You’re invited!” She sang as she brought out two invites.

Jazz and Rocky smiled wide from that. “Huh, I didn’t know we were invited!” Rocky said in excitement.

“Neither did I!” Jazz added in excitedly.

“What are we gonna wear?!” Rocky asked.

“I don’t know, but it’s gotta be beyond!” Jazz said as he grabbed Rocky by the shoulders and looked at him with her pupils widened in excitement.

“Beyond, beyond!” Rocky added as he placed his hooves on Jazz’s.

And then Jazz and Rocky then started hopping together as they squealed in excitement as they rushed off to get ready.

“Wow, those two sure take this seriously.” Sunset said with a small chuckle from Jazz and Rocky’s excitement.

“Yeah. That was something.” Zipp commented after seeing that.

Sunny looked at her reflection as she turned to the others. “Alright, selfie time!” She declared as she and the others, except for Zipp, huddled together.

Zipp is in front of her friends as she holds out her phone as she takes a selfie picture of the group.

“Does this feel like too much?” Izzy asked her friends about their makeup.

“‘Too much?’ Iz, Iz, Iz, it’s a big deal to be invited!” Pipp explained with a smile.

“Wow, I guess we’re gonna need more glitter then.” Izzy excitedly said with a wide smile.

“You and your glitters, Izzy.” Discord said with a chuckle, finding Izzy’s love for glitter adorable and funny.

Jazz and Rock came back while Jazz was holding some accessories. “How do we choose our looks?!” Jazz asked the others in worry.

“Easy!” Pipp said with a smile. “The only dress code is to wear what makes you fancy.” She explained while putting on a tiara accessory.

“And you have to wear a mask.” Zipp added as she held up a half mask that shaped like her cutie mark.

“Why?” Hitch asked in curiosity.

“The Manesquerade is the place to see and be seen, by ponies you can’t recognize, who don’t know who they are seeing!” Pipp explained to Hitch as she twirled around.

“Because everypony loves a mystery!” Zipp added as she turned to them with her mask on with a smile. “And speaking of mystery, Sunset, have you found out more about that stone?” She asked Sunset about the stone Discord brought back, while telling them about Opaline but leaving out Misty so that they wouldn’t shun her until Misty tells them herself since Misty is feeling conflicted about her friends and Opaline as it is.

“I’m hitting a dead end, Zipp.” Sunset said with a sigh. “Sunny’s father's research and his notes have nothing on that Dragonstone. It’s so old that I don’t think nopony ever thought to write it down.” She pointed out after studying the copy of the Dragonstone Discord cloned so they can find out more about it, but so far no luck.

“Even I don’t know about its origin. And I’m the oldest of this group and Lord of Chaos.” Discord commented.

“Hmm. That is tough.” Zipp said with a thoughtful expression.

“Let’s not worry about that now, let’s just enjoy the ball!” Pipp exclaimed as she spread her wings.

“Yeah! Everypony could use a break!” Izzy added with her cheerful smile.

“Are you ponies sure?” Sunset asked in uncertainty.

“I’m as worried about this Opaline as you are, Sunset.” Sunny said, after being told about Opaline, she is worried herself. “But a little break shouldn’t be bad from all that research you are doing. I’m sure nothing bad will happen while at the ball.” She assured her.

Sunset thought for a moment before she sighs. “Well, okay. Maybe one break wouldn’t hurt.” She said, finding it true, but is still worried about what Opaline is planning.

At the Dark Castle, Opaline and Misty were in the throne room together.

"I'm feeling rather generous today. So you are no longer grounded." Opaline told Misty, after having grounded her again after seeing that she broke free from her binds after seeing her fake cutie mark.

"Seriously? Thank you so much." Misty groveled with a smile, lowering herself onto her hooves.

"Yes… I should be thanked. It’s very impressive of me to trust you again." Opaline circled her daughter.

“It is!” Misty said to her.

Opaline then came in front of her. "But I also need to teach you a lesson." She continued as Misty gulped nervously. "You're not coming. You need to stay here and watch the lair while I go back and snag that slippery Dragonstone."

"This feels like a test." Misty muttered.

"Maybe it is a test. But maybe I trust you. The fact that you need to think about it should inform how you act…" Opaline quipped as she exited the room.

"Yeah… this is definitely a test. So I should stay here." Misty stated before pacing, thinking about her friends, "Even though, Opaline probably wouldn't know if I went to see my new friends." Misty looked back at the throne."But she would say some mean things to me if she found out." Misty turned around, "Then again, my friends don't say bad things to me. Why is every decision so hard?" Misty sat down with a sigh at her indecision. "I wonder what fun thing they're all doing right now?" She asked herself as she looked at the door.

At the Brighthouse, the Mane 6, Sparky and Discord are outside next to the Marestream while getting ready as Sparky babbles excitedly as he puts on a red polka dot bow tie.

Izzy then started passing out some masks for her friends. “Don’t forget your masks, everypony!” She said to them.

Sunny and Hitch put on their masks as they looked at each other with smiles as they laughed.

Izzy then gave a pair to Sunset and Discord as they looked at each other with chuckles as Izzy then gave one to Pipp, who was taking a selfie to her phone as she accepted the mask as Zipp came up carrying a basket with her teeth as she hummed happily.

Pipp turned to her sister in surprise that she was humming happily. “What’s your deal?” She asked in suspicion.

“I’m bringing some snacks onboard! Why?” Zipp quickly asked while looking at her sister.

“You’re happy.” Pipp pointed out with a small smirk. “You’re never happy when you’re forced to do something. And you’re usually especially unhappy about going to the Manesquerade Ball.” She pointed out since Zipp hates being forced to do something she doesn’t want to, and the Manesquerade Ball is one of those.

“That’s because…” Zipp started as she then whispered to her. “Sunset and I are planning to do a little more research on Alicorn magic in the palace library archives.” She explained as she then came to the other side of her sister while holding her mask. “In the secret section…” She finished with a smirk.

Pipp gasped in shock. “But that’s off limits!” She pointed out.

“That sounds interesting!” Misty called out as the others looked and saw Misty coming with a smile, having sneaked out of the castle to see what her friends were doing.

“Whoa!” Izzy spoke in surprise as she turned with a wide smile. “Misty! Eee!” She cheered as she jumped to Misty, giving her a tight hug.

“Ah!” Misty yelped in surprise by the strong hug as Izzy let go as Misty stood in surprise by that.

“What a fun surprise!” Izzy said cheerfully as Misty recompose herself as she chuckled.

“Where have you been?” Sunny asked as she and Sunset walked up to her. “We missed you.” She added with a smile.

“You’ve been gone for a while.” Sunset added, acting like she hadn’t seen Misty in a while, which is half true since she really hadn’t until Discord told her and Twilight about her, not wanting Misty to be suspicious of them.

“Yeah. We haven’t seen you in forever.” Sunny added.

“I know.” Misty said with a smile. “I had some stuff come up back at the lair--” She quickly stopped herself as she realized what she was about to say. “At-at home!” She quickly corrected as she gave a nervous chuckle. “I had stuff come up at home. I live at home in a house.” She finished with a smirk.

The Mane 6 and Discord, even Sparky and Izzy, look at Misty strangely from that while Discord and Sunset know what she means, since Discord said that Misty was grounded by Opaline, which he guessed for failing to get Sparky, but they still find Misty’s excuse strange.

“You know how it is, when you’re trapped at home doing chores and it feels like you’re grounded in a lair?” Misty quickly joked as she chuckled nervously as her friends smiled amusingly at her. “Me neither.” She said as she looked at the makeup and masks they have. “Hey, look at that, are you getting ready to go to a place?” She asked them, while changing the subject, but also being interested on where they are going.

“Not just any place.” Sunny spoke with a smile. “We’re going to the Manesquerade Ball!” She announced with a laugh.

“The most glam night in Zephyr Heights!” Pipp added as she and Hitch circled each other with their heads raised before they bow to each other.

“But this year, we’re invited!” Hitch added with a chuckle.

“It’s one of the best nights in the castle and most ponies we know, or don’t know with the masks and all hiding their faces, are gonna be there.” Sunset finished with a smile.

“Wow, that sounds like a big deal!” Misty said, finding the Manesquerade really interesting and sound fun.

Izzy then had a thought as she spoke out. “Oh! Oh! Oh, I have an idea! Misty should come with us!” She excitedly said as she came next to Misty and place a hoof around her.

“Yass!” Pipp cheered in agreement. “Misty, you will love it! It’s-it’s just, it’s a total thing.” She said with a smile.

“I think it would be great for Misty to join us.” Sunset said, wanting Misty to have fun with them after going through with Opaline.

“I agree.” Discord nodded in agreement.

“You want me to go with you? To a thing?” Misty asked with a surprise smile.

“Yass!/Come with us!” The Mane 6 and Discord all said with huge smiles on their faces.

“Wow. I’ve never been invited to a thing before. It sounds fancy.” Misty said with a smile as she walked forward a bit before frowning. “And full of ponies… who don’t know me.” She said as the others gave her a sympathetic look.

Pipp just spoke next. “Nopony will know who anypony is! Because we all wear masks.” She explained with a smile as she put on her mask.

“Oh. I don’t have one of those.” Misty said as she fell down while the others gave her sympathetic looks. “And I don’t feel very fancy…” She added.

Pipp and Izzy then came to her side as they placed their hooves on her. “Leave that to us!” They both said as they led Misty inside the Brighthouse as the Unicorn smiled at them.

A little bit later, the Brighthouse door opens as Izzy and Pipp are at each side with Misty in the middle.

“Ta-da!” Both Izzy and Pipp cheered as they showed Misty.

Misty came out as her hooves now have a pink and yellow color, her horn has a yellow line on it and has yellow eyeshadow on her eyelids.

The Mane 6 starts cheering for Misty's new look as Misty gives a smile at them for their cheering.

“Woo-hoo!” Izzy cheered next.

Pipp held out a mirror to Misty as the unicorn looked at her reflection as she smiled at her makeover.

“Yat! Yea, woo!” Misty cheered with a chuckle and then looked and saw Izzy giving her a peacock mask like the one she had during Nightmare Night, with some added glitter to it as she put it on.

“Looking great, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile.

“So are you in?” Zipp asked with a smirk.

“I’m in!” Misty answered cheerfully.

And then the Mane 6, Discord and Misty entered the Marestream as they kept cheering as they started up and flew off to Zephyr Heights.

Misty is sitting on the couch of the Marestream as Izzy and Sparky came up to her and sat next to her.

“Ahh… Isn’t flying great?!” Izzy asked Misty cheerfully before she gasped and brought out some goggles. “Watch this!” She excitedly said as she put on the goggles and stuck her head out the window. “I can taste the wind!” She managed to say as her face pushed back from the wind as she kept screaming.

“Watch out, Izzy. You might catch bugs.” Sunset said from the driver seat with a chuckle, since she can’t stop Izzy from having her fun.

And then Sparky and Misty looked at each other while Misty felt awkward by this as she gave a sheepish smile. “Hey there, Sparky…” She managed to say as she then spoke quietly. “It’s okay. I won’t try to take you.” She said as she gave a nervous chuckle.

Sparky gave a confused burbling sound while looking at Misty in confusion before Izzy came back from the window as she took off her goggles and looked at Misty strangely, though she heard her say something.

“Are you two okay?” Izzy asked in concern.

Misty stood in silence before she panicked. “I didn’t do anything! I swear!” She quickly said.

“Okay…” Izzy said slowly before looking at Sparky. “Can you give us a minute, bud?” She asked Sparky.

Sparky nodded as he gave a giggle and let go into the driver area.

“It’s okay, Misty.” Izzy said with a smile. “I know what’s going on with you!” She called out.

Misty began to panic again. “You do?!” She asked in a panic.

“It’s as obvious as the horn of your head!” Izzy pointed out while pointing at her own horn while Misty looked worried. “You’re… nervous!” She said cheerfully.

Misty was surprised by that as she exhaled in relief with a smile. “Oh. Yeah. You got me. I’m nervous!” She said.

“Well, you don’t need to be! You just need to be you.” Izzy advise with an assuring smile.

Misty felt unsure about it as she jumped off the couch. “Not exactly sure that ponies like it when I’m just being me…” She said uncertainty.

“Pssh! Ha!” Izzy scoffed playfully. “Come on! OF course they do, Misty!” She assured her.

Misty wasn’t sure about it. “What if I do something awkward?” She asked uncertainty.

“You won’t.” Izzy assured her again. “But even if you do, nopony will know it’s you. Because of masks!” She added cheerfully as she put on her mask. “Oh, have you seen Izzy?” She playfully acted in a fancy tone. “Now you try!” She said to Misty in her normal tone.

Misty then put on her peacock mask as she gave a couple of blink as she stood in silence.

“Hmm…” Izzy looked around in acting as she turned to Misty. “Hello, there, stranger!” She playfully got to Misty's other side. “If you see Misty, can you give her this charm bracelet I made for her?” She playfully acts while bringing out said bracelet.

The bracelet has the icons of the Mane 6’s Cutie Marks with Misty’s fake mark on it with crystals on each side.

“It has the Cutie Marks of her new friends on it!” Izzy added with a smile.

Misty was surprised that Izzy made that for her. “For me? I… Thank you.” She said with a smile as she accepted the bracelet.

Izzy smiled back at Misty as she gave her a wink.

Sunset and Discord saw this from the cockpit as they smiled warmly at the two and were happy that Misty had a gift from a friend of the bracelet Izzy made for her.

“Eee!” Sunny squealed as she exited the cockpit to see Izzy and Misty. “Okay, everypony! I know you’ve all been waiting for me to teach you the moves for the Unity Dance I choreographed for us!” She excitedly said as she went up to the two Unicorns while Discord and Sunset came out next.

“What’s a unity dance?” Misty and Izzy asked in confusion by that.

“Seriously?” Sunny asked in surprise as she brought out her phone. “It’s on the group text.” She pointed out as she showed her phone while showing a group text and a video of Sunny.

“Canter skip, double clip…” The video of Sunny showed how to do the Unity Dance.

“Sunny has been showing us the video on how to do the Unity Dance for weeks.” Sunset added since she learned this from Sunny herself.

“Just imagine it…” Sunny said with a thoughtful smile. “All three pony-kinds, dancing together in perfect unison at the grand hall of Zephyr Heights Palace!” She said in excitement.

“I’m sorry, Sunny.” Misty said with an uncertain look. “But um… I don’t think I can perform in front of other ponies.” She said while feeling unsure about it.

“There’s no reason to be shy.” Sunny assured her with a smile.

“We all get really nervous while being around other ponies on our first try, but we learn to not be afraid and to do what we do.” Sunset pointed out with a smile.

“And this dance is about everypony working together and supporting each other.” Sunny added as she placed a hoof on Misty. “And it’s fun! Once we practice, you’ll be fine.” She assured her again.

And then the Marestream started shaking as it surprise them as they look out and saw that the Marestream is landing on the palace landing pad.

“Looks like we made it.” Discord commented.

Hitch exited the cockpit first with Sparky on his back. “We’re here! Let’s go!” he said in excitement as Sparky grumbled in excitement as well as the others walked out of the Marestream cockpit after him.

“You ready to rock this red carpet?” Pipp asked her friends with a smile as they all started cheering in agreement. “Mask up, everypony!” She said to them as she and the others put on their masks, except for Sunny.

“Wait!” Sunny called out. “We need to rehearse! I can’t do a unity dance by myself!” She added as she followed after her friends.

“We’ll practice at the ball, Sunny. Don’t worry.” Sunset assured as they exit the Marestream.

At the Zephyr Heights Royal Palace, Skye and Dazzle are next to the red carpet.

"Skye Silver here at the grandest and glitziest Manesquerade Ball red carpet Zephyr Heights have ever seen." Skye Silver announced as he and Dazzle Feather were at the red carpet of the Royal Palace for their live news coverage. "Isn't that right Dazzle?"

"Yes Skye! The first ZH Ball to include all ponykinds of Equestria." Dazzle Feather replied and the Pippsqueaks whistled happily as the cameras flashed as ponies kept arriving.

"What a historical event!" Skye Silver nodded as ponies around were taking pictures of the ponies walking by with them wearing masks.

Jazz and Rocky then appeared next to Skye and Dazzle.

“Hi, Dazzle Feather, ZBS Tonight.” Dazzle greeted the two ponies. “What are you wearing, and who are you really? She asked them.

“Only the best.” Jazz said through the mick with a smile.

“And wouldn’t you like to know?” Rocky asked playfully with a smile as he and Jazz continued walking.

“So true! I would like to know!” Dazzle answered with a smile.

The Mane 6, Misty, Sparky and Discord had come up in the elevator to the red carpet entrance to the ball.

“Wow!” They all cheered in awe at this.

“Mmm!” Pipp hummed as she took a selfie with her phone as she and the others walked down the carpet.

And then Queen Haven, Cloudpuff, Zoom and Thunder landed in front of them, each wearing masks as they walked down the red carpet.

“How amazing is this, Cloudpuff?” Haven asked with a smirk. “Thanks to the masks, nopony knows who I am! Heehee!” She giggled gleefully.

But Queen Haven spoke too soon once she came up to Skye and Dazzle.

“Excuse us, Your Majesty.” Skye said as he and Dazzle gave Queen Haven a bow, which made Haven frown. “May we ask a few questions for the red carpet?” Skye asked.

“Why are you bowing and calling me ‘Your Majesty’?” Haven asked, trying to act like she doesn’t know them white Skye and Dazzle looked on in confusion. “I’m sorry, but I don’t appreciate your assuming.” She added.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Queen.” Dazzle apologized.

Cloudpuff then started barking at them as he shook his head to tell them that to play along.

“I mea, whoever you are.” Dazzle quickly corrected, now understanding. “It’s just so hard to tell who is who with everypony wearing masks!” She quickly said.

“You said it, Dazzle!” Skye said in agreement. “I’m sure everypony at the ball will be asking: ‘Who is this mysterious stunning mare?’ He added as he gave a laugh.

“Whew!” Queen Haven sighs in relief that they didn’t notice as she, Cloudpuff, Zoom and Thunder continue on the walkway.

The Mane 6, Misty and Discord saw this as they looked at Queen Haven in confusion. “What is she doing?” Sunny asked first.

“Doesn’t Queen Haven knows that she’s not fooling anypony?” Sunset asked next since Queen Haven is pretty hard to miss, even wearing a mask.

“Ugh, Mom does this at the ball every year…” Pipp explained with a sigh since she and Zipp saw this many times before she smiled at her friends. “Okay, team. Showtime!” She announced as she then walk down the carpet while striking poses while the ponies are cheering and taking pictures of her,

“Over here! Over here!” One of the ponies in the crowd called out.

“Oh yea!” Pipp exclaimed with a smile as she kept posing.

“Who are you wearing?” Another pony asked next.

“Princess Pipp, you look iconic!” Another pony called out, since they can tell it’s Pipp since she took many pictures before, she’s easy to notice.

Pipp then came close to the Pippsqueaks as she did a selfie with them.

Sunny, Izzy and Sunset stood together as they stood still as cameras as they did a pose.

Hitch, Discord and Sparky stood for the pictures as Sparky gave an exciting grumble and jumped off Hitch’s back as he walked on the red carpet while winking at the camera.

“A baby dragon on the red carpet?!” Shutter asked in excitement as she kept taking pictures of Sparky. “I can’t even. Too cute!” She exclaimed in excitement.

Misty walked across the carpet, and then a picture was taken of her face. “Ahh!” She cried out in startled as more pictures were taken by other ponies. Misty backed up a bit as she walked next to Zipp and Sunset. “Do you mind if I trot back here with you two so I’m not in any pictures?” She asked them.

“Sure thing, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile.

“But why don’t you want to be photographed?” Zipp asked in confusion.

“Uh… The same reason as you?” Misty guessed with a smile.

“Hehe. She got you there, Zipp.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“Hmm, can’t argue with that!” Zipp admitted with a smile as the three walked past the camera ponies as they entered the Royal Palace.

Entering the throne room, the Mane 6, Misty and Discord were in awe at the layout for the Ball and all of the ponies dancing around with masks on.

Izzy gasped, "Hay-Fever-Happy Berries! This place is so beautiful!" She beamed.

"It really is." Misty agreed, having seen another beautiful thing compared to the Dark Castle.

"Hmm, reminds me of the Grand Galloping Gala." Discord chimed in.

“Same here. Haven sure stepped it up for this special event.” Sunset added in agreement.

Pipp brought them over to the small buffet table. "We have chocolate fountains, whipped cream waterfalls, peanut butter puddles and my personal favorite; cookie towers!" She beamed gesturing to each sweet item they were serving for the night.

Hitch grinned before he grabbed a circular cookie, dipped it in fudge and ate it, "Hitch! You did not just do that?" Izzy barked, earning a surprised look from Hitch.

"Did I do something wrong?" Hitch asked.

"Uh, yes!" Izzy said with a smile turned to the Whipped Cream Mountain and put some on her horn. "You forgot the whipped cream, duh!" She flicked it onto Hitch's cookie and he ate it but got the whipped cream on his nose completely.

"I've never been so happy to be wrong." Hitch grinned.

“Pinkie would definitely love this.” Sunset said with a chuckle, knowing that Pinkie would chow these things down in a second flat as she turned to Zipp. “Hey Zipp, ready to go to the thing?” She asked with a knowing smirk.

“You know it.” Zipp nodded with a smirk as well as the two ponies snuck off without the others knowing.

But Misty saw Sunset and Zipp trotted off as she gave a suspicious look. “Huh?” She asked in confusion as she followed them while hiding behind a pillar. “What are you both up to?” She asked herself before she widened her eyes. “Looking for information on Opaline?” She asked again as Sunset and Zipp walked off again as Misty followed with a sigh as she trotted after them.

“One more time!” Sunny called out to the four of her friends as she showed them the Unity Dance. “It’s canter, skip, double click. Hoof it up! A twirly shift!” She danced after the demonstration with her friends.

The others tried to follow Sunny’s move, while Discord just watches as an audience as they move their hooves, but not following the movies right. “Canter, skip, and…” Pipp spoke.

But then she and Hitch fell to the floor with a yelp. “Click! Yes!” Izzy cheered as she just moved freely with a cheery smile.

Discord cringed from that. “Oooh, epic fail.” He said with a smirk.

Sunny just raised an eyebrow from that. “Seriously?! Ugh! That is nothing like what I said!” She pointed out as she sighs. “Let me show you again.” She said with a sigh.

Somewhere across the ball room, Alphabittle, who is wearing a mask, is levitation two cups of drinks as he walks up to the throne where Queen Haven and Cloudpuff are.

“A glass of punch for the queen of the palace.” Alphabittle said while smiling at Queen Haven.

Queen Haven gave a fake gasp. “Who, me?” She playfully asked as she gave a smirk to Alphabittle. “Shh…” She shushed him with a smile. “Obviously, you recognize me when nopony else does.” She said as she walked off her throne and to Alphabittle.

“Wait, you think that--?” Alphabittle tried to ask while confuse, since Queen Haven thinks nopony can recognize her.

“Absolute!” Queen Haven answered with a smile. “Only my closest friends and family ever know it’s me while I’m masquerading.” She said with a twirl.

Alphabittle gave a laugh from that. “Really?” He asked with a smirk.

“Mm-hmm!” Haven nodded.

Alphabittle then realizes that she wasn’t joking. “Oh, you’re serious!” He said in surprise. “Oh, so sorry for blowing your cover.” He apologized while whispering to Queen Haven.

Haven just smiled at him as she turned and walked off with Alphabittle following her to the otherside of the throne. “No apologies needed, Alphie. Nopony heard.” She assured him. “But since we share a secret, could I ask you a friendly favor?” She asked him.

“Mm-hmm, of course.” Alphabittle nodded with a smile.

“Don’t tell anypony who I am.” Haven whispered with a smile.

“Yes, indeed, your mag--” Alphabittle stopped himself quickly. “I mean, yes… whoever you are, mysterious young mare.” He corrected himself as Queen Have smiled at him as he tapped his cup with hers.

“And I will cheers to that.” Haven said with a smile as she and Alphabittle tap their drinks together. “Aw!” She said as she and Alphabittle laughed together.

But what they didn’t know is that a door behind the throne was slightly opened.

Meanwhile, Zipp and Sunset, unknowingly being followed by Misty, went down one hall to where the Zephyr Heights Royal Archives Secret Section were together.

"Hmm.. Huh? Is this it, Zipp?” Sunset asked.

“Yep. ‘Zephyr Heights, Royal Archives Authorized Ponies Only’?" Zipp read before snorting a bit, "Whose more authorized than Princesses?"

Looking around to make sure it was just them, Zipp pressed the hoof scanner and it accepted her and opened the door as she and Sunset entered. Misty peeked around the corner and quickly ran in, getting caught in the closed doors by her hips for a moment before entering.

Sunset brought Twilight out and she gasped at the sight of the books. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! All of these books; all unread. Ancient Historical Artifacts! Ugh! Why do I have to be a spirit! I want to touch and smell them again!" Twilight beamed with her love of books showing even as a spirit.

"Smell them?" Zipp asked.

"Twilight spent her whole life surrounded by books. She loves them deeply." Sunset chuckled.

“The books are my world!” Twilight yelled as Sunset and Zipp chuckled at her as she smiled in embarrassment.

"Hehe, come on, let's start researching on Alicorn Magic." Zipp quipped, putting on her Z-Goggles and hovered up to one shelf, "That's what I'm talking about. Enhance!" Her Z-Goggles zoomed in as she read some of the title, "Magic for Ponies...History of Zephyr Heights, 10th Edition…" She then pulled out one book and put it back before taking another book, "The Unexpurgated Book of Unicorns and Their Diets…."

"Huh?" Sunset blinked.

"Hmm, That's weirdly specific." Zipp commented.

“And make sense from what we’ve seen from the Unicorns.” Sunset added while shivering from what she saw from the Unicorns as she then looked at one of the books. “Geeze Zipp, when was the last time these books were dusted? Because I don’t think nopony has ever been in here, especially your mom.” She pointed out while touching some dust on some books.

Zipp looked closely at the book she was holding as she saw the dust as well. “Huh. You’re right. These have never been used.” She commented in surprise.

“What?! Who would not read these books! This is a victim of crime!” Twilight exclaimed in rage that these books were never read.

Zipp flinched as she gave a nervous chuckle. “I-I’ll ask mom to clean out the library once I tell her.” She quickly said.

“Make sure she does!” Twilight firmly said.

Sunset gave a chuckle. “Okay, Twilight. Calm down. It will be okay.” She said calmly as Twilight took a breath and calmed down before turning to Zipp with a smirk. “Good save.” She added, since Twilight is really defensive for her love of books as Zipp quickly nodded as they continued their search.

Misty was walking around nearby looking at all the books, "Wow. I didn't know Equestria had this many books." She said in awed as she pulled out one book which had some dust on it. "Apparently, nopony else did either like Sunset said." She commented as she blew dust on it but it made her sneeze and sent her falling back into another bookshelf and several books fell on her. “Ow!” She cringed in pain from that before she gasped as she grabbed one book that fell in front of her with the image of an alicorn on it. "Alicorns of the Ancient World." She gasped, taking off her mask, "I bet Opaline would reward me for something like this."

Then Zipp and Sunset landed and Misty let out a cute scream, "Misty?" They both asked in surprise as Misty yelped and covered the book and gave them both a sheepish grin.

“What are you doing here?” Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Did you… follow us?” Zipp asked in confusion as she took off her Z-Goggles.

“Uh, me?” Misty asked innocently. “I-I’m not a follower.” She then gave a nervous chuckle. “Just because we’re in the same place doesn't mean I followed you two.” She quickly said.

“But… you did follow us.” Zipp pointed out as she gave a suspicious look.

“And this place is only accessible to the royal family.” Sunset added with a raised eyebrow since Misty wasn’t authorized.

“Alright, I did.” Misty admitted as she came up with a cover story. “I’m just freaked out by massive herds of ponies, so I thought I could follow the other ponies friends I know that doesn't also dig crowds?” She said while looking at the two ponies nervously.

“Hmm…” Zipp thought for a moment before she shrugged. “True. We do have that in common.” She admitted.

“Yeah. You are one who’s not much of a crowd pony.” Sunset added while acting like Misty’s words make sense, since she knows that Misty is here for a reason.

“That’s a reason to trust me, right?” Misty asked with a hopeful smile.

“Why’s it so important for us to trust you?” Zipp asked with a suspicious look as Sunset shared the same expression.

Misty then started breathing heavily as she looked nervous as she said too much.

“Cut the hay, Misty.” Zipp said firmly. “You’ve been acting strange since day one.” She pointed out as she and Sunset walked up to Misty as the Unicorn backed away nervously.

“You’ve been talking all random, nervous when we try to ask you something, and not to mention that amulet you had was filled with black magic before you got rid of it.” Sunset added while trying to act along.

“Uh… I-” Misty tried to explain.

“My instincts are never off!” Zipp called out before Sunset nudged her while giving Zipp a look. “Well, not usually. Sometimes they are.” She admitted that her instincts don't help much. “But not often! I have a pretty good track record.” She added.

“It’s true. She kept it all on recording.” Sunset nodded her head in comfiring. “Though sometimes she can go a little overboard.” She added that sometimes Zipp takes her detective side pride way too much.

“She has?” Misty asked in surprise.

“Yeah. Like that time her sunglasses went missing when it was under her bed the whole time while interrogating us.” Sunset said, which made her and Misty chuckled as Zipp blushed in embarrassment.

“Whatever!” Zipp called out as she got back to the topic. “Look, the point is Misty, what are you hiding? Hmm?” She questioned while giving Misty a look.

“Come on, Misty. Tell us what it is you’re hiding or Zipp snap. And trust me, you don’t wanna see it.” Sunset advises as she sees what Zipp would do when she trying to find some answers.

“Uh.” Misty said uncertainty as look around before she shook her head. “Okay fine, I’ll, I’ll come clean. I uh… I…”

“Hmm?” Zipp asked as her look hadn't changed.

“I… I don’t have a Cutie Mark!” Misty admitted as she wiped her fake Cutie Mark off her flank.

Sunset and Zipp gasped in shock, well, Sunset did act like she didn’t know to make sure she doesn’t know too much.

“I know. It’s shocking.” Misty said while she looked down. “And the truth is… I never had one.”

“For a pony your age, you don’t have a Cutie Mark from the beginning?” Sunset asked in surprise.

“No. I really haven't had one since I was a filly.” Misty said, still looking down.

Zipp gasped again before she smirked. “I knew it!” She said before Sunset gave her a nudge again for being insensitive. “Well, I didn’t know that. But I knew there was something different about you!” She quickly said.

“But different’s not bad… right?” Misty asked.

“No way! Different’s awesome.” Zipp quickly said. “But, ahh… I was right!” She cheered with a smile.

“Yep. Your both instincts were spot on.” Misty said.

“Boom-zippity. Detective skills on point!” Zipp broasted before she got smack to the head by Sunset. “Ow!” She yelped.

“Zipp! Not helping.” Sunset said firmly.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to rub it in.” Zipp apologized to both Sunset and Misty.

“To tell you the truth, Misty, me and Discord have been spying on you after that amulet thing.” Sunset suddenly said while telling the truth.

Misty widens her eyes from that. “What?” She asked in surprise.

“After that evil anti-sparkle amulet incident thing, I had a feeling that something was off with you from the start.” Sunset told as she walked up to Misty. “And since then, me and Discord have been keeping an eye on you while finding out more about you since you disappeared and don’t show up often from time to time. But we hadn’t realized that you never had a cutie mark.” She said in sympathy while telling half the truth so that she doesn’t know that they know about Opaline.

“Well, Sunset. You had the right to watch me from my strange behavior.” Misty said, seeing the reason to why Sunset and Discord been watching her after her amulet incident.

“But why didn’t you just tell us?” Zipp asked Misty about her not having a Cutie Mark.

“Yeah. Why didn’t you tell us the truth about you not having a Cutie Mark?” Sunset asked while wanting to know why since she’s been their friend.

“Well… I figured if you all knew, you wouldn’t want to be my friends.” Misty then started sobbing as she ran to the door in tears.

“Wait!” Zipp called out.

“Misty, come back!” Sunset called out next as she and Zipp trotted after Misty.

“It’s okay. You two don’t have to say it.” Misty cried. “I’ll just leave and then--” She tried to say next.

“You can’t! We need you.” Zipp called out as Misty stopped in surprise.

“You do?” Misty asked in surprise as she turned to the two ponies.

“Misty, you’re our friend. Cutie Mark or not, nothing will ever break our friendship.” Sunset explained with a sincere smile.

“Really?” Misty asked with a hopeful smile.

“Yes. We need you to stay, because we like you, Misty. Cutie mark or not.” Zipp said with a smile as she placed a hoof on Misty’s shoulder as Sunset nodded in agreement. Misty’s eyes widened from that as she began to smile as Zipp continued. “And you know what? We’re all different in our own way, but it’s our differences that make us who we are. I mean, how boring would that be if we were all the same?” She joked as she flew forward a bit before landing.

“And look at me, I’m an Alicorn, a pony with all three tribes combined into one that nopony sees everyday.” Sunset added while gesturing to herself with a chuckle.

“But that’s what makes friendship so cool!” Zipp finished.

“Really?” Misty asked again with a smile.

“Super really.” Zipp answered with a smile.

“To beyond Equestria really.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Just, maybe cut back on the whole ‘keeping big secrets’ thing.” Zipp advises with a small smile.

“That is something I could do.” Misty said with a smile.

“And I’ll work on the whole ‘being suspicious of you’ thing.” Zipp said about her detective side and not go too far with it.

“And I’ll work on ‘telling before hoof’ thing before pushing you.” Sunset finished with a small smile, while she hates keeping secrets, she knows it’s a good cause but she will find time to tell her friends about Misty’s connection to Opaline.

The three ponies then lifted their hooves together as they gave a hoof tap and smiled at each other.

Misty gave a laugh as she spoke. “So if we aren’t keeping secrets anymore, then I think I should show you two this.” She said as she trotted off and grabbed the Alicorn book as she gave it to Zipp.

Zipp and Sunset look at the book as they gasp together. “Alicorns of the Ancient World?!” Zipp asked in shock.

“Wow! That book has details about Alicorns? Who knew!” Sunset said in surprise that this book has details about Alicorns.

“Where did you find this?” Zipp asked Misty in surprise.

“Uh, it sort of found me!” Misty admitted. “Actually, it fell on me.” She corrected as she gave a chuckle in response.

“Heheh, you always find something unexpected sometimes to somepony, Misty.” Sunset said with a chuckle since that happened to Misty.

And then the door opened as it revealed Pipp. “There you three are!” She called out to then as it startled Zipp as she put the book away. “What are you doing?! Come on! Sunny is trying to teach us--” She tried to explain as she flew in.

“The dance!” Misty said in realization.

“Yes!” Pipp confirmed. “And she’s freaking out because we are running out of time to rehearse!” She pointed out as she held out her phone as she then looked at a bookshelf. “Aw, look. All of my old Spooky Stables books, aww!” She flew up as she took pictures of the books as she flew back down.

“That explains where she gets her spooky excitement from.” Sunset muttered with an amusing smirk, now knowing where Pipp got her excitement for something spooky from.

“Anyway, are you guys coming or what?!” Pipp asked the others as she flew to the door.

“We’re coming, Pipp!” Sunset answered.

“What d’ya say, Misty? Are you down to a dance we don’t know?” Zipp asked Misty with a smile.

“Unity Dance.” Sunset corrected.

“Yeah, that.” Zipp nodded.

“In front of everypony?” Misty questioned while looking nervous. “I’ll make a fool out of myself!” She said nervously.

“That’s okay, Misty.” Sunset assured. “We all make ourselves look like fools but that’s pretty normal.” She added with an assuring smile.

“Yeah. At least we’d be fools together?” Zipp suggested with a smile.

“But I don’t know any of the moves.” Misty pointed out.

“Let us let you in on a little secret.” Zipp said as she came next to her to her ear. “None of us do.” She whispered.

“We sure don’t.” Sunset confirmed as she and Zipp giggled as they flew off and grabbed their masks and came back to Misty.

“LEt’s just make it up as we go!” Zipp said as she gave Misty back her mask.

“Yeah, we may not know how moves go in the song lines, but we do know we have to improvise.” Sunset said with a chuckle as she and Zipp walked out the archives with giggles.

Misty giggled back to them with a smile as Zipp came back for the Alicorn book. “Woops! Can’t forget this!” Zipp said as she picked up the book as Misty put on her mask.

“Come on, girls. Or Sunny’s gonna lose it.” Sunset called out as they walked out the archives as the door closed behind them as they walked down the hall.

Misty, Sunset and Zipp returned to the throne room as they saw they walked up to their friends.

At the snack table, Sunny is worried while Hitch tries to cheer her up.

“Now, come on, Sunny. It’s not that bad.” Hitch tried to reassure her with a smile.

“You’re right. Ha! It’s fine.” Sunny said in a panic tone. “We’re just about to perform a unity dance that will be completely un-unified!” She cried out in panic.

“I guess when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound ideal…” Hitch said with a sheepish smile, seeing Sunny’s point.

With Jazz and Rocky, Izzy then shows them her homemade dj player. “Ta-da!” Izzy cheered.

“Now that’s what I call a DJ Deck!” Jazz compliment with a smile.

“Me too!” Rocky said in agreement.

“Really?!” Izzy asked excitedly. “I call it a disco platter. Huh! Must be a Unicorn thing.” She commented.

“So what do you want us to do?” Rocky asked in curiosity.

“Simple!” Izzy said with her usual cheery smile. “You two bring the grooves and we’ll bring the moves. Ooh!” She danced a bit before getting close to them. “That means play our song and we’ll dance to it!” She whispered loudly.

“Ready, Izzy?” Sunny called out as Izzy turned and saw Sunny waving at her.

“Ooh! That must be your cue!” Izzy excitedly said to the two stylish, thinking that Sunny is telling her that it’s time before she trotted off to Sunny.

Jazz and Rocky smiled as Jazz spoke. “Hit it, Rocky!” She called with a smile.

“You got it, Jazz!” Rocky answered with a smile.

Rocky starts the dj player as he plays an upbeat rhythm while Jazz pointed to Thunder and Zoom as Zoom pressed a button that brought out a disco ball as it started shining.

“Wait! It's starting?!” Sunny asked in panic once she heard the music and saw the disco ball. “No, no, no! We’re not ready!” She called out in panic. “We don’t have everypony!” She pointed out.

“Oh… Was that not the cue?” Izzy asked as she now knew that she made a mistake.

“No! It’s not time yet!” Sunny snapped as the others flinched.

“Woops. Guess it is now!” Izzy said cheerfully as she brought out a microphone. “Don’t worry, Sunny. We got this!” She assured her with a wink as she went to the middle of the dance floor and spoke through the microphone. “What up, what up Manesquerade Ball?!” She called out before she mimicked a party horn sound before levitating her mic. “Everypony clear the dance floor for something that will blow you away! Away…” She called out before echoing ‘away’.

Sunny came up to Izzy. “Izzy, this is a bad idea!” She pointed out.

“But it’s happening!” Izzy cheered before she spoke through the mic again. “And now, a special performance of the Electric Unity Shuffle!” She announced.

Sunny looked nervous as she backed away a bit as Sunset and Hitch came to her. “What do we do?! This isn’t the message of unity I wanted to send!” She pointed out in worry.

“Don’t worry, Sunny. They’ll follow your lead. They always do.” Hitch assured with a smile.

“He’s right, Sunny. No matter what message you try to send, they will follow your lead every step of the way.” Sunset added with a smile.

“What is the first move again?” Izzy asked Sunny.

Sunny took a deep breath as she walked up the dance floor. “It goes like this…” She said as she stood in the middle of the dance floor as a light shines on her as she begins to dance and sing as Pipp appeared in front of her and Izzy came from behind her as the three ponies dance in sync.

(Show Me Your Pony Moves Song:)

(Sunny)
Somepony give me a shimmy
Somepony give me a shake
Give me a twist and shout
And just feel the bass

And then Sunset appeared from behind Pipp as Hitch appeared in front of Izzy as the five danced in sync.

(Sunny and Pipp)
Hey, hey!

(Pipp)
Come on and let your mane down
Yeah, pony, play

Pipp sang as she danced back before she flew up and flew around.

(Izzy)
You gotta show me
How you work it today

Izzy sang next as she danced around as she got her back turn as she turned her head with a smile as the Mane 6 then sang together.

(Mane 6)
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-ahhh

(Hitch)
Shake it, shake it, shake it

Hitch sang as he shook his body. Misty and Zipp walked up to their friends as Zipp encouraged MIsty to join in as Misty excitedly joined the others as she and Sunny touched hooves as Misty twirled around.

(Sunny)
Shake loose, bust a hoof
Show me your pony moves
You gotta let your mane down
Yeah, let it sway (Pipp: Let it sway!)

The girls dance together in sync with Misty with them.

(Hitch)
You gotta show me
How you're slayin' today

Hitch sang again as Sunny came next to him as the two Earth Ponies danced together with smiles on their faces.

(Pipp)
Dance, feel the rhythm

Pipp sang as Izzy came next to her.

(Izzy)
Everypony move your hooves (Sunny: Ow!)

Izzy sang as the Mane 6 and Misty then started singing together as they danced while the ponies at the Ball watched them dance and sing.

(Mane 6 and Misty)
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-ahhh

(Izzy)
Shake it, shake it, shake it

Izzy sings as she and Misty dance together while the ponies start moving the song as Zoom and Thunder move their heads to the beat.

(Mane 6 and Misty)
Shake loose, bust a hoof
Show me your pony moves
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-ahhh
Shake it, shake it, shake it

Jazz and Rocky move to the music as Sparky moved as he did a beatbox move as Cloudpuff move to the music next to him.

Discord watches as he drinks a cup of chocolate milk he made appeared. “This is an amazing show they are doing.” He said with a proud smile as he moved his head to the music.

Queen Haven and Alphabittle watched the dance floor together as Haven spoke. “You know what this reminds me of?” She asked Alphabittle.

“My amazing dance skills on Just Prance?” Alphabittle guessed as he hopped up a bit before smiling at Queen Haven.

Haven gave a laugh from that as she tapped Alphabitte’s hoof. “No! Reminds me of my Pipp and Zipp.” She said as she gave a wistful sigh. “The palace just feels so empty without them.” She added as she wishes her daughters were here, not knowing that they are.

“Isn't that them?” Alphabittle asked with a smile as he pointed to the dancefloor as the crowd started cheering.

Queen Haven look to where Alphabittle is pointing as the crowd is cheering as Haven eyes widen in surprise. “My hoofness, you're right!” She said with a wide smile as she saw her daughters circling together in the air. “You go, girls!” She cheered to her daughters with a wide smile.

Alphabittle then squinted his eyes as he saw Misty dancing next to Izzy, not recognizing her since he knew almost all the Unicorns from Bridlewood, but before he could get a closer look, a pony blocked his view. Alphabittle just shrugged as he turned and saw Queen Haven smiling at him as he smiled back as the two walked closer to the dance floor.

The Mane 6 and Misty together as they then each struck a pose as Misty took a selfie with the with a smile.

(Mane 6)
Dance, feel the rhythm
Everypony's got the moves (Pipp: Ohhhh, yeah!)
Dance, feel the rhythm
Everypony move your hooves

“Ooo!” Sunny cheered and then laugh as the Mane 6 and Misty struck a pose as the crowd started cheering to them for the great performance.

Sometime later, the Mane 6, Misty and Discord return to the Brighthouse after the Ball as they watch the video of their Unity Dance on Pipp’s phone that was recorded during their performance.

“This video is ridiculous.” Hitch commented with a smile.

“Ridiculously awesome!” Izzy cheered.

“This is pretty funny and great.” Sunset added.

Pipp gave a laugh from that. “Just like us.” She said.

Misty looked down a bit as she got up from the chair as she walked up and sighs as she faces the others with a smile. “Well, I should probably be getting back home. Thank you all so much for inviting me.” She said.

“No sweat.” Pipp replied with a smile. “We had a total ball with you, Misty!” She joked, which made her and Sparky laugh. “‘Cause literally.” She added.

Misty gave a chuckle from that as the Mane 6 then gave Misty a group hug while Discord circled them with a hug of his own. “Aww!” The Mane 6 all said.

“Aw, group hug!” Pipp called out happily.

Misty smiled as she gave a sigh of joy as they all broke the hug and turned to Zipp and Sunset. “Thanks, Zipp and Sunset. For saying that I was your friend.” She said with a smile.

“Well, you are!” Zipp answered with a smile.

“What are friends for, Misty.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Come visit any time.” Zipp continued. “Maybe we can even research Alicorns together?” She suggested.

“If that’s okay with you, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile.

“I’d like that!” Misty said in agreement with a smile as she walked out the door as Sunset and Zipp smiled at her.

Sunset turned to Discord as she gave him a smile and wink as Discord wink back, seeing that Misty is on the right path of her choosing and not Opalines and had the best time of her life with them as a true friend would.

A little bit later at Opaline’s Castle, Misty made it back to the castle before Opaline got back as she sat alone in the throne room.

The door opened as Misty stood up and saw Opaline coming in. “Well, well, well. You followed my instructions. I’m impressed.” Opaline said with a smile as she walked up to Misty.

“You are?” Misty asked in surprise.

“But not as impressed as you will be when you see what I’ve acquired.” Opaline said as she brought out the Dragonstone that she managed to retrieve. “Behold! The Dragon Stone!” She announced as she held the stone up. “Basks in its glory!” She added.

Misty gasped in awe. “Woo! Wow!” She said with a smile.

Opaline turned to her as she brought the stone down. “Okay, calm down. That’s too much basking. Don’t get too excited.” She said to Misty as she walked off while holding the Dragonstone. “We still need to charge it. So we still need dragon fire.” She explained that Dragonstone needs dragon fire to recharge.

“Fire?” Misty asked in surprise before she realizes what she means. “Oh… Yeah. I’m sorry. I haven’t seen that baby dragon again recently.” She lied while not letting Opaline know that she had fun with the Mane 6, which apparently were close to Sparky. “So sorry.” She apologized again.

“Not as sorry as I am.” Opaline retorted as she walked off the throne room as the door closed

Misty sat down again as she brought out her phone and giggled as she saw the selfie picture she took with her and her friends during their Unity Dance as the song played again.

“Everypony move your hooves.” The song sung once.

Misty then let out a sigh from that.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunset, Zipp and Discord are in the bedroom at Zipp’s section as Sunset brought out a book about ‘Ancient Equestrian Artifacts’ that she got from the Zephyr Heights Archives.

“This book is really up to date.” Sunset said with a smile as she held out the copy of the Dragonstone. “With it, we can find out more about this stone and what Opaline’s plans are.” She added.

Twilight appeared as she smiled at them. “And a way to stop her as well.” She added.

“Glad that you managed to find what you're looking for, Sunset.” Zipp said with a smile. “You were really specific about what you needed to find.” She added.

“I have Twilight to thank for that.” Sunset said with a chuckle as Twilight gave a sheepish smile.

“Heheh, that is true.” Twilight admitted.

“Well, let’s get started on that Alicorn book as well.” Discord said to them.

“Right.” They all said in agreement as Zipp went to grab the book.

Sparky is sitting on Zipp’s chair as he is chomping on the Alicorn book.

“Hey, buddy! That’s mine!” Zipp lectured Sparky as she got her book back from him.

“This is not a toy, Sparky.” Sunset added while giving Sparky a firm look.

Sparky gave a whimper in disappointment as Zipp opened up the book and gasped at what she saw. “Now we’re getting somewhere.” She said as she went close to Sunset, Discord and Twilight as they looked at the book together as Zipp turned the pages until they saw something in it. “Hmm?” She said in surprise as she brought out her magnifying glass to get a closer look. “Pages ripped out?” She asked in surprise.

“Pages missing?” Sunset asked in surprise.

Twilight gasped from that. “Who would do this to a book!?” She questioned before glaring at Discord. “Discord?!” She yelled out.

Discord flinched from Twilight’s outburst. “What? It wasn’t me this time! And I didn’t eat them!” He said in defense.

“Eat them?” Sunset asked in confusion as Zipp looked confused as well from that.

“I once ate pages from a couple of books before after being free by stone the second time.” Discord quickly explained. “But this time it wasn’t me! Even I wouldn’t eat pages from a book we really needed.” He quickly added while raising his arms in defense.

“He’s right. This rip looks fresh.” Zipp confirmed as the all turned to Sparky with a raised eyebrow, thinking he ripped out the pages. “Hmm…” She hummed.

Sparky just gave happy burbling noises with a shrug and shaking his head, telling him that it wasn’t him either.

“It wasn’t Sparky either. Then who did?” Sunset asked in confusion.

“It’s almost like somepony didn’t want us to find what was on them.” Zipp theorizes as the others look at the book while deep in thought.

“Hmm…” They said together as they tried to think why.

Back at Opaline’s Castle, Misty sat in her room alone while looking depressed as she heard something as she gasped as she saw Opaline’s shadow coming close to her as she quickly placed some paper into her pillows and hid them as Opaline came in.

“My evilness, Misty!” Opaline called out as she brushed her hoof on Misty’s doorway as some dust flew off. “It’s a pig sty in here. Clean it up!” She yelled, which made Misty flinch as she left the room.

Misty stood quiet as she lifted her pillow again as she saw the pages from the Alicorn book she ripped as she read them, feeling guilty that she has to do that but she needed to find out more on Alicorns as she look at the selfie picture of her and her friends on her phone as look at the bracelet Izzy gave her on her left hoof as she sighs in guilt and regret for doing this to her friends.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 5.

Chapter 4 Ep 6: A Little Horse

Chapter 4 Ep 6: A Little Horse

In Bridlewood, a unicorn filly trotted as some other ponies as she went up to two of her friends as one of them had her phone out as it started buffering.

At Zephyr Heights is the same thing as the ponies are looking at their phones while the big screens are buffering as well.

At Maretime Bay, the Pippsqueaks huddled together as they looked at their phones, which were buffering as well.

“Only one more minute until another live update from Princess Pipp!” Seashell said in excitement.

“I wonder what she’s going to do?!” Peach Fizz asked in excitement. “ A big announcement? A song? A big announcement about a song?” She added with a twirl as she squealed in excitement.

Glory then looked at her phone as she widened her eyes. “Low battery? No, no, no, no.” She said as she looked around. “Where’s my charger? Where’s my charger?!” She panicked, not wanting to miss Pipp’s videos.

At Mane Melody, Pipp is getting ready for her live video as she look at the mirror to make sure her mane and looks are good, she flew to the stage as she tosses the stage’s microphone away and brought out her lucky microphone as she gave it a kiss and put it down as she then flew to her laptop as she brought it in front of the stage as she pressed a button as Electric Blue appeared on the screen.

“You ready for this?” Fretlock asked with a smile. “Electric Blue and Pipp Petals…” He started as his bandmates smiled while Arpgreggia cheered. “Live collab! Together again!” He announced.

Pipp pressed a button on her laptop as its camera turned on as Pipp flew in front of the camera with a smile. “Hey everypo--” She tried to speak, but then she suddenly started coughing, which made Electric Blue surprised and worried as Pipp then spoke again. “Hey. hey, hey, everyp--” She tried to say again, but she started coughing again as her voice began to rasp. “Hey…” She tried to speak but only made a raspy sound.

With the Pippsqueaks, they were taken back by Pipp’s coughing and raspy voice.

“Is this some kind of performance art thing? If so, genius!” Seashell cheered to her friends before she gave a down face. “If not, I’m pretty disappointed.” She added as Peach Fizz nodded in agreement.

“Yeah!” Glory said in agreement. “If her new song is just coughing and silence, then I have notes.” She added as they looked back at the phone.

Back at Mane Melody, Pipp quickly grabbed a smoothie cup as she took a quick sip as she flew back to the stage as she grab her microphone.

“Technical difficulties!” Pipp said in a raspy tone as she spoke through the mic. “Gonna reschedule until tonight.” She said as she gave a small smile to her viewers. “Stay tuned and thanks for watchi--” She didn’t get to finish before she started coughing again again as the viewers who were watching gasped in worry for Pipp as she closed her laptop and turned to Electric Blue as she shot off the facetime screen on the stage.

“We were watching the stream!” Hitch called out as he and the rest of the Mane 6 rushed into Mane Melody.

“Yeah, I love Electric Blue. So much.” Zipp said with a smile and a twirl. “They’re the best musicians ever!” She excitedly added.

“Ahem!” Izzy said while giving Zipp a firm look before speaking. “But we were watching you, too! What happened?” She asked Pipp in concern.

“Yeah, Pipp. You started coughing up a storm.” Sunset pointed out. “Are you okay?” She asked in concern.

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” Pipp said to her friends in her raspy tone with a smile as she flew over her laptop as she landed in front of her friends. “Really! I think I just ate a weird apple or something.” She insisted as she gag a bit as she covered her mouth.

Zipp saw that as she gasped. “Oh no.” She said as she flew in front of her sister as Pipp coughed. “You’re… sick!” She called out.

“Again?” Sunset asked in surprise and concern as they remember the last time Pipp got sick is because she overworked herself from the livestreaming.

“Yep. It’s happening again.” Zipp nodded as she came up to her friends. “Fair warning reminder: she’s about to become very high maintenance.” She reminded her friends with a small smirk.

“No! No, I am not!” Pip denied. “I’m…” But before she could finish, she started sneezing like crazy as she sat on her hunched as she sneezed again.

“Pipp, there’s no denying it. You are sick again.” Sunset pointed out since she knows Pipp is trying to cover up being sick again like last time.

“It’s okay, Pipp.” Sunny assured her with a smile. “Let us help you! You need to rest.” She added.

“I promise! I’m fine.” Pipp raspy assured her friends as she stood up. “I’m probably just allergic to exciting collaborations with amazing bands.” She insisted before she started sneezing so hard that she flew back and landed on a mane dryer chair as she spun around as Sunny walked up to Pipp and took off the mane dryer helmet. “Okay. I guess I’m sick.” She admitted.

“At least you admitted unlike last time, Pipp.” Sunset said with a small smile as she and the others walked up to her.

“Yeah.” Pipp nodded as she then grew worried. “But what about Electric Blue?” She asked in worried.

“They’ll have to wait.” Hitch said with a smile. “Now let’s get you better!” He added as Sparky nodded in agreement.

“But, but, but, but….” Pipp started stammering as she looked at her friends, who had a small smile as Sparky gave her a firm look with his hands on his hips.

“Pipp, you know you can’t do your video in your sick condition.” Sunset pointed out since they know that Pipp can’t do her videos while being sick. “You need to rest to wait out this sickness.” She added firmly.

Pipp starts sobbing as she realizes that Sunset is right. “Okay, fine.” She said to her friends as she then flew up to the stage. “But I’m taking this.” She added as she grabbed her lucky microphone as Zipp flew to her as she gave her sister a smirk and a raised eyebrow. “What? It’s my lucky microphone!” She said in defense with a small smile. “I’ll just sing a little teensy tiny bit…” She tried to say.

Zipp then flew in front of her sister. “You will not!” She said firmly as Pipp flinched a bit as she took Pipp’s microphone. “Two words, Pipp: vocal rest.” She advises.

Pipp started whimpering from that as she doesn’t like that idea.

At the Brighthouse, Pipp was typing on her computer before she heard Zipp's voice. "How's my little patient?"

Pipp gasped and quickly flew back into bed all while having a thermometer in her mouth as she covered herself before her elder sister came in. Pipp sobbed. "Being sick is the worst feeling in the world!" Zipp felt her head and took the thermometer out to see her temperature. "I just wanna feel normal!"

"Hey come on. Tough it out!" Zipp reassured her sister. "We all get sick sometimes. It's a part of life!"

"Yeah, I guess." Pipp sighed before she coughed.

"Aww, you poor thing. I'm sorry for the tough love." Zipp apologized. "It’s what works on me, but clearly not on you."

"Yeah, did you just come here to be mean to me until I feel better?" Pipp asked, sounding a bit stuffed up.

"No, not totally.” Zipp said as she shook her head with a smile. “I prepared a back up plan to help you in your recovery."

"A miracle cure?" Pipp asked hopefully.

"Kinda." Zipp replied before she hovered in the air.

"What is it?" Pipp asked in curiously.

"An escape from your nasty cold," Zipp began as she vanished from sight for a bit before returning with a huge bookshelf filled with books. "...and entrance into the world!"

"Is that what I think it is?" Pipp asked.

"Yep. My favorite books." Zipp confirmed as she pulled herself in front of her sister's bed, "Aka every volume of the greatest fantasy series of all time: The Chronicle of Chevalia! Including expanded universe, official canonical side adventures novellas and...." Zipp pulled out one book and took it to Pipp, "The Official Chevalipedia!"

Zipp opened the book as she continued. "Every term defined, every creature species classified, and every map you'll need to find your bearing in this expensive and amazing universe!" Pipp all the while smiled sheepishly before she got out of bed and hovered a bit near her sister.
"Well, that-that is a lot." Pipp replied while looking at the books. "Thank you Zipp, but, um how long do you expect me to be sick for?"

"Whether it's two days or two moons, there's always time to throw yourself back into Chevalia!" Zipp said while looking at the bookshelf with a fond smile.

"I do love reading. But for the record, let's hope it's two days." Pipp replied, taking a book before frowning. "I can't take two moons of this!" She fluttered onto her bed and sat down sadly.

"Enjoy the journey and tell me when you get to the 'Tree of Fortunica'!"” Zipp said with excitement. “Don't worry it's not a spoiler. Oh no, saying it is a spoiler is sort of a spoiler, but not really." She quipped as she left. "Oops, uh you'll see."

Pipp just sighed from that as she’s about to open the book until Sunny appeared.

“Hey, hey!” Sunny called out, which startled Pipp as she gasped and fondled with the book and started sneezing. “How’s my friend feeling?” She asked with a small smile.

Pipp recompose herself as she turned to Sunny with a smile. “Sunny! I’ve--” She cleared her throat. “I’ve been better.” She finished. “It’s just a quick little cold, though. I’ll be fine in no time!” She assured as she gave a sad expression. “I just have so much I want to do.” She whimpered.

“Oh, I know that reeling, but try to relax.” Sunny said with a smile. “Is there anything I can do? Any food you like when you’re sick? Home remedies that help?” She asked.

“No, not that I can remember.” Pipp answered as she placed a hoof on her chin. “Hmn…” She then gasped as she was having a flashback.

Flashback.

When Pipp was filly, she was lying on her bed being sick as Queen Haven came up to her daughter with a bowl of soup as she spoon fed Filly Pipp with some as Filly Pipp smiled at the taste.

End of Flashback.

Back in the present, Pipp had the same smile as she spoke. “Actually! There is something.” She said as she looked at Sunny. “Whenever I got sick, Mom would make this amazing soup. THat stuff was a miracle!” She said fondly at the memory.

“Say no more!” Sunny said with a smile as she held out her phone. “I’m on it, in it and around it!” She said as she twirled around and tossed her phone in the air before catching it with a smile as she gave a small chuckle. “That means I’ll get it.” She explained. “So, what was in this magic soup?” She asked as she was about to write it down.

“Oh there was um…” Pipp tried to say, but then stopped. “Uh…” She tried to before she shook her head. “I don’t remember! It was just this um, this soup.” She said as she spread her wings as Sunny listened with a small smile. “You know, good soup! The yummiest, like a warm hug for your taste buds.” She said as she lay on her bed and hugged a pillow with a smile. “Oh! Wow, I feel better just talking about it!” She commented quickly before looking at Sunny. “Thank you so much, Sunny.” She finished.

Sunny looked at her phone while feeling confused. “A warm hug… uh-huh. For your taste buds” She listed out, which made Pipp lay on her bed again and hugging her pillow with joy. “Okay. I’ll get that, then.” She said as she walked out of the room.

Sunny made her way downstairs as a critters are flying around the Brighthouse. “I have no idea how to make this soup, but that’s never stopped me from doing something before.” She added, recalling all the times when she had no idea what to make but always succeeded as she rushed downstairs. “Oh, it is on, Hitch!” She suddenly called out in a determined look as she trotted past Hitch and Sparky.

“What is?” Hitch asked in confusion, not sure what Sunny is talking about.

“The soup!” Sunny called out as she made her way out of the Brighthouse, Hitch just shrugged with a smile as he and the critters walked upstairs.

Hitch stopped as he turned and saw Sunset in the kitchen. “Sunset, what are you making?” He asked in curiosity.

“Making a special remedy for Pipp.” Sunset answered with a smile as she poured some contents in a pot. “A special remedy my friends showed me how to make if any one of us get sick. It will take some time to process but it will be worth the wait.” She explained with a smile.

“How long will that take?” Hitch asked again.

“Not long. Maybe a couple of hours.” Sunset explained as she turned up to Hitch. “Going to show Pipp some critter activity?” She guessed.

“Yep.” Hitch answered with a smile as he walked up.

“Okay then.” Sunset nodded as she put in the final ingredients in the pot for it to mix together as Hitch walked up to the bedroom.

In the bedroom, Pipp sighs again as she opens up a book, but then Hitch’s critters come in front of her.

“Huh?” Pipp asked in surprise as she saw Hitch coming in as Sparky made gurgling sounds as he jumped on Pipp’s bed and jumped on her. “Oh, oh wow.” She said in surprise as she smiled sheepishly at them. “Hi, everycritter! What’s going on?” She asked Hitch in confusion.

“Well, pal. We thought you might be bored in here all by yourself!” Hitch started as he placed Curtle on the bed. “So…” He tried to continue with a small smile.

“I actually haven’t been by myself yet.” Pipp answered with a straight face since she wasn’t alone yet since her friends have been coming in to check on her every second after the other.

“That’s why the critters and I thought we’d cheer you up!” Hitch announced as the critters chirped in agreement.

“Oh, that’s so sweet!” Pipp said with a small smile as she petted Sparky. “But nothing would cheer me up like being outside on this beautiful day” She said as she looked off with a fond smile.

“Hey! Is outside more interesting than some fascinating nature facts?” Hitch asked with a smirk, taking some charts from the squirrel and Pipp giggled.

"Um, I guess not." Pipp answered.

A little bit later, Pipp is really feeling bored as Hitch has read all the charts about nature, which he read for a while to her.

“And that’s why they’re called, say it with me, pine cones!” Hitch announced as the critters chattered.

“Oh, wow.” Pipp said tiredly from that long chart lesson.

“Aha!” Izzy cheered as she appeared from the stairs as Pipp and Hitch looked at her. “Thanks for stopping by, cuties! But now it’s time for the holistic healing helping hoof, Izzy!” She announced cheerfully with a wave of her hoof as she hopped next to them. “Izzy! Izzy! Izzy!” She mimicked an echo around the critters playfully.

“Don’t worry, Pipp, we have a lot more nature facts to share.” Hitch assured with a smile as the critters jumped off the bed. “We’ll be back.” He said as he, Sparky and the critters walked out of the room.

“Oh, Pipper!” Izzy called out with a smile as Pipp turned to her. “Once I work my magic, you’ll be back to your old chipper, sparkly, singing self in no time!” She said cheerfully.

“Uh, okay, Izzy, but--” Pipp tried to explain but was cut off as Izzy hopped out of the room.

“My crystals reminded me of the ultimate tea potion for your flu!” Izzy called out as she rummaged through some stuff downstairs as Pipp just looked on in confusion before Izzy came back up while levitating a giant teapot and a tea cup. “Here it is, my Unicorn Remedy Tea: guaranteed to cure what ails your tail! And the rest of ya.” She said as she poured some in the tea cup and gave it to Pipp.

Pipp smiled as she held the tea cup and took a sip out of it. She smiled at the taste. “Wow. I was skeptical, but it’s delicious!” She said as Izzy smiled from that. “Thank you so much. And it’s a magic cure?” She asked as she took another sip. “I can feel it working!” She cheered, but then she just sneezed again. “Okay, maybe not.” She said after the sneeze.

Izzy looks at the tea closely as she realizes what she did wrong. “Oh yeah. Oh no. I forgot to actually add the magic!” She said cheerfully as she gave a laugh at her mistake. “Yeah. I just made a tasty tea. But I can fix it.” She said as she levitated the tea cup and kettle again. “I’ll be right back! Keep resting! No moving!” She added as she walked out of the room.

Pipp just sighs from this again as she laid her head on her hoof.

In the living room, Zipp is flying around as Sunset is still waiting for her cold remedy to finish as she just came back from outside. They walk past Sunny in the living room, having stacks of books around her as she looks at her phone.

“‘Maic get-well soup.’” Sunny type in her phone, but it gives a beep. “Nope. ‘Magic get-well soup, Zephyr Heights?’” She types again as before her phone beeps again. “Nothing. Uh, ‘Princess Pipp’s perfect magic soup recipe for when Pipp is sick soup.’” She typed again with a smile, but it gave another beep as Sunny groaned in frustration as she leaned back.

“Sunny? Sunset sees that something on the stove smells kind of strange…” Zipp called out from the kitchen.

“And I think it’s burning.” Sunset added.

Sunny then gasped in realization. “My test soup!” She called out, having forgotten about the soup she was making for Pipp as she rushed to the kitchen.

Zipp and Sunset saw the pot with the soup burned up as smoke smog exploded out of it as Sunny rushed to it with a gasp as she turned off the stove.

“I’ll take that.” Sunny said with a sheepish smile as she took the spoon from Zipp as the three ponies looked at the pot as Sunny tapped the spoon on it as the liquid was hardened.

“Yikes, I think I’ll make other lunch plans.” Zipp cringe in disgust.

“And I’ll take some takeouts.” Sunset added with a disgusted look.

“No, this isn’t for us.” Sunny revealed with a smile. “I’m trying to make your mom’s special soup for Pipp, Zipp!” She explained as she walked off. “I should just go to Zephyr Heights and ask her--” She tried to finish.

But Zipp flew up as she stopped her when she said about her mother’s soup. “Oh… Maybe don’t do that.” She suggested.

“Huh? Why not?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“Yeah. Why couldn’t she, Zipp?” Sunset asked as well.

“Mom only made that soup when we were sick.” Zipp pointed out.

“So?” Both Sunset and Sunny asked at the same time in curiosity.

“If she knows one of us is sick, she’ll freak out and like, fly here and stuff!” Zipp explained as she landed on the ground. “Be cool about it, Sunny?” She asked to not bring out Pipp being sick so that Queen Haven won’t go into overdrive in mother mode.

“Cool? I can be cool!” Sunny said with a wide smile. “I can be very cool.” She said while acting cool.

Both Zipp and Sunset just gave Sunny a straight face. “Maybe not too cool to be weird.” Sunset added with a straight face, since Sunny’s acting can be really bad at times.

“I’ll try. But no promises.” Sunny said with a small smile.

Zipp then sniffed the air before she cringed. “But maybe you should take care of that first…” She pointed to the burnt soup pot.

The three ponies then looked over the pot as they sniffed it and gagged.

“Sweet Celestia! This stuff stinks in the after smell.” Sunset called out as she covered her nose.

Sunny covered her mouth from the gag after she smelled it. “Blech! No, good call.” She said to her friends as she closed the pot.

“In the meantime, I should give Pipp my special remedy and see how this works.” Sunset said as she poured some of her own soup into the bowl.

“Okay. And I’ll get Queen Haven’s recipe for her soup.” Sunny said as she trotted out the door.

“Good luck, Sunny!” Sunset called out as she turned to Zipp. “Wanna join me in giving Pipp some of my special remedy soup, Zipp?” She asked.

“Sure.” Zipp nodded. “I need to check on her to make sure she's okay.” she added as the two ponies went upstairs.

Meanwhile, Pipp was in her room but she was trying to practice singing when she should have been resting.

"What's that sound? It's the sound of the…" Pipp coughed. "...thundercloud. Crash, you gotta believe in the…" She coughed some more when Sunset and Zipp came in and saw her on her phone trying to sing.

“Hmm…” Zipp said as she looked at Sunset as the two nodded in agreement.

"Ahem!/Hey!" Both Zipp and Sunset barked, spooking Pipp and she fumbled her phone right into Zipps' hooves.

"You’re supposed to be resting, Pipp." Sunset frowned.

"Vocal Resting!" They both said in unison.

"No! Not Bestie! Give her back!" Pipp frowned, hovering up but Zipp blocked her with her hoof as she tried to reach her phone while waving her hooves around while screaming a bit until she stopped.

"No more secret singing! No more ClipTrots! No more livestreams! You can have this back later. Give yourself a break for now! Sheesh." Zipp stated before flying off.

Pipp sighed and grabbed a Chronicles of Chevalia book and opened it up. "Pipp, if you keep stressing your voice, you'll lose it. And then you won't sing or even talk ever again!" Sunset gently frowned.

Pipp gasped as she held a hoof to her neck. “I don’t wanna lose my voice!” She cried in panic.

“Then vocal rest your voice and don’t stress it.” Sunset advised as she brought out her soup she made. “Here. Have some of my homemade soup. Should help with the cold and your throat a little.” She added.

Pipp looked at the soup as she ate some while widen her eyes from the taste. “Mmm. This is delicious, Sunset.” She said with a smile.

“I tried my best to recreate the recipe Applejack showed me for one of her remedy soup.” Sunset said with a smile as she turned. “I’ll leave you alone for now, Pipp. But remember, rest is the key to getting better.” She quickly added as she walked out the door.

Pipp sighs from that. “Okay!” She managed to say as she continue to read the book as she took some more soup.

At Zephyr Heights palace, Queen Haven is leaning on her throne with a wide smile as she is playing a game on her phone as she exclaimed in laughter.

Haven didn’t notice that Sunny entered the throne room while being escorted by Thunder and Zoom.

“Hi, Queen Haven!” Sunny quickly called out as Thunder and Zoom walked off. “I mean, Your Majesty!” She quickly corrected herself with a bow.

Queen Haven heard Sunny and was surprised that she was here, not wanting her to see her playing on her phone, she tossed her phone away as she stood up.

“Oh, please, Sunny.” Queen Haven said with a small smile and wave, acting like nothing happened. “Call me: Your Majesty Queen Haven.” She said as she flew up with her wings spread and did a pose. “To what I owe the pleasure? And where are my girls? Are they here?” She asked as she looked around for her daughters, thinking they were here as well.

“Play it cool…” Sunny said quietly while acting cool as she turned to Queen Haven. “Well, Zipp has some sleuthing to do and Pipp is sick…” She suddenly said as Queen Haven went wide eyes. “... at skateboarding!” She quickly corrected herself. “She’s so sick at it. Stick means good. She’s skating.” She added as she gave an awkward chuckle.

Queen Haven calmed down as she flew down to the throne. “This is a satisfying answer.” She said with a calming smile.

Sunny sighs in relief as she speaks. “I’ll just cut to the chase and tell you that, that…” She trailed off as Haven looked at her in confusion as she raised an eyebrow. “I’ve entered a cooking competition!” She quickly covered. “Yup, I did, and I need to bring some Zephyr Heights elevated flavors to Maretime Bay. I think it’ll be the height of sophistication!” She added as she then gave a laugh. “Get it?” She asked.

“Oh, how lovely!” Queen Haven cheered as she flew towards Sunny. “And you’re right about that. Our cuisine is second to none. I love to help.” She said, which made Sunny smile from that answer.

Back in the Brighthouse, Hitch is back in the room with the critters as Pipp watches on what they are doing.

“Okay, Hitch.” Pipp said as she placed down the book she was reading. “Whatcha got for me, now?” She asked with a small smile.

“My incredibly talented critters and I have prepared a play for you!” Hitch revealed as the critters got on the desk as Sparky clapped his hooves as he turned off the lights as Pipp looked on in confusion. “Our story starts in a humble wooded thicket right here in Maretime Bay…” Hitch started as he translated while he shines a flashlight on Kenneth as Pipp watches in interest while Kenneth did some movies. “Hark! To what do mine eyes see but a spotted owl?” He continued as he made hooting sounds.

Pipp gave a giggle as she got a pillow as she watched the play with a smile.

And then the play continues one critter at a time, Kenneth chirping as he is holding onto Curtle with an old Anti-Unicorn mind reading helmet.

Then the next one shows Sparky growling while hearing his mask when he was in the Maresquerade Ball as McSnips jumped on with a pen, acting like it’s a sword as he poke Sparky, who pretended to be stabbed as he lay down and his mask came off, playing dead.

And then Kenneth did a pose as Hitch spoke again. “And there was never a war between the spotted owls and the striped lemurs ever again!” He finished as the critters waved and the squirrel released some streamers.

Pipp clapped with a smile from the play. “That was cute!” She cheered as she rubbed her nose. “Oh, one question, though. Did the winged gopher learn to fly because it was inside him all along or because the Breezie fairy granted him a wish?” She asked. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little unclear. Feels like a first draft.” She pointed out.

Kenneth grew frustrated as he threw his can hat down and chirped off angrily.

“He’s says…” Hitch tried to translate but stopped himself. “You know what? I… won’t share that one.” He said, wanting to not to translate a word that could never be said.

Back with Sunny, she was still walking with Haven through the hall past some large clear windows. "So would you happen to have any special soup that might heal, I mean...wow the judges?" She quickly corrected herself.

"Oh, do I? I do!" Haven grinned. "There's Cream of Marshmallow, Egg Cloud Bisque and Pegasus Wedding Soup. My personal favorite." She said with a fond smile.

Sunny came beside her and added. "Oh, not exactly what I'm looking for. Uh, but they all sound great." She said as she looked down in thought.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Izzy came into the room again.

“Okay!” Izzy called out cheerfully as Pipp was laying on her bed as she heard Izzy come in. “Pipperoni and Cheese, this time I think I’ve got it.” She said as she brought out the tea kettle again. “The magic potion tea to cure your bug and bring you back to maximum sparkle!” She announced.

Pipp smiled with her wings flapping as she stood up. “Ooh, I’ll try it! The last one really was delicious.” She commented. “Notes of cinnamon, and ginger, and…” She listed out as she stopped for a sec as she rubbed her nose. “Cotton candy?” She finished with a small smile.

“Oh you noticed, aw!” Izzy said with a smile as pour some tea on the cup and gave it to Pipp. “Okay, here you go! Bottoms up!” She cheered.

Pipp smiled as she took a sip of the tea as she smiled. “Again, delicious.” She said, but now Pipp sounded like Izzy somehow, which shocked her from that after hearing what she just said. “Wait, why do I sound like this?! I’m you, Izzy! I mean-- I’m like not you but like, I have your voice! Oh no!” She cried out in Izzy’s voice.

“What?” Izzy asked in surprise as she was not expecting that either. “Let me try!” She said as she took a sip of the tea as she tasted it a bit before she smiled. “Mmm tasty!” She said cheerfully before she felt the aftertaste. “Huh? That was new! Must have been the bumbleroot.” She said as she then gasped. “How’s your voice now?” She asked Pipp.

“Fa la laa--” Pipp tried to sing, her normal voice returning but it’s still raspy. “Still the same.” She answered with a down expression.

“Oh, flying rats!” Izzy called out. “But I’m not gonna give up yet.” She said in determination. “Potion tea magic is real! I’ll be right back!” She said as she gave Pipp back the cup as she walked off with the kettle.

Pipp looks at her cup of tea before putting it aside, not wanting to sound like Izzy again as she finds it weird.

“Look who came to see you, Pipp.” Zipp called out as she and Sunset walked into the room.

“It’s somepony we know so well.” Sunset added with a smile.

And then Misty slides into the room next to the two ponies with a smile.

“Misty?!” Pipp asked in surprise. “Haven’t seen you since the Manesquerade Ball!” She said with a smile as the three ponies came up to her.

“I know, I’ve uh, been busy.” Misty said with a small sheepish smile. “But I saw you on the live stream and I wanted to check up on you.” She explained.

“Aw! Aren’t you sweet?” Pipp asked with a smile at Misty.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, very sweet.” Zipp quickly said as she drew close to her sister. “Okay, sis, it’s time we talk turkey.” She said in a serious tone.

“Oh, I don’t know any talking turkeys.” Pipp said as she tilted her head a bit before she gasped. “You should ask Hitch!” She suggested.

“No! ‘Talk turkey’ is detective speak for ’get down to business’!” Zipp explained with a smirk.

Pipp looked confused by what her sister meant.

“It’s about our research and Zipp’s detective work we’ve been doing recently.” Sunset explained with a small smile.

“Oh!” Pipp said in realization.

“We wanna take you through our ongoing case against the nefarious evil pony who wants to steal magic!” Zipp explained.

“Aka, Opaline.” Sunset said next, which made Misty gasp from that.

“Oh, ooh!” Pipp said excitedly with a clap of her hoof. “Okay. You mean the dirt. The goss. The tea?” She asked eagerly.

“No! It’s not ready yet!” Izzy’s voice called out from hearing that as they turned to where she called out.

“No! Izzy! We’re not talking about that kind of tea!” Sunset called out next.

“Okay!” Izzy answered.

“The facts!” Zipp answered.

“I love it, let’s get into it.” Pipp said eagerly.

“Or uh…” Misty called out while looking nervous. “We could play a game instead!” She suggested.

“Nah, I like my idea better.” Zipp said as Misty really nervous as Zipp continued. “So after hours and hours of digging through everything, including the book Misty helped us find…” She started.

“And the book I’ve found to find out about the Dragonstone…” Sunset added.

Misty gasped in shock that she gave the Alicorn book to Zipp and Sunset somehow knows about the Dragonstone.

“...We’ve determined that this evil pony is definitely an alicorn!” Zipp declared.

“And that this Dragonstone needs actual dragonfire like Sparky’s to charge up!” Sunset added as Misty looked nervous.

“And this Alicorn, she’s been around since the days of Twilight Sparkle!” Zipp continued.

“But maybe even way before that! Like maybe during the time when Celestia and Luna were really young!” Sunset finished, which made Misty look in shock that they knew that.

Pipp gave a dramatic gasp from that. “I love this theory! Keep going!” She said eagerly, but then she started coughing again.

“Whoa, easy on the voice tone, Pipp. Don’t want to ruin your voice.” Sunset said as Misty looked on in worried that they know about Opaline and the Dragonstone.

Back at Zephyr Heights, Sunny is still listening to Haven’s soup.

"Apple Bisque, Tomato Bisque and Biscuit Bisque," Haven continued to run off the list of her winning soups recipes to Sunny, "But that one's not very popular."

"Your Majesty, I'm just going to say it." Sunny replied. "What was that soup you would make for Pipp? She made it sound so great, the way she talked it up."

Haven gave a soft smile, "You mean the Special Sick Day Soup?" She asked. "For days when she was sick? Why? Is she sick? My baby!" She panicked as she went into mother overdrive mode.

"No! I am." Sunny quickly excused remembering what Zipp said before she faked a cough.

"Oh, you poor dear. But please for the love of Cloudpuff, don't pass it to me." Haven stated. "I have places to go and ponies to see! I'm meeting Alphabittle for tea later." She said with a smile as she walked off.

Sunny gave an awkward chuckle which turned into a grimace when Haven was gone after hearing that.

Back in the Brighthouse, Pipp is reading a book as Zipp flew in.

“Sis! I forgot to share a key detail!” Zipp called out as she, Sunset and Misty came in. “The book says Alicorns can harness other types of magic other than their own.” She explained.

“Even I’m surprised by that detail. And I know Alicorns well.” Sunset commented in agreement since she didn’t know Alicorns can harness other types of magic.

“I’m not following this turkey talk.” Pipp said in confusion as she placed the book down as she wiped her nose. “If an Alicorn already has Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth Pony magic, what other kind of magic is there?” She asked in confusion.

“That’s where the Dragonstone comes in, Pipp.” Sunset started.

“Dragon magi--” Zipp tried to answer, but was cut off when Misty started to fake coughing.

The three ponies turned to her while Sunset raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong, Misty?” She asked while feeling suspicious of Misty.

“Oh!” Misty said with a nervous chuckle as she clears her throat. “Ahem, I must be coming down with what you have, Pipp.” She lied nervously as she gave another fake cough. “Anyway, uh, I just came here to bring this get-well gift.” She said as she held out a newspaper wrapped present with some ribbons on it. “It’s a mane brush. ‘Cause, a pony never have too many mane brushes!” She said as she gave a laugh as Pipp smiled at the present and then at Misty. “Am I right?” She asked with a smile.

Pipp gave a happy gasp. “How thoughtful!” She said with a sniff. “Thank you so much!” She said.

“That is actually pretty generous.” Sunset said with a small smile.

“Hey Misty, tell us that story you shared at the unicorn sleepover again, would you?” Zipp asked, wanting Misty to tell her story about Twilight during their first unicorn sleepover.

“Yeah. We would like to hear it again for future references.” Sunset said in agreement, while knowing that is not true, they need to hear it again to connect some dots and clues while giving a look to Misty that is un-noticeable.

“Uh… Uh, uh…” Misty said nervously before she spoke with a nervous smile “Sure I, uh… I just, uh… I just gotta get some water first.” She quickly said as she fake cough again and trotted out the room as she headed downstairs.

“What’s stuck in her mane?” Pipp asked in confusion as she pointed a wing to where Misty trotted off.

“Hmm hmm.” Zipp shrugged.

“No idea. She is an odd pony. Not as odd as Izzy, but a little bit from the mane part.” Sunset commented with a shrug, while she knows why Misty is doing this, she still finds Misty’s attempts a little strange.

“Remember that one time I got a candy apple stuck in mine?” Zipp asked her sister with an amusing smile.

“No, that was me.” Pipp said in a deadpan expression as she placed Misty’s gift present down.

“Wait, seriously? You had a candy apple stuck in your mane, Pipp?” Sunset asked in surprise.

“Yep. Zipp put it there. At the carnival.” Pipp answered while still looking at her sister. “Took Mom an hour to get it out.” She added.

“Yikes.” Sunset cringed from that, having something stuck in the mane will be having a hard time to get it out.

“Oh yeah!” Zipp said as she now remembered as she gave a chuckle. “Classic.” She smiled fondly at the memory.

Pipp and Sunset just kept giving a bored expression at Zipp from that.

“Zipp, seriously?” Sunset questioned in a bored tone.

“I mean, sorry about that.” Zipp quickly apologized with a sheepish smile.

Meanwhile, Sunny was still keeping up her 'being sick act' to try and get Haven to make the soup for her, "So, can I get that recipe or-" Sunny coughed while Haven was on her phone.

"My, aren't you a persistent one." Haven suddenly frowned, throwing away her phone.

"Is there something wrong?" Sunny questioned, suddenly worried about the Queen.

Haven took a deep breath and admitted, "Okay, fine! You don't have to keep twisting my hoof! I admit it! The soup is not homemade! It's from the Souper Ladle Food Cart!” She yelled out as Sunny was surprised by that as she looked around before facing Haven again as she sat down. “It's the number 12, add carrots. I've been ordering it and passing it off as my own for the girls' whole lives. I'm embarrassed! I'm a good mother, but a terrible chef." She admitted while looking down.

"Oh no, I don't judge you!" Sunny replied quickly. "I'm sure it's delicious either way!” She assured her.

Haven wiped her tears as she clapped her hooves as Zoom came to them, holding a bowl. “At least take the official Royal Ponyware for authenticity.” She said as Zoom gave Sunny the bow as she guided her out the door. “I did always serve it in this. Good luck and feel better, my dear!” She called out as Sunny left.

Zoom guided Sunny out the door as she closed it. “Wait, where’s the Souper Ladle Food Cart?” Sunny called out from outside, since she doesn’t know where that cart is.

Back at the Brighthouse, Pipp is going through her makeup supplies as she moves them around and putting them down as Sunset and Zipp came in again.

“Sis, you won’t be better for days if you’re not--” Zipp spoke but was cut off.

“Don’t say resting.” Pipp said as she pointed a makeup bottle at her sister, while Zipp and Sunset stood in surprise as Pipp was about to lose it. Please. Please don’t say resting! I’m so sick of resting.” She cried out as she flew to her bed. “I’ve been resting for hours. I’m done!” She pointed out as she sighs while Sunset and Zipp listen. “I feel crummy, but doing nothing is making it worse!” She added.

“I’m sorry! I just…” Zipp tried to explain as she felt guilty for pressuring her sister. “Never mind. I’ll go.” She said while looking down.

“Wait, Zipp.” Sunset said to Zipp before the pegasus could move before turning to Pipp. “Pipp, what got you this worked up when we’re trying to help you get better?” She asked in concern.

“I’m just so over being treated like a patient.” Pipp answered as she lowered herself to her bed and kicked some tissue away. “It’s not any of you. I’m sorry!” She apologizes while feeling bad that she snapped at her friends as she sat on the bed.

“It’s okay.” Zipp said. “We’ll give you your space…” She said as she walked off as Pipp groaned stressfully.

Sunset sighs as she walks up to Pipp and sits at the edge of the bed. “Pipp, Zipp is only like that because she is concerned about you. We all are.” She said.

Pipp sighs. “I know. It’s just that, I just don’t wanna be treated like a patient and do nothing when I’m sick. It drives me crazy and I don’t wanna just sit around and do nothing.” She said with a small frown.

“Pipp, I get that. But it doesn’t change the fact that we are concerned about you.” Sunset explained. “We may have gone a little too far on you being sick, but that just shows how much we care about you. We just wanted you to get better and be there for you when you’re sick. You should’ve told us about this to give you some space.” She added while giving Pipp a sympathetic look.

Pipp gave it a thought for a sec as she gave a sigh. “And I’m grateful that you guys are taking care of me, it’s just that I needed some space as well and I needed to do something other than doing nothing at all.” She said.

“And we can respect that. Just don’t stress yourself too much and take it easy while you're sick.” Sunset said as she stood up and walked off. “Just, let us know if you need anything.” She said as she walked off while Pipp was long while giving some thought to what Sunset just said and how her friends cared about her.

A little bit later, Pipp is reading the book again as she has a small smile.

“Hey Pipper-suarus!” Izzy called out as Pipp turned and saw Izzy coming in with a new tea cut while wearing protective goggles.

“Ugh, Izzy, I know you’re really trying here but--” Pipp tried to say as she closed the book and sat on her bed.

“Just taste it, silly.” Izzy said with a smile. “I promise I got it right this time.” She promises with a cheery smile.

Pipp took a sip of the cup as she smiled. “I love it! What is it?” She asked with a smile.

Izzy took a deep breath as she spoke. “It’s just chamomile tea.” She answered with a smile. “I finally stopped looking for a cure and decided to settle on something to just make you feel nice.” She explained.

“Aw that’s exactly what I needed!” Pipp cheered with a smile. “Thanks, Izzy, you’re the best!” She said as she took a closer look at her tee. “You’re sure this won’t mess with my voice?” She asked, wanting to make sure it doesn’t change her voice again after sounding like her unicorn friend.

“This one is just 100% chamomile flowers, honey and water.” Izzy assured her. “Oh, and love.” She added with a smile.

“Now this is some magic I can get behind!” Pipp said as the two smiled at each other.

Meanwhile, Sunny went to the Souper Ladle Food Carry to get Pipp her soup.

“Number 12, add carrots.”

“Ooh, so sorry, we just ran out.” The salespony replied.

“Oh no. Now Pipp is never going to get better.” Sunny said in worried for her friend, but the salespony’s face lit up hearing Pipps’ name.

“This is for the Princess?! Well why didn’t you say so?” The salespony called. “I need an extra number 12 with carrots for the Princess!”

Then the Chef appeared before Sunny, “For the Princess?! coming right up!” He went right to work on the soup.

“And don’t keep royalty waiting!” The salespony added before winking at Sunny, who smiled in response.

Back at the Brighthouse, Sunset, Zipp and Misty came in again with a board as Pipp saw them come in again as she put the book away again.

“First of all, I want to say, I’m sorry for getting on your case all day.” Zipp apologized. “I just care about you, okay?” She added.

“I know. Sunset told me about it.” Pipp said while looking down. “I’m sorry for being Little Miss Cranky Hooves.” She apologized next before she sobbed. “I’m just stir-crazy from being inside today.” She added.

“Yeah. Being inside all day can do that to a pony.” Sunset commented in agreement.

“Then, let us knock your stir-crazy sock off.” Zipp joked as she flip her board to show her the clues and hints of Opaline and the Dragonstone.

Misty gasped in shock while Pipp starred in awed.

“We’re gonna give you the rundown of all the clues we gathered after Twilight’s message.” Sunset said with a proud smile.

“Now, here’s how all of our theories connect!” Zipp started. “On Alicorns, on dragon magic, the Dragonstone, on glowing Cutie Marks…” She listed out with a smile.

Misty squeaks nervously as Pipp watches in interest as Sunset and Zipp explain their theories while connecting the clues together while also replaying Twilight’s message while Sunset explain what the Dragonstone could do and guessed what Opaline plan to use it for as they explained every detail and every clues they have researched and gathered, which made Misty even more nervous while Pipp looked in awed by this.

After a few minutes or so of explaining, Pipp kept silent in awed as she was amazed about the theories they had gathered before she spoke.

“Amazing! I love it.” Pipp said with a smile as Sunset and Zipp smiled back at her. “I mean, I don’t love that we have to stop this evil Alicorn, this Opaline character, but excellent work.” She added as she now has a thought. “What do you think about it, Misty?” She asked.

But once the three ponies turned, they saw Misty was gone.

“She’s gone.” Sunset said in surprise since neither of them noticed that Misty was already gone.

“Oh no, I hope she’s not getting sick too.” Zipp said in concern.

“I hope she’s okay. Because I’m starting to worry.” Sunset said in concern, having a feeling where Misty went and hoping she doesn’t do something she’ll regret.

At the Dark Castle, Misty told Opaline the whole thing, which she didn’t take well.

“What do you mean ‘they know’?” Opaline questioned in anger while she and Misty are in the study room. “Who is ‘they’, and what is it that they know?” She demanded.

“Zipp, Pipp and Sunset, they know everything!” Misty answered. “Well, not-not everything, but a lot. They know who you are, well, almost.” She added.

“Ugh, almost?” Opaline scoffed. “They had never heard of moi? The great and powerful Opaline?” She questioned as her horn lit up in flames as she spread her wings out.

Misty backed up nervously in fright from Opaline’s rage.

Opaline retracted her wings and her horn died out. “What are they teaching these ponies in history classes? Nonsense? Gibberish?” She asked while looking at Misty, who stood in silence, not sure what to say. “Well?” She questioned, which made Misty flinch.

“Oh uh, uh, I’m sorry.” Misty quickly apologized. “Uh, I, I don’t know. I thought it was one of those questions you’re not supposed to answer?” She said in honesty.

Opaline just groaned in annoyance from that.

Back at the Brighthouse, Pipp is watching the critters, and Sparky, playing instruments as they started a band together to entertain Pipp while Hitch listens to the music in the background with a smile as she starts rapping for them and then they all sing together.

Pipp started clapping lightly to them. “Oh, wow…” She said with an uncertain smile. “Yay, uh… That was great.” She said, not sure how to say it since she couldn’t understand a word they said but she smiled at them. “Hitch, I really appreciate you trying to keep me entertained all day, but what I could really use is somepony to hang out with.” She said with a small smile. “Can we just chill?” She asked.

Hitch just sighs with a smile at her. “Boy. Wow. Thank you. Yes! I gotta admit, we were running out of stuff to show you, weren’t we?” He asked his critter friends and Sparky with a smile, since they were running out of ideas to entertain Pipp.

Sparky gurgled in agreement as he took off his sunglasses as Hitch and Pipp smiled at each other as Pipp hugged her pillow.

A little bit later, the Marestream returned as Sunny came out and trotted into the Brighthouse with the soup.

Inside the bedroom, Pipp and Hitch are playing a board game while Sparky is sleeping with a pacifier while laying on a pillow as Sunny comes into the room as she places the bowl of soup down.

Sunny sighs tiredly. “Wow, that took all day!” She said with a smile at the amount of time the soup needed to be made. “Pipp, I got it! I did it! I have your magical soup!” She cheered as she pushed the soup closer to Pipp.

“Sunny, this is so nice, ah!” Pipp said before she continued. “But I should tell you, there’s nothing magical about it.” She revealed.

Sunny was surprised by that. “There… isn’t?” She asked in surprise.

“It’s special because of the effort my mom went through to get it, and the stubbornness of her insisting it was homemade!” Pipp explained with a smile, revealing that she already knew her mother’s secret behind the soup.

“Oh! You knew?!” Sunny asked in surprise that Pipp knew.

“But I love it!” Pipp cheered. “It always made me feel good when I was sick. And this is the nicest thing. You’re the best.” She added while giving a smile to Sunny.

“Hmm.” Sunny said as she was about to take the soup back.

“Hey!” Pipp suddenly called out, which made Sunny stop from taking the soup. “I know I said it was the thought that counts, but it’s also really delicious soup.” She explained, really loving the soup even though it was bought. “Give it, please?” She asked politely.

Sunny smiled as she gave the soup to Pipp as she accepted it.

“Thank you!” Pipp said as she drank down the soup.

Back at the Dark Castle, Opaline is pacing back and forth as Misty sat on the floor.

“So, what do you want me to do?” Misty asked uncertainty.

“What do you think?” Opaline questioned firmly as she turned Misty in a slight panic. “That little detective girl and the Guardian of Harmony are getting too smart. We must act.” She declared, since Zipp and Sunset are finding out more about her and need to work up her plan real quick before they plan something.

“You mean me, right?” Misty asked as she stood up. “I must act?” She questioned.

“Yes!” Opaline answered as she walked up to Misty. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to gather all the dragonfire. It’s time.” She declared with an evil smirk. “Sinister laugh, commence now.” She laughed evilly with her wings spread as her laughter echoed out castle as thunder crackled at the side of it.

A little bit later at night, the Mane 6 san Pipp are in the living room, looking tired as Izzy is sleeping on the chair while snoring while the others are looking tired on the couch.

“Hey, ponies!” Pipp called out, as she is now better as she sounded normal, which caused the others to wake up. “Listen to this.” She said as she flew to them and landed on the table as she clears her throat. “Hey Pippsqueaks, it’s ya girl Pipp! Please welcome my guests, Electric Blue!” She called out with a smile as her wings spread.

“She’s back!” Hitch cheered as the others smiled at her.

“Feeling better already, Pipp.” Sunset added with a smile.

“See?” Zipp asked with a smirk as she flew next to her sister. “All you needed was a little rest!” She added with a wink.

“A little tea!” Izzy added next with a smile as she came next to her friends.

“Some yummy soup!” Sunny added next.

“A special remedy!” Sunset added next.

“And a good hangout!” Hitch finished as he place his hoof on Sparky as the baby dragon cheered as Zipp flew to the baby dragon as well and placed a hoof on his head.

“Yeah!” Pipp said in agreement. “I’m sorry if I was a difficult patient.” She apologizes at how she was stressed at her friends when they were taking care of her. “You all worked so hard to entertain me, keep me preoccupied, give me a special remedy, and even get my health back, but all I really needed was to know my friends care about me. Like Sunset told me that when I was getting stressed out by it.” She finished as her friends smiled at her.

“Ah!” Izzy called out with a wave and a smile. “If I knew that’s what you needed, I wouldn’t have tried so hard!” She said cheerfully.

The rest of the Mane 6, and Sparky, laugh from what Izzy said, finding it really funny when she said things like that. “Izzy, you funny Unicorn.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“We’re just glad you’re okay.” Zipp said to her sister with a smile before she remembered something important for Zipp. “But you gotta get to Mane Melody for your big livestream with Electric Blue!” She reminded her about the livestream that her sister needs to do.

“Oh yeah, you’re late!” Hitch added in concern.

“You should get going if you want to start the livestream, Pipp!” Sunset added in concern.

Pipp just gave a smile to her friends. “You know what? I think I’d like to do it here, with you ponies.” She said as her friends smiled at her. “You’re the reason I feel good enough to stream, after all!” She added.

“I think we can help with that!” Sunny said with a wink at Pipp with a smile.

“Let’s get started, ponies!” Sunset called out to them with a smile as they got started.

A little bit later, the Mane 6 are setting things up for Pipp’s livestream as Hitch rolled out Pipp’s laptop as Sparky opened it up, Izzy levitated the microphone holder as Pipp place her lucky microphone in place as Zipp turned on the TV where it showed a screenshare of Electric Blue as they waved to them on the screen as they waved back as the Mane 6 are doing the finishing touches for Pipp’s livestream.

But they didn’t know that trouble and danger would be coming for them sooner than they expected.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 6.

Chapter 4 Ep 7: Missing the Mark

Chapter 4 Ep 7: Missing the Mark

Before sunrise, Misty is running through the forest while wearing a cloak as she then stops not too far from the Dark Castle.

“I can’t believe I finally got you!” Misty said in disbelief as she held up Sparky, who was wrapped in the cloak, having finally caught the baby dragon. “Opaline is going to be so happy! You’re all she thinks about!” She said happily as she held up Sparky out of the blanket.

Sparky gave her a smile as he gurgled at her as he tried to reach Misty. Misty looked around to make sure that she wasn’t followed as she gave a sigh.

“I’m sorry! But if you knew what it was like, you’d understand.” Misty said in guilt to Sparky for taking him.

Sparky gurgled again as he reached out and grabbed Misty’s muzzle as Misty gave him a nuzzle with a smile as Sparky clapped. “Ah!” He cheered.

Misty gave a small smile at Sparky as she sighs before hiding him again in her cloak as she trotted to the Dark Castle.

At Maretime Bay, the sun was rising as Hitch was sleeping in the station as he was snoring, and then he started moaning in his sleep before he woke up with a scream, as if he had a nightmare.

“That was a weird dream!” Hitch said to himself before he gave a smile. “I wish you could’ve seen it, Sparky.” He added as he got up from his bed and made his way to Sparky’s bed. “Kenneth was enormous and he was stomping through Maretime Bay like a birdzilla.” He explained his dream with a slight chuckle as he opened his cabinet.

But once he opened, he saw that Sparky’s bed was empty, which surprised him.

“Spark-spark? Buddy?” Hitch called out to Sparky as he closed the cabinet as he started looking around for any sign of the baby dragon, from under his desk and bookshelf. “Hmmm… Come on!” He said in worry as he looked in a drawer. “Kenneth?” He asked.

Kenneth is in the draw as he twitters.

“Oh good. You’re not birdzilla.” Hitch said in relief as he gave a chuckle. “Have you seen Sparky?” He asked him, which made Kenneth twittered as he turned around. “Thank you! Sorry!” He apologized to him for disturbing his sleep as he closed the drawer. “Hmm… Where is my little rascal this time?” He asked himself as he was trying to think where Sparky wandered off to, since this wasn’t the first time he done this.

A little bit later, Hitch went to the Brighthouse where the rest of the Mane 6 and Discord were already awake.

"Morning Hitch." Sunset called.

"Hey Hitch." Sunny greeted from her table.

"Good morning!” Izzy sang cheerfully, knowing over some bottles of glitter as she came up next to Hitch. “Whatcha doin?" She asked.

"Oh I'm just looking for Sparky. He's wandered off again. Like he does~" Hitch replied with a chuckle and Izzy dramatically gasped.

Izzy gave a gasp in shock from that. "Oh no! I take back my 'good' in the good morning!" Izzy replied.

Hitch went over to a chair and began looking, "Are you okay?" Sunny asked.

"Sure. He's done this before. We'll find him. NO need to panic." Hitch replied, staying calm, just as Zipp and Pipp appeared with Zipp yawning.

"What are we not panicking about?" Zipp asked.

"Sparky's playing Hide and Seek again." Hitch relied.

"Oh. Ah! Oh no!" Zipp yelped.

"But it's fine! He's around here somewhere. Probably just playing in Izzy's supply closet." Hitch dismissed.

Pipp gave a chuckle as she and Zipp landed. “So no need for a new ‘Operation Glitterbomb’ then?” She joked as she and Zipp gave a smirk.

“Uh, nope.” Hitch answered.

“Aww. Are you sure?” Izzy asked from the stairs as she dumped a bucket of glitter with her usual cheery smile.

“Uh-huh.” Hitch nodded with a smile.

“As long as you learned your lesson from that little vigilante incident when Sparky was missing the first time.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Come on, let’s check the supply closet.” She said as the Mane 6 and Discord walked into the supply closet with Izzy taking the lead.

Izzy hopped down as she looked around. “Empty!” She called out.

“Huh?” Hitch asked in surprise. “I was sure he’d be here.” He said in worried.

“So was I…” Sunny said in worried, but then she corrected herself. “Um, not to worry!” She quickly said as she walked out of the closet as she clears her throat as she begins to sing. “You hear that sound. Ooo ooo ooo ooo.” She sang as the others waited for Sparky to respond, but then they all cringed when Izzy walked back up with a flute she just played as they turned to her.

“Izzy, that was loud.” Discord said to her while rubbing his ear.

“Sorry.” Izzy apologizes to her friends with a sheepish smile.

The Mane 6 and Discord walked out of the closet as they started singing together. “The melody that’s ringing out. Ooo ooo ooo ooo.” They sang together as they waited for Sparky to call out, but nothing.

“Come on, little guy…” Hitch called out to him as he was really worried for his baby dragon.

“I hope he isn't what I think he is.” Sunset said in concern as she, Zipp and Discord looked at each other in worry, having a bad feeling about this.

At the Dark Castle, Misty brought Sparky into the main room of the castle as the baby dragon babbled in curiosity at the interior of Opaline's home.

"Is it just me or have you gotten way cuter all of a sudden?" Misty asked looking at Sparky on her back. Sparky babbled and nudged Misty a little to her cheeks. "Oh, you're making this so hard! I don't know what to do." Misty was inducive on what to do now, torn between two lives now. "Take you back or give you to Opaline? Take you back or give you to Opaline?" She asked herself as she paced back and forth.

Sparky suddenly burped out a small green bubble.

"Aww, that was cute.” Misty said with a smile. “And kind of gross...Okay that does it!" Misty turned around to return Sparky back to the others, "I can't do this! I can't! I'm taking you back.

"Misty!" Opaline's voice snapped from above as she appeared, much to Mistys' horror as the Fire Alicorn came down asking,."What have you been doing all morning? You've been gone forever!" She scolded but when Sparky revealed himself in front of her she gasped, "Oh! You've secured the dragon! I can't believe it!" She said with a smile as she took Sparky in his magic and his demeanor instantly changed as she growled at her, "And what a fine specimen he is! I must admit Misty, I didn't think you had it in you."

"Oh. I guess I did though.” Misty said in a non proud expression that Opaline didn’t notice.

“Look at you, little dragon. You're even better than I imagined.” Opaline said curly before she gave an evil smile. “I have the most lovely place for you to play." She sneered evilly and Sparky growled at her again. "Would you like to see it?"

Sparky growled before Opaline took him upstairs and Misty followed glumly with a sigh. In the tower, Opaline had set up her own working station with the most powerful crystal in Equestria, Dragonstone, on the table. Sparky saw the Dragonstone and babbled at it with fascinated.
Opaline took Sparky in her magic again.

"Wow, you really like him, don't you?" Misty asked.

"Like him?" Opaline laughed. "I adore him.." Opaline closed the bubble around Sparky and put him out side of the window and left him hanging in his bubble cage connected to a chain outside.

Misty gasped, "That's where you're going to keep him?! Um...uh...couldn't we find somewhere more uh....comfortable?" She asked nervously. "That bubble cage looks a little um....dangerous."

"Not to worry! I'll only keep him there until he's done being drained. And then....we'll let's just say. He'll be useless..." Opaline sneered as she brought the Dragonstone closer to Sparky which activated its powers as Sparky's dragonfire began to be drained and taken into the stone, making it glow!

"My....that's a long drop.." Opaline acknowledged at the edge of the castle as Sparky began to turn a dark grayish green as Misty looked on in worried and guilt for Sparky.

The Mane 6 and Discord are searching around the Brighthouse to see if Sparky is anyplace in it.

“Sparky?” Zipp called out as she looked through a drawer.

“Sparky?” Hitch called out next.

“Sparky? Come on out!” Sunny called out next.

“I have a fire ruby for you, little dragon!” Discord called out while holding a dragon ruby he made appeared.

“Here’s Sparky!” Hitch called out again.

“Sparky, where are you?” Pipp called out next.

“Sparky?” Hitch called again.

“I hope he’s here!” Sunset called out in worry.

Izzy kept playing the flute loudly as she was looking out of breath while playing it.

“Maybe the lullaby isn’t working and we can give the flute a break?” Zipp suggested while looking at Izzy.

Izzy stopped as she fell to the floor while breathing heavily as the flute hit her on the head as it fell to the floor. “That was starting to make my brain all twisty-turny. Ugh…” She shuddered.

“What else is new?” Sunset joked, seeing that Izzy’s brain couldn’t get all twisty-turny then it already is like Pinkie Pie, while also trying to lighten the mood and hope Sparky is somewhere here and isn’t with you-know-what.

“Sparky! Come out! I got snacks for you!” Hitch called out as he held out an apple while giving a worried chuckle before he started to panic.

Sunny then came to Hitch with a calming smile. “Don’t worry, Hitch. We’ll find him.” She assured as she placed a hoof on his back.

“Uh-huh. Absolutely.” Hitch quickly said. “I’ve learned my lesson from last time. Sparky will be just fine. I know it. Huh.” He said as he still looked worried as the others looked at him in concern.

“Uh, Hitch. Remember what we talked about when this Opaline Alicorn and the Dragonstone Zipp, Discord, Twilight and I researched?” Sunset asked in worried.

“Yes…” Hitch nodded nervously.

“That dragonstone can not only suck out a dragon’s fire but also…. Their life force.” Discord revealed.

“What?! How come you didn’t tell me that?!” Hitch called out in shock.

“We just found out yesterday. We even give you and the others the rundown on it! How come you still didn’t know?!” Zipp questioned.

Hitch looked around as he gave a sheepish chuckle. “Uh, I think I was asleep from that after hanging out with Pipp when she was sick and handling Sparky.” He said with a sheepish chuckle.

“Oh Celestia.” Sunset sighs as she facehoof herself while Discord and Zipp rolled their eyes in annoyances. “Anyway, if Opaline got Sparky and has that Dragonstone, then Sparky is not safe on his own. We gotta find him before she does!” She called out. “Let’s search the bedrooms before we begin outside, he could be hiding there.” She suggested as the others nodded as they walked upstairs.

Back at the Dark Castle, Opaline is still sucking Sparky’s magic out of him as Sparky grows weaker.

"Finally, I will possess my full enhanced fire powers! I've been waiting for this moment for so long! Hundreds of Moons!" Opaline announced.

"That's great, Opaline!" Misty smiled while sneaking peeks at Sparky.

Opaline groaned at her while Misty looked at Sparky, who was getting weaker and Misty knew what would happen if the draining was completed.

"It's not great...I'm the worst pony in the world..." Misty thought to herself.

“What did you just say?” Opaline questioned as Misty flinched as she turned to her. “Seriously, Misty, I’ve told you a thousand times I can’t understand you when you mumble.” She pointed out.

“Oh!” Misty said with a nervous smile. “I just said, you must be so excited for tonight!” She quickly lied with a nod.

“Of course I am.” Opaline said as she shook her head. "Now I have to do my pre-ceremony magic cleansing." She quipped looking at her hooves, "And decorate the lair for the event and be ready to destroy the last of the Guardians of Harmony. Don't disturb me until I'm finished! Understood?" She then went off to prepare.

Misty turned to the window and tried to grab the cage but it was out of her reach. "I'm sorry, Sparky. I've made a horrible mistake." Misty apologized to Sparky before she looked at her bracelet Izzy gave her, she knew what she had to do. "I'm going to get your family. I promise."

With that, Misty ran out the door towards Maretime Bay to get Hitch and the others.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, the Mane 6 and Discord are searching through the bedroom hoping that Sparky is there.

“Ooh! Look what I found!” Izzy cheerfully said while looking at her bed as Sunny and Hitch came to her.

“Sparky!” Hitch called out hopefully.

“Oh sorry.” Izzy quickly apologizes. “Yeah, she’s not here either. But I was looking for this.” She said as she brought out a party horn and blew out of it in triumph.

Hitch and Sunny just look at Izzy as Hitch sighs in disappointment as he begins to panic some more.

“Now I’m not saying I’m nervous…” Hitch started as he gave a nervous chuckle. “But we’ve looked everywhere!” He called out.

“Maybe Sparky got hungry and went out looking for a treat in tow?” Pipp theories to assure Hitch.

“No way!” Hitch called out as he held out a cereal box with a drawing of Sparky in it. “I keep one of these in every room Sparky might go in and they’re all full.” He pointed out.

But Sunset, Zipp and Discord looked at each other in concern.

"Hitch.... Let’s face facts..." Sunset stated. "... I think Opaline must’ve got him."

The rest of Mane 6 gasped in horror, "WHAT?!" Hitch exclaimed in horror at his baby dragon being in the hands of the evil alicorn while clutching Sparky’s snacks in worry.

“Discord, you were there when you found this information on the Dragonstone, do you know where Opaline’s lair is?” She questioned.

“I do. It’s…. Uh…” Discord tried to say, but then he cut himself off as he tried to remember where the castle was. “Uh… I can’t remember.” He said as he shook his head before he widened his eyes in shock. “I can’t remember?!” He cried out.

“What?!” The Mane 6 called out in shock.

“What do you mean you don’t remember where Opaline's lair is?! You were there and you copied off the dragonstone and Opaline’s plan!” Sunset pointed out.

“I don’t know!” Discord said in defense. “I don’t know what happened. I remembered going into the castle, getting the info on the dragon stone and Opaline’s plan, but after that, I seem to have a tingly thing that hit me in the head that only tingled before…” He stopped himself as he realized what he said. “Oh no.”

“What? What is it?” Sunny asked in concern.

“I think Opaline somehow erased my memory of the location of the castle the last time I was there!” Discord called out as the other gasped.

“She knew you were there and erased the location of her lair?!” Sunset called out in shock and slight panic from that. “Oh boy. That means she must’ve sensed something was in her castle and somehow made sure you didn't give away her location! We need to find that lair quickly and save Sparky before it is too late!” She called out as the Mane 6 nodded in agreement.

The Mane 6 went out the door as Sunset turned to Discord. “And Discord, in case we get captured, turn invisible so that Opaline doesn’t see or sense you.” She instructed quickly.

“Got it!” Discord nodded as he turned invisible.

The Mane 6 were about to head out the door, but Misty appeared as she came through the door as she rolled across the floor with a grunt as she fell on her back as the Mane 6 circled her.

“Misty! We’re about to go look for Sparky.” Sunny said as the Mane 6, san Sunset, looked at Misty with a smile while Sunset gave Misty a look. “Do you wanna help?” She asked.

“I saw him!” Misty called out with a wave of her hoof, which surprised the group as she got up with a pant. “I saw somepony dragon-nap him!” She called out.

“What?!” Hitch called out in panic.

“It’s the evil Alicorn, Opaline!” Zipp called out. “We know it! Me, Sunset and Discord warned you ponies that we were in danger!” She pointed out.

“We knew that she would make her move!” Sunset yelled as she hit the wall.

“How did she find Sparky?!” Pipp asked in worried.

“What does she want with his dragon fire?!” Hitch panicked.

“I know…” Misty suddenly said as the Mane 6 looked at her in surprise, except for Sunset. “I mean… I… saw where they went. I can take you there. To Sparky. But we’ll have to hurry!” She quickly said as she walked out the door.

The Mane 6 looked at each other before they followed Misty as they raced to the Marestream.

“You’re sure you know which way to go, Misty?” Hitch asked in concern.

“Positive.” Misty said determinedly.

“How are you so positive?” Zipp asked while giving Misty a questionable look.

“I uh…” Misty said as she looked on nervously. “I just… saw them!” She quickly said.

“You saw Opaline kidnap Sparky?” Zipp asked again. “And we know somepony must’ve told her where Sparky is in the first place after Discord lost his memory of the location by her?” She added.

“Well, we know it wasn’t Misty. It wasn’ any of us.” Sunny pointed out. “We would never do that to each other. Right?” She asked her friends with a small smile.

“Right.” Hitch agreed with Sunny with a smile.

“Right.” Both Pipp and Izzy said together.

“Right.” Misty nodded with a smile.

Zipp stood quiet for a second before she spoke. “Right.” She coincides before the others look at Sunset, who was lost in thought.

“Sunset?” Sunny asked.

“We should trust Misty, but if Opaline is this powerful Alicorn, we must be on our guard.” Sunset said with a serious tone, which made the others surprised by that. “If Opaline tries to drain Sparky’s dragonfire and become the all-powerful Alicorn, she will be impossible to defeat and she will stop at nothing to finish what she started. So today, in the name of Friendship and Equestria, we take the battle to her!” She determinedly said.

The rest of the Mane 6 and Misty were moved by Sunset’s words as they all nodded in agreement, while Misty’s nod was a little slow as she looked off a bit.

“Sunset’s right. We have to do this.” Sunny said in agreement as she turned to the others. “Now let’s stay focused. Sparky needs us!” She called out as the others nodded in agreement.

“It’s that way!” Misty called out as she pointed to a direction.

Zipp smiled as she pressed a button as the Marestream’s wings spread out as it then flew off into a storm cloud while leaving a rainbow.

The Marestream flew through the storm while Zipp did her best to dodge some lightning strikes.

“Are you sure this is the way?” Sunny asked in concern.

“Yeah, Misty. Are you sure?” Sunset asked while wanting to be sure Misty is leading them to the right direction.

“It’s down there.” Misty answered as Zipp then flew the Marestream down as it passed through the storm.

The Mane 6 feels uneasy about the place they are in. “This is the spookiest place I’ve ever seen.” Izzy said, while never having seen anything spooky before her whole life.

“Be ready, ponies. We’re not in hot water yet.” Sunset said firmly while keeping her guard up.

The Marestream landed on the ground as the Mane 6 and Misty walked out as Izzy hummed happily before Pipp gasped at something in the distance. There they saw the Dark Castle as they all looked in shock while Misty just watched.

“I take it back.” Izzy said with a small smile. “This is the spookiest place I’ve ever seen.” She cheerfully said.

“We’re not here for sightseeing, Izzy.” Sunset said sternly to the cheery Unicorn while giving her a look that made Izzy flinch from that.

“Sparky’s in there?!” Hitch asked in shock and really worried for his baby dragon as he gulped.

“No guesses that this is Opaline’s liar.” Sunset said seriously as she took the lead. “Let’s go save Sparky.” She added as the Mane 6 followed her.

After heading to the front door, the Mane 6 and Misty enter the castle as the Mane 6 are shocked at what they are seeing.

"I can't believe this was here the whole time." Sunny breathed looking at the Dark Castle's tree interior.

"Wow...." Sunset added.

"She's got great style." Pipp quipped looking at the layout including tapestries with Opalines' cutie mark on it, earning angry looks from the others, "G-Great evil style."

"Misty, what is going on? And how do you know your way around so easily?" Zipp interrogated.

"I-I uh.." Misty stammered.

Sunset realizes that there is no point in keeping it since she knows that they need to know about Misty since Misty can’t admit it to herself. "Because she lives here!" She revealed, which caused the others to gasp from that.

“W-What?! How did you know?!” Misty asked in shock as she backed up.

“Discord told us about it and he was in the castle the last time he was here to learn more about Opaline, you and the dragonstone.” Sunset pointed out.

“Sunset, what are you talking about?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“I’ll fill your ponies in later.” Sunset quickly said. “But not only that, but he heard about you and felt sorry for you when you were grounded here, isn’t that right, Misty?” She asked with a look.

“Uh-umm..” Misty said nervously as her friends looked at her in hurt and betrayed. “Yes.” She admitted with a sigh.

"Where's Sparky!" Hitch barked.

"We have to get him before Opaline comes-" Misty began before she was cut off.

"Oh, I'm right here!" Opaline sneered from on top of the tree staircase. She used her magic and entrapped the gang in a magic bubble.

Misty gasped, "Good work, Misty! I expected the dragon, but you brought the whole set!" Opaline smirked and she hovered in the air and descended downward. "As soon as I'm done, draining that little lizard of every ounce of his precious magic, I'll be able to steal the source of theirs, too....Their Cutie Marks! As an added bonus a Guardian of Harmonys' Cutie Mark."

Sunset glared at Opaline as she gritted her teeth. “So, I'll take your Opaline? She gritted.

“The one and only.” Opaline chuckled evilly. “I take it, have you heard about me?” She mocked.

“Did some research and clues about you and the fact you're the one who caused all of the creatures in Equestria to be divided and ruin Twilight’s legacy.” Sunset angrily said as she kept her glare on the very pony for ruining her friends’ legacy.

“Oh, my reputation precedes me.” Opaline said with a smirk as she turned and began to walk away, "Come Misty." Opaline quipped while Misty looked glum and torn as she looked back at Sunset and the others as she followed Opaline.

“No! It can’t be true!” Sunny called out in shock.

“She’s lying! Right, Misty?” Pipp asked hopefully.

“No…” Zipp said in a quiet rage. “She’s been helping her this whole time! Haven’t you?” She questioned.

Misty stopped as she turned her head to them while feeling guilt and hurt. “I’m sorry.” She said in guilt.

Sunny felt her heart breaking. “Uh, you betrayed us.” She said hurtfully.

“I didn’t… mean…” Misty tried to say but couldn’t find the words as the others and Izzy and Sunset turned their backs from her.

“I thought we were your friends.” Izzy said hurtfully as she turned her back from Misty as well.

“No.” Misty said in guilt as for betraying her friends as Sunset looked at her in sympathy.

“I knew Misty.” Sunset suddenly revealed as Misty and the others turned to her in shock.

“What?” Misty and the rest of the Mane 6 asked in shock.

“I knew that you were with Opaline the whole time, but I still see you as a friend.” Sunset said with a small smile as the others were shocked by that.

“You… you know?” Misty asked in surprise.

“Yep.” Sunset said with a smile as she pointed. “Now go, before Opaline yells at you.” She added.

Misty was surprised by that as she nodded and trotted off while Sunset turned to the others, who were looking in shock at what she said.

“Yeah, I have something to say…” Sunset said while looking down in guilt.

At the study room with Opaline, Misty was really conflicted about what the others told her as she look at the dragonstone and then at Sparky, who is more gray than he is as Misty then turned to Opaline, who was looking in a mirror as she hummed to herself.

“I am so proud of you, Misty.” Opaline said through the mirror.

“You are?” Misty asked in surprise by what Opaline just said.

“Yes.” Opaline answered. “And you’ve worked so hard to earn your Cutie Mark. You must be so excited!” She said while aiming her mirror to look at Misty.

“I… I am…” Misty managed to say. “I did work really hard. I just… wanted to make you happy for so long. Like forever, practically.” She explained while looking down in guilt for betraying her friends.

“And you’ve finally done it!” Opaline said with a smile as she placed a hoof under Misty’s chin. “You’ll get your Cutie Mark as soon as I’m done draining the dragon of his dragonfire.” She said while gesturing to Sparky. “Isn't that exciting?” She asked excitedly.

Sparky gurgled weakly.

Misty then spoke quickly. “I better go check on the others.” She quickly. “To um… make sure they’re not causing any trouble.” She said as she walked out the door while leaving Opaline alone.

Back in the throne room, the Mane 6 are trying to find their way out of the magical bubble Opaline put on them as Izzy is trying to poke her horn at it, but kept being pushed back as she poke it again, but then she fell to the floor.

“Whew! The first forty tries were fun, but this is getting tiring.” Izzy said to her friends with a sigh.

“I just can’t believe Misty would do that to us.” Sunny said, still in shock that Misty betrayed them. “We’re her friends.”

“She’s not our friend.” Zipp snapped bitterly. “She was just pretending. I knew it. I should have just followed my instincts.” She said to herself.

“She fooled us all.” Pipp said as she place a comforting hoof on her sister.

“What I wanna know is, how come you two didn’t tell us about Misty?” Sunny asked Sunset.

“It was for your own good.” Sunset answered.

“Was it good for her to capture us?!” Zipp questioned angrily.

“Zipp…” Pipp tries to calm her sister down but Zipp ignores her.

“You and Discord knew that Misty was with Opaline! And yet you didn’t tell us!? Why didn’t you warn us about her?!” Zipp demanded in rage.

“I have my reason and it was for you guys and Misty’s sake!” Sunset yelled back.

“Oh! Like when you didn’t tell us that you were from that human world that one time when we first met until we were making our way to Bridlewood!? Yeah! Some reason!” Zipp yelled.

“It was not like that!” Sunset yelled.

“Then what is…!” Zipp was cut off.

“BECAUSE MISTY HAD NO CHOICE!!!” Sunset snapped as she had a really angry rage that made Zipp flinched. “SHE HAD NOPONY TO LOOK TO AS A FRIEND AND WE WERE THE FIRST! AND SHE HAD ALL THE CHANCES TO CAPTURE SPARKY FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, BUT SHE DIDN’T BECAUSE SHE SAW THAT IT WAS WRONG BUT OPALINE FORCE HER HOOVES!!!!!” She yelled as she took a breath as the rest of the Mane 6 looked at her in shock as Sunset calmed down. “Me and Discord only found out about Misty when we returned from the Bridlewood Field Day thing when he told me and Twilight. We hadn’t always known about her until that day.” She explained while looking down.

“But Sunset, why didn’t you tell us that since then?” Sunny asked while wanting to know why Sunset didn’t tell them.

Sunset sighs. “Because Misty’s first friend was us. I would’ve told you ponies, for so long that Misty was with Opaline, but I thought if I did, then Misty would’ve been crushed and abandoned again and alone, with no pony but that crazy Alicorn she was abused with.” She said with her eyes shut as she fought back the tears. “She never had a Cutie Mark or friends her whole life and she was already stressed and alone when she’s with Opaline. But since then, she’s been open as a real friend to us and was choosing a side between us and her adoptive mother. Which is a tough choice for her.” She added.

The others were starting to feel sympathy for Misty for going through so much as they are starting to have second thoughts about this.

“And I could feel the same way she had before.” Sunset continued as the others listened. “Years ago, an Equestrian artifact called the Memory Stone erased the memories of me being good to my friends and everypony I knew, which resulted in them abandoning me and that really hurt me.” She explained as the others gasped in shock from that. “After their memories were restored after destroying the stone they apologized to me for how they treated me, but even to this day, I was still hurt. So I know what Misty is going through as well for her to get what she always dreamed the most. She didn’t have a choice for why she did this to us.” She finished as she covered her eyes to hold back the tears as she began to sob.

The rest of the Mane 6 feel bad for Sunset as Sunny came to her as she gave her mentor/sister-figure a hug as Sunset hugged back as Sunny rubs her back.

“Oh, Sunset. We’re so sorry. We had no idea.” Sunny apologized as Sunset kept sobbing.

“I get that you ponies might hate me for…” Sunset sobbed but didn’t get to finish.

“No, no, no! We don’t hate you, Sunset!” Zipp quickly said while feeling guilty for yelling at her as her ears lowered. “It’s just… why you didn’t tell us from the start is all, we would’ve understood.” She added.

“How often do you ponies don’t listen to warnings or others when they try to tell you something and sometime jump to conclusions?” Sunset questioned with a raised teary eyebrow at them.

The others then realizes what Sunset meant as they all chattered in agreement, finding her point fair.

“Okay, you got us there.” Zipp said with a sheepish chuckle, since they hardly listen to warnings and sometimes jump to conclusions too much. “But still, it looks like Misty chose her side and she betrayed us.” She said with a frown.

“But it wouldn’t matter now, because we’re trapped.” Sunset said as she looked down.

“And now Sparky is gone.” Hitch said sadly.

Izzy grunted again as she fell on her back from poking the shield. “Oh… My horn is dizzy.” She said.

Sunny looked at her friends as they all sat in defeat and betrayal, even Sunset as she then gave a determined look. “We can’t just sit here and let them win!” She called out as the others turned to her. “We can fix this. I can fix this!” She called out as she sighs and closed her eyes. “I just need to change…” She said as she started grunting as her Alicorn form started flickering. “...into…” She said again as she tried to bring out her Alicorn form. “...an Alicorn!” She called out as her Alicorn magic stopped as she sighs.

“Did your Alicorn magic glitch, Sunny?” Sunset asked in surprise that Sunny is having trouble bringing out her Alicorn form.

“But uh… but I’m trying to help somepony! Why won’t it work!?” Sunny asked in sadness as she mastered her Alicorn magic on how to bring it out and now she is having trouble bringing it out as she looks down. “Maybe I can’t do it. Maybe I’m not true Alicorn material after all.” She said in doubt.

“What?! How can you say that?” Pipp asked in shock. “Of course you are!” She added.

“But I trusted Misty so much and I didn’t know that she would do this to us since Opaline forced her hoof.” Sunny said as she laid down.

“I don’t think it’s your magic, Sunny.” Sunset said while having a thought.

“What do you mean?” Sunny asked.

Sunset stood up as she then focused her horn, but it faded out the second it sparked. “I can’t use my magic either!” She called out in shock as she looked at her necklace to get Twilight to come out, but she didn’t. “And I can’t bring Twilight out as well!”

“Wait a second…” Zipp said after seeing this as she tried to fly, but couldn’t even get airborne with a flap of her wings while Izzy tried to use her magic as well, but couldn’t as her horn faded. “It’s not you, Sunny. Our magic doesn’t work in here!” She pointed out.

“Opaline’s shield must be blocking us from using our magic! Which explains why Discord couldn’t free Misty from her room before!” Sunset added with wide eyes.

Izzy then gasped with a smile. “That’s why you can’t turn into an Alicorn!” She said, but Sunny still looked down from that.

Pipp then touched the shield again as some glitter like sparkle got stuck on her hooves. “Ugh! We’ve got to get out of this sticky thing!” She cried out.

“I can help.” Misty called out as she trotted to them.

“Like you helped us get into this situation?” Zipp sarcastically asked as they all turned her backs on her again, except for Sunset.

"Don’t be rude to her." Discords' voice came before everything seemingly froze in time sans the ponies, spooking Misty before Discord silenced her by placing a claw over her mouth

"Discord..." Sunny and the Mane 6 smiled at the Lord of Chaos.

"You came after us?" Sunny asked.

“Sunset figured you ponies would be caught before we left, so she figured I stayed hidden.” Discord explained with a smile.

“Gotta be prepared.” Sunset said with a proud smile.

"Discord?!" Misty shivered in fear.

"Discord....our true friend." Zipp introduced bitterly.

"Do not blame little Misty for this.” Discord said to them while giving Misty a sympathetic look. “Opaline found her when she was a filly and she's been manipulated by her ever since. Just like how she manipulated everypony into turning against each other in Equestria. It all makes sense now." He stated. "Opaline was the pony who tore Equestria apart all those moons ago and who Twilight fought and lost her memory over."

"Of course!" Zipp acknowledged everything in place now.

“Yup.” Sunset nodded.

"And poor Misty has been manipulated big time." Discord started with Misty, who looked confused.

"W-What do you mean Opaline tore apart Equestria?" Misty asked the former Lord of Chaos.

"Opaline never told her what she did.....she's been manipulating her cause of her want for a Cutie Mark and fear." Sunset thought to herself. "That explains why her story foretold Twilight as the 'enemy' when it was Opaline who was the enemy this whole time." She said to herself as she realizes that Misty doesn’t know the full truth. "Discord.....you need to tell her." She stated.

"Tell me what?" Misty questioned looking between the Mane Six and Discord.

Discord took a deep breath and explained to Misty what Opaline had done to Equestria all those moons ago and what it ended in, along with him trying to destroy the Pegasus Crystal to try and bring peace back the wrong way before the Mane 6 stopped him. When he was done, Misty was devastated.

"I-I knew she was lying to me from day one....b-but to.....she....." Misty’s voice hitched in her throat.

"I'm sorry Misty....but it's true." Sunny confirmed the devastated Unicorn.

“Really true. And there’s no lie about it.” Sunset finished.

"I-I...I can't believe it......b-but.....I do believe it." Misty stammered with her ears lowered.

"MISTY! COMe UP HERE!" Opaline's voice sounded from above and Misty gasped.

"Hide, Discord!" Misty urged and the former Lord of Chaos quickly hid, becoming part of the tree bark restoring the time flow before Misty went upstairs with her usual sad look.

"Misty, my dear. You're only moments away from earning your gorgeous new Cutie Mark." Opaline charmed before she came over to the window. "I just want to watch this stinky little dragon fall first."

"Uh, do we really have to drop Sparky into the water, Opaline?" Misty asked, earning a dangerous and angry glare from Opaline that made her flinch, "I mean, he's' just a baby dragon and now he'll be powerless so...he's harmless.."

Opaline snapped her wings open, "This harmless baby dragon had given me one headache too many!" she snapped at Misty advancing towards her, "And now that he'll be without dragonfire, I'll have no use for him. Ta-da, baby dragon." Opaline sneered.

Sparky let out a small bubble which popped in front of Opaline and Misty, "Agh! Disgusting! I have to go wash my hooves if he got spit on me. Ugh. Revolting." Opaline walked off.

With Opaline gone, Misty galloped downstairs to Sunny and her friends, "Don't bother apologizing Misty, we don't want to hear it."

"Yeah, we're too busy trying to get out of this mess." Sunny and Hitch said harshly.

"The one you put us in." Pipp frowned.

"Give Misty a break. None of this is her fault." Sunset defended.

"Sunset! How can you say that? You've never done anything bad in your life!" Sunny gawked at her.

Sunset closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Actually.....I did. In Twilight's Era back when she first started as the Princess of Friendship......I stole her Element of Magic and took it back to my world to use it to try and take over."

Sunny, Misty and the others gasped as Sunset turned away a bit. "Power back then, was all I wanted, but when Twilight and the girls defeated me, they forgave me for everything I did and they showed me friendship which changed me for the better." Sunset turned back at Sunny and the others. "Everypony makes mistakes and Misty is no exception to that rule. She's been manipulated by Opaline since day one and Opaline lied saying she'd give Misty a cutie mark. A Cutie mark can never be just given. It can only be earned by finding what makes you special and unique, like my magic."

Misty understood what Sunset was saying before she spoke, "You ponies and creatures have been nothing but nice to me, you treated me better than Opaline ever has, you treated me like a friend and it's my turn to do the same!" Misty turned and saw the flames on the wood near the throne and ran over to it and leaped onto the throne. "I'd rather be a pony without a Cutie Mark forever than live one more day as a pony that does the wrong thing!"

Misty knocked over the wood and the flame became infused with it. Misty grabbed the wood in her mouth and ran full speed at the bubble, slashing it and freeing everyone, but it sent her flying back onto the ground.

"You freed us?" Sunny gasped at Misty.

"I had to." Misty stated.

Suddenly, Misty's hooves and legs began to glow bright blue before she was lifted up into the air as a sphere of blue light appeared around Misty, "What's happening?" Misty asked before the sphere touched her right flank and appeared.....her own cutie mark - Butterfly with blue and pink spots on top and blue and pink spots on the bottom.

"At last...A cutie mark!" Misty gasped in awe.

"Helping us earned you your cutie mark..." Sunny breathed.

Misty staggered to her hooves, "I just couldn't bear to see my friends....in trouble....it...unlocked something in me. What if.....that something was me....the real me."

“You have found your special purpose of being yourself and finally getting your Cutie Mark, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile as Sunny smiled back.

“That’s it!” Sunny said with a smile as she had an idea as she tossed the stick Misty used to Hitch. “Come on, everypony! Let’s get our baby dragon back!” She announced.

“You have a plan, Sunny?” Sunset asked with a smirk.

“You know it.” Sunny answered with a smirk as they huddled together to listen to her plan.

Opaline then saw the dragonstone begin to fully charge as she gave an evil smile as she began to absorb the dragon fire as she gave an evil laugh and as she started to glow bright as her magic began to grow stronger.

“Opaline! Help! Help!” Misty’s voice called out Opaline then landed.

“Ugh, that Misty.” Opaline groaned as she started walking out the room. “That pony will be the end of me.” She added as she walked downstairs.

What she didn’t know is that Zipp is carrying Hitch as they flew over Opaline without her knowing as they flew into the room as they saw Sparky.

Hitch gasped at the state Sparky is in. “Sparky!” He called out.

Zipp flew out of the window as she flew under Sparky. “Don’t worry, Sparky, we are here to rescue you!” She called out as Hitch stuck his head out as he used the flame stick to pop the bubble Sparky is in as Zipp caught him. “Gotcha!” She called out as she flew back to the window and gave Sparky back to Hitch.

Hitch hugged Sparky as he gave a laugh of relief. “I’m never letting you go again!” He said as Sparky gurgled happily as he hugged Hitch back, glad that Sparky is okay, drained but okay, and that they’re together again.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Misty is tied up with vines on the throne with Pipp and Izzy at both sides.

“Okay, she’s coming.” Misty whispered.

“Okay, you got this.” Izzy said as she gave a wink to Misty as Misty smiled in response.

Opaline came downstairs and saw Pipp and Izzy near Misty while tied up. "Help! Help!"

“Misy, what did you do?” Opaline questioned before she realized what she saw. "What happened here?!" Opaline snapped.

"They overpowered me Opaline." Misty frowned.

"Where are the-" Opaline began to ask when she realized this was a trick. She growled and went to stop the ponies from getting Sparky but she was blocked by her Sunset and Sunny.

"So you're the evil Alicorn." Sunny frowned.

"Is that what you're calling me now? Better make it an evil fire alicorn!" Opaline sneered as her wings and horn flared with dragonfire. "OPLAINE ARCANA!"

"Oh dear./Uh-oh." Pipp and Izzywinced seeing how powerful she was.

"Twilight warned us about you! You're the one who tried to steal all the magic and divided Equestria all those moons ago!" Sunny frowned.

"And now that I have the dragon's power! I'll do it again right now!" Opaline roared.

However, Sunset's Amulet opened and out came Twilight, "You'll never succeed Opaline! Just as you failed before!"

"WHAT! HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE!" Opaline screeched at Twilight's spirit.

"Sunset Shimmer has more tricks than you know, Opaline." Twilight sneered at her enemy.

“You're not the only experienced magic pony in Equestria you know!” Sunset yelled out as she glared at Opaline. “And now, we’re going to stop you and your evil plans!” She called out as she lit up her horn.

“I like to see you try!” Opaline roared as she fired a magic beam at Sunny and Sunset, who dodge out of the way as they split up as Sunny hopped down and Sunset flew up. “Ah! Ah!” Opaline kept shooting magic blasts at them as she tried to hit two targets.

“Oh, whoa!” Sunny called out as she ran around.

Sunset did a little flying tricks as she dodge the beams.

“Ha-ha! Missed!” Sunny called out with a smirk.

“Hehe, what’s wrong Opaline? Rusty on the magic?” Sunset mocked with a smirk.

“Ah!” Opaline cried out as she fired another beam as she then fired at the tree bark wall where Sunny.

“Sunny, watch out!” Sunset called out, but it was too late.

Sunny gasped as the wall piece fell on her as her friends gasped.

“Sunny!” Izzy called out in worry.

Sunny is stuck in the wall piece as she tries to get up, but she is stuck underneath the pile.

“Look at me.” Opaline said with an evil smirk. “Do you really think you could stop a Fire Alicorn?” She sarcastically asked as she gave an evil laugh, but before she could use her magic on Sunny, something hit her in the face. “Ah! Ugh!” She yelped in pain as she turned and saw Izzy throwing things with her magic.

“Leave. Sunny. Alone!” Izzy called out in anger as she kept throwing stuff at Opaline.

Opaline shook off as she glared at Izzy, but then something was thrown at the back of her head as she turned and saw Pipp throwing things at her as well.

“Dah! Yes! Leave her alone!” Pipp yelled at Opaline as well.

“You pests!” Opaline yelled out as she trapped Izzy and Pipp in a bubble again.

Sunny gasped from this as she tried to lift the wall piece of her as Opaline fused Izzy and Pipp’s bubbles together.

“Izzy! Pipp!” Sunset yelled out as she then shot a beam at Opaline, who dodge it as the two Alicorns glared at each other. “Opaline!” She roared.

“Guardian!” Opaline roared back as she then flew to Sunset, Sunset caught her as the two Alicorns fought in mid air as they crashed into the walls and then rolled across the floor as they were trying to pin each other down. “You’re supposed to be an Alicorn who strikes fear and forces ponies to bow before us!” She yelled out.

“Alicorns are supposed to be protectors and guardians to all of Equestria and protect those who are in danger from coming threats!” Sunset retorted as she bucked Opaline off her. “Twilight’s way of ruling was perfect until you caused the division and ruined all she worked for! And you tarnish that legacy for your own selfish needs!” She yelled as she fired another magic blast.

Opaline blocked it with a magical shield as she gave an evil smirk. “That is where I decided to make my move so that I could rule Equestria and be the all mighty powerful Alicorn! But that fool Sparkle ruined my plan and took my magic from me!” She yelled.

Twilight then spoke next with a glare. “You are fueled by power and rage to even understand the true magic of friendship! And you have no right to do that to anypony and rule Equestria because you think you are powerful enough to make ponies bow before you!” She yelled in rage while she really hated Opaline for ruining her legacy.

“That’s where your way of magic and ruling has failed, Twilight!” Opaline yelled back. “You may have stopped me before, but this time, I will win!” She added as she charged up her magic.

But before Opaline could blast Sunset, she was hit by a big fist that came out of nowhere as she looked up and went wide-eyed as she saw Discord, who was looking really angry. “You!” She yelled in shock.

“That’s right, Opaline. I’m back!” Discord yelled back as he then raised his fists. “And this time, I’m gonna help my friends! I’ve been waiting many moons for this!” He yelled as he charged at Opaline.

Opaline charged back as the two beings clashed at each other as they glared at one another as their magic sparked.

“Fluttershy used to tell me about you so many moons ago!” Discord started as the two being pushed back as Opaline blasted at Discord again. “About your greed and selfish actions!” He continued as he charged while summoning sharp claws as the two clashed out. “I spent many moons hiding in the shadows of my old home, many moons being afraid of you! But then I realize, all of Twilight and her friends' adventures end the same way! Of your defeat!” He declared.

Discord then did a blast at Opaline, but the Alicorn then summoned another bubble as she threw it at Discord, making him trapped as well as he snapped his fingers, but his magic was being blocked out.

Opaline gave a chuckle as she flew close to Discord. “But Discord, if they have won every time, then how come it took many moons for Twilight’s legacy to be rebuilt, even after I pushed Fluttershy down.” She smirked.

Discord roars in anger at the mention of her pushing Fluttershy as he bangs on his bubble in anger. “Don’t you dare say her name like that!” He yelled.

“I just did.” Opaline smirk, before she was blasted back by another beam as she was pushed back.

Sunset then flew to her as she started blasting and punching Opaline as she pushed the Alicorn back. “Your plans end here, Opaline!” She yelled as she blasted back. “I was once addicted to more power, but it was thanks to Twilight that I see now that power never gets you everything and that friendship can lead you to more than just riches or rule!” she yelled as she did a kick to Opaline.

Opaline caught her hoof, which surprised Sunset from that. “That’s where I beg the difference.” She said as she tossed around as she hit the walls as she was tossed next to Sunny.

“Sunset!” Sunny called out in worry as Opaline hovered over them.

“You weak little ponies can’t stop Opaline Arcana!” Opaline declared. “Even with the Lord of Chaos and the Guardian of Harmony!” She boasted as she lit up her horn.

Izzy, Pipp and Discord gasped from this as Sunny grunted to get the big bark off as her Alicorn magic lit up as she looked at Sunset as the two Alicorns nodded with smiles.

Opaline fired her horn at the two ponies and lord of chaos, but Sunny and Sunset jumped in front of them as they combined their magic to make a strong gold shield.

Discord, Pipp and Izzy cheered them on while Opaline was shocked by this.

“Uh-oh.” Opaline said, having a feeling that this might turn out badly.

“You’re strong when you face us one by one, Opaline, that is true!” Sunset started with a glare.

“Maybe alone, we can’t!” Sunny continued. “But together, we can do anything!” She declared as the two Alicorns stood their ground.

“You might think we’re weak because of friendship, but you haven’t seen what we can do when we fight together!” Twilight yelled out with a glare at Opaline.

Sunset and Sunny combined their magic as they blast it at Opaline.

Opaline was pushed back from the blast from the blast as Sunny and Sunset took to the air as Opaline fired at the Alicorns while Sunny kept her shield up while Sunset went on the offense as they flew around in air combat as Opaline chased after them with a scream.

“Yes, you two can do it, Sunny and Sunset!” Izzy cheered.

“Way to glow, you two!” Pipp cheered next.

“Wipe that smug look off that torch!” Discord cheered next.

Opaline kept screaming as she blasted at the two Alicorns again as Sunny kept her shield up as Sunset blasted Opaline back again as Zipp and Hitch came into the room as they saw the battle.

“Yeah! We have your backs!” Zipp encourages them.

“Get her!” Hitch called out as the two ran downstairs as Hitch used the stick to pop the prison bubbles their friends were in.

Sunset then shot another blast at Opaline as she pounced on her as she glared. “Looks like your plan is failing twice again, huh?” She taunted with a smirk before she was bucked back next to Sunny.

“I will not fail again by the Guardians of Harmony!” Opaline yelled in rage as she fired another beam at Sunny and Sunset.

Sunny summoned up her shield again as Sunset kept firing magic blasts at Opaline as the three Alicorns flew around while their friends were cheering to them, but what they didn’t know is that their Cutie Marks began to glow as Opaline was still firing at the two Alicorns.

Misty said with a small smile as she watched the battle. “You can do it, Sunny and Sunset.” She said to them as her newly Cutie Mark began to glow as well.

The rest of the Mane 6 and Misty’s Cutie Marks then sparkled up some magic as they made their way to Sunny and Sunset as they felt the magic of friendship from their friends coursing through them as their Cutie Marks glowed as well.

Sunset then opened her eyes as she gave a smirk at Opaline. “It’s time to end this, Opaline! Let us show you the true power of the Alicorns and the Magic of Friendship!” She declared as she lit up her horn.

Opaline gasped from that as Sunset and Sunny then combined their magic and shot it at Opaline, who got blasted back as the tarp of her Cutie Mark behind her burned in half as the lower half and Opaline fell to the floor with a yell as she was covered in the tarp.

Sunny and Sunset landed as they then used their magic to create a bubble of their own around Opaline as the Fire Alicorn grunted out of the tarp as she look and saw she’ss trap as she placed her hooves on the bubble as she glare at the Mane 6 and Discord.

Izzy and Pipp gave a smirk at Opaline getting a taste of her own medicine. “It’s no use! Those bubbles are horn proof!” Izzy called out.

“And sticky! Ugh!” Pipp added before she cringed in disgust.

Opaline grunted as she tried to get her hooves free, realizing that they were stuck as she pulled one free.

“Not so fun now when it’s happening to you, is it?” Discord mocked with a smirk as Opaline growled at him.

Sunny and Sunset then came to their friends as they saw Sparky. “Sparky! Aw, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Sunny said in relief as she and Sparky touched heads as they nuzzled at each other as Sparky gurgled softly at her.

“Is he going to be okay?” Discord asked in concern at Sparky’s state.

Sunset and Twilight took a look at Sparky as they examined him as Sunset glowed her horn over him as she then sighs in relief. “Sparky has a huge amount of his dragonfire drained from him, but he will recover in time.” She said to them.

“Some proper rest and food will give Sparky his strength back. He’ll be fine.” Twilight finished as the group sighs in relief, so did Misty in secret, that Sparky is gonna be okay.

The group then turned to Opaline as the Fire Alicorn glared at her. “You can’t keep me here forever.” She called out.

“No. But we can keep you away from our friends!” Sunny retorted as they all gave her a look.

Sunset then walked up close to her as she and Twilight glared at Opaline. “Let’s make this clear, Opaline. Whatever plans you have or might come up with, we just wanted to let you know that we will be there to stop you and your conquest of Equestria.” Sunset said in determined.

“We will be there to make sure you will never rule Equestria. And we will make sure the Magic of Friendship, Equestrian magic and Unity will be kept safe from evil beings like you.” Twilight added with a determined look. “Just like when I took your magic from you when the Crystals were made.” She finished with a smirk.

Opaline growled from that as she screamed at them, but they didn’t flinch.

“We promise that we will protect Equestria and the magic from you to the very end.” Sunset said in determined as well.

Discord came next to them as he glared at Opaline as well. “And for Fluttershy and everypony else who I knew well, we will keep that promise to the very end.” He added firmly.

“So if you rise again, Opaline, we will be ready for you the next time we meet.” Sunset finished firmly as the Mane 6 and Discord have determined expressions.

“Let’s go!” Sunny said to her friends as they nodded and walked out the castle, leaving Opaline and Misty behind.

“Yeah! Get out of here, you ponies and lord of chaos!” Misty yelled out, just acting along so Opaline wouldn’t think she betrayed her as Opaline growled at the Mane 6 and Discord as she got her other hoof free.

Sunny, Sunset, Twilight and Discord stopped as they turned to Misty.

“Hoof to heart.” Misty said quietly with a smile at them.

The four smiled back at Misty secretly as they walked out the door.

Opaline had enough as she lit up her horn and brought out her own bubble on Sunny and Sunset’s as she strained a bit as she then popped both bubbles, which freed her but made some sticky puddles on the floor and some on herself.

“Ugh!” Opaline growled from her defeat, again. “That was outrageous! No pony traps Opaline!” She yelled in rage that Sunset, Discord, Sunny and their friends beat her as she looked around at the mess the castle received from the battle. “And look at this place!” She called out as she turned to Misty. “Ugh! Those little ponies and the Guardians of Harmony will pay for this! They may have taken the dragon…” She then used her magic to free Misty from the vines. “But I still got all the fire magic I need! Clean this place up! Now!” She ordered Misty as she flew upstairs.

Misty then looked at her Cutie Mark as she saw it was glowing and so was her horn. “Oh!” She said as she then gave a laugh as she then used her newly required magic to clean up the castle while she laughed in joy. “Woo! Yeah!” She cheered as she picked up the debris as she laughed and twirled around, having fun with her new magic and finally having a Cutie Mark.

And then not long after, Misty finished cleaning the castle as she levitated a candle stand on the table as she then gasped as she saw Opaline landed as she stopped using her magic and hid her Cutie Mark from her with her tail.

“Well, that was fast. I should make you clean more often.” Opaline said in surprise at how quickly Misty cleaned up the castle as she turned to the unicorn with a small smile. “I was just going to say that although you may have unearned your new Cutie Mark by foolishly letting those ponies and the Guardians of Harmony capture you, at least they know you work for me now.” She said with a small smile while Misty just acted along. “No reason to pretend to be their friend anymore.” She added with a laugh. “That’s a good prize, no?” She asked as she walked off.

“Of course. Thanks… Opaline.” Misty said while lying to not let her know as she look at the friendship bracelet and then her Cutie Mark, as it was still glowing, as she gave a sigh.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, it was nighttime as the Mane 6 and Discord are close to Sparky on the couch, while said baby dragon got his green color back, meaning that his dragon fire is restored, as Zipp gave him his blanket as Sparky gurgled tiredly.

“Are you sure there’s nothing else we can get you, Sparky?” Hitch asked his baby dragon gently.

Sparky just yawned as he grabbed a crab plushie as it squeaked as he fell asleep.

“I think he’s okay.” Sunny said with an assuring smile as Sunset and Izzy nodded in agreement. “He’s just gonna need some rest.” She added.

Sunny’s words were proven right as Sparky immediately fell asleep as he started snoring.

“A lot of rest.” Sunny quickly added with a smile.

“That Dragonstone Opaline used on Sparky really took it out of him.” Sunset said with a small smile as she gave the baby dragon a little rub on the head as Sparky cooed.

Hitch sighs in relief as he sits down.

Sunset looked at the others with a down look. “Look, guys. I’m sorry me, Discord and Twilight didn’t tell you about Misty working for Opaline. We just wanted your friendship with her and her friendship with us to remain intact.” She apologizes while giving a look of guilt.

“I saw how Misty is when being around Opaline and it was great at all.” Discord continued while looking in guilt as well. “I can relate as I was somewhat like her when I never had a friend before.” He added while looking down as well.

“And I should’ve let them tell you ponies instead of keeping you in the dark.” Twilight said while looking down as well. “I should’ve been the ponies who trusted her friends, but I was so afraid that it might ruin Misty’s friendship with you girls, we didn’t think about the consequences.” She said in sympathy.

“So what we are trying to say is, sorry for not telling you guys sooner.” Sunset said sincerely as she looked up. “We get that it might take a while to earn your trust back, but will you ever…” She tried to finish but was cut off.

“We forgive you.” Sunny said, which surprised the three as they looked up and saw Sunny and the others smiling at them.

“What?/What?” Discord, Sunset and Twilight asked in surprise.

“Granted, it was wrong that you didn’t tell us about Misty, but you had a reason why.” Sunny started with a smile.

“And you were right. We kinda jump to conclusions many times when we’re stubborn, so it seems reasonable.” Zipp shrugged with a smirk.

“And not to mention you wanted Misty and us to stay friends.” Izzy said cheerfully.

“And we understand why you ponies were afraid to tell us when you found out about her when she was conflicted on Opaline and us.” Hitch added with a small smile in understanding.

“And that we wouldn’t have been able to stay friends with Misty if you hadn’t talked some sense into us.” Pipp added.

“What we’re trying to say is, we forgive you for trying to keep our friendship with Misty together and for not telling us about her, guys.” Sunny said with a forgiving smile as she walked up to Sunset.

“Even if I told you ponies that I was like Opaline before I turned over a new leaf?” Sunset asked with a small smile.

“You are nothing like Opaline, Sunset. You are our friend and we would never treat you like that.” Sunny said as she then gave Sunset a hug, which surprised the Alicorn as she hug Sunny back with a smile as she did the same with Discord as he smiled as well.

The others smiled at them as they felt touched by this moment of forgiveness.

Pipp decided to break the silence. “Now that we have forgiven each other, can I just say how amazing Sunny and Sunset were as Alicorns together?” She asked her friends with a smile.

“Oh yeah! Abos-tootley.” Izzy said in agreement.

“They were amazing!” Hitch added with a smile.

“Best Alicorn fight I’ve seen in generations.” Discord commented with a smile.

“I guess Sunset and I were right.” Sunny said with a smile. “The key to unlocking my Alicorn power while fighting with Sunset is to do my best to help when my friends are in need.” She said with a small smile. “And not being stuck in a magical, no-magic bubble.” She quickly added with a straight face.

“Yeah, those experiences can motivate you into doing something you never knew you were capable of.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

And then Sparky yawned again as they looked down and saw him turned a bit in his sleep.

“Seeing my friends in danger brought out a whole bunch of abilities that I didn’t even know I had!” Sunny cheered quietly at the abilities she did while fighting Opaline with Sunset.

“That is the Magic of Friendship, Sunny.” Twilight answered with a wide smile.

“That kind of magic can do amazing things to ponies that can always surprise us nonstop. Showing something that we never would have seen before or knew it was possible.” Sunset added with a proud smile.

“Me too.” Misty’s voice called out as the Mane 6 and Discord turned and saw Misty, wearing her cloak, coming in from the door, which surprised the group. “It’s what finally gave me the courage to be who I should’ve been this whole time. She said as she took off her hood as the Mane 6 and Discord smiled at Misty. “Myself.” She finished as she looked at the group. “And who I really am is a pony who would never betray a friend.” She said as she looked at her friendship bracelet and took it off. “I know what I did was wrong. I totally understand if you all hate me now.” She added as she held out her bracelet.

“We don’t.” Sunny said with a small smile as she, the Mane 6 and Discord came up to her with forgiving smiles.

“What?” Misty asked in surprise.

“We don’t hate anypony!” Izzy pointed out.

“Yeah, I mean what you did was wrong.” Pipp started.

“Really wrong.” Zipp added with a smirk.

“But what you did in the end was right.” Hitch said with a smile.

“Really right.” Zipp added again with a smile.

“And me and Discord could understand what making wrong choices can bring. Even Twilight.” Sunset said as Discord and Twilight nodded their heads in agreement, having their fair share of making the wrong choices in the past. “So we understand what you’re going through, Misty.” She added with a smile.

“We really do.” Discord added with a smile.

“Sometimes, ponies make mistakes.” Sunny said with a smile as she placed Misty’s bracelet back on her hoof. “But it’s what we do in the end that counts.” She added.

“Everypony deserves a second chance, Misty. Even those who made worse mistakes in their lives.” Twilight said as Sunset and Discord nodded in agreement. “But in the end, making the right choices and being who you wanna be is what counts.” She added with a smile.

Misty smiled at her friends for their forgiveness. “I promise you can trust me now. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you defeat Opaline.” She vowed, going to help her friends defeat Opaline and stop her plans, no matter what.

“Wait, you mean you're going to spy on Opaline for us?” Sunset asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Misty nodded in confirming. “Opaline doesn’t know I helped you guys escape and that she doesn’t know I have a Cutie Mark. I’ll have a better chance of learning more about her plans from there.” She explained, since Opaline doesn’t know of her betrayal, she can help get some info on her plans to give to the Mane 6 and Discord to stay one step ahead of Opaline and stop her plans.

“Are you sure that’s wise, Misty?” Discord asked in concern, the same feeling with the others as they know that it’s risky for Misty to do that.

“I managed to spy on you guys for this long, so returning the favor to spy on Opaline will be no different.” Misty reasoned as she is determined to help her friends at any cost. “Look, I know we didn’t plan this, but I can help more by spying on Opaline.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it, Misty.” Twilight asked in concern for Misty taking the risk.

“I’ll do anything for Equestria, your legacy and my friends, Twilight.” Misty answered with a smile. “Hoof to heart.” She promised.

The rest of the Mane 6 and Discord, raised their hooves, or talons for Discord case, to Misty with a smile. Misty smiled back at them as she raised her hoof in the middle.

“Hoof to heart!” They all called out as they placed their hooves/talon into their chest with smiles.

They heard Sparky snoring loudly as they turned and saw him still sleeping as a bubble came out of his nose as it popped.

The Mane 6… no… the Mane 7, Twilight and Discord gave a laugh from that as they raised their hooves/talon again.

“Hoof to heart.” They all said again quietly so they don’t want to wake up Sparky.

“Welcome to the group, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile as she placed a wing on Misty.

“We’re glad to have you with us.” Twilight added with a proud smile as well.

“And I promise, we will stop Opaline. Someday. But until that time comes, we’ll be ready and we’ll face it together.” Sunset said with a determined smile.

Misty gave a smile from that as her friends then huddled together in a group hug as Misty is happy to be where she belongs, with her friends.

Back at the Dark Castle, Opaline is at her study room as she lit her hoof in flame.

“Hmm…” Opaline said as she had a thoughtful smile. “If one dragon is awake, then the rest must be stirring.” She said to herself as she made a dragon-shape out of her magical flame.

Meaning that the other dragons in Equestria are out there if Sparky is awake and that the others will be awake as well and are still out in Equestria somewhere.

Opaline gave an evil smirk. “With more dragonfire, I’ll be able to steal all of the magic, including the Alicorn’s. And I will finally put an end to the remaining Guardians of Harmony once and for all.” She declared as she looked at the dragon-shaped flame. “Wake up, my dragon darklings. Opaline’s coming.” She said to herself in gleed as she made the dragon-shape flame unleashed a pink flame as flames around.

Meaning that Opaline is not done yet and is after more power, meaning that the others will have to be ready for what Opaline comes up next, as they haven’t seen the last of her and she haven’t seen the last of them either.

End of Chapter 4 Ep 7.

Chapter 5 Ep 1: Cutie Blossom Bash

Author's Note

This chapter takes place between Missing the Mark and I've Seen Fire and I've Seen Rain(Bow)

Chapter 5 Ep 1: Cutie Blossom Bash

Chapter 5 Ep1: Cutie Blossom Bash

The Mane 7 were in the Marestream flying towards Zephyr Heights at high speed.

Misty yelped as the Marestream had some bumps from the turbulence. "Are you okay, Misty?" Sunny asked

"Oh yeah, I'm just...Oh!” Misty yelp from the bump again. “...still finding my balance." She answered nervously.

"The Marestream can take some getting used to when flying in a vehicle while in the air.” Sunset explained as the Marestream shook again. “And right now, we’re hitting some airbumps, literally.”

“At least we're taking you and Edge on a secret surprise adventure! Are you excited?" Sunny beamed.

Misty looked at her friends as they gave her smile while she looked nervous. "Oh yeah! Definitely!" She nodded before she get confused. “Uh so um… what is it?” She asked.

“We are going… to Zephyr Heights for the annual Equestria Cutie Blossom Bash!” Sunny announced excitedly as the others cheered her on.

“You’ll love it!” Pipp said.

“Cutie Blossom Bash?” Misty echoed while she and Sunset looked in confusion.

“Uh, what is that suppose to be?” Sunset asked in confusion as well as the others turned to her in surprised before they remembered why she doesn’t know.

“Oh, that’s right, don’t know yet, Sunset.” Sunny said in realization before Pipp spoke.

I”t's only the cutest spring time celebration of all that is fresh and new." Pipp answered. "I'm talking flowers, blossom, bunnies and fashion.” She listed out as she did a pose. “The looks you will see, Misty. The looks.” She added with a dramatic flare.

"But more importantly, its an official ceremony and celebration for all of the ponies that have gotten their new Cutie Marks that year." Hitch stated.

Sunset then went wide eyes. “Oh, yeah! We have something similar like that before back in the old days.” She said with a huge smile.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace as she gave a smile. “Yeah. It’s like the cute-ceañera from our time!" She yelled.

"cute-ceañera?" Misty and Sunny echoed.

"The ‘cute-ceañera’ is what we celebrated in the old days by those who have recently gotten their cutie marks." Sunset informed. “I had mine when I first got my Cutie Mark.” She said while looking at her Cutie Mark with a smile.

“It’s true. Our friend Pinkie Pie threw one for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo when they finally got their Cutie Marks.” Twilight said with a nostalgic smile as she sigh. “Those three been partying all day of finally getting their marks. Memories.” She added fondly.

“Yeah, it’s a day of honor.” Hitch confirmed with a prideful smile.

"And and its kinda cool how we're finally combining the tradition we've all grown up with." Zipp added.

“Which is good for us, since we already experience this kind of thing before.” Sunset said on behalf of her and Twilight as Twilight nodded in agreement.

Izzy squealed a little with glee, "I love the Blossom Bash! It's so springy!" She said before she took out a small ring made with flowers from her mane, "See? I've already crafted seven flower corsages . I only need to make a few hundred more."

“A few hundred?!” Misty gawked with her ears down at what she just heard.

"Yeah! For all the ponies who are going to cheer you on." Pipp grinned as the others nodded and cheered on.

"Oh wow...Okay. It'll be okay." Misty whispered to herself anxiously, "I can just avoid all those other ponies, right?" She inhaled a bit sharply, "I'll just keep my head down and blend in. It will be smooth sailing. Yup." She said nervously as the Marestream continue it’s path as they are going straight to a thunderstorm.

“Zipp! Thunderstorm head!” Sunset called out as the others brace themselves while Izzy cheered.

“Quick turn!” Hitch yelped as he look at Zipp.

“I got this!” Zipp said as she flew under the thunderstorm cloud and came out from the otherside as they sigh in relief.

“That was close.” Sunset sigh as she looked at Izzy. “And great job at keeping your eyes on the sky this time, Zipp.” She added.

“I learned my lessoned before, so I wouldn’t do that again.” Zipp said with an assuring smile, knowing what Sunset is saying since when they tried to go to Ponytropico, they hit a storm that shutdown the Marestream temporarily and missed their chance to go there.

"Oh no, I just jinxed the whole 'smooth sailing' thing, didn't I?" Misty fretted with a gulp as Sunset and Twilight look at Misty in concern.

As little bit later, the Marestream is still flying as music was playing. “So put your hooves up high. ‘Cause we’re feeling alright. Everything is awesome in the Maretime.” Pipp sang.

The rest of the Mane 7, except for Hitch and Zipp, the latter is steering while the former is looking out the window, is dancing to the music as Pipp sang and Zipp bobbed her head. “So put your hooves up. Put your hooves up. Everything is gonna be okay.” Pipp finished.

Hitch is still in deep thought while looking out the window as he sigh. Izzy and Sunset saw this as they walked up to him. “Thinkin’ about Sparky again?” Izzy guessed with a small smile as Hitch turned to them.

“Yeah.” Hitch confirmed. “Ever since his run-in with Opaline, he’s been so tired. I didn’t want to drag him all the way to Zephyr Heights, but I miss him.” He said in worried.

“Well, his dragonfire was drained by Opaline. So he needed the rest to get his strength back.” Sunset said thoughtfully. “It was a good call to not take him with us.”

“And at least he’s resting with Grandma Figgy!” Izzy cheerfully, since hey left Sparky with Hitch’s grandmother to babysit while they’re away.

At Grandma Figgy’s place, Figgy is sitting on her chair with Sparky resting on her lap as the baby dragon has his blanket and pacifier as Figgy held her adoptive grandson with a warm smile while Sparky slept peacefully.

Hitch gave a smile at them from that. “You’re both right. Grandma is the best at making anypony feel betty.” He said, knowing his Grandma well take good care of Sparky.

“See? Sparky is in great hooves!” Izzy said happily.

“She’ll keep Sparky safe from danger while we’re gone, Hitch. So don’t worry, he’ll be fine.” Sunset added while placing a comforting hoof on Hitch’s shoulder.

“You just gotta get your mind off things.” Izzy added with a smile as Sunny walked in.

“I know how we can do that!” Sunny said with an excited smile. “Let’s go around and share our Cutie Marks stories with Misty!” She suggested as the others smiled. “I’ll go first.”

Sunset said with a thought. “You know, I never know how you got your Cutie Mark, Sunny. How’d you get it?” She asked with an interest smile.

“Well…” Sunny started as she began to tell her story.

Sunny’s Flashback.

A few years ago before magic return and ponykind united, a Filly Sunny was setting up a lemonade stand. “Back when I was a little filly, I didn’t have many friends. But, my dad always said…” Sunny started as she narrates as her father next to her was deinking a lemonade as he gave his daughter a smile.

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and sell it to raise money for the library.” Argyle Starshine said to his daughter as ponies around are coming up to Filly Sunny’s stand.

“So I did! My lemonade was a hit!” Sunny continued as ponies are buying smoothies as her lemonade cups are going by fast as Argyle smiled at his daughter proudly. “I sold almost every cup right away. But two ponies wanted the last one.” She continued as Filly Sunny was down to the last up as the two ponies started arguing as Filly Sunny looked scared of what to do as her father saw his daughter’s expression. “They started arguing, but then I stepped in to help.” Sunny continued as Filly Sunny then grabbed another cup as she poured half ot the smoothie from one cup into the other and offered it to the two ponies with a smile.

“They realized they werre fighting for no reason!” Sunny continued as the two ponies walked off as Argyle watched the two ponies go as he looked at his daughter proudly as Filly Sunny felt a sensation as she looked at her flank. “That’s when my Cutie Mark appeared!” She announced as Filly Sunny’s Cutie Mark appeared on her flank. “My dad told me it’s because I helped those ponies put aside their differences.” Sunny explained as Filly Sunny looked at her father as Argyle looked proud as the two gave each other warm hugs. “He was so proud.” She said.

And then the next scene showed Filly Sunny walking on a stage with a flag of her Cutie Mark strapped on her as she smiled proudly while Argyle looked at his daughter with a proud heartfelt smile. “The spring, I got to drop the stage in our Cutie Blossom Bash.” Sunny said with a giggle at the memory. “Ah, it’s one of my favorite memories.” She finished.

End of Sunny’s Flashback.

Sunny smiled fondly at the memory as Sunset and Misty smiled at her happily.

“Wow, even back then Sunny, you still put aside ponies differences in your own way before the Unity.” Sunset said with a smile, now knowing how Sunny got her Cutie Mark.

“I guess I have.” Sunny said with joy.

Hitch had a thoughtful smile. “Mmm, now I want lemonade.” He said, now having a craving for lemonade.

“Me next!” Zipp called out as she raised her hoof excitedly. “My story--” She was cut off when her sister came next to ehr.

“Well, technically our story.” Pipp corrected her sister.

Zipp ignored that as she continued. “...starts back home in Z.H.” She said as she then showed her flashback.

Zipp’s Flashback.

Back when Zipp was a filly, Filly Zipp was doing some calculation with puppy Cloudpuff next to her as she look at the statue of the Pegasi wing formations.

“Before we had magic, I was always crunching numbers trying to figure out exactly how Pegasi could fly again. But one day, I had this epic breakthrough moment!” Zipp started as Filly Zipp had a thought before she smiled widely and started climbing onto the statues. “I could tell that I was so close to flying. It felt amazing. And sure it was scare, but no other Pegasus had tried it before me.” Zipp boasted pridefully.

Filly Zipp made it to the top of the statue as she took a breath and she did some stunts as she hopped around the pillars before she jumped and flipped in the air as she landed on the head of the statue again as she started gliding and did a loop as the crowd watching started cheering and exclaiming in awe as Filly Zipp landed on her hooves as the crowd cheered her own as she felt a sensation coming as she looked at her flank as her Cutie Mark appeared.

End of Zipp’s Flashback.

“It was awesome! That’s the day I got this lil’ wonder-bolt!” Zipp finished as she looked at her Cutie Mark pridefully.

Sunset gave a chuckle. “Heh, not surprising since you have a nack for stunts and flying, Zipp.” She said amusingly as Twilight appeared with a smirk.

“Not to mention Rainbow had done something similar with a stunt when she got hers.” Twilight said with a chuckle at how Rainbow did the Sonic Rainboom to get her Cutie Mark, which resulted in the rest of her friends and herself to get theres.

“Really? Cool.” Zipp said with a smile, haven’t realize the legendary Rainbow Dash did something similar like her.

Pipp then clears her throat as they turned to her. “And don’t leave out what happened next.” She said with a smile as she had a flashback herself.

Pipp’s Flashback.

After Filly Zipp was doing her stunt, Filly Pipp saw her sister doing the tricks as she looked in awed. “Watching my sister soar, I’d never seen anything like it!” Pipp narrated as Filly Pipp looked at her sister once she landed.

“She was so courageous! And that gave me the confidence to perform, for the firms time, ever.” Pipp narrated as Filly Pipp then stomped her hoof as she started singing.

“-Make your mark. It’s your spark. Your Cutie Maaark. Oooh yeeaaahh!-” Filly Pipp sanged with her wings spread.

Filly Zipp then saw her sister as she looked in surprise. “Pipp?” She asked her sister in surprise.

“Pipp!” A Mare announced.

“Hurray!” The whole crowd except for Filly Zipp cheered as the latter smiled at her sister.

“Hey, that’s cute! I’m using it.” Filly Pipp said before she felt a sensation on her flank as she looked at her flank as her Cutie Mark appeared as well.

A little bit later at the spring, the two sisters are on a stage with flags of their respective Cutie Marks strapped on them as they walked on stage while Queen Haven watched her daughters from above.

“Oh yay!” Haven cheered as tears of joy started forming in her eyes as she grabbed Puppy Cloudpuff and blew her nose on him in joy as the two sisters chuckled at each other.

End of Pipp’s Flashback.

Zipp gave an amusing smile at her sister. “Kinda stole the spotlight there, sis.” She said with a chuckle.

“It’s not my fault!” Pipp called out with a smile. “You were the one who was so inspired!” She added as Zipp gave a smirk to her sister.

Sunset gave a chuckle. “Heh, it’s rare for two ponies to get a Cutie Mark at the same time. Heh, sisters.” She said with a chuckle.

“It happened twice but this is still amazing to hear.” Twilight added with a small smile, knowing that she and her friends had their cutie marks at the same time like the CMC did as well.

Zipp then look at Hitch as she gave an amusing smile. “You look like you’re about to burst, buddy.” She noted as Hitch gave a wide smile as he tried to contain his excitement. “Wanna tell yours?” She guessed.

Hitch then gasped excitedly. “Do I!” He exclaimed as he swipe his hoof in excitement.

“Somehow I have a feeling we know how he got it.” Sunset whispered to Misty as the two chuckled, having the same feeling as well.

Hitch’s Flashback.

Foal Hitch was at the beach with Foal Sprout and a colt as they were playing beach ball with each other. “I was playing hoofball on the beach with some colts when this filly asked to join us.” Hitch narrated as a filly came up to them, clearing asking if she would join them to play, but Foal Sprout threw the ball to to Foal Hitch as the two colts shook their heads. “But they wouldn’t let her play! They just kept shouting…” Hitch started.

“No fillies allowed!” Foal Sprout shouted as Hitch intimated what Sprout just said as the two colts walked up to Foal Hitch as the filly teared up and ran off crying.

Foal Hitch gave the filly a sympathetic look as he gave a determined look. “So I did what any decent pony would do. I ditched the meanies and played with her!” Hitch exclaimed as Foal Hitch abandoned Foal Sprout and the colt as he and the filly played together. “And then… I got my mark!” Hitch cheered as Foal Hitch felt a sensation as he look as his flank as his Cutie Mark appeared.

Sometime later, Foal Hitch was on stage with flag of his mark strapped in as he did a pose and wink to the crowd. “Because the only peace of mind is to be kind.” Hitch finished as Foal Sprout and their colt friend watched on as Foal Sprout looked away in jealous as the colt looked down in sadness.

End of Hitch’s Flashback.

Sunset gave a chuckle. “Yeah, we figure it would be something like that.” She said as the others chuckled as well. “You are always a kind and purehearted stallion, Hitch. So it make sense on how you got yours.” She added with a smile.

“Yeah, I guess I always do.” Hitch said in a prideful tone.

“And Sprout was also a jerk even back then, not surprising." Sunset muttered with a brow. “I guess not much change with that stallion.” She said with a shrug.

“My turn! Oh!” Izzy hopped excitedly as she could barely contain her excitement. “So it all begins back in Bridlewood, during the days of Yore, on the eves of the Translucent Moonstone Moon…” She said as she started echoing herself.

Izzy’s Flashback.

“Doodle-oodle-loodle-oodle-loo… Flashback!” Izzy said as Filly Izzy was walking around Bridlewood as she she saw a bunch of junk pile up. “There was this really sad-looking junk pile in the middle of our forest that just kept growing and growing. But I didn’t see it as ‘junk’. I saw the stuff that just needed some love!” Izzy cheered as Filly Izzy looked at the jump while having some idea.

A little bit later, Filly Izzy is putting together with a teapot statue. “I remade everything into a big teapot statue!” Izzy explained as the teapot statue started flowing as the crowd saw it in interest. “Then, everypony saw that maybe they’d judge the junk a little too harshly.”

“Hey, thanks!” Filly Izzy said to the unicorns as she giggled cheerfully. “I’m just a Unicorn that loves recycling!” She said before have a thought. “Uni… cycling.” She then gasped with wide eyes. “Unicycling!”

“And then, bam!” Izzy cheered as Filly Izzy look at her flank as she felt a sensation as she saw her Cutie Mark appeared. “I got my mark!” She said.

Filly Izzy is now on stage with a flag strap on her back as she giggled. “Yay!” She cheered.

End of Izzy’s Flashback.

“Wow, great stories!” Misty said in awed before looking at Sunset. “What about you, Sunset?”

Sunset thought back to how she got her Cutie Mark. “Well, it’s been a long time, but I was trying to ace an exam to get into Celestia’s school. And it’s not like how Twilight hatched Spike from an egg. I had to show them how to show them that I could make the sun shine bright, which I did.” She said with a fond smile at the memory. “It took some effort, but after I kinda overdid and caused a big explosion, but the afterman made the sun shine bright with a bit of red. Princess Celestia was impress that she took me in as her pupil to learn more. After that, I had my Cutie Mark when I found my special talent.” She explained with a smile while the others looked in awed.

“Wow, I never knew that’s how you found your Cutie Mark, Sunset.” Twilight said in surprise.

“Well, it’s been a while and something I haven’t told in years. But, still remember it to this day.” Sunset said with a smile.

“That’s amazing!” Misty cheered before she grew nervous. “But, um, they all ended with a big event where you had to stand in front of a lot of ponies?” She asked nervously.

“Well, almost. Me and Twilight never done that before.” Sunset stated with a shrug as Twilight nodded in agreement.

Sunny smiled in respond. “Yep! Now it’s your turn to do the same. And it’s going got be the biggest, most-grand one yet!” She cheered as she grabbed Misty as the Unicorn gave a small smile before Sunny gasped. “Look!” She pointed.

The ponies got out of the clouds as Zephyr Heights came into view as they flew over the city and saw a bunch of ponies setting up the walkway outside the balance as Misty looked down nervously.

“There’s so many ponies here!” Misty muttered to herself. “Be brave, Misty.” She said to herself as she looked at her friends. “I don’t want to ruin anything for them! I can do this.” She said to herself.

“Aren’t you so thrilled?” Pipp exclaimed happily.

“Um, it’s all so new!” Misty said nervously as she chuckled nervously and looked down.

Once the Marestream landed on a balcony on top of the palace, the Mane 7 exit the vehicle as Queen Haven flew from the door with Cloudpuff, Zoom and Thunder behind her.

“My angels! You’ve arrived!” Haven cheered in joy as she flew to her daughters and gave them a hug. “I was so worried, I nearly had to send Cloudpuff to track you down again!” She exclaimed as Cloudpuff came towards them. “I’m thrilled to have you here, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m a teensy bit stressed.” She said as thunder then struck from the sky.

The Mane 7 looked up in worried as Zipp spoke. “A problem with the crystals again?!” She asked in panicked.

“Oh starts, no.” Haven assured. “It’s just spring showers. But if it rains, then everything will be ruined!” She called out.

“Too bad Pegasi can’t control the weather anymore now that it’s all natural.” Sunset commented, since magic returned, not everything was the same since the weather is now natural and the pegasi can’t control them anymore except for grabbing some clouds.

Hitch and Zipp then gave a smile. “I can most certainly help with that.” Hitch declared.

“Me too. We’re problem solving pros!” Zipp added with a pride.

Haven gave them a smile. “Really? You’d do that for me?” She asked.

“Of course.” Hitch confirmed. “We promise to make sure this event runs seamlessly and that everything is as right as rain.” He declared as he and Zipp hooftap before he realize what he said. “Uh… or not rain, in this case.” He correctly.

“Ah, thank hoofness!” Haven said as she then gestured the to the palace. “Follow me.” She said as they follow Queen Haven into the castle.

Inside the castle, Queen Havn is giving them the tour. “Here you’ll find our giant springtime floral arrangements, as well as our baby duck nursery.” She listed while saying the ‘baby duck’ thing in a baby tone as baby ducks chirped in a room.

“Fluttershy would love this.” Sunset said with a small smirk since the baby ducks thing would be so Fluttershy’s first thing.

“Oh, and our Zephyr ‘Bites’ appetizers!” Haven added as she picked up a cookie from a table a stallion was strolling. “Clever, huh? I didn’t come up with that one. Cloudpuff did!” She said as she tossed the cookie to Cloudpuff. “What do you think, girls? I am devoted to making this the best Cutie Blossom Bash ever, especially for your darling new friend, Misty.” She said as Misty gave a small smile.

“Guards! Prepare for Misty’s Cutie Mark debut.” Haven announced as Zoom and Thunder flew down as she trotted ahead. “This is going to be one fun-packed, pony-filled social event!” She cheered.

The Mane 7 cheered while as they went ahead while Izzy and Misty are behind them.”You’re gonna be so great! This is fun!” Izzy cheered as she hopped off to the others.

“Yay?” Misty said uncertainly as she felt nervous.

“Come on, Misty! Woo!” Sunny cheered as she came up to Misty and grabbed her hoof with a as she pulled Misty along, which the Unicorn gave a startled scream.

Inside a makeup room, Misty sat on a chair with the others watching as Izzy and Pipp then grab some makeup supplies as they started doing Misy’s mane and tail, first it was colored red with bright orange, which Sunset felt flattered since it was her mane style as Sunny nodded, but Haven shook her as she find it not fitting yet.

And then they did again as they her mane green, which Haven shook her head while Sunset shrugged while Sunny clapped before she saw Haven’s expression as they follow along as Izzy and Pipp Misty’s mane again.

After a few attempts, Misty’s mane and tail are now purple and orange as she looked at her mane with a smile.

“Hmm…” Haven hummed as she look at Misty’s new look. “We could go a little brighter, don’t you think, dear?” She asked her daughter in thought.

“You are so right, Mom.” Pipp said in agreement as she and Izzy went to grab some more supplies while Haven walked out as Sunset shook her head.

“These two are as picky in fashion as Rarity is.” Sunset said with a chuckle as Sunny giggled.

The two ponies then saw Misty have a down look as they went up to her. “Hey. Is something bothering you?” Sunny asked in concern, which made Misty gasped as she turned and saw the two beside her.

“Yeah, Misty, you’ve been pretty in deep thought lately.” Sunset said in caner.

“Oh… uh… I’m just worried about what’s going on back home.” Misty before she quickly stopped herself. “I mean, back at Oplaine’s!” She corrected.

“Oh, we understand.” Sunny said softly as Izzy and Pipp came to them with smiles.

“Luckily, we have more Cutie Blossom activities that focus entirely on you!” Pipp announced as she flew close to Misty. “That should get your mind off it! Help me with the baskets?” She asked her friends as they walked off while Sunset stood there.

Cloudpuff flew to Misty as he gave her a nuzzle with a bark as Sunset spoke. “Misty, I know a lie when I see it.” Sunset said with a small smile.

Misty gave a smile. “Nothing gets by you, does it, Sunset?” She asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah, and I have a feeling it’s not just that, Misty.” Sunset said with a concern. “You can tell me. I won’t force you.” She assured.

Misty gave a sigh. “Okay, so I was lying a little about what’s brothering me! But it’s sorta true. Opaline probably knows I’m gone and is already plotting her evil revenge against me.” She said nervously.

“I don’t know, Misty.” Sunset said in thought. “From what you told us, Opaline is pretty distracted in herself to notice you’ve been gone from the times you either sneak out or come out by her orders.” She noted.

“Yeah, but I was lucky to sneak out without her knowing, but she probably notice by now after being gone for so long.” Misty said in a worried tone as Sunset place a comforting hoof on Misty’s back for support.

At Opaline’s Castle, Opaline is searching around as she grew frustrated. “Gone, gone!” She cried out. “No, no… How is this possible?!” She questioned herself.

Opaline then walked up the stairs to her studies as she slammed the door. “The ultimate price must be paid! I can’t believe she’s missing!” She called about before she gave a look. “Gertrude! Where are you, Gertrude?!” She called out as she look under her desk. “My favorite manebrush. She’s so precious to me!” She cried out dramatically.

Apparently Opeline is just looking for her manebrush and she still doesn’t know that Misty is out of her castle, which is good for Misty’s case.

“I must find her.” Opaline said as she groan as she search the castle.

Back at the castle, Queen Haven is showing a video of Zipp and Pipp when they were fillies to the others as they were outside.

“Mom, Mom! Look at me!” Filly Zipp called as she ran up a tree and did a flip while Filly Pipp look at a tree sapling.

“If I sing to the tree, Mom, will it grow faster?” Filly Pipp asked her mother.

Queen Haven then appeared to the camera as she smiled at her daughters. “Oh, there’s an idea! Let’s try, shall we?” She suggested as the family huddled together while Filly Zipp lands on her mother’s back while Filly Pipp is under her chin.

The five ponies watched the video in cooed at the moment. “Aw, that’s cute.” Sunset said with a small smile at them.

“I remember your Cutie Blossom Bash like it was yesterday.” Haven said to Pipp with a small smile.

“I just wanna pick them up and squeeze them! Ah.” Izzy cheered as she hugged Misty and squeezed her tight as Misty smiled at her friend.

“We were so cute.” Pipp said with a smile.

“You still are.” Haven answered as she, Pipp, Sunny and Sunset walked off.

Misty was in deep thought again as Izzy turned to her. “What’s up, Misty?” Izzy asked in concern.

“Um… It’s just that… most ponies get their Cutie Marks when they’re young.” Misy started as they walked on. “Because that’s when the magic if their personality…”

“And their Luminessence!” Izzy sang cheerfully.

“...starts to shine.” Misty finished as she continued. “But. because of Opaline, I never got to shine until now.” She stated as she and Izzy caught up to the others to the door to the throne room. “That means not only will I be in front of everypony, but…” She trailed off as once the doors opened, she saw something that made her shock.

In the throne room Seashell, Peach Fizz and Glory chattering with each other or other foals around them as they chat.

“I’m gonna be the oldest pony here.” Misty finished with worried and awkward look.

Sunset saw this as she scratched her head. “Yeah, this could get awkward.” She said sheepishly, seeing this might be weird for Misty.

With Hitch and Zipp, Hitch looked up to Zipp as he spoke out. “Alrighty, Zipp. Perimeter checked. The throne room looks alright and safe from rain!” He declared as he looked around.

Zipp then flew down as she landed next to him. “That’s great, Sheriff, but what about…” She was cut off when Pipp spoke.

The fact that the Blossom Bashers will have to trot outside tog et from the palace to the stage, potentially ruining their perfect outfits in the puddles and downpour?!” Pipp cried out dramatically as she flopped to the floor.

Zipp looked at her sister weirdly. “Yeah.” She said.

Hitch then got anxious. “We need rainboots! And umbrellas! And fast!” He called out as Zipp nodded as the two trotted out of the room.

Misty was moving backwards as she grew nervous before Seashell, Glory and Peach Fizz came to her. “Misty!” Seashell called out, which surprise Misty as she turned to see them. “We didn’t even know it was possible a pony your age could get a Cutie Mark for the first time.” She said in surprise as Misty felt awkward as she rubbed her hoof. “It’s so cool!” She cheered.

Misty gasped in surprise, since she wasn’t expecting them to say that.

“Would you like to join us?” Seashell asked. “Glory and Peach Fizz are here to celebrate my new Cutie Mark with me. Look!” She said as she hopped happily and showed her green conch shell and two pink stars.

Misty gave a smile. “It’s awesome, Seashell!” She cheered before Zoom came up behind them.

“It is time!” Zoom announced.

“Time? For what?” Misty asked nervously.

“Don’t worry!” Seashell assured. “You can stick with me!” She said as the four walked off.

The foals and Misty formed a line, while Misty feels like a sore them as she feels awkward as Thunder spoke.

“Welcome to the Cutie Blossom Bash Eve Dinner Soiree!” Thunder announced while pointing to the dinner table as they each took a seat.

Queen Haven turned to Misty as she gave a wink. “You got this!” She winked as Misty smiled as she took her seat. “I am so honored to have you all here in Zephyr Heights for our first Cutie Blossom Bash Together!” She announced. “From Pegasi to Unicorns to Earth Ponies, every one of you has reached an important milestone in your journey to become the best, most authentic selves.” She added as Misty was still in deep thought. “It’s time to go out and make your mark on Equestria! But first, please enjoy this incredibly fancy springtime feast!” She said to the food.

The foals then grabbed the forks to eat as Misty grabbed hers as Seashell saw it. “Psst. That’s the wrong fork.” She whispered as she pointed to her fork.

“Oops.” Misty said sheepishly as she put it down as she grabbed the smaller fork and tried to pick at her carrot, but is having trouble as she pushed down hard before it flew off. “Oh no!” She called out.

The carrot flew as it landed on a unicorn foal’s horn as the kids laughed as he smirked in amusement before Thunder came in and pull it off before he fell to the floor.

“I am so sorry!” Misty said in guilt.

“It’s okay, darling, it happens.” Haven assured with a small smile as she turned to the foals. “Now as first traditions, it’s time to introduce yourselves to one another and tell us about your Cutie Mark.” She announced. “Misty, why don’t you start?” She asked.

That caught Misty off guard as she toss her utensil in started. “What, oh, um… me?!” She asked nervously. “Uh, yeah. I’ll go first.” She said as she stood up. “So, um… My name is Misty. Misty Brightdawn, and uh, my Cutie Mark is a butterfly.” She said as she showed her Cutie Mark with a sheepish smile.

The foals looked in awed at her Cutie Mark as they were surprise by it.

“Uh… That’s it.” Misty said nervously with a sheepish smile.

“My dear, you also have to tell everypony why you think it’s a butterfly.” Queen Haven stated with a smile.

“Oh!” Misty said nervously as she sat down. “And um… uh… because… Um…” She stammered while trying to to reveal how she got it since Haven might lock her up if she say after she freed Zipp and the others since that would lead to questioning. “Uh… heh, because…” She then swipe a fork as it fell to the floor. “Oh, ah, I dropped my fork.” She said nervously as she dropped to the floor and hide under the table.

“This is so awkward!” Misty whispered to herself. “I have no public speaking skills. My only friend before this was a pile of junk named Madame Taffytail! Opaline was right. Maybe I’m not cut out for this world.” She said in discourage.

“My name is Seashell and my Cutie Mark is… a shell!” Seashell spoke as Misty heard her. “Because I’m a pony who’s a unique as every shell on the beach is!” She exclaimed.

“Wonderful, that was lovely, dear!” Haven said as the foals started exclaiming for her.

“Yay, Seashell!” A foal cheered as they started cheering as Misty sighs on the ground.

Back at Opaline’s Castle, Opaline growled as she kicked a table next to her in frustration as a bottle fell.

“First, those six little ponies, one of them is a Guardian of Harmony, my arch nemesis Twilight Sparkle and Discord thwart me and my brilliant plans, and now I can’t even find my manebrush!” Opaline yelled out as her horn burst into flames before it faded. “And I swear, something else is missing.” She said in thought as she paced back in forth. “Miss… Miss… Mis-ty!” She gasped in realization.

“Yes! Where is that sad excuse for a pony?” She asked herself as she looked upstairs. “Still pouting in her room after our defeat, no doubt.” She guessed as Opaline then have a thought again. “How long has she been up there? A few hours? Days? That’s odd.” She said to herself as she was about to walk upstairs, but she turned around.

“But I also don’t care.” Misty fails all the time!” Opaline reminded herself. “She’ll be back down soon, begging me to give her a Cutie Mark like always.” She said as she levitated the bottle she dropped back on the table as she gave a chuckle. “So silly that girl. To believe I’d ever actually do that.” She said as she began to laugh evilly to herself.

The next day, Glory and Peach Fizz are throwing some blossoms outside while Misty was taken a nap before an airhorn played, which startled her away.

“Ah!” Misty cried out as she jumped and duck behind her bed. “What? What is it?! Are we under attack!?” She called out before Sunny and Sunset appeared.

“No, Misty! It’s your big day!” Sunny called out excitedly. “The Cutie Blossom Bash! Yippee! Time to get ready. Aren’t you buzzing?!” She asked in excited as she trotted off with a squeal, leaving Sunset behind.

Sunset watched Sunny go as Misty looked down. “Buzzing… with nerves!” Misty said nervously.

Sunset saw this. “Misty, you gotta at least tell the others how you feel. If this is too much for you, at least tell them.” She said softly with a comfort look.

“I don’t know, Sunset. I might ruin their day for them.” Misty said nervously.

“Misty, there are times when we need to tell the others how uncomfortable we are if things are rough.” Sunset said as she came up to her. “It’s okay to feel uncomfortable. The others would understand, you have been isolated with Opaline since you were a filly.” She stated.

“I know, but sometimes I panic underpressure. I’m not sure if I could do it.” Misty said uncertainly as she twidled her hoofs.

Sunset place a hoof on Misty’s arms. “Misty, it’s okay. You’re just experience, you just needed some practice to get used to them. But if you don’t wanna do it, it’s fine. The decision is yours.” She said with a small smile.

Misty looked at Sunset in thought since she’s a nicer Alicorn than Opaline and she is caring as she looked down in thought. “Well, I’ll think about it, but I’m not sure.” She said.

“Whatever you choose is up to you. I’ll see you later so we can get started on the bash.” Sunset said as she walked out of the room. “Just remember, you be you, and you choose your own actions.” She finished as she exit the room to find Sunny and the others.

Misty gave a thought to what Sunset said as she thinks of what she would choose, either go out to the Blossom Bash or step out, while she thinks of that, she decided to get ready.

Outside, the foals trotted around as there are petting zoon and crafting stands while Izzy got her Izzy’s Does It waggon with her as she held up a bracelet.

“Flower corsages! Get your flower corsages!” Izzy called out. “Hoofmade by me, Izzy, of course! Smells great!” She then sniff the corsage in her hoof. “Like flowers!” She finished.

Dazzle came walking by as she accepted the corsage from Izzy as she trotted off before thunder crackled as the sky was more gray then yesterday.

Just then, Hitch and Zipp came out while wearing weather boots and a couple of umbrella hats. “Don’t worry, everypony!” Hitch called out.

“There’s no way we’re letting it rain on this parade.” Zipp finished.

Izzy then came skidding next to them with an exciting look. “Wait, there’s a parade?!” She asked excitedly. “Why didn’t anypony tell me? Um… I may be able to fashion a float quickly, but I will need a tube of glue, 5014 gummy bunnies and a--” She listed out as Hitch and Zipp look at her in confusion before Zipp spoke as they shook their heads in amusement.

“No, it’s just an expression!” Zipp explained with a smile as she waved her hoof. “What we mean is we’ve got this festival of fun under cover!” She said as she gestured to the tarps all over the festival.

“We also have critter deputies on duty to make sure nopony slips.” Hitch added as he gestured to his critter crew as they gave salute before he and Zipp did a pose while getting out walkie-talkies. “And trottie-talkies! Because… Well, trottie-talkies are cool.” He said with a smile.

Zipp gave a serious look. “We’ve taken every precautionary measure. So now, we wait.” Zipp said with a smirk.

Hitch gave a serious look up in the sky. “It’ll be here any minute. Kenneth. You take charge!” He said to his bird friend. “When it rains, you know what to do!”

Kenneth chirped in understanding as he and the other critters gave a salute as they return the gesture as they broke out.

In Misty’s room, she was putting the final touches of makeup on her as she put a flower on her ear.

“Well, at least I look pretty.” Misty said to herself before she got nervous again. “Pretty terrified.” She discourage herself as Pipp, Sunny, Sunset and Izzy entered the room.

The three girls, except Sunset, gasped at Misty’s beauty as the Unicorn was surprise by them as she smiled as they got close to her. “Wow! Misty!” Izzy gasped.

“Oh my hoofness!” Pipp exclaimed.

“Looking good, girl.” Sunset said with a smile as Misty blushed at their compliments.

“Misty! You are the picture of spring! A vision in florals, an ode to the beauty of the butterfly!” Pipp complimented as Misty kept smiling.

Izzy then gasped with a smile. “You’re gonna stick out.” She said with a smirk, which made Misty stiff. “In a good way.” She added.

“Izzy, I think that was an understatement.” Sunset said with a slight chuckle as Pipp then squealed.

“Here it goes.” Sunny said as they walked out the room while Misty felt nervous while Sunset watched on in concern.

Once outside, the crowd of ponies are out the front gates as the foals are started exciting with a flag of their Cutie Marks strapped on them as Misty looked at her friends behind her as she stopped and panic.

Misty then saw all the ponies outside as she started to panic and get overwhelmed as she gives in. “I can’t do this. It’s all too much.” She said as she used her magic to close the door, which surprised her friends, except for Sunset since she understands what Misty is going through.

“What?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“No!” Izzy called out as they all gasped in confusion.

Misty then turned to her friends. “Wait! I need to confess something.” She spoke out.

“I knew it!” Zipp said with a smirk.

“It’s not about Opaline, Zipp.” Misty quickly said to Zipp since she knew what she was thinking. “This is about… me.” She admitted.

“You’re ready to tell them, Misty?” Sunset asked as the others turned to her in surprise.

“You knew, Sunset?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“Yes, but I wanted Misty to speak instead of me telling since she needs to do it herself.” Sunset explained as she turned to Misty. “If you want to tell them, you better tell now.” She advised.

Misty nodded as she spoke. “The truth is I.. can’t go out there!” She confessed.

“What, is it the outfit? We can change it!” Pipp exclaimed in worry before Sunset pulled her down.

“Let her finish, Pipp.” Sunset advised as she gestured Misty to continue.

“No, no! It’s perfect. It’s all perfect.” Misty said as she twirled around as the others looked at her in concern. “But ever since I got here, I haven't felt… comfortable. All these ponies and all this fuss over me…” She started.

“Wait, you don’t like that?” Pipp asked in surprise.

“No.” Misty answered.

“Pipp, not everyone can enjoy those things.” Sunset said with a look. “We’re not all celebrities who is used to the spot light, Misty is still new at this.” She reminded them.

“Oh, hehe, right. Sorry.” Pipp said with a sheepish chuckle.

“And all this Cutie Blossom Bash stuff has made me feel not so me.” Misty continued as she walked toward. “I may be smiling, but this is what I really feel like.” She said with a frown.

“Oh wow, yeah. That, that looks unhappy.” Izzy said sheepishly.

“I don’t wanna trot across that stage with all those eyes one me.” Misty continued. “I don’t want the spotlight! I just wanna be Misty. But if I don’t pretend, then everypony will know the truth about me. That I’m… shy.” She stated in sadness.

“And that you don’t wanna be sticking out in front of everypony and to know your full truth about your past, right?” Sunset guessed with a sympathy look.

“Yeah. That’s also another reason.” Misty said.

The rest of the Mane 7 gave her sympathies looks. “Oh, Misty. We just wanted to celebrate your new Cutie Mark!” Sunny said with a small smile.

“I know I should be proud of it and I am, but I don’t wanna do this.” Misty said as she walked up to them. “I’ve been so scared to tell you other than Sunset is because you were all so excited. I’m sorry. I should’ve been honest. I’ve ruined everything!” She cried out as she stomped her hoof down.

They looked at Misty in sympathy as Sunny walked up. “Misty… You haven’t ruined anything at all. We are the ones who should be sorry.” She said as Misty turned to her. “We got so caught up in trying to make this moment special for you, we forgot to ask along the way if this is what you even wanted.” She said.

“And that’s what good friends would’ve done.” Sunset finished with a smile before looking at the others. “And ponies, I get that you wanted Misty to be happy, but it’s best to ask friends if they wanted this before you jump ahead before doing things your way. Misty told me because I understand since we may have something similar back in the day for Cutie Marks, but not like this. We just spend time and celebrate together as friends or family. And we don’t need the Bash show off our Cutie Marks, we just need to be ourselves and do what we always do, having fun in our own way.” She explained.

The others smiled as they nodded in understanding as they turned to Misty as she smiled and stood up. “Thank you for understanding.” Misty said to her friends as they smiled back. “I’m still learning about friendship.” She added.

“And so are we.” Izzy added.

“Every day.” Pipp spoke next.

“And that’s why you ponies have me and Twilight to show you the way.” Sunset said as Twilight appeared from the necklace as they smiled. “I’m sorry for not telling you ponies about Misty’s feelings earlier, but it was her to say, not mine. And a true friend would let their friends speak for themselves instead of doing it for them.” She added.

“And it is important for them to let comfort them and let them speak when they are ready to, since you ponies know that you can’t force somepony to let it out of the blue. Zipp.” Twilight said with a smirk as Zipp chuckled, knowing that is true when she questioned ponies. “But you’ve all understand that getting to know how your friends are feeling is important so you could understand their anxiety.” She finished.

“Yeah, I guess we’re sorry, Misty. For overwhelming you. We should’ve ask sooner.” Izzy apologize.

“And I should’ve told you ponies sooner. So I guess we all learned a lesson.” Misty said with a smile.

Zipp then turned to Pipp, Sunny and Sunset as she whispered something into their ears as the others looked on in curious before Sunny spoke.

“Maybe we can celebrate in another way?” Sunny suggested.

“That only you feel comfortable.” Sunset finished as Misty gave a smile in respond.

Outside, the foals are on stage as the foals are showing off their cutie marks and their flags as the crowd applauded to them

“And next we have… Seashell!” Dazzle announced as she gestured to Seashell as she moved around as the crowd cheered, as did the Mane 7 as Misty turned to her friends.

“Thank you, ponies.” Misty said to them gratefully. “For the first time in a long time, I feel… happy. Probably about as happy as Seashell feels right now.” She added with a smile as she looked at Seashell.

Seashell giggled as she moved excitedly. “This is the best moment of my life!” She exclaimed.

“I know how she feels.” Sunset said with a smile, knowing how she feels when she got her Cutie Mark and celebrated for it.

Zipp then flew down to her friends. “Okay. Talked to Mom. She’s totally cool with it.” She said to them as the others cheered happily while Misty looked confused.

“Cool with… what?” Misty asked them as Pipp got next to her.

“A special surprise.” Pipp answered. “That we promise doesn’t involve any other ponies, preparations or primping. Just us!” She assured as Misty smiled.

“It’s something we made for you Misty, to make your mark.” Sunset said with a smile while placing a hoof on Misty’s shoulder as the unicorn smiled at her and the others.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 then went into the Royal Garden as they look around as Misty gasped as she recognize it.

“Hey! This is the place from the video! It’s beautiful.” Misty said as she looked around the garden before she saw a hole dug right in front of them as she turned to the others. “But why are we here?” She asked.

“We wanted to do something cool to mark your big day, in a small way.” Zipp explained with a smile.

“So we figure we mark it here, just you and your friends.” Sunset added.

Pipp then flew in while holding a tree sapling. “This is one of the saplings I’ve been singing to, I mean, nurturing for a while.” She quickly corrected sheepishly as her friends gave playful smirks. “And now it’s yours.” She said as she put the sapling down. “It represents you growing into the pony you were meant to be.”

“Now your sparkle can take roots! Woo!” Izzy cheered as the two sisters flew around.

“Like mine!” Pipp sang while gesturing to a tree.

“And mine.” Zipp added while gesturing to her tree.

“We all start small before we grow big, Misty.” Sunset said with a smile. “We all grow and gain experience if we starts from the roots.”

“So… what do you say?” Sunny asked as she and Sunset smiled at her as Misty smiled back at them.

“I love it!” Misty exclaimed in joy as she levitated her sapling and put it on the ground. “It’ll be along time my tree catches up to yours!” She added as she secured it with some dirt before grabbing her flag and planting it next to the sapling.

“Maybe it doesn’t have to…” Sunny started with a smirk.

“Not unless we add a little friendship and Earth Pony magic to it.

(It all Takes Time Song)

(Sunny)
Just plant the seed
To be who you wanna be

(Sunset)
Because the magic
It lives within you and me

Both Sunny and Sunset sang as they moved next to Misty as the Unicorn began to smile before Zipp and Pipp flew close to her as they lifted Misty into the air.

(Zipp and Pipp)
It takes time to grow
And to learn on your own

(Sunny, Sunset, Zipp and Pipp)
The transformation is beginning

The four ponies sang as the two sister put Misty down, who gave a wide smile, as Sunny and Sunset then use their Earth Pony magic on the sapling before Izzy steps in while dancing around.

(Izzy)
Butterflies don’t get their wings
Over the night

(Sunny)
It all takes time

Izzy, Sunny and Sunset then circled the sapling as Hitch came next to Misty as he sing as well as the others followed.

(Hitch)
Birds don’t just wake up and fly

(Pipp)
It comes from deep insiiiidddeee

Misty then closed her eyes as she thought back how Opaline treated her and how she scared her before she had memories of good times she had with her friends before she redeemed herself by freeing them, getting her Cutie Mark, and vowing to stop Opaline.

(All sin Misty)
FInd you light
Let it, let it glow
You got it, got it, go

Find your light
You got it, got it, go
Everypony can grow

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

The Mane 7 Cutie Marks then started to glow as Pipp flew up as their magic from their marks began to fuse with the sapling as it started growing faster.

Everypony can grow

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

Misty smiled as she hopped around as she finished the song as the tree fully sprouted as butterflies fluttered

Everypony can grow

Misty then turned as she looked at her very own tree. “Whoa. Look at that!” She said in awed.

The rest of the Mane 7 saw the butterflies as they laughed and frolick around as Pipp laughed. Misty then saw her horn glow as she looked at her flan as her Cutie Mark glowed as she smiled.

“That’s it! That’s why my Cutie Mark is a butterfly!” Misty said in realization as her friends listened. “It’s because I have the power to change, to transform my own destine. That’s me.” She said.

“You found your special spark, Misty.” Sunset said with a proud smile. “We’re proud fo you.” She added.

“Thanks, Sunset.” Misty said with a smile before she get serious. “But there’s one more thing I’ve been wanting to tell you. And yes, this time it does have to do with Opaline, Zipp.” She added, knowing what Zipp was thinking.

“Bah, I knew it!” Zipp said, having that feeling the whole time.

“Just give it a rest, Zipp.” Sunset said with a dull look before turning to Misty. “And let me guess, Misty, Opaline hasn’t been defeated yet?” She asked knowingly.

“Nope. Not even close.” Misty confirmed with a nod with a serious look.

The rest of the Mane 7 sin Sunset gasped in shock. “That can’t be true.” Sunny spoke. “You saw what happened in the lair!” She pointed out.

“Yes. But she’s more powerful than you know.” Misty told her.

“The thing about bad guys, they always comes back for a rematch.” Sunset said serious. “And last time, we beat her, not defeated. And considering it’s Opaline, she doesn’t go down that easily.” She stated, knowing how bad guys always return after heroes first fight them.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace as she gave a serious look. “Opaline is one of the most toughest enemies Equestria had face, even for me. When I first fought her, she was already tough to sealed her away and drained her magic from trying anything. You ponies were lucky to get out of there alive with Sparky before he was completely drain.” She added with a look of dread.

“And now, she has Sparky’s dragonfire magic, too.” Misty continued. “Opaline won’t stop until she has all the power in Equestria!” She said as she have a thought. “But I think I know how to help.”

“How?!” Zipp asked desperately.

“It’ll be hard to guess her next move. Opaline is unpredictable and mysterious.” Misty stated as she walked pass her friends.

“She does have a point.” Sunset said in agreement. “We don’t know what her plans and next move will be if we don’t know what it is. And I doubt she’ll tell us these things. Especially to me since me and Twilight are her worse enemies. And I don’t think Discord will spy on her again since she’ll be prepared.” She said, since Opaline might have thought of a way to block out Discord and that Opaline really don’t like them.

“Except to somepony who knows her, somepony who can be near her.” Misty called out, forming a plan before Izzy gasped.

“Misty, no!” Izzy gasped.

“Yes. We talked about this, ponies. I have to go back to Opaline and pretend to be on her side.” Misty declared as the others exclaimed in shock.

“Misty, we know we talked about this, but we said it was too risky when you suggested,” Sunset pointed out, since when Misty declared that she would be a spy on Opaline, they needed to talk it out first before they decided since it was a good idea, but too dangerous for Misty. “And you already went through that double agent thing with us and nearly costed you our friendship.” She stated in concern.

“I don’t know if I’m comfortable of you going back there and putting yourself at risk, either Misty.” Twilight said in deep concern for the poor unicorn who already went through so much to betray Opaline.

“But it’s the only way.” Misty declared as she looked up. “Twilight, your enchanted invisibubble can only keep Opaline out of Equestria for so long!” She pointed out as she turned to them. “I can act as a double-agent by giving you all the information I learn.”

“That still does not feel like the safest option, Misty.” Hitch told her.

“I agree.” Zipp spoke out. “You can’t go!”

“It is risky! But this is what I want to do, what I can do to help.” Misty said as she give them a smile. “At least now, I’ll have best friends to get me through.”

The others smiled as they turned to Sunset as she sigh. “Well, it’s Misty’s choice. And she tricked us before her cover was blown, so I say we give her a shot.” She said with a small smile, knowing that Misty’s mind was made up.

The others nodded as Izzy stepped in. “We’ll be by your side. Always.” She said to Misty.

“And we’ll work together to stop Opaline once and for all!” Sunset declared.

The rest of the Mane 7 cheered as they gave Misty a group hug before thunder started rumbling as rain started pouring down.

“Ah! My mane!” Pipp cried out as she ran back inside as the others laughed as they walked back inside.

Sunset then came next to Misty as she and Twilight gave a concern look. “You sure you want to do this, Misty? Because if Opaline finds out you betray her, well, I don’t wanna think of the consequences.” She said in worried.

Misty gave a small smile. “We know that I’m the best choice to spy on Opaline. It’s the least I can do to stop her from ruining Twilight’s legacy again and ruling all of Equestria. I’ll be fine, so don’t worry.” She assured.

Sunset and Twilight looked at each other as they nodded. “Okay, Misty. Then we wish you luck and may he magic of friendship be with you.” Twilight said as Sunset nodded.

“Thanks you.” Misty said with a grateful smile as they all made it back inside.

Sometime later, Misty trotted back to the Dark Castle as she look at it with a determined look before she put some blue makeup on her Cutie Mark to hide it from Opaline as she took a breath and walked up to the castle, ready to do her part and make her mark.

In the throne, Opaline paced around as she growled in irritation before she heard the door opened as she turned and saw Misty coming in.

“There you are!” Opaline yelled out. “I’m behind on my scheming. I’ve had all these ideas and nopony to take notes. Obscene!” She yelled out.

“Sorry, Opaline, I was--” Misty tried to explain before Opaline notice the flower on her.

“What’s this?” Opaline questioned as she burned the flower, which made Misty flinched. “And what has happened to your mane?!” She demanded as she notice Misty’s new mane color. “It’s all purple and pink and… different.” She noted as she cringed in disgust.

“Uh…” Misty muttered as she thought of an excuse. “Oh, heh… That! Yeah, I… fell into a flower bush! An enchanted one, grow with Earth Pony Flora magic!” She lied as she tried to find the right words. “It instantly changed my mane, ugh! Those cursed ponies got me again!” She lied.

“Ugh, you clumsy girl.” Opaline said, buying Misty’s words true as she turned her back to her. “Now, chop-chop! I have plots to plan.” She ordered.

Misty then saw the picture of her friends that she kept as she gave a long look. “You’re by my side and the magic of friendship is there for me. And I won’t let you down.” She promised as she held the picture close.

“MISTY!” Oplaine yelled out, which caused Misty to flinch as she trotted to Opaline, not wanting to anger her more while trying to keep her cover.

End of Chapter 5 Ep1:

Chapter 5 Ep 2: Family Trees Part 1

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

Chapter 5 Ep 3: Family Trees Part 2

Chapter 5 Ep 3: Family Trees Part 2

At the Wishing Tree in the Night Market, the ponies and breezies are having a good time while the Mane 6 and Discord look for Misty.

“Uh. Hmm…” Zipp hummed as she looked around and flew to where Zipp is. “Any sign of Misty? She just disappeared!” She said in worried.

“Not yet. But it is tricky to spot a unicorn in a market full of unicorns.” Hitch pointed out as he gestured to the many unicorns that are in the Night Market.

Pipp then show up next to them. “No luck a the macaron stand either!” Pipp cried out as she ate a macaron as her sister gave her a look. “What? It was a free sample!” She said in defense.

“Izzy, Sunset, Discord and I tried to trot around the whole Night Market.” Sunny spoke as the four came up to the others.

“But this place goes on forever!” Izzy cried out while showing how big the Night Market is.

“Even I don’t know where to go! And I’m theLord of Chaos!” Discord cried out, since even he can’t find Misty in this area.

“I still can’t believe this all fits inside the Wishing Tree.” Izzy said with a smile, still awed that a place this big fits in the tree.

“Well, the Breezies are known to live in pocket dimensions. So this market must’ve been within the tree in it’s own space.” Sunset said in thought. “At least, I think it does. I’m not an breezie expert when rarely see them after all.”

“It’s okay, Sunset. But that is an interesting theory.” Sunny said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Sunset said with a smile. “Twilight told me much about them from Fluttershy.” She added.

“Hmm…” Zipp gave a thought as she flew up and look around. “Where could that pony be?” She wondered.

“She could be anywhere by now. I hope she’s okay.” Sunset said in concern for Misty, hoping wherever she is, they hoped she’s safe.

Where Misty is, she was out in the forest of Bridlewood with some fog and the moonlight showing as she walked through the fog while looking nervous.

“Okay, just stay calm.” Misty said to herself as she look at the key again that is wrapped around her neck. “Just because this seems exactly like my dream doesn’t mean it has to end the same. I just need to find that magic, door then maybe I’ll remember where I came from.” She said to herself as she put the key down. “Fine. One more time.” She said to herself/

Misty took a breath as she focus on trying to remember.

Flashback.

Filly Misty was looking at the Wishing Tree when she stumbled upon it. “Wow!” She said in awed before she turned and saw the glowing blue door as she gasped and walked towards it. “Where did that come from?” She asked herself.

Filly Misty saw the door as she was about to touch it before rustling sound could be heard. “Huh?” She turned and saw a tall shadowy figure as screamed.

End of Flashback.

“No!” Misty was snapped back into reality when she saw that as she scratched her head before she saw a breezie flying by holding a lantern and humming to itself as Misty smiled with a gasped as she walked towards it. “Pardon me!” She said.

The breezie exclaimed in surprise at seeing Misty.

“Um, hello. I was wondering if you know of any doors around here?” Misty asked the breezie as it thought for a moment and nodded it’s head as it spoke, possibly saying yes. “You do?” Misty asked with a hopeful smile.

The breezie then turned and gestured Misty to follow it while speaking it’s language as it flew off, which surprised Misty.

“Wait! If you could just…” Misty called out as she chase after it as she saw the breezie flying really fast as she tried to keep up as she panted before the breezie stopped and turn to Misty as the unicorn tripped on a stem as she rolled across the floor and landed on her stomach a she stood up. “Yeesh, those little guys can really fly.” She commented in surprise as the breezie circled around her.

The breezie then spoke as it gestured to the area they are in.

“This is it?” Misty asked as she looked around. “But where’s the door?” She asked in confusion.

The breezie then look around as it grew nervous. “Uh… Bye-bye!” It went into a small tree house in a tree as it looked through the doorway to Misty.

Misty sigh in disappointment. “Thanks anyway. But that’s not the door I was looking for.” She said sadly as she turned away.

The breezie look at Misty as it gave her a sympathetic look, feeling bad that Misty didn’t find the door she was looking for as Misty looked down before it flew on Misty’s head as it looked at her upside down.

Misty then have a thought. “But you can help me with something else.” She said with a smile as the breezie look at her in confusion. “How do I get back into the market? I got a little lost.” She explained as she gestured to the forest she is in. “I think I’ve been gone a long time. My friends must be worried.”

The breezie exclaimed happily as it lead the way as Misty followed it back to the market.

Back at the Night Market, the remaining Mane 7 and Discord regrouped when they search the market for Misty.

“Okay, everypony, get your hooves in the game.” Zipp spoke out. “I’m worried I’ll miss a critical clue about Misty’s visions if I’m away for too long and I can’--” She said while still thinking about Misty’s clues.

“Zipp!” Sunset yelled out, which made Zipp flinch from that. “That’s what you’re worried about?! We have a friend missing and you’re worried about her visions?! Get over it all ready!” She scolded with a disappointed look that Zipp is only focusing on the mystery of Misty’s vision and not herself.

“Yeah, Zipp! That isn’t important right now.” Sunny said in agreement while Zipp looked down in guilt. “Misty is still just learning her way around Bridlewood. What if she got lost?” She said in worried.

“It wouldn’t be hard to do in a place like this.” Hitch commented as he looked around. “In fact, I think I’m lost! Where am I?” He questioned while looking around in thought.

“Keep it together, Sheriff.” Discord said with a rolled eyes. “And Misty is still new at being social, so it would make sense for her to get lost. Even my magic can’t find her, heck, I don’t even know where to go here.” He stated.

“And I’ve lived here all my life and even I’m all ‘woo-ooo’.” Izzy said as she gave a weird work while moving around to prove her point.

“Well, the breezies are known to have a big world. Even I don’t know where to go here. This is new to me.” Sunset added in agreement.

Pipp then look at her phone. “Too bad I still don’t have any service.” She said as her phone beep, showing that there’s no signal. “My Pippsqueaks can find anything or anypony!” She stated as her phone beep again

Just then two breezies came flying towards Pipp after hearing her phone as Pipp tried to keep her phone away from that. “Again?! I told you Breezies this isn’t magic,it’s just the latest and greatest in pony tech!” She reasoned with a small smile, but the breezies still want it as Pipp groaned as she tried to keep her phone away from them as more came at her as she ran off protecting her phone with breezies chasing her.

“Heheh, those breezies sure love new things.” Sunset said in amusement as the group followed after Pipp as they pass a breezie with a fossil stand.

Sparky saw the stand as he perked up and turned and look a big footprint as he seemed to recognize it as he then have a vision of his own, as if something triggered his memory.

Sparky’s Vision.

There is a lush jungle of exotic plants as birds with with feathers on their heads chirped as they landed on the branches.

And then, something shook the earth as the water shook and the birds flew off as a big scaly purple leg smashed the floor, making a footprint as it gave a dragon-like roar.

End of Sparky’s Vision.

Back in reality, Sparky still look at the fossilize footprint as he sniffed at it as he tried to smell the scent.

Hitch felt this as he turned to Sparky while the others watched as Pipp tried to get the breezies away from her phone. “Sparky?! What is it, little bud?” He asked as that got the others attention.

Sparky started gurgling as he hopped off Hitch’s back as he started running to the fossil.

“I haven’t seen him move like that since before Opaline drained him!” Hitch said in surprise as it got the others attention, since Sparky haven’t been energetic when Oplaine drained him of his dragon fire. “Maybe he found something!” He exclaimed.

“Then let’s follow that baby dragon and see what he got.” Discord suggested as the others nodded and rushed to Sparky.

Sparky went up to the fossil as they all look at the fossil sparky is seeing.

“Huh? These don’t look magical or healing.” Hitch said in confusion.

‘Yeah, what the hay?” Pipp spoke in confusion as she look a the stand. “It’s just a bunch of old rocks.” She said before a breezie flew in and spoke up as it sound defensive at what Pipp said.

“Oh, I think we offended her.” Sunny said sheepishly.

“Yes. Yes, we did.” Hitch said in agreement with a brow since he could understand them.

“You gotta be more sensitive with words to other creatures, Pipp.” Sunset said dully with a brow at Pipp’s poor choice of words.

“Oops, sorry.” Pipp apologize sheepishly to the breezie as she brought out her phone. “Can I make it up to you with a little bit of this?” She suggested with a small smile.

The breezie wasn’t too please as she pushed Pipp’s phone away.

“Hey!” Pipp said in offended.

“Not every breezie loves your phone, Pipp.” Sunset stated casually.

“I can see that.” Pipp said, seeing the point.

“Wait, no, she’s trying to tell us something.” Hitch said as they stood quiet as the breezie kept talking while gesturing to the fossils as Hitch translated. “She says, ‘These aren’t just any rocks, these are ancient fossils! And that’s the fossil of a dragon print.’” He translate as the breezie flew up to the fossil Sparky is looking at.

“Wait, what?!” Discord asked in shock.

Hitch gasped in shock as the others were jaw dropped at what they’ve learned. “A Dragon print?!” He spoke in shock as he turned to Sunny and Sunset.

“Wow, look!” Sunny spoke as she pointed at Sparky as the others turned to him.

Sparky nuzzled the fossil happily as his horns and scales started glowing the moment he touched it. “The fossil’s lighting him up!” Izzy said with a big.

“I knew that there could be more dragons out there, but this is more proof!” Sunset said excitedly to know that more dragons are out there. “And Sparky seemed to recognize this fossil if it reacted to him!” She stated.

“Maybe we need to get him around more dragon things!” Zipp suggested with a smile.

“You’re right, maybe he’s been away from other dragons for too long…” Sunny started with a thought.

“And that he’s been so sad and tired mentally during the dragon drain from Opaline…” Sunset added.

“And the only way to fully cure him is to get him back with his kind!” Zipp finished as Sparky is still glowing as he nuzzled the fossil happily.

Izzy had a thought as she spoke. “Hmm, I know I said Bridlewood has everything but, uh…” She said as she looked down at Sparky and put him on his back. “You won’t find dragons here.” She stated as she look at Sparky, who is gurgling happily as Izzy laughed. “Except Sparky of course.” She said.

Hitch cave a laugh as he came up to Sparky as he gave a laugh and rubbed his head with a sigh. “At least we know what will help him now, that’s good news.” He said, while having a thought as Sunny came up to him when she notice the one in his voice, as did the others.

“Then why do you seem upset?” Sunny asked in concern.

Hitch then turned to them sadly. “It’s just that I always knew I’d have to say goodbye to him one day, but that day might be sooner than I thought.” He said as his ears dropped as he look at Sparky gurgled at him cutely.

“Hey, don’t worry, Hitch. We don’t know for sure if we will find Sparky’s family, but at least he has us until then.” Sunset assured while placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“Yeah, you never know. Maybe not!” Zipp added in agreement as she flew down in front of her friends. “We’ll figure something out!” She then got a serious look. “But first, I need everypony to focus on tracking down Misty, which made her friends gasped at her, which made her confusion. “Why are you all looking at me like that?” She asked in confusion.

“Not you, Zipp. Behind you!” Sunset called out as she pointed her hoof behind Zipp.

“Huh?” Zipp turned and saw Misty walking towards them with the breezie that helped her as she was surprise by her sudden appeared.

“Oh Misty!” Sunny said in relief as they all came to her in relief.

“We looked all over!” Hitch added.

“Where’d you go?” Pipp asked.

“You just disappeared.” Sunset added.

“Thank the moons!” Izzy cheered happily.

“What a relief!” Discord said happily.

“Oh.” Misy said in relief. “I was worried you might’ve gone back to Maretime Bay without me!” She said as she waved to the breezie that help her goodbye as it flew off.

“We would never do that!” Sunny spoke up.

“We never leave a friend behind.” Sunset added.

Zipp then came up to Misty. “Where did you do? Was it another vision?” She questioned again.

“Well…” Misty tried to explained before Zipp continued.

“Did you find something? What’s that key you’re carrying?” Zipp pointed to the key while Misty gets uncomfortable.

Sunny and Sunset came between them as the two ponies pushed Zipp back again. “Zipp! Give her some space.” Sunny said to her.

“And enough with questioning Misty already! You’ve been doing that all day. Give her break.” Sunset said with a disapproval look.

Zipp realized what she was doing as she spoke. “You’re both right, sorry I…” She said to Misty in guilt before she sigh and then gave Misty a hug, which surprise the unicorn.

“Uh…” Misty said in confusion and a bit surprise by Zipp’s hug.

“I was really worried.” Zipp said as she kept hugging Misty.

“AW, Zipp.” Misty said with a as she return the hug as the two broke it as she showed them the key. “A breezie gave me this special key.” She said as she gave the key to Sunny as she and Sunset inspected it.

“It’s not like any key I ever saw before.” Sunset said in thought while Sunny spoke.

“But I think I’ve seen these patterns before.” Sunny said as she notice the patterns on the key. “They’re old, but I don’t know what they mean.” She said as Zipp took out her magnifying glass to inspect it as Sunny turned to Discord. “Discord, do you recognize it?” She asked as she showed the key to the draconequus.

Discord looked at the key with a monocle he summoned as he hummed and shook his head. “Sorry, ponies. But I never seen this pattern before. I may know some ancient Equestrian history but even this is beyond me in these times.” He said to them, since he knows some old Equestrian history and artifacts, even he doesn’t know everything.

“It’s okay, Discord. It’s new to all of us.” Sunset said as the others nodded in understanding.

“I think it has something to do with home.” Misty said to them, which got the others attentions. “I thought that maybe if I could just find the door it goes to, I’d find some answers about my past and my family.” She said hopefully as she looked around.

“Well? Did you find anything?” Zipp asked in interest as Sparky hopped off Izzy’s back.

“No.” Misty said sadly before she felt something hug her hoof as she looked down and saw Sparky hugging her hoof as he gurgled happily as Misty smiled. “Sparky! You found a cure for him?” She asked her friends.

“Only a temporary one.” Hitch stated as they look at Sparky. “I think the only thing that will really heal him is finding his family.” He explained.

Sparky nuzzled Misty’s leg as she gave a smile and rubbed the baby dragon’s head. “I know how you feel, buddy.” She said softy.

“We can help!” Sunny spoke up with a smile.

“We can find the door and find some more clues on Sparky’s family!” Sunset added with a smile.

“Yeah! Let’s get searching! Come on, everypony, let’s find that door!” Sunny announced as she held up the key.

(Mane Family Song)

The Mane 7 and Discord are then searching the market for any clues on the key while also finding some clues for Sparky’s family as Misty went up to a stand and showed the key to two breezies, who shook their heads in not knowing about it.

(Misty)
What is the key to a family (Oh-oh)
What is the key to a home?
What is the part of that I’m missing (Oh-oh)
To help me find where I belong

Misty sang as she check out the other stands as they others check crates and stands as well to find a clue while trying to find a match to the key.

Zipp then flew out of the market as she search outside as Hitch then began to sing as he check the fossil stand while holding out a bird fossil.

(Hitch)
I’m searchin’
I’m looking for something
Something that comes from the heart (From the heart)

Hitch then left the stand to keep search as Misty is looking as Sparky saw two breezies making a fire show, which made him smiled happily as he and Hitch watched.

‘Cause sometimes you need something to lift you up
And help to reignite your spark

Hitch and Misty then came towards each other as they sang together and held tails before they continued on in separate directions.

(Misty and Hitch)
‘Cause I got you
And you got me
Cause when you’re with your friends yeah
You’re with you family

The others are still searching the market while Zipp is still outside while wearing Z-Goggles as she search around the tree.

Pipp and Zipp then saw a plushy stand where they saw a plushy dragon as they look at it cutely and smile.

Keep em’ in your heart
‘Cause that is the key

Izzy then brought out two plushies, one dragon and one that looks like a unicorn dog, which Sparky shook his head.

Oh when you’re with your friends yea
You’re with your family
I’ve got you and you’ve got me

Hitch then came up to Sparky as the baby dragon jumped happily as Hitch picked him up and place him on his back as the baby dragon bugged him as Sunny, Sunset and Misty looked at him with smiles as Hitch and Misty sang together while Misty gave a long look at the key.

‘Cause we aren’t just friends
No, we’re a family
When you’re feeling lonely or incomplete

Outside, Zipp then took off her goggles as she looked around before she saw something sparked up as she turned and went wide eye at what she saw.

Don’t forget about your friends
Yeah they’re your family

oh-waoh-oh-oh-oh
woah-oh-oh-oh-woah
woah-oh-oh-oh

Zipp flew down as she took a closer look at plantations as she moved them aside before she went wide eyes at what she found.

‘Cause when you’re with your friends
Yeah you’re with your family

The others regrouped as Misty and Hitch finished singing as the others smiled as Sparky gave a yawn and laid down on Hitch’s back again as he started snoring.

Hitch gave a concern look. “The dragon fossil helped him, but I don’t think it was enough.” He said as their ears dropped from seeing Sparky like that.

“Hitch, I’, sorry for letting Sparky get hurt.” Misty said in guilt, since she was the one who brought Sparky to Opaline in the first place. “I’ll never forgive myself.” She said sadly.

“Well, I forgive you, Misty.” Hitch said with a forgiving smile. “I’ve seen how good your heart is and, well, even if you don’t find what you’re looking for, we can be your family.” He assured as the others nodded in agreement.

Misty gave a smile at joy at them. “You mean it?” She asked.

“Of course!” Izzy cheered happily. “I’ve always wanted another unicorn in the family.”

“And we understand how you feel when you feel out of place in a world you don’t know but somewhat familiar with it.” Sunset said on behalf of her and Discord. “I was alone in this new era before I met Sunny and the others as I see them as family.” She said as she smiled fondly at her friends.

“I was alone for many moons in the cracks of old Equestria before Sunset and the others found me.” Discord spoke next with a fond smile as well. “And ever since they’ve forgive me for my old plan on destroying magic to keep unity and harmony together, which wouldn’t work, I see them as the ponies I knew way back in the old days.” He said fondly.

“Friends forever?” Sunny started with a smile.

“And ever!” Pipp finished with a happy nod.

“Awww” They all exclaimed as they then gave Misty a warmful group hug.

“So cute.” Izzy commented.

Pipp then notice that one pony of their group was missing. “Hey, has anyone seen Zipp?” She asked her friends, noticing her sister isn’t with them.

“Misty, I found it!” Zipp called out as the group broke the hug and they all looked up to Zipp, who was panting as she landed to them as she look at Misty. “I found… the door.” She said as she took her breath.

Misty then gasped at what Zipp just said as Sunset turned to Zipp. “Zipp, where is it?” She asked, knowing that this is important for Misty.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 and Discord exit the Night Market as Zipp lead them to the spot she saw and they move the vines as door was revealed.

“This is it! This is the door!” Misty exclaimed in joy.

“We couldn’t see if from the ground because it was so overgrown, but when I looked from the sky… Boom!” Zipp explained while spreading her hooves at the ‘boom’ word as she pushed at the door, but it wouldn’t budge. “Lock! Which means…” She looked at Misty eagerly.

“We need this!” Misty finished as she took out her key with a smile.

“Oooh! Where will it lead us to?” Izzy asked excitedly.

“The Breezie who gave it to me said it would take me to the place I most wanted to go.” Misty explained as Sparky started gurgling again sadly as Misty continued. “But it can only be used one time.” She added sadly.

“Well, what are you waiting for, Misty?!” Zipp said excitedly. “You can use the door to find your home! Your family!”

“I could, but…” Misty started as she look at her key before she sighs and walked up to “Hitch. “Hitch, I want to use this key for Sparky.” She said.

“What?” Hitch asked in surprise. “But what about your family?”

“Sparky needs to be around dragons.” Misty pointed out as she turned to her friends. “You’ve all taught me the true meaning of family and friendship.” She started as her friends gave her warm smiles at her words. “I’m willing to wait a little loner to solve the mystery of my past, if it means I could save Sparky’s future. Please let me do this.” She urged Hitch. “After all, we’re family now, right?” She asked with a smile.

Hitch and Sparky looked at each other as they gave smiles and nodded to Misty.

“You’re right, Misty. Family is more than blood, it’s the bonds we share.” Sunset said with a proud smile. “It’s your key, your choice.” She said.

And then Twilight appeared from the necklace as she gave a proud smile at Misty. “You’re listening to what your heart is telling you, Misty. And that friendship and family are the same, and helping others to find their place is a great call. You are something else, Misty.”

Misty gave a smile as she took a breath. “Thanks, guys.” She said happily as she then turned to the door and walk up to it as she took off the key from her neck and place it on the lock of the door. “The place I most want to go is where Sparky came from.” She said as the key began to sparkle up as MIsty gasped in awed.

“Something’s happening.” Sunny spoke up.

“This is gonna be interesting.” Sunset said with a smile.

“And exciting to see what happens!” Twilight excitedly said as Sunset chuckled a bit.

“Take us to the Dragonlands!” Misty announced with a smile as she turned the key, which disappeared as shaking can be felt as Misty gasped.

“It’s working!” Izzy cheered.

“Okay, but do we think it’s suppose to shake like that?” Pipp said uncertainly.

“Maybe it’s a little rusty.” Zipp said with a nervous chuckle.

“It wouldn’t be the first time an ancient door shake things.” Twilight spoke up, having experience with these kinds of things before.

“Agreed. Though the glowing is new.” Sunset commented as they saw the door glowing.

The door then opened up as it showed a portal inside as the Mane 7 and Discord looked in awed.

“Huh, a door with a portal for transportation. Been there.” Sunset said with a shrug, since she experience these kinds of portals before.

“But amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this kind before!” Twilight exclaimed at seeing what the door just did.

“Neither have I! Just a thrill!” Discord added in agreement with a wide smile.

“So I guess now we just--” Misty started, feeling a little nervous.

“Step through this strange door into the unknown based entirely on the world of a tiny pixie pony!” Izzy finished cheerfully with a chuckle.

“Mom would not be pleased to know we were thinking about doing this.” Pipp said nervously.

“When has that ever stop us?” Zipp questioned with a smirk, since that never stop them before.

“Okay, ponies, listen up.” Sunset spoke as they turned to him. “You ponies may not have experience the dragon lands, not even me, but Twilight has and she would like to give us a few heads up.” She said as she turned to Twilight.

“The Dragonlands are mostly volcanic laval pools and mountain areas. The dragons like extreme heat and can be in caves or high places, so be watch your step. And be careful because some dragons aren’t friendly.” Twilight spoke out, which made the others, except for Sunset and Discord, to go wide eyes from that.

“Wait, the dragonlands are volcanic and rocky for dragons?” Pipp asked nervously.

“That’s a scary thought, especially the non-friendly dragons.” Hitch said nervously with a sheepish chuckle.

“My dad was spot on with the details of the landmarks of old Equestria, so yeah. I get that.” Sunny said sheepishly.

“So everypony stay together, watch each other backs, watch your steps, and Discord….” Sunset said while giving a look at Discord with a brow.

“I know. I know. Don’t do something chaotic. Even I know never to mess with dragons.” Discord assured with his arms raised.

“Good. Now, it’s time to find those dragons and Sparky’s family, and see if Spike is with them.” Sunset said with a hopeful look.

“Oh, I hope Spike is there at well.” Twilight said hopefully. “It’s been so long, I wonder how he was doing since the division of Equestria. And from my departure. He will be trill to see me! If he doesn’t question my spirit in the necklace.” She said with a sheepish look.

“Oh, that dragon will be happy either way!” Discord assured with a wave. “It’s Spike we’re talking about after all.” He added, knowing Spike well enough that he would be happy to see familiar faces and the pony he cares deeply.

“That is true. So let’s get going.” Sunset declared as she turned to the others, who look nervous.

“Well… Okay then. You first, Hitch.” Sunny suggested with a nervous smile.

“Me?” Hitch asked in surprise. “No, no, I couldn’t possibly. After you.” He said.

“Are you ponies scared of exploring and ancient land were dragons used to be?” Sunset asked in amusement.

“No! We’re just, wanting to see who goes first.” Hitch denied as the others nodded agreement as Sunset chuckled.

Just then, a leaf came out form the portal as they were surprise by that, especially Sunset, Discord and Twilight. “Leaves? There are leaves in the Dragonlands now?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“Wait a minute, the Dragonlands don’t have any plantations except the edge of it’s boarder.” Sunset said in thought. “Why did leaves blew from the portal leading to the Dragonlands?” She asked.

“Yeah, I haven’t been to the Dragonlands in many moons and even I know they’re not suppose to have plants.” Discord said in agreement, since it may have been years but he still remember how Equestria used to be, even the Dragonlands.

“Wasn’t there plants in the dragonlands before?” Sunny asked them in confusion.

“Not that I remember. But no.” Twilight answered while looking at the portal. “Something must’ve change the Dragonlands like the rest of Equestria.” She theorize.

Sparky then saw the leaves as he gurgled excitedly as the others turned to him. “Look at him!” Hitch called out in surprise.

Sparky jumped from Hitch’s back as he picked up the leaf as he started running to the portal as he jumped in as the Mane 7 and Discord stood in surprise.

“Guess we have no choice now!” Sunny said with a small smile.

“Well, see you ponies on the other side!” Sunset called out as she jumped into the portal after Sparky.

“Best to join Sparky in.” Discord said with a smile. “Dragonlands here we come!” He exclaimed as he jumped into the portal as well.

“We don’t want to leave them hanging.” Zipp said with an exciting smirk.

Hitch gave a determined look as he and the rest of the Mane 7 jumped into the portal as they all screamed once they entered.

At the otherside of the portal, the six ponies of the Mane 7 fell to the ground out of the portal as they landed on each other while Izzy landed on top of them.

“Hey! That wasn’t so bad.” Izzy said cheerfully.

“Speak for yourself.” Hitch groaned as he was on the bottom.

“Not as fun the first time, but you get used to it.” Sunset said with a smile as they turned and saw her, Discord and Twilight in front of them while looking at them in amusement.

“I was like that twice.” Twilight said with a chuckle since her going into the mirror portal twice was similar to them.

“Is this how you felt when you went through the portal from the human world, Sunset?” Sunny asked as they stood up.

“Similar, but yeah.” Sunset answered before she gave a surprise look. “But, you ponies may need to see this.” She said.

“Because even we weren’t expecting this.” Discord finished.

“Huh?” Zipp asked before she gasped as did the others.

Where they are in a lush jungle of exotic plants as the six ponies got up. “It’s beautiful!” Pipp said in awed as she then took out her phone as it beeps again. “Definitely no service here, but…” She then exclaimed as she flew around as they all look around. “I can’t wait to get photos of a real adult dragon!” She exclaimed as she took pictures.

“I can’t wait to meet another dragon.” Zipp said next. “I have so many questions.”

“Is this really the Dragonlands, guys?” Sunny asked Sunset, Discord and Twilight in awed.

“I-I don’t know, Sunny. I’ve never been to it before.” Sunset said in awed.

“I have, and it was not like this before. And right now, it is beautiful than when it was a laval pool and rocky mountains terrain.” Twilight said in awed as the Dragonlands sure have change.

“Wow, the Dragonlands sure have change. And way better than it was before.” Discord commented with his hands on his hips. “I bet Spike is around while enjoying the peace.” He added.

“I’m sure he is, Discord. I know Spike love a peaceful place and the Dragonlands sure has turn int a paradise.” Twilight said with a wide smile. “I hope Spike is still here.”

“I’m sure he is Twilight. He is your dragon.” Sunset assured her with a smile.

“Yeah, Spike is a tough dragon. If he’s here, we might see him.” Sunny said with a wide smile, feeling excited to see the former Friendship Ambassador of Equestria and another former member of the Guardians of Harmony herself.

Twilight gave a grateful smile to them. “I hope so, because Spike can be nervous with other ponies.” She stated as the four chuckled to each other.

Hitch then looked around in worry. “Sparky?! Where’d he go?” He called out before Sparky came to him happily as he jumped around his friends as Hitch gave a laugh. “There you are, little guy!” He happily said as he pick Sparky up. “Look at him. This place is helping already!” He said joyfully.

“It is the Dragonlands alright. If Sparky is happy, then it working.” Sunset said with a smile.

Hitch then turned to Misty. “Thank you, Misty. Truly.” He gratefully said as Sparky babbled to her as Misty patted Sparky’s head as Misty smiled before Sparky jumped off Hitch’s arms. “Huh…” He said in confusion.

The group watched Sparky running to a tree as he started climbing the tree and then gestures the others.

“It looks like he wants us to follow.” Izzy said cheerfully. “Does he know the way?!” She exclaimed.

“It must be instinct.” Zipp theorize.” This is his homeland!” She called out.

Sparky then started running off again. “Whoa, wait for us, buddy!” Hitch called out as the Mane7 and Discord followed after him.

Sparky kept running while the group panted for breath since Sparky is really fast before he stopped and landed in a big footprint as Sparky followed the tracks before he started breathing his dragonfire around happily.

“He’s so much better.” Hitch said happily before they all screamed when Sparky nearly hit them with his dragonfire before they all laughed from that.

“And his fire is back!” Misty added as Sparky kept breathing out his dragon fire.

“Yep, Sparky’s back to his old self.” Sunset said with a chuckle, but happy that Sparky feels like himself again and got his fire back.

Hitch then turned to Misty with a grateful smile. “I can’t believe you used your key to help Sparky instead of finding your family. Do you remember anything about them?” He asked.

Misty looked down in slight sadness. “I wish I could… But I’m glad I’m here to see this.” She said with a smile.

Pipp then brought out her phone as she started recording this moment, which made Hitch and Misty surprise by it. “I bet we’re gonna see a big dragon any second now!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“And maybe Spike is with them.” Discord added with smile.

The group waited around for a dragon to come to them, but for some reason, none of any dragons showed up. “Any second now!” She repeated, but still nothing. “Any second now.” She said slowly.

“Does anypony else sense there’s something a little off here?” Zipp asked as she gets the strange feeling about the Dragonlands right now.

“Huh, let me check.” Izzy said as she took a m meditation positon as the others watches as Sparky hopped around. “I am definitely sensing some energies. A lacking of luminescence. And absence of sparkle, really.” She started as she hummed again. “I think something happened here.”

“We can see that, Izzy.” Sunset said in amusement before looking around. “But yeah, something is not right.” She stated in concern.

“A lot of dragons seem to live here.” Sunny started, having the same thought. “There’s all these clawprints, ant those amazing statues but…” She started while looking around.

“No dragons.” Zipp finished.

“That’s odd, usually the Dragonlands seemed packed before, but now it’s completely empty.” Discord commented.

“Yeah, something is not right, where are the dragons?” Twilight asked in concern, haven’t seen no signs of any dragons when they got here.

Hitch then step on a clawprint as he gave a thought. “Maybe they’re just off foraging somewhere?” He guessed.

“All of them? At the same time?” Sunny questioned Hitch with a brow.

“Sunny’s right, Hitch. The dragons may forage, but all at once.” Sunset said in agreement, knowing dragons well enough to even go all together to forage.

“And with Sparky making all this commotion…” Zipp added with thought.

“Yeah, wouldn’t his family here? And want to come to him?” Pipp added in confusion.

“Maybe they all took off before we got here or…” Zipp said while trying to think of another reason.

“Or somepony else got here before us.” Misty said in worried, as they all have a guess in their heads.

“Opaline.” Sunny said worryingly.

Sunset then spotted something as it got her attention. “Huh?” She said as she walked up and kneel to the ground as the others turned to her.

“Sunset, what is it?” Sunny asked in concern.

“I think I found something.” Sunset said in shock.

“What?! What is it?!” Zipp asked, wanting to know what Sunset said.

Sunset picked up something from the ground with her hoof as she turned it to the others as they all gasped at what they saw.

“Dragon scales.” Discord said in shock, in Sunset’s hoof, was a dragon scale, but this one is purple and slight green.

“Guys this isn’t just any dragon scales, this is Spike’s scales!” Twilight spoke in shock when they heard what that scale belongs to. “Spike was here!” She cried out.

“The Ambassador of Equestria was here!? Wow!” Sunny said in shock.

“Wait, how do we know it isn’t just any dragon with that kind of scales?” Pipp questioned with a brow.

“Now, this is Spike’s alright. I know those scales anywhere.” Discord said in shock as he look longingly at the scales of his best pal.

“Wow!” Zipp exclaimed excited as she came close. “Another dragon scale! This could be use for researching--Ow!” She yelled out when Sunset slapped Zipp’s hoof away.

“Don’t touch this scale! It’s not for researching!” Sunset said firmly as she moved the scale away from Zipp, while the others were surprise by Sunset’s outburst before she realizes what she said. “S-Sorry. But this is Spike’s scales. The first sign that he’s still around. So, this scale is off-limits for research, Zipp.” She stated calmly while holding the scales of her dragon friend.

Zipp understands what Sunset is saying as she spoke. “Okay, I get it. Sorry, just caught up in the moment.” She apologize for almost taking away something that belongs to a friend of Sunset that is hoped is still around.

“It’s okay, just make sure you don’t do anything to it.” Sunset said as Zipp nodded.

Just then, Sparky came to them as he babbled to them. “What is it?” Hitch asked his dragon as Sparky then ran further as the others followed after him.

“That dragon sure is excited.” Discord commented.

They all followed Sparky to a cave as he babbled to it as the others caught up to him as they got nervous.

“That’s ominous.” Sunset comment while feeling a little creepy out about this cave.

“Oh…” Izzy started with a laugh. “No thanks, Sparky. Kind of you to show us your home, but I rather not go into a creepy cave.” She said with a nervous chuckle.

“Same.” Pipp said in agreement. “One mysterious entryway in a day is plenty for me!” She added.

Sparky started babbling again as he urge them to take a look. “Alright, I’ll just take a look.” Hitch said while feeling a little nervous.

“I’ll go with you, Hitch.” Sunny said with a smile.

“Same. If Spike or any dragons are in there, we must see it true.” Sunset said determinedly.

“Agreed.” Twilight nodded.

The three ponies went into the cave with Sparky as they look around as Hitch cleared his throat. “Hello?” He called out as there was nothing.

“I think you’ll have to be louder than that.” Sunny suggested as she spoke out. “Any dragon in here?!” She yelled out as her voice echoed through the cave.

“That was a little too loud, Sunny.” Sunset said before two glowing eyes appeared, which started the group as more appeared of them appeared, revealing to be bats as they all gave started screamed, while Izzy laughed, as they ran out the cave. “Ah, bats!” She called out as the bats flew off. “Well, bats are here.”

“But no dragons in there, either!” Hitch called out as the bats flew off as Sparky sighed sadly.

“This is really strange. The Dragonlands maybe different but even no dragons could just leave their lands.” Twilight said in thought.

“Where could they have gone?” Sunny asked in wonder.

“They must’ve sensed the growing dragonfire power in Opaline.” Misty theorize as they turned to her in attention.

“You sound so sure.” Zipp said in worried.

“She’s been the closes thing I’ve had to family for a long time.” Misty explained as she continued. “I know Opaline’s interest in total domination goes way beyond Equestria.” She stated.

“She wants to rule over the Dragonlands too?” Zipp asked in shock.

“I don’t it’s just the Dragonlands or just Equestria, Zipp.” Sunset spoke with a serious look. “If I had to guess, she wants to rule over everything. Right, Misty?” She asked.

“Yes, over everything.” Misty confirmed, which makes the others more concern. “She wanted Sparky’s dragonfire to gain power. Maybe she wanted to take it from the other dragons too! And maybe they fled before she could get to them?” She theorize as Sparky looked scared as he nuzzled Hitch’s leg.

“I’m sure the dragons fled. If they have sense Opaline, then they must be in hiding.” Sunset noted.

“And Spike knows to be prepare for any danger that comes to Equestria. So he must’ve fled with them.” Twilight added in worried for her dragon-son.

“I’m sure he is. Spike would never be caught that easily.” Discord said, knowing Spike is tough, in his own way, to not get caught that easily.

“I’m sure he’s okay.” Sunny assured them with a smile. “Spike and the other dragons are hiding and safe from Opaline. So at least that’s something.” She added as the three smiled at her.

Hitch rubbed Sparky’s head in comfort. “Let’s hope that’s what happened. Being with Misty and coming here has shown me that everypony deserves to find there home. Where they belong.” He said as he look at MIsty before he look at Sparky. “Maybe Sparky belongs with dragons.” He added, which surprised the others.

“Are you thinking of leaving him here?” Sunny asked in surprise as Sparky hugged Hitch’s leg again.

“Yeah, Hitch. Even if this is his home, the dragonlands are empty with no dragons in sight.” Sunset added in concern.

“Sparky will be all alone again and might get caught by Opaline or worse.” Twilight added in great concern.

Hitch looked around as he saw a dragon statue as he spoke. “One day, I’ll have to let him go. But I won’t leave him here, all alone.” He stated as he look down at Sparky. “I’ll be Sparky’s protector for as long as he needs me.” He declared as Sparky hugged him happily.

“And as long as you need us, we’ll help you open as many doors as we have to, to find your family.” Sunny said to Misty.

“And we won’t give up until that family is found, Misty.” Discord promised.

“Because even if it takes so long, we’ll find them.” Sunset finished as as the Unicorn smiled in joy at Misty.

“Um, yeah about that…” Izzy spoke out while searching around. “Anypony remember how to get back to the door?” She asked cheerfully as she sat down while crossing her hooves.

That got the others attentions as they look around for the way they came in, but they couldn’t remember where they’ve been, not even Sparky.

“Yeah, that might be a problem.” Sunset muttered before turning to Discord. “Discord, couldn’t you teleport us back?” She asked.

“Don’t look at me. I don’t remember how Equestria is now when I could teleport anywhere.” Discord said with his arms raised. “I mean, I could back then, but with this new landscape and changes Equestria been I don’t know my way around. Why’d you think I walked all the way to the caverns to destroy the Pegasus Crystal?” He pointed out.

The others thought for a moment as they realize he was right. “Yeah, that is actually a good point.” Zipp said with a shrug.

“Then how do we get back?” Twilight asked in concern. “Because that portal won’t stay opened for long.” She stated.

“Don’t sweat it, ponies!” Pipp called out as they turned to her while holding a piece of a petal. “I got it covered.” She said as she flew to a trail of petals on the ground. “I left a trail of jungle flower petals I just picked up from my all-natural beauty line so we could find our way back.” She explained as she flew around as she sniff the petals. “And these ones smell tropical, like passionfruit! Mmm, yumi!” She cheered.

The group all sigh in relief as they walked the path. “Smart thinking!” Hitch complimented.

“Great thinking, Pipp.” Sunset added with a smile.

“Thank hoofness.” Izzy added as they all followed the path.

Zipp turned to her sister as she gave her a smirk. “What?” Pipp asked.

“Nothing. I’m just impressed.” Zipp said to her sister proudly thought of something and been out her phone for this long.

“Hey, you’re not the only sister who can do cool tricks!” Pipp said with a cool look before she pick up another petal as she sniff it. “Oh, and this one smells just like ‘Canter Number 5’!” She said as she sniff again.

Zipp gave a chuckle at her sister. “Let’s go!” She said as they flew off to catch up to the others back the way they came.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 and Discord walked back from the door as they were back to Bridlewood as they turned and saw the portal closed as the doors shut as Misty gave a look before she caught up to the others.

They made it back to the entrance of the Night Market, but then the breeizes flying out of the entrance as it closed shut.

“Guess that’s it for the NIght Market.” Sunny said as the breezies flew off to their homes.

“At least we got some cool things from there.” Sunset stated with a smile.

“True that.” Discord said as he summoned the bags of things they got from the Night Market.

Izzy then walked up to a breezie. “Pardon me, when does this mystical magical market come back?” She asked.

The breezie then spoke slowly with a smile as it flew off as Izzy titled her head in confusion.

Hitch then come up to Misty. “She says, ‘You never know’.” He repeated while talking it slowly to Izzy.

“Huh, that doesn’t really narrow it down.” Izzy commented in thought.

“I think she means that the Breezie World traveled swiftly, meaning that it open and closes as it please.” Sunset stated, knowing breezies and their world shift between them.

“But with the Breezies living in Equestria now, meaning that the market will open up again soon when it could.” Twilight added with a smile.

“Huh, that make sense. Now we just to wait and see when it opens again.” Izzy said with her cheerful smile.

They all turned to Misty, who is looking at the tree in deep thought. “Hey, Misty? We just wanted to see if you’re okay.” Sunny asked in concern as she and Sunset came to her.

“Yeah, losing the key and giving up your choice to find your family was harsh.” Sunset added in sympathy.

“Yeah, if you wanna share anything else you might have learned about your past, we’re all ears” Zipp said as she up to Misty as well, being polite if Misty wanted to say something this time.

Misy gave a sigh. “I wish I had more to tell.” She said as she look around. “At least I know I’ve been to Bridlewood. But, I’m not any closer to figuring out who was in my memory or who I used to belong to.” She said sadly as she walked around before she gave a smile. “But that’s okay for now.”

“Well, you were pretty brave to risk the key for Sparky, Misty. At least we know what became of the dragons and seeing the Dragonlands.” Sunset commented with a smile.

“And as long as you have us, you have family.” Sunny spoke as Misty smiled at them as Pipp flew down next to Misty.

“And you have our Zephyr Heights family too!” Pipp added before she gasped as she remember something. “I totally forgot to tell you we saw my mom in the market earlier today!” She explained.

“Queen Haven was here?” Hitch asked in surprise.

“Yep!” Pipp answered with a nod. “She was walking around with Alphabittle. Oh, look!” She then brought out a golden sparkling photo booth picture. “We went into that enchanted photo booth together!” She said.

The others huddled around Pipp as Izzy laughed. “Ha-ha! Zipp! What is the expression you’re making?!” Izzy asked as look a the pictures in amusement.

The photo booth pictured seemed to be magical as it showed Zipp, Pipp, Queen Haven, Cloudpuff and Alphabittle in it as each section change into a different photo while Zipp’s face was off weirdly then the others as the group, sin Zipp, laughed at that.

“Ahahaha! That is pure gold there! Literally!” Discord laugh at the pictures

Zipp felt embarrass at them seeing the pictures. “I wasn’t ready!” She said as she covered herself in embarrassment since she wasn’t ready for the shots at the time.

Izzy then saw Misty looking at the pictures longingly as she notice her expression. “Huh, and what’s the expression you’re making, Misty? Is something wrong?” She asked in concern.

Misty look at the picture as Zipp spoke. “Oh on. Another vision?” She asked in concern.

“Is it good or bad?” Sunset asked.

“Is it Opaline this time?” Sunny asked next.

Misty shook her head. “No, it’s not that, I… I think I recognize…” Sher started as she look closely at the picture, mostly focus on Alphabittle. “Who is that?” She asked.

“Oh, that’s Alphabittle!” Pipp answered. “We’ve mention him before. He runs the Crystal Tea Room here in Bridlewood.” She explained as Misty walked off as the others looked at her.

“Um, Misty?” Hitch asked.

“Is there something in your mind?” Discord asked next.

As Misty stood in front of her friends while in deep thought, her Cutie Mark then started glowing as Zipp saw it. “Wait a second, Alphabittle’s Cutie Mark was glowing today too.” She said while putting a hoof in her chin in thought before she gasped and flew to Misty. “Misty! In your vision, the large shadow, is it possible that it wasn’t a creature after all?” She suggested.

“Wait, what if it was somepony you know, somepony we know?” Sunset spoke up, getting what Zipp is saying. “Misty, focus and concentrate on what you saw the large shadow, and try and think positive to see who it was.” She instructed.

Misty did what Sunset said as she thought for a moment before she gasped as a memory was coming back to her.

Flashback.

Filly Misty was looking at the door as she turned to large shadow behind her, but if looked closely, that large shadow happened to be Alphabittle, a young Alphabittle who’s hair was dark blue as he search around in the fog.

“Where’d ya go, pumpkin?” Alphabittle called out to Misty while searching for her in the fog. “It’s almost dinner-time!” He called out to her in worried.

End of Flashback.

Misty was brought back to reality as she finally remembered as she looked in shock at what she saw. “D-d-d… Dad?!” She spoke out in shock.

The rest of the Mane 7 and Discord, even Sparky, all gasped in completely shock at what Misty just said.

“Alphabittle is your dad?!” Izzy spoke in shock.

“Shocking! Not even I got that!” Discord added in shock, even he didn’t see that coming.

“Sweet Celestia!” Sunset yelled in shock before she gave a thought. “Though the freckles kinda give a hint but we never questioned it.” She muttered, seeing that they didn’t ask since Alphabittle and Misty’s freckles were kinda almost the same.

“Yeah, I think so.” Misty said with a big smile forming as she finally remember who was her true family, and that he is close by.

Zipp then wrapped her hoof around Misty with a smirk. “We gotta get to the Crystal Tea Room right now!” She declared.

“Then lets go! Time for Misty to reunite with her real family!” Sunset announced as they all rush to the Tea Room as fast as they could.

A the Crystal Tea Room, the shop was closing as Queen Haven was there while helping Alphabittle close shop as she grab some cups and walk up to Alphabittle.

“I didn’t even believe in Breezies before today!” Alphabittle said in surprise and happiness since it seemed like the two had fun as he put his teacups away. “Ha! And then, one beat me at a tea-tasting contest!” He added.

Haven gave him a chuckle a bit. “I never know what excitement awaits me in Bridlewood.” She said in amusement before she gave Alphabittle a loving look. “Although… You’re welcome to join in Zephyr Heights, whenever you’d like.” She offered with a smile.

Alphabittle gave a uncertain look however. “Yeah, about that, um…” He gave a thought before he decided to tell Haven something he kept to himself. “I haven’t been totally honest with you about why I don’t like to leave Bridlewood.” He said as Queen Haven an interesting look as Alphabittle look down sadly.

Alphabittle went over to the photo and took one off the shelf and handed it to Haven, it was of a young blue filly with a striped blue mane in a pigtail while holding a plushie bunnicorn, which was actually Misty when she was a filly.

"Oh, its adorable, but I don't understand. Who is she?" Haven asked.

"....My daughter." Alphabittle admitted and Haven gasped.

"You have a-" Haven trailed off in shock.

"She went missing many moons ago. I searched everywhere, but....I couldn't find her." Alphabittle lamented over the loss of his daughter. "So the real reason I can't leave Bridlewood is because I need to be here," Aplhabittle put the picture back on the self. "When my filly comes home."

"Oh my sweet Alphabittle...I had no idea..." Haven breathed putting a hoof on his chest.

"It never gets easier..." Alphabittle sighed before his Cutie Mark began glowing again. "Er, why does this keep happening.”

"....Dad?" Misty called as she entered the Crystal Tea Room as the pairs Cutie Marks glowed together, to Haven's shock as she connected the photo to the mare.

"Misty....is your daughter?" Haven gasped in shock.

"Misty? But how?" Alphabittle gasped.

"I'm home....Dad" Misty smiled before she galloped over to Alphabittle and he did the same and the pair met each other and hugged deeply.

"You are home." Alphabittle cried.

"Aw, Dad.” Misty smiled.

"And I'm never letting you go again." Alphabittle smiled with years of joy, finally having found his daughter after years apart and Misty now knowing she had a real father in her life.

The rest of the Mane 7 and Discord came to the door as they gasped happily at the sight as Discord wipe his tears with a tissue. “Such a beautiful reunion.” He said tearfully.

Queen Haven looked on with a heartful smile that Alphabittle found her lost daughter and that Misty was his daughter this whole time and finally came back to him as the group watched the father and daughter reunion.

“Such happy a beautiful moment for those two, huh Twilight?” Sunset asked with a smile, knowing that Twilight would agree if she was out of the necklace, but is happy that Misty found her true family and Alphabittle reunited with his long lost daughter.

The next day, the Mane 7 and Discord returned to the Tea Room as they each had a seat on table enjoying some tea, Discord and Sunset on one, Sunny and Hitch on another, Zipp, Pipp and their mother on a third while Alphabittle showed his founded daughter around.

“So um… do you wanna hear about my tea kettle collection?” Alphabittle asked, hardly containing his excitement as he showed Misty his tea kettle collection on a shelf. “Of course you don’t! That probably wouldn’t be interesting.” He said while rubbing his hoof nervously since it has been years since they were separated.

“I love to hear it.” Misty answered with a smile. “I wanna hear everything.”

Alphabittle was surprise before he smiled. “Aw, kid, I just can’t believe it.” He said as he wipe his tears of joy from his eyes. “Okay, well um, I started my collection before you were even born, when I sat in on an ancient tea ceremony held by the unicorn elders.” He started as he levitated a tea kettling as Misty listens deeply.

Queen Haven, Zipp and Pipp smiled at the two getting along as Haven sips her tea, but then one of Sparky’s dragon fire hit her teacup as it turned into a butterfly.

They all turned to Sparky, who was babbling excitedly as he ran around the tea shop as Sunny stood in front of him, which he skidded to a stop before breathe his dragonfire out, which startled her.

“Sparky! No inside fire!” Hitch cried out as he chase after Sparky as he caught him and place him on a table next to Misty.

“Heheh, looks like some creature is back to normal.” Discord commented as he was floating in the air while sipping some tea.

“Heh, so sorry, Alphabittle!” Hitch apologize as Izzy ticked Sparky. “He’s still trying to learn to control his fire breathing, and ever since we all went to the Dragonlands, it’s more powerful than ever.” He explained while giving a tired look.

Queen Haven heard what Hitch said as she turned to her daughters in shock. “You all went where?!” She asked in shock with wide eyes while Zipp and Pipp stood stiff with wide eyes that Hitch blurted that out.

“Oh, busted.” Sunset said with a chuckle as she looked away and sipped her tea slowly, seeing that this might not turn out well for the two sisters.

Seeing that they were caught, Pipp moved back nervously. “Uh, I think I have to go work on my Mane Hoof line!” She said as she flew off while Haven looked at her go with a glare.

“ANd I, uh, gotta help her!” Zipp said nervously as she flew after her sister.

“Girls!” Haven angrily yelled as she flew after her daughters while going to force them to explain while going to give them such a scolding.

The others watched the royal family go as the two sisters tried to get away from their angry mother as they all laughed in amusement at that.

“Such a happy family.” Sunset joked through her laugh.

Alphabittle turned to Hitch with an assuring smile. “It’s okay, Hitch. Nothing can dent my mood now. ” He said as he wrapped his hooves around Misty in a side hug. “And I’m glad to see Sparky feels well enough to be a hoof-full again.” He added.

“I’m glad too.” Hitch said with a smile. “Even when it’s tough, I love being Sparky’s dragon-pony-dad.” He stated as he gave Sparky a nuzzle as the baby dragon enjoyed it.

“Well said.” Alphabittle said as he levitated to some more tea cups to them, for Hitch, Sunny and Discord, in their hooves or talons, for Sunset, Misty and Izzy, using their magic to levitate them. “To family.” He announced with his cup raised. “We wouldn’t want it any other way!” He finished.

“Yeah! To family!” The group announced together.

And then Sparky sip his tea as he burps out his dragon fire as it turned Hitch’s mane and tail color to rainbow streaks while having flowers on them, which Hitch notice.

“Sparky, not the mane!” Hitch cried out as he look at his now changed mane and tail while Sparky gave an innocent look.

The group then laugh at Hitch from that, finding it funny and cute. “Hahahah! Good on you, Sheriff!” Discord laughed.

“Rainbow is definitely not your color, Hitch.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“Yes!” Izzy cheered with a laugh.

Hitch then look a Sparky, can’t be mad at him as he gave him a smile as Sparky grabbed his ail before he laughed with the others as they have a fun time, not only for rediscovering the breezies, finding the Dragonlands and finding out what happened to the dragons, but also helping Sparky regain his flames and reuniting Misty with her one true father as they enjoy the moment together.

End of Chapter 5 Ep 3.

Chapter 5 Ep 5: Mane Smelody

Chapter 5 Ep 5: Mane Smelody

In Bridlewood, Pipp is sining through the forest with a flower basket on her back on a nice sunny day.

“A foraging I will go.” Pipp sand as she dance around while the critters listen to her sing. “A shmoraging I will go.” She sang as she place the basket down as the critters circled around her. “Oh, great lighting. Nature selfie!” She then brought out her phone as the critters huddled close to her with a the flower basket as the phone clicked.

Pipp then tripped over an yellow Inkthistle. “Oh! Ah!” She yelped as she tripped and drop the basket as the critters flew off and she screamed at her ruined harvest. “My natural beauty forage haul!” She cried out dramatically as she turned and glared a the yellow Inkthistle she tripped on. “Sheesh, watch where you’re going, plant. Hm, that really hurts!” She said to it as she look at her right back hoof before she notice something. “What the hay?” She asked in surprise.

Pipp saw that her right back hoof is now gold and sparkling. “That Inkthistle shined my hooves so bright I can see my own reflection!” She said excitedly as she saw her own reflecting on her hoof a she then gasped as she brought out her phone. “My plant-finder app didn’t tell me it could do that.” She said as she put on her glasses and lifted her hoof up before she took off her glasses and look at the plant again. “This gives me an idea.” She said with a smirk.

“Woah, mama!” Pipp exclaimed as she pictured herself with a new product and her hooves shining bright while seeing herself doing a pose. “I think my future’s gonna be bright!” She cheered before she realizes what she said. “I never say ‘mama’. Now I know this is a good idea!” She cheered again before she smell something as she cringed and covered her nose. “Mmm…” She muttered as she said turned and look and saw it was coming from her hoof.

“Huh… Little fragrant, but look at that shine!” Pipp cheered, ignoring the smell as she walked off when the critters close to her sniff the smell from her hoof as the bunnicorn sniffed and cringe in disgust as it started coughing.

At Mane Melody, Jazz is spraying soe manespray on her mane as she look at her reflecting with a smile before Pipp entered.

“Jazz, look! To spruce up the place.” Pipp said as she brought in the basket filled with Inkthistles as Jazz came to her.

Jazz picked up a thistle as she gave a smile. “Oh, these are…” She then sniffed it as she cringed in disgust. “Uh… nice, they’re nice!” She said with a force smile as Pipp waked to the mirror. “What’s the occasion?” She asked.

Pipp turned to Jazz with a smirk. “Let me answer that questioned with a question: ever seen hooves this shiny?” She asked as she showed her smelly but shiny hoof to Jazz.

Jazz looked at Pipp’s hoof as she squint her eyes at the shininess. “My, that is bright! You could power a lighthouse with that shimmer!” She said before she caught the smell again as she retched, trying to keep herself from throwing up.

Pipp nodded with a chuckle. “And it’s all because of this perfect plant I plucked!” She said as she raised the thistle Jazz is holding, who gave a force smile at it since it really smell bad. “IT’s a miracle beauty discovery cropping up all over Bridlewood Forest!” She exclaimed happily.

“This has potential!” Jazz said with a smile. “Which is great, because our sales have been dropping ever since our last failed promotion!” She added with a cringe look as she remembered their last promotion didn’t go well.

Flashback.

Some time ago in Mane Melody an earth pony mare exited the salon while screaming as she have ic cream with sprinkles on her face while pegamice started to peck on the ice cream.

“Get it off! Get it off!” The mare cried out as she kept screaming when the mice kept pecking on her face for the ice scream.

End of Flashback.

Back in the present, Pipp remembered that day as she place a hoof to her chin. “Huh… maybe Sunset was right about using actual ice cream as a face mask treatment wasn’t that great of an idea?” She asked with a sheepish smile, since when she first had that idea, Sunset tried to talk her out of it since it wasn’t meant for treatment, and she was right.

“Yeah… No. It wasn’t.” Jazz honestly said as Pipp chuckled in amusement as Jazz gave a smile. “But those shiny hooves could redeem us! Let’s test it out.” She suggested with a smile as they look around the salon. “Who will be our guinea-pony?” She asked.

They then saw Pipp wearing her Z-ggoles, looking at her phone and her badge and drone in the salon as the two gave smirks as they went up to Zipp.

“Zipp! It’s your lucky day!” Pipp said to her sister as Zipp stopped in confusion. “You are the recipient of a free luxury hooficure treatment!” She announced cheerfully. “Oh! We can’ wait to know what you think os this great shiny find I came across: Inkthistle!” She finished as Jazz brought out the Inkthistle to Zipp.

Zipp looked at the Inkthistle in confuse as she sniff at it as she cringed back with a disgusted look. “You okay?” Jazz asked in concern.

Zipp coughed from the smell as she walked to the door and gave a nervously smile. “Uh, yeah. That was from something else.” She as she turned to them nervously. “Can’t do the hoof thing. I’m busy, gotta run.” She said as she used one of her back hoof to open the door.

“Uh, busy with what?” Pipp asked her sister in wonder.

“Investigating. Bye!” Zipp said quickly as she exit the salon and ran out the door. “Bleh!” She cringe in disgust as she sigh. “That stuff stinks! Bleh!” She said as she flew off.

After Zipp flew, she didn’t see Sunny and Sunset walking into the salon as they entered the building as Pipp and Jazz saw them.

“Sunny! Sunset! Lucky for you both!” Pipp said as she guided her two friends to the chairs. “You two get to be the first two ponies to try ou new all-natural luxury hooficure treatment!” She exclaimed as Jazz brought out the thistle.

“We do? Ah! Okay!” Sunny said with excitement.

“What’s this new product you made?” Sunset asked in curiosity.

“This one.” Jazz answered as she lifted the Inkthistle to them.

“Whoa!/Woo!” Both Sunny and Sunset retched at the smile as they gaged a bit.

“So? What do you two think?” Pipp asked her friends excitedly as the two sniffed again and moaned as they tried to not to puke as they coughed.

“Pipp, can you put that down, please?” Sunset pleaded as she gaged a bit. “It looks good but the smell…” She trailed off as she tried to keep herself from vomiting.

“Yeah, I get it.” Pipp said in understanding as put the thistle away.

A little bit later of explaining, Pipp spoke. “Don’t worry, you two I know this Inkthistle plant itself has little bit of a funky aroma at first, but this incredible hoof cream I’ve made out of it is scentless!” She assured as she gave the bottle of the liquid-fide thistle. “The perfect, luxurious touch for those seeking a top notch hooficure with lasting shine!” She added as she gave the bottle to Jazz.

Jazz opened the bottle as she took out the brush and sniff it as she cringe in disgust again, signifying that the smell is still there. “You’re right! It’s kinda of… nice!” She manage to say as she apply them to Sunny and Sunset’s hooves.

The two ponies caught the smile as they gave a force smile. “Yup! Just super pleasant!” Sunny said with a force smile.

“This… This is just great!” Sunset manage to say as she cringe a bit before giving a force smile.

Pipp laughed as she started hopping around excitedly. “I’m so excited to start selling these treatments!” She excitedly said as she didn’t saw Sunny, Sunset and Jazz gagging before she stopped as they turned to her with a smile as she saw the rest of the bottles. “I must practice my sales pitch.” She said calmly.

Pipp cleared her throat as she went up to a mirror while holding a bottle. “Hello, my glamour ponies! This special new treatment is guaranteed to make your hooves shine as bright as your sparkle! Get it while you can, it’s the Mane Melody Limited Time Only Exclusive!” She announced.

“Sounds great, Pipp!” Jazz complimented while giving a nervous smile. “We’re gonna have so many sales!” She cheered as she then lean in to Sunny and Sunset as they leaned to her as she whispered. “Sorry it stinks. But you both look great!” She said with a smile.

“It’s okay. Though it does look good.” Sunset said while looking at her shiny hooves while cringing a bit.

“And we feel great!” Sunny exclaimed happily as she lifted her hoof. “And look at that shine, ah!” She added as her hoof led off the scent as Jazz cringed and puffed her cheeks in disgust as she tried not to vomit.

“If you don’t count the smell at least.” Sunset said sheepishly as she and Sunny stood up.

“Good luck with the launch. And um… maybe crack a window?” Sunny said sheepishly.

“And maybe a fan?” Sunset added as she and Sunny walked out the salon.

“Good idea to both of those.” Jazz said as she quickly went to the window and opened it as she breathed in the fresh air as Pipp came singing by her as Jazz sat on the chair while laughing nervously with a smile as Pipp smiled back in respond.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Zipp is on her desk as she is on her laptop with the Alicorn book and some clues as she was searching for some more clues on Opaline.

“Hmm… There’s gotta be something else here!” Zipp said to herself as she then sniff a scent as she started retching in disgust as she turned and saw Sunny and Sunset walking in and saw their hooves shining and the smell coming off them. “Oh no! She got to you two?” She asked as she put on her glasses.

“We just wanted to help.” Sunny said with a sigh, since she couldn’t help herself when helping her friends.

“And there was no point in talking Pipp about of it. We all know that.” Sunset added dully, since talking to Pipp about it will hurt her feelings.

“And the smell kinda goes away.” Sunny added as she lifted up her hoof but cringe back as the smell was still there. “Or maybe we’re just used to it.” She honestly said.

“Yeah, surprisingly, it’s not so bad once you get used to it.” Sunset said with a shrug as she sniff her hoof again and cringe back. “Eventually.” She added with a cough.

“Uh, what exactly are you doing, Zipp?” Sunny asked, wanting to change the topic.

“Yeah, Zipp. You’ve been busy all day.” Sunset added in wonder.

Zipp took off her glasses as she spoke. “My leads have all run cold. I’ve read that Alicorns book like a hundred times and certain things still aren’t adding up about the past we’ve all been taught!” She explained as she laid on her desks while holding her head.

“We can see that. And Twilight hardly knew about Opaline since she may have fought her before, but she doesn’t know the true origin about her.” Sunset added as Twilight appeared in the necklace.

“Opaline and I may have go way back, but even I don’t know about her true origin about her, just that she’s powerful and is a fire alicorn and wanted to rule all of Equestria. But beyond that, I don’t remember much.” Twilight stated, feeling bad for not giving much details. “Sorry I couldn’t help much.” She apologize.

“I don’t blame you, Twilight. It’s hard to even find a clue about her.” Zipp said with a sigh.

Sunny then spoke up with a small smile. “My dad always used to say, ‘The past is something we’ll never stop discovering’.” She quoted her father’s words.

“And that is true. We always discover new things and learn of their origin.” Sunset said, finding Sunny’s father’s words true since the past is something that never stops discovering.

Zipp then have a thought as she flew around. “Girls, that’s it! Sunny, your dad was definitely onto something with shi research, right?” She asked as she turned to Sunny. “Do you have any old things that Argl;e left lying around?” She asked as she landed in front of them. “Stuff that might have a clue?”

Sunny ears dropped a bit as she gave a thought. “Well, most of his things were lost over time before the lighthouse was remolded. I do still have a few things, but Sunset and I have gone through them a million times before.” She explained.

“And I’ve been at those notes when I first came back, there’s not much in them.” Sunset added in agreement.

“But with fresh eyes and open hearts and minds and clear heads, and the help of a master sleuth…” Zipp started as she brought out her magnifying glass and twirl it around with a smirk.

“With those, that might help.” Sunset said with a smile, seeing Zipp’s idea.

“Okay, we can try!” Sunny said with a smile. “Maybe my dad would’ve liked that.” She said.

“I’m sure he would, Sunny. He would’ve want you to share his research.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Thanks, Twilight.” Sunny said as she raised her hoof. “I’ll go dig them up right now.” She said as she walked off.

Sunset and Zipp retch a bit as they gaged from the smell as they sigh. “I hope this stench wears off soon. Because it really reeks.” Sunset muttered while looking at her hooves.

“Agreed.” Zipp said as she covered her nose.

“In times like these, I’m glad I’m a spirit.” Twilight said with a chuckle, since she’s a spirit, she can’t smell.

“Lucky you, Twilight.” Zipp said as Sunset and Twilight chuckled a bit.

At Mane Melody, Pipp is outside with a table full of the thistle bottles as she set up her phone while humming happily as she started her livestream and move back.

“Casual viewers and Pippsqueaks alike! Have I got something great for you!” Pipp started with a smile as he move to the table set. “It’s the special deluxe pampering you’ve been needing.” She said as she pick up a bottle and got close to her phone. “Treat yourself! You deserve only the best and we’ve got it here in Mane Melody!” She declared as she flew around a bit.

“Guaranteed to make your hooves shine brighter than a Bridlewood crystal during the Lumi-Bloom.” Pipp finished as she flew next to the table while Jazz was watching the livestream through her phone.

“Good thing ponies can't smell through the phone.” Jazz said as she look at her hooves, which are now shining from the hooficure as she gave an uncertain look.

At the Brighthouse, Sunny, Zipp and Sunset are at the basement searching through some boxes.

“There it is. Gimme a boost!” Sunny said as she climbed on top of Zipp as she tried to reach a box on top of a shelf while Sunset look on with a brow.

“Uh, girls…” Sunset tried to speak before Sunny grabbed the box.

“Hang on, Sunset. I got it!” Sunny said before she then lost her balance. “Whoa, wah!” She called out as she and Zipp fell to the floor as most of the things from the box fell off as Sunset winced.

“I was going to say that we probably would have just flown up there?” Sunset finished with a wince look.

“Yeah, didn’t think that through.” Zipp said as Sunny nodded in agreement as Zipp saw a piece of paper on her head as she pick it up as the three look at it. “What do either of you suppose it is?” She asked them.

“A piece of a map?” Sunny guessed in wonder as she could tell what it could be.

“Could be, but to what?” Sunset wondered.

Zipp then took out her magnifying glass as she look at the description it has on it. “Hmm, all I can see is the word ‘scale’?” She said in confusion.

“Sometimes, maps list distances for ‘scale’!” Sunny explained with a smile.

“Hmm, I’m not sure…” Zipp said in a thought.

“Yeah, it did mean like that, but what number is the scale, it didn’t say.” Sunset said in thought as well.

“Well, my dad and I used to sketch maps of imaginary places for fun all the time.” Sunny stated with a smile as she gestured to the drawings on the floor. “It’s probably nothing.”

“Maybe so, but a detective never fully abandons a clue!” Zipp stated as she look closely at the piece. “It might lead us somewhere.”

“Where?” Sunny asked in confusion. “It’s not just gonna fall into our laps.” She said amusingly.

Just then, a rolled up paper then fell from the shelf as it hit Zipp’s head as it landed on the floor. “Or it could be our heads.” She commented as she gave Sunset the piece.

“That was convenient.” Sunset commented as Sunny nodded in agreement as Zipp unrolled the paper to reveal a piece was missing as Sunset place her piece on it to show the complete map.

The three gasped in surprise by what they found. “Yes!” They cheered as Sunny gave a chuckle before Sunset notice something.

“Hey, look at this.” Sunset said while pointing at the star of the map. “That’s Twilight’s Cutie Mark star on it.” She said as the others looked in surprise.

“Wow, so that means this map is ancient when my dad found it.” Sunny said in awed. “But it looks pretty warn out. I can’t read it.” She said.

“Neither can I.” Zipp added, since the map looked faded out that it’s hard to read.

“Looks like we just have to keep going. At least we have a lead.” Sunset said as the two smiled in respond.

At Mane Melody, ponies are waiting in line as Pipp got excited at the customers. “Mmm, Jazz, I’ve got a great feeling about this, don’t you?!” She asked excitedly.

Jazz looked unsure as she gave a nervous smile. “Ha, yes. Definitely. Absolutely. It’s gonna be a spectacle!” She said, which made Pipp look at her in confusion. “I mean… spectacular!” She corrected nervously.

The two then opened the door as the crowd started coming in. “I’m first!” An Earth Pony mare shouted.

“Ponies! Ponies! There’s plenty of deluxe to go around!” Pipp assured as she held up a bottle. “Right, Jazz?” She asked with a smile as Jazz grab the bottle.

“Yes. Of course.” Jazz said nervously. “Everypony will get a treatment, if they want one! Totally optional.” She added as Pipp look at her in confusion. “But… you’d have to be… uh, ready to miss out on the best beauty treatment ever.” She said as she held up the bottle as the crowd started grabbing one each.

“That’s more like it.” Pipp said with a smile before she turn to the crowd. “Okay, let’s break out the Inkthistle and get this sparkle party stared!” She announced as the crowd started cheering.

Back in the Brighthouse, Sunny, Sunset and Zipp are researching on the map as Sunny took a picture as Sunset check the book while Zipp scanned the map with her Z-Goggles.

“Hmm.” Zipp thought.

“Hmm.” Both Sunny and Sunset said as they both look at the book.

“Hmm!” All three ponies said in unison.

“Are you two seeing this?” Zipp asked Sunset and Sunny.

“Yes!” Sunny spoke before she have a thought. “I mean, I think so. Wait, what do you see?” She asked.

“Zipp, give us what you found?” Sunset asked.

“I found a shimmer!” Zipp said as her Z-Goggles scan the map as she detected a glowing shimmer in it. “Could this be… a magical item?” She asked in surprise before she put her Z-Goggles on Sunny.

Sunny gave a gasp as she look around. “These things are amazing!” She exclaimed in awed as she circled around at the Z-Goggles as Sunset chuckled, finding that cute.

“Well, yeah! But do you see it, Sunny?” Zipp asked as she lifted the map in front of her.

“Kinda? Maybe? I don’t know.” Sunny answered honestly.

“Let me try that.” Sunset said as Sunny took off the Z-Goggles and wear them. “Wow, these are cool.” She commented as she inspected the map. “I do see a tiny shimmer, but only part of the map. Beyond that, I’m not sure.” She said as she took off the Z-goggles.

“Then I think if we’re going to get to the bottom of this, we’ve gotta get out of here and get out there.” Sunny suggested while pointing to the outside. “Start asking some questions.”

“If there are any clues out there, then it’s worth a shot.” Sunset said in agreement.

“Maybe you’re both right, Sunny and Sunset.” Zipp said in agreement. “And I know exactly where to start.” She said with a smirk.

“As long as you don’t go overboard with questions again and going extreme, I agree.” Sunset said with a knowing brow.

“Don’t worry. This time, I’ll go easy.” Zipp assured with a small smile.

“Yay! Field trip!” Sunny said excitedly with a wave of her hoof.

Zipp put on her Z-Goggles with a smirk. “Field research.” She said with a smirk.

“Then to the Marestream!” Sunset declared as the three exit the brighthouse as they went to the Marestream.

Back at Mane Melody, the ponies are waiting outside for their turn as a earth pony mare exit as the stallion took a picture as the mare smell the stink as she coughed and ran off.

Inside the salon, some of the ponies are retching on their hooficures as an earth pony mare ran in excited while Posey is looking at the mirror while Jazz is doing Windy’s hooves.

“I’ve never seen anything like this!” Posey said while looking at her shining hooves. “Have you, Bestie?” She asked Windy.

Windy squint her eyes as she tried to look at her hoof. “I actually can’t see anything like this, it’s too bright!” She stated out as she put on some glasses. “My eyes!” She called out with her wings spread.

Posey then caught the smell her hoof is giving as she cringe back. “Oh… I’ve never smelled anything like this.” She said. “I was lying when I said I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s just bright. But this?” She asked a she sniff her hoof and cringe back. “Ugh, this is something else.” She commented as Jazz grew nervous as Posey then saw Pipp. “Oh. Shh. Hi, Pipp.” She said with a friendly smile, which made Jazz look surprise as Pipp flew to them.

“Hiya!” Pipp responded with a smile. “Oh! Haven’t seen shines this bright since I made my own toothpaste!” She said, which made Posey raised a brow in surprise from that.

“Thanks, Pipp!” Windy said with a slight chuckle.

“No prob, Windy!” Pipp said as she gave a big smile. “This is turning into Mane Melody’s biggest success! What are we going to do with all this success?!” She asked excitedly as she flew off.

Jazz gave a nervous smile. “Yeah, the sweet… ugh… smell fo success!” She groaned after smelling the bottle again as she cringe back as Pipp flew off as Jazz walked up to a fan and turn it on as she sigh in relief. “Phew!”

In the Marestream, it flew across the sky as Sunny, Sunset and Zipp are in the cockpit while Zipp is flying while wearing her glasses.

“So… are you going to tell us where we’re going?” Sunny asked in curiosity.

“Yeah, you hardly told us.” Sunset added.

“To Bridlewood.” Zipp answered.

“What’s there?” Sunny asked as she and Sunset are confused.

“The Breezie Night Market!” Zipp revealed.

“Hey, that market would be open by now.” Sunset noted, since they manage to timed when the market opened up.

“That’s right. And we’re heading there now!” Zipp said.

“And you really think the Breezies can help us with this?” Sunny asked as she held up her map.

“Yeah, we’re not sure if they would know this map.” Sunset added, wondering the same.

“Come on, Suns’! There’s a lot of old, mystical stuff there!” Zipp pointed out. “Maybe they have like a map of decoder or something!” She stated before she gave a smirk. “And if not, Sunny, I’ll buy you your favorite treat.” She added.

“Oh!” Sunny squealed in excitement. “Triple Berry ice cream?!” She asked hopefully.

Sunset gave a chuckle. “What else, Sunny.” She said while patting her back.

“And three scoops!” Zipp added with a smile. “Also, maybe they have some magical cure came your hoves smell better, you two.” She said while pointing at the two ponies hooves.

“Hey!” Both Sunny and Sunset said in amusements.

“Those things are ripe, buddies.” Zipp added with a smile.

Sunny then sigh. “You’re not wrong.” She said with a smile while looking at her smelly hooves.

“Yeah, these things are still smelling we hardly notice.” Sunset added as the three laughed together as the Marestream flew to Bridlewood.

Back at Mane Melody, some new customers are getting their bottles as Jazz is doing Toot’s hooves, which the Earth Pony stallion feels uncomfortable.

“This is great for business, Jazz…” Jazz said a little anxious as her right eye twitch a bit. “Oh, that’s gonna look wonderful!” She said to Toots when she finished his hooves.

“Yes, yes, but I wanted to know…” Toots said as he gave an uncertain look as he smell the scent of the hooficure. “Uh, well, I it’s just that… How do I say this… The odor? Is that part of the package?” He asked Jazz.

“Everything that goes into this treatment, from the raw ingredients to the experience of sitting in that chair, to the beautiful shimmer, and yes, even the…” Jazz started as she lifted Toots’ hoof and smelled the stench again as she cringe back a bit as she continued. “...odor, is part of a special and one-of-a-kind hooficure.” She said as she left go of Toots’ hoof. “You’ll be talking about this one for moons, I bet! Yup!” She finished as she gave a nervous chuckle and a bit of a nervous look.

Toots gave an uncomfortable look as he turned to Windy. “Does she not smell it?” He whispered.

“I’ve been wondering that all day!” Windy whispered back before she smiled and sat down as she brought out her phone. “My friends have to see this.” She then put in a livestream of her hoof.

“This is fantastic!” Pipp cheered happily after hearing Windy. “Tell your friends, please. There’s plenty of ‘Potions by Pipp’ to go around!” She called out as she didn’t notice ponies are recording or live streaming while playfully making disgust looks after smelling their hooves.

Jazz eyes went wide from what Pipp just said as Windy smelled her hoof again. “Bleh!” She cringe while making a disgust face while Jazz looked nervous.

In Bridlewood, the Marestream is parked by the Wishing Tree as the Breezie Night Market is opened as Sunset, Sunny and Zipp looked around the stands as Breezies are flying by as they went ot the fossil stand.

A breezie saw them as it speak to them, which they would guess it’s saying, ‘What should I do for you ponies?’.

“We’re trying to figure out how to read this map.” Sunny answered as she brought out the map. “Well, we think it’s a map.” She added as Sunset and Zipp nodded in confirming.

“This map is pretty faded and hard to read, you think you could help us?” Sunset asked the breezie as Sunny let it look at the map.

The breezie look at the map before it cringe back from Sunny’s hoof as it cringe back in disgust.

“It’s not a map?” Zipp asked.

“I don’t think she’s complaining about the map, Zipp.” Sunset stated as she put her hoof on the counter.

The combine scent of Sunny and Sunset’s hooves cause the breezie to scream from the smell as it flew away from the smell as Zipp gave her two friends an amusing chuckle.

“And I think she’s also saying you two, uh, stink.” Zipp said in amusement as Sunny and Sunset gave dull looks.

“Yeah, we got that.” Sunset said dully as they began to walk off from the stand.

“Should we get that triple berry ice cream now?” Sunny asked boredly as they walk off to the treat stand.

As the three ponies walked off, a breezie with a hat saw them as it followed the three ponies.

Back in Mane Melody, the ponies are on there phones while Posey and Sprout are taking a video of Dahlia’s hooves on theirs while Pipp and Jazz watched on.

“Jazz, are you seeing this?” Pipp asked her with a smile.

“Yeah, I guess ponies really wanted to remember their time here?” Jazz said in surprise that the ponies are livestreaming their looves on their phones and not bothered by the smell anymore.

“We’ll sell out of these treatments by the end of the week if this keeps up!” Pipp exclaimed as she walked up to the table where the bottles are. “We’re hitting our stride.”

“Well, ponies did like our hooficures before.” Jazz stated with a smile.

“I know, but not like this!” Pipp said with her wings spread. “The word of mouth is going to be incredible!” She added.

Jazz then smell the scent again as she started whimpering she opened another window with a cough before she turned and saw Posey behind her as she gasped in surprise. “A little fresh air never hurt anypony!” She said nervously.

Posey just raised a brow at Jazz. “Please. You know what we all know: whatever’s in that shiny hoof cream is stinky to the extreme!” She exclaimed as she raised her hoof. “Our snouts are falling off over here!”

“I don’t know whether to agree or be offended!” Jazz said before she gave a confuse look. “Wait, if you don’t like the hooficure treatment, why are you all filming it with your phones?” She asked while gesturing to Dahlia and Sprout, which the former cringe back from sniffing her hoof while the latter gave a laugh.

“Oh, that’s just the ‘Mane Smelody Challenge’.” Posey explained casually.

“The what now?” POsey asked in confusion.

“It’s like the latest viral endurance test.” Posey stated with a smile. “If you can get through it without your eyes watering from the smell, you tag a friend and they have to do it!” She explained.

Jazz then gave a nervous look from that. “So, our nest hoof treatment is now a joke online?” She asked in shock.

“Yeah, but it’s a really good one!” Posey assured as she turn to Toots. “Hey, show Jazz your phone.” She said to her.

Toots then show Jazz his phone as she look in shock. “Oh. “ She said as video is showing ponies sniffing their hooves with the hooficure on them as they cringe in disgust while funny face emojis started popping up. “Oh my… It’s trending?!” She yelled in shock.

“Whatcha looking at, Jazz?” Pipp asked from behind Jazz with a smile as Jazz gasped in panic. “What are you gasping at? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She said.

“Yep, that’s it!” Jazz lied with a nervous smile as she move back, not wanting Pipp to see the video. “It was… one of those… ghost hunting videos on YouHoof. I’m uh… afraid! Ah! G…ghost!” She fake yell as she toss Toots’ phone out the window.

“Ah, my phone!” Toots yelled out as he rush out of the salon as the door closed.

Pipp gave Jazz an amusement smile. “You’re just like Hitch.” She commented with a chuckle. “What a scaredy cat!” She added as she flew off.

Jazz watched her go as she gave a sigh of relief that Pipp didn’t see that as ponies are filming their stinky hooves as they gave a laugh as Jazz looked nervous from this.

Back at the Breezie Night Market, Sunny, Sunset and Zipp are sitting on a bench while having some triple berry ice cream they bought, while Sunny have three scoops while Zipp and Sunset have one.

“I guess no breezie knows what this thing is.” Sunny said as she held the map, having ask every breezie in the market, but now leads.

“Even the breezies have their limits. They have everything, but doesn’t know everything.” Sunset stated, since while the breezies have some magical mystical objects and history, they don’t know everything.

“Yeah, that is true.” Sunny said in agreement as she put the map away. “Should we get out of here?” She asked them.

“Ugh!” Zipp groaned in disappointment. “I hate leaving empty-hoofed.” She said.

“But not empty-stomached!” Sunny said as she licked her triple berry ice cream.

“Yeah, that is true.” Sunset said with a smile as she licked her ice cream as she hummed in enjoyment. “This is actually delicious.” She commented.

“I know, right?!” Sunny cheered as she enjoy her treat.

And then the breezie that saw them earlier came flying by with a basket as it flew up to Sunny. “Whoa, hello!” Sunny said in surprise.

The breezie put the basket down as it opened it as it brought out a heart shaped locket as it flew to Sunny.

“No, I think there’s been a mistake. That’s not mine.” Sunny honestly said as the breezie started speaking to them, but they don’t know what it’s saying. “What is she’s saying? It seems serious.” She stated Sunset and Zipp.

“I have no idea.” Sunset said with a shrug. “Where’s Hitch when you need him?” She asked, wishing Hitch was here with them.

“Wait…” Zipp spoke with a smile as she brought out her phone. “I think I can translate this with my new app!” She said as she press on her phone.

The breezie spoke again as the phone caught what it saying as the phone started translating. “It has long been waiting for a special pony. A hopeful pony. I believe that you and your Alicorn friend are the ones.” The phone translated as the three look in surprise.

“Me?” Sunny asked in surprise.

The breezie then brought out another basket as it came back to them as spoke again while bringing out a book that is wrapped as the phone translated. “And this book has been kept safe for many generations that somepony would carry on a legacy and help lead Equestria on. And I believe that it is now yours.” The phone said as the breezie gave the wrapped book to Sunset.

“Really? Wow.” Sunset said in surprise.

“That’s kind of strange.” Zipp commented.

The breezie spoke again as it wanted them to have the heart locking and book.

“But weirdly flattering!” Zipp said with a smile as she grew excited. “This is awesome! What a cool color of the locket. And it looks old too, really old.” She noted as Sunny excepted the locket.

“Yeah. Way older than before Twilight’s time.” Sunset added, getting a closer look at the locket it’s dates way back before Twilight’s regin.

“It’s lovely. Thank you so much!” Sunny thanked the breezie with a smile.

“And thanks for this book.” Sunset added with a smile while holding a book.

The breezie then spoke again as Zipp’s phone translated for them. “Remember, nopony is along who has friends I bid you adieu.” It said as the breezie pick up the basket and flew off.

“Did that just happened? Or am I dreaming?” Sunny asked both Sunset and Zipp in surprise.

“Nope. It was real.” Sunset said as she unwrapped the book and saw the cover that she is familiar with, a book that has a horseshoe and five gems on it while in the center is a familiar star. “Oh my gosh! This is Twilight’s Friendship Journal!” She exclaimed in shock.

“What?!” Sunny and Zipp asked in shock and surprise.

“You got Twilight’s Friendship Journal!?” Sunny asked in excitement with a big smile.

“Yes. I recognize the cover.” Sunset said with a smile as she opened up the book and saw every single lessons and times Twilight and her friends did together, including the parts after when they started the school of friendship. “Every single friendship lessons and adventures Twilight and her friends did together, everything is here in this journal!” She happily said.

“Amazing!” Zipp said with a smile. “Maybe we can get some clues out of it.” She added.

“Maybe.” Sunset said as she then turned a page, which cause confetti and streamers to burst out of it as the three ponies flinch back in surprise as Sunset gave an amusing smile. “Found Pinkie’s page.” She said with a chuckle, feeling nostalgic at that and something Pinkie would do.

Sunny gave a chuckle. “Even I didn’t see that coming.” She said as Zipp chuckled as well before she look at the heart locket again. “But what do you two think the breezie meany by ‘The Ones’?” She asked in wonder.

“I have no idea.” Sunset said with a shrug.

“Me neither, but it looks like mysteries are cropping up all over the place!” Zipp said with a big smile. “We gotta start solving some of ‘em.” She added.

“And figure out what that breezie mean.” Sunset said as she and Sunny look at the heart locket. “And find out more about this locket. Because this predates even before Twilight’s time.” She added.

“Hmm…” Sunny said in thought. “Yeah, you maybe right on that, Sunset.” She said.

A little bit later, Sunny had the locket around her next as the three are walking off from the market. “Okay, the clue hunt continues.” Sunny said with a smile.

“And an additional book of a long lost friend.” Sunset said while levitation Twilight’s Friendship book, already telling that Twilight is so happy that they have her old book.

“Back to the Brighthouse?” Zipp asked them with a smirk.

“I just have to investigate one quick thing first.” Sunny said as she walked up to a stand.

“Hmm?” Both Sunset and Zipp asked in confusion before they laughed in amusement at Sunny getting another triple berry ice cream.

“Sunny, seriously?” Sunset asked in amusement as Sunny turned to them with a smile.

“What! Ice cream helps me think!” Sunny said in defense as she enjoy her ice cream.

“You have such a sweet tooth, Sunny.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

At Opaline’s Castle, Opaline is sitting in her throne looking at her mirror as Misty walked up to her, to spy for any info for her friends as Opaline notice.

“I haven’t seen you all day.” Opaline noted. “What wing of he lair were you in?” She questioned.

“The entertainment uh… quarters?” Misty lied nervously.

“Next time, let me know! I was trotting room-to-room looking.” Opaline pointed out.

“I must not have heard. Sorry!” Misty apologize, while keeping her cover while spying on Opaline.

“Ugh! Moving on!.” Opaline said as Misty sat next to her as she brought out her phone. “We suffered some setbacks, losing ponies before I took possession of their Cutie Marks. But I’ve been hard at my work on my new scheme.” She said with a smirk before Opaline realizes something. “Wait just one second… You said you were in the entertainment quarters?” She asked.

Misty looked nervous as she spoke. “Yes?” She asked nervously.

“The east entertainment quarters or the west entertainment quarters?” Opaline asked again while pointing to the east and west side of the castle.

“East?” Misty said uncertainly.

“That makes sense. The west one is where I’ve been keeping all the spiders.” Opaline said as Misty sigh in relief. “We’ve got to clean that out. Add it to the list.” She ordered as Misty did that, but not really as she kept looking at her phone.

Back in Maretime Bay near sundown, the ponies outside of Mane Melody are either looking at their phones are waiting their turns as an earth pony mare was livestreaming on her phone.

“About do the ‘M.S.C’, Mane Smelody Challenge!!” The mare said to her viewers. “My friend Sugar Moonlight tagged me. I’m next!” She said with a smile.

In the salon, Pipp saw two ponies laughing at the videos as she spoke to the customers. “Hey, glam-ponies, thanks for making the best day in the history of our little singing salon!” She said as sh inhaled deeply and breathed out with a sigh. “Success smells great!” She cheered as she flew off into a door.

Once Pipp was out of sight, the ponies, including Posey, started laughing as Posey look at her phone and saw Shutter livesteaminbg.

“What’s up, trendwatchers! I’m Shutter Snap.” Shutter started as Jazz came next to Posey as they watch the video. “Today in trends, Everypony in Maretime Bay is lining up at our very own Princess Pipp’s salon to do the ‘Mane Smelody Challenge!’” She announced as Shuttered move her phone to a stallion waving his hoof as it stink up. “Can you stand the stink?” She asked as she and the stallion retch up from the smell.

“Hey! Whatcha watchin’?” Pipp asked as Jazz and Posey turned to see her in front of them.

Posey gave a smile while Jazz feeled nervous as Jazz quickly grabbed Posey’s phone and toss it into the trash as Posey gasped. “Hey!” She called out as her phone landed in the trash.

Pipp look at Jazz in confusion. “Why did you just trash Posey’s phone?” She asked.

“Umm…” Jazz said nervously while Posey gave Jazz a glare. “Everypony should focus on the zen of the treatment when they’re here.” She said calmly as she gave Jazz a look. “Phones are a distraction!” She yelled out.

Pipp just shrug as she walked off as Jazz gave a nervous smile while Posey kept glaring at her a Jazz sigh in relief as she pick up Posey’s phone and gave it back to her with an apologetic look.

“Ha!” Posey huffed as she snatched her phone and walk out of the salon.

Posey gave a sigh as she watch Pipp giving a stallion one of the bottles. “Why can’t I just tell her the truth?” She asked herself as she was deep in thought, not sure if she could tell Pipp the truth or not.

At the Sheriff Station, Hitch has set up some cones from the station to the outside as Sparky is wearing a helmet next to him.

“Speed run.” Hitch said with a smile while acting like a military general. “How fast can you get out of a station? Like we practiced.” He said to Sparky while gesturing the path the cones made.

Sparky babbled as he adjusted his helmet as Hitch adjust it a bit.

“You can never be too safe, my tiny buddy.” Hitch said to Sparky with a smile as Sparky kneeled down in ready position. “And, go!” He called out.

Sparky started running, but he is knocking over the cones as ran out the station as Hitch walked in amusement.

“Typical Sparky.” Hitch said with a smile as he pick up one of the cones. “Why even put the cones down, Hitch, you silly safety stickler!” He said to himself as he toss the cone away as he saw Sunny, Sunset and Zipp walking in. “Hey! You’re just in time to see Sparky fail his safety drill with flying colors.” He said with a wave of his hoof.

“Yeah, why even put down the cones?” Zipp asked with a smile while looking around at the tripped cones as Sparky is running around the station outside.

“That’s what I said.” Hitch said.

“Typical classic Sparky.” Sunset said with a chuckle.

“That’s what I said too.” Hitch said again as he gave a smile. “So, what’s new?” He asked them.

“We’re investigating a mystery, we found another mystery.” Sunny said as she showed Hitch her heart locket.

“A Breezie just randomly gave me this ancient locket along with giving Sunset Twilight’s old friendship journal.” Sunny explained.

“Wait, you three have Twilight’s friendship journal!?” Hitch asked in shock.

“Yeah, got it right here.” Sunset said as she lifted said journal. “Talk about a miracle.”

“Yep. Cool, huh?” Sunny asked Hitch with a smile.

“Very cool.” Hitch said to Sunny as he and her are looking at the heart locket together. “But what does it do?” He asked her.

“No idea! It’s just pretty I think.” Sunny said as she gave a smile and was deep in thought. “It’s more about what the Breezie said… ‘Nopony is alone who has friends.’” She repeated what the breezie said in thought as she and Hitch look at the locket together.

“Hmm…” Hitch said while inspecting it as Sunset watched the two with a smile.

Zipp then spoke up as she turned to Hitch. “Hitch, you’re great at puzzles. What do you think these are?” She asked as she place the map down on the counter as Hitch came to her. “We think they might be pieces of a map.” She stated.

“Huh…” Hitch said as he inspected the map. “Nothing I recognize. But I could look through the old station archives to see if it looks like any of the maps in there.” He suggested.

“That’s a great idea, Hitch. While you’re doing that, we’ll keep looking.” Sunset said as she, Sunny and Zipp are at the door.

“And let us know, would you?” Sunny added with a smile as Hitch nodded while they walked out the station. “Thanks, Hitch!”

“You betcha!” Hitch said with a smile. “And if you see Sparky outside, would you tell him to scoot his boot on in here?” He asked.

“We will!” Zipp called out, and then Sparky zoomed pass the three mares with three cones on his head.

“Ah!” Sparky cheered as he tackled Hitch to the ground as Hitch laughed at him once he saw Sparky have three cones on his head, finding it funny.

Hitch then place Sparky on his stomach as he notice his scales are glowing. “That’s new. What’s up with your scales, buddy?” He asked his baby dragon in wonder.

Sparky just babbled with a smile as what he or Hitch didn’t notice was that the map was glowing as well briefly as it faded.

Back in Opaline’s Throne Room, Opaline use her magic coffin as it showed the Unity Crystals as they were separated while she explained as it showed a figure of a dragon.

“...and the entire time magic was absent from our realms, the dragons have been slumbering in deep deep hibernation, but now that magic has returned, the dragons are awake!” Opaline explained to Misty as it showed the Unity Crystals shined bright and then showed multiple dragons. “As is evident by that baby dragon’s mere existence.” She added while pointing to a baby dragon figure that look like Sparky.

Misy gulped nervously by what Opaline is telling her, knowing what comes is gonna be bad as laine showed a schematic plan with the dragonstone.

“And my brilliant scheme culminates in an infiltration of the dragon lands to enchant them and possess them for my own devious uses.” Opaline continued with an evil smirk.

Misty put her phone away as she stood up and look at Opaline nervously. “Uhh… Okay, if that’s all…” She started.

“It is.” Opaline confirmed.

“I just remember I have to get more intel for you.” Misty said as she walked backwards with a nervous smile. “Lots of good info to be shared. I mean… had!” She quickly corrected as she rushed out the door.

“Well, don’t be long.” Opaline spoke out to her. “There’s evil hoof notes and pie charts to go over!” She called out as the door closed once Misty left the castle.

Behind the door, Misty started breathing heavily as she ran out of the castle to warn the others.

Back at Mane Melody, Izzy was next in line as she hopped into the salon cheerfully.

“Pipp, I’m here to…” Izzy started before she sniff the scent as she gasped and stopped from that. “Sheesharoo! Why does this whole salon smells like Stinkthistle?!” She asked while notice the ponies hooves stinking and ponies gagging while laughing.

Jazz then came up to her. “Hey, hey, listen, Izzy.” She said quietly.

“What’s up?!” Izzy asked loudly with a smile.

“Shh!” Jazz shushed her to be quiet as she spoke. “Pipp’s in the back, so I’ll just say this now.” She said as she moved forward and Izzy moved back a bit next to the table with the bottles. “This stuff Pipp forage shines hooves like you wouldn’t believe, but the smell is--” She tried to say before Izzy spoke.

“Stinky!” Izzy finished with a smile. “That’s why it’s called ‘Stinkthistle’.” She said.

Jazz was surprise by what Izzy ust said. “You know it?” She asked.

“Mmm-hmm.” Izzy nodded with a smile. “Pipp has forage the stinkiest plant in all of Bridlewood. If a pony spends a long time exposed to it she can become used to it.” She explained while looking at the bottle.

“That’s why Pipp can’t tell!” Jazz said in realization.

“Yeah, unicorns mostly stay away from it because it is so stinkeriffic!” Izzy added with a smile.

Jazz went wide eyes from that. “You mean I’ve gotten used to it, too, and it’s actually stinkier than even I can tell!?” She asked in shock as she look at the ponies laughing and livestreaming the hooficure smell. “These poor costumers… Why didn’t I just say something sooner?!” She questioned herself as she sat on the chair.

“Izzy, it all make sense now. But I still feel nervous to tell Pipp the truth.” Jazz said uncertainly. “She worked so hard on her beauty line. What if I tell her and ruin it?” She asked nervously.

“You’ve got to!” Izzy said.

“Just knowing how bad it smells would crush her, but knowing that everypony is here for a viral challenge?” Jazz stated while gesturing to what is going on in the salon. “It would destroy her!” She called out.

Izzy gave a comforting look to Jazz. “Jazz, if you were part of a viral craze that made you the butt of somepony else’s joke, wouldn’t you wanna know?” She asked.

Jazz thought for a moment as she spoke. “Yes.” She said with her head down, seeing that she has to tell Pipp the truth.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Misty is trotting as fast as her hooves could go as she burst open the door to see Zipp, Sunny and Sunset looking at the amulet as they turned to her to see Misty, who is panting heavily from the long jogging she took from Opaline’s Castle to the Brighthouse.

“Misty!” Sunny said happily.

“You’re back!” Sunset said in relief, glad to see Misty with them while she know’s how stress she is having for spying on Opaline.

“Check out this old lock and journal.” Zipp said with a smile.

Misty just spoke while giving a panic look. “Opaline… dragons… awake… magic!” She called out through her breath.

The three ponies grew concern as they stood up and rush to her.

“Give her some water!” Sunny called out.

“Give her some room!” Zipp called next.

“Take a deep breath, Misty.” Sunset said as they guided Misty to a couch as they sat down together.

“Now, what is going on?” Sunny asked in concern.

“Yeah. You must’ve rush back to the Brighthouse in a hurry to tell us something.” Sunset noted from Misty’s expression.

“Opaline’s going to descend upon the Dragonlands and enchant and posses them. For evil! And… and… so much more!” Misty said in worried as the three looked in shock before Misty cringe when Sunny and Sunset’s hooves gave off the scents again as Misty cringe when she smell it. “Um… What’s that smell?” She asked in confusion.

Sunset and Sunny looked at Misty as they gave nervous chuckles. “Nothing!” Both Sunny and Sunset said sheepishly.

“Don’t question it.” Sunset said with a sheepish look.

“Just tell us everything.” Sunny said with a hoof over Misty’s shoulder.

“And we’ll tell you about what we found, too.” Zipp finished as she pick up the map and show it to Misty.

Misty look at the map as she inspected it and she gasped at it as she smiled. “Hmm.” She nodded determinedly.

In Mane Melody, the ponies are now leaving salon while Pipp and Jazz remained in as Pipp flew next to Jazz.

“That was… wild.” Pipp said happily. “Ugh, we gotta rest our hooves, girl!” She said as she landed.

“Yeah, we’ve had quite a day.” Jazz said nervously as she began to speak nervously. “So, listen. Pipper. Pippito. Pipperoo.” She started nervously.

Pipp leaned close to Jazz in suspicious. “Mm… you’ve never called me a nickname.” She stated as she look at Jazz in confusion. “What’s going on? You can be honest with me!” She assured with a smile.

“Umm… well… How to say this?” Jazz asked herself as Pipp gave a small smile as Jazz cleared her throat. “You forage the worst-smelling plant in the entire forest and made it an only slightly less smelly lotion.” She explained with a sheepish look.

Pipp was surprise by that. “I did?”

“You did.” Jazz confirmed as she sat down. “And then all our customers today…” She continued as she brought out her phone to show the livestream of the M.S.C. “They turned the deluxe treatment into the Mane Smelody Challenge because Stinkthistle smells so bad, being around it is like punishment to your nose.” She said as she press play on the video.

The video showed and Eart Pony Mare showing her hooves to stallion before he cringe at the smell. “Nasty!”

“Ew!” The mare said in amusement as the stallion fell back a bit and smell again while Pipp watched the video. “Oh my hoofness! The smell!”

Pipp watched it as the realization hit her. “Oh… oh no. Oh, wow!” She said in surprise as she gave a smile as she flew up. “Oh, that makes so much sense. You and everypony were acting so funny today!” She added with twirl as Jazz stood up. “And I was just used to the smell? Oh this is bad. Oh…” She then laughed as she landed.

Jazz was surprise by Pipp’s reaction since it wasn’t what she expected. “Wait so, you’re not mad?” She asked in surprise.

“It certainly doesn’t feel good to be the butt of an entire town’s joke.” Pipp said with as Jazz gave a sheepish smile form that. “But you know what does feel good? A friend you can be honest with. Friends should always feel safe and comfortable to tell each other the truth.” She said to Jazz as she lifted her hoof. “Even when it stinks.” She added.

Jazz nodded as she gave an apologetic look. “I’m sorry I kept this from you.” She apologize.

“It’s okay.” Pipp assured with a smile. “Now, help me drastically slash these prices.” She said as she and Jazz went up to the bottles. “For my next Potion by Pipp, I’ll…” She trailed off.

“Keep it simple?” Jazz guessed with a smile.

“I’ll stink to the classics.” Pipp answered with a smile in return. “Oh! I love that for us.”

Just then, Izzy came through the door with a basket full of new inkthistles. “Pipp, Pipp, Pipp! I found it! She cheered as she hopped around as she face Jazz and Pipp. “I found the elusive neutralizing ingredient! Oh Pinkthistle! Fress form Bridlewood. Give it a whiff!” She said as she levitated one Jazz and Pipp.

Jazz sniffed it first as she smiled. “Best smell I’ve ever smelled!” She exclaimed happily.

Pipp then gave a gasp as she have an idea. “This will keep the shine but erase the smell!” She said as she picked up one of the bottles. “And it’s all natural, just like I wanted. Aaw, Potions by Pipp is saved!” She said happily.

“Should I start the social media blast or should you?” Jazz asked with a smirk as Izzy came next to her as she gave Pipp a cheery smile.

“Let’s do it together.” Pipp said with a smile. “But with way less stink this time!” She added.

Izzy levitated the Pinkthistle to Pipp as she opened the bottle and sprinkled it into the content as the three smell the scent as they smiled widely at it as they all laughed together after what they’ve been through today.

End of Chapter 5 Ep 5.

Chapter 5 Ep 6: Nightmare on Mane Street

Chapter 5 Ep 6: Nightmare on Mane Street

Maretime Bay was covered in spooky decorations, meaning that it was Nightmare Night again while Hitch spoke through the speaker. “Nightmare Night is officially upon us… today!” Hitch announced at his station through the microphone in a spooky tone to the crowd.

“Huh?” The crowd look at Hitch in confusion when he said that.

Hitch notice their looks as he gave a sheepish look. “I mean… tonight!” He corrected in a spooky tone again.

“Yeah!” Sparky cheered as he clapped to Hitch as the sheriff went up to the board with a card as he cleared his throat and look at the crowd.

“It’s the spookiest night of the year and I’ve made sure tonight’s is going to be our most exciting celebration, yet!” Hitch announced, which made the crowd looked confuse again as he gestured to the board. “Pipp helped me with this ‘inspo’ board and we got something for everypony. Trick-or-treating! Costume contests! Trick-or-treating while participating in a custom contest!” He called out before he realizes what he said as he look at his card. “Wait, that was a typo. Where was I?” He asked himself as he look at the board and saw the Community Garden.

“Oh yes… Pumpkin patches! And my favorite…” Hitch said as he grab a golden pumpkin card as he turned to the crowd with a smile. “Our annual game to find the ‘golden pumpkin’! Heh?” He announced to the crowd with a smile.

The crowd just stood there in silence as they blink at Hitch as he gave a panic look. “Come on, Hitch. You’re losing them.” He said to himself before he turned back to the crowd with a smile. “Did I mention the winner will win a big mystery prize?” He asked them.

That got the crowd attention as they got interested. “Okay! Yes! Now this is what I’m talking about!” Sweets said in excitement.

Sparky babbled in excitement from what Hitch said as Jazz and Rocky are behind the crowd when they heard Hitch.

“Big prize?! I want that.” Rocky said in excitement as he and Jazz look at each other.

“So what do you think it is? A treasure trove of treats?” Jazz asked her friend with an exciting smile.

“A gourd dipped in gold?” Rocky asked next.

Jazz gave Rocky an amusing smile. “Rocky, that’s basically what the ‘golden pumpkin’ already is.” She stated as the two put their hooves to their chins in thought before they spoke together.

“A treasure trove of treats dipped in gold!” They both said in unison with a wide smile.

Rocky then gave Jazz a challenging smirk. “Bet you I can find it first.” He boasted.

Jazz gave a challenging smirk in respond. “Not if I’m the first one racing!” She teased as she trotted off.

“Hey, wait! No fair!” Rocky called out as he flew after Jazz.

Hitch then spoke to the crowd again. “Alright, everypony! Have fun, stay safe, and make sure you check out every single event I’ve prepared!” He instructed with a wave of his hoof.

“Why?” Toots asked from within the crowd. “Is there a prize for that, too?” He asked in wondered as the crowd were wondering the same thing.

“Yes! The prize of a good time!” Hitch answered with a wink as Toots just stood quiet as Hitch gave a bored expression from that. “Okay, fine, town meeting adjourned.” He said as crowd then walk off.

Hitch then heard Sparky coming towards him as Sparky babbled and place a golden pumpkin as he gave Hitch a smile before Hitch kneeled and got a panicked look.

“Oh no, Sparky! I forgot to hide the golden pumpkin!” Hitch said in panic as he held up the golden pumpkin.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 are at Maretime Bay’s Together Tree as they are putting some pumpkins in place while Sparky hopped off Hitch and went into the pumpkin patch as Pipp flew down to the clothes.

“So, what’s everypony’s Nightmare Night costume? I’ll start!” Pipp sait them in excitement before they could even speak. “I’m dressing up as a scary witch, not a cute witch! Mom would never let us go full spooky at home, so I’m makin’ up for it!” She declared as Hitch is in the pumpkin patch while trying to hide the golden pumpkin with out his friends seeing.

Zipp then land next to her sister. “And I’m gonna be a Vampony! The awesome kind.” She with a smirk.

“Wah!” Hitch yelped in started when he hide again.

“And I’m gonna be a magician!” Misty said with a smile as she brought out a magician hat. “Just a regular magician.” She added as she held up her bunnicorn plushie and held it.

“Aww!” The rest of the mares said to Misty, finding that adorable.

“That’s cute and great, Misty.” Sunset said as she gave a smile. “And I’m gonna be Twilight Sparkle. I was my old mentor last Nightmare Night, so now I’m going as my best friend.” She said as she levitated out a mane wig version of Twilight’s mane.

“Huh, I thought Sunny was gonna be Twilight since, well you know.” Zipp said with an amusing smirk.

“Oh, I was, but me and Sunset draw straws to see who gets to be it, but I got the shortest.” Sunny said with a sheepish smile.

“Sorry, Sunny. Majority rules. Maybe next year.” Sunset said with an assuring smile.

“Sure thing!” Sunny said cheerfully as Hitch is having trouble fiding a hiding place for the golden pumpkin.

“Good gourds!” Izzy called out loudly.

“Ah!” Hitch yelped before Izzy continued.

“That’s what I’m dressing up as.” Izzy said cheerfully as she pulled out a vine necklace with different colored gourds. “My favorite gourds! Because they’re all to precious to just pick one.” She said with a smile as she and the others turned to Hitch. “And Hitch, stop sneaking around and tell us what you’re gonna be!” She said with a smile.

“Yeah, Sheriff. What’s your costume?” Sunny said with an interest smile, while the mares are wondering the same thing.

Hitch gave a smile. “I’m gonna be a pirate with my trusty parrot, Sparky!” He announced while gesturing to the pile of gourds.

Sparky appeared from behind the gourds while wearing a parrot costume. “Heyo!” He cheered as he hopped in front of the girls while babbling cheerfully to them as the mares gushed at Sparky’s cuteness.

“You’re the cutest parrot I’ve ever seen!” Sunny gushed.

“You’re adorable!” Sunset cooed.

“Whoa’s a parrot, you’re a parrot!” Pipp cooed to Sparky. “Yeah, you are!”

“So cute!” Izzy cooed.

While the mares are distracted by Sparky’s cuteness, Hitch tossed the golden pumpkin into the gourd. “Phew!” He said in relief as Sparky came to him and hopped on his back.

Sparky turned back and saw the golden pumpkin glowing in purple magic before it disappeared, which made shock by that as he babbled to Hitch, trying to tell him what he saw but they couldn’t understand him.

“You’re really nailing this whole ‘parrot thing’! Great job, buddy!” Hitch complimented to Sparky as he and the mares smiled at him.

What the Mane 7 didn’t notice that each of the gourds were disappearing one by one, which Sparky tried to explain again but was lost in translation as Hitch gave a laugh while the others smiled.

And then a phone started beeping as they turned to Sunny as she look at her phone as she gasped. “We’re running out of time to get ready!” She called out.

Pipp gave a smile. “Let’s go get spooky! Woo!” She cheered excitedly as they walked off while Sunset was behind them as she stopped for a bit when she felt something.

“Huh, that’s strange?” Sunset muttered to herself as she turned back to the tree for a bit before she shrug. “Heh, maybe it was nothing.” She said as she walked up to catch up to the others.

The stallions who was waggoning a pumpkin came up to the tree as he notice the lack of pumpkins on the Together Tree. “Hey… Where’d my pumpkins go?” He asked himself in confusion as he search around the tree.

Just then the last purple pumpkin glowed as it disappeared as well.

At the Community Garden, ponies are either taking selfies, harvesting pumpkins or Earth Ponies growing them as Posey grew one while Pipp is flying around and went to her friends from the balcony of the garden.

“So, what’s everypony’s favorite Nightmare Night traditions?” Pipp asked her friends with a smile.

“Hmm…” Izzy hummed.

“I’ll start.” Pipp said with a smile before Izzy could speak.

“Easy, Pipp. Next time, how about letting us speak before you?” Sunset said with a firm brow.

Pipp gave a sheepish chuckle. “Sorry. But anyway, Mom always said, ‘Princesses are sophisticated, not spooky!’, but I’ve been flexing my ‘scary side’ ever since I got here.” She said as she took out a pumpkin to show a craving of a ghost in it.

Izzy then screamed when she saw the ghost as she toss her pumpkin away as she fell on her back. “Urgh!” She groaned as they all started laughing from that as Izzy joined the laughter. “Wow, you really got me there!” She said to Pipp cheerfully.

“That’s the ‘fear-fun factor’.” Pipp said with a smile. “When you scram the loudest, then laugh the hardest. It’s my favorite!” She explain with her hooves to her cheeks.

“Not surprising with you loving anything spooky.” Sunset commented with amusement.

“True. I do love anything spooky.” Pipp said cheerfully.

“Wait, so you ponies like being scared?” Misty asked in confusion.

“Uh, duh!” Pipp said before she got nudge to the side by Sunset. “Ow, what?” She asked in surprise.

“Pipp, Misty is still new to this. She’s been living with Opaline for so long that she doesn’t know the traditions of holidays or celebrations yet.” Sunset said to her firmly, since Misty was isolated and raised by Opaline, she doesn’t know the traditions yet.

“Oh, right. Sorry, Misty.” Pipp apologize as she then twirled around and grab a decorative map. “It’s what this holiday’s all about. And why I’m planning the super-detailed haunted of my dreams!” She exclaimed before she realizes what she said. “I mean, nightmares!” She corrected as she flew up.

Pipp then flew right in front of the Brighthouse. “I’m turning the Crystal Brighthouse into… the Crystal Fright-house!” She said in a spooky tone as she landed back to her friends.

“Crystal Fright-house? Catchy.” Sunset commented.

“Yeah. Nicely done.” Zipp said to her sister in agreement with a smirk.

“Thank you, I was working on that rhyme all week.” Pipp said to them with a smile.

“I love this idea, Pipp!” Izzy cheerfully said. “What can we do to help?” She asked before she gave a gasp. “Should I peel a bowl full of grapes and say they’re eyeballs?!” She asked excitedly.

“What else goes into a ‘Frighthouse’?” Misty asked in wonder.

“It’s basically anything your spooky heart desires!” Pipp answered with a smile. “And then, you make it your own.”

“It’s sorta anything that scares you or so like monsters to scare the jeepers out of you, really.” Sunset added as she gave a smirk. “I was a Vampire back in my world too years ago, by the way.”

“Really? Cool.” Zipp said with a smile. “Didn’t know you were a vampire too.” She added.

“Eh, it was years ago. So not much for it to be said.” Sunset said with a shrug. “But still, the creepy things you can think off, you put into the Frighthouse.” She explained.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Izzy nodded cheerfully while picking up some lights. “I always love to put up the weirdest, wildest lights display on the whole block!” She exclaimed.

“I have to build my super-complex Nightmare maze!” Zipp spoke next with an exciting smile.

“And I must cook up a traditional spread of Nightmare Night food specialties!” Sunny cheered as she lifted up her father’s book.

“Yes! Yes! A million times yes!” Pipp said in excitement. “What about you, Sunset? What’s you’re Nightmare Night idea?” She asked the Alicorn.

“Actually, I’m gonna just enjoy it.” Sunset said with a smile. “I’m not much of a planner like Pinkie but I could enjoy the festivities.” She said with a smile.

“Well, anything’s good as long as you have fun.” Pipp said with a smile.

Misty gave a gasp before she laughed a bit with a smile.

At Mane Melody, Rocky and Jazz are going through a box full of costumes as Jazz looked at her reflection.

“As an Earth Pony, I have the clear edge to win.” Jazz said with a prideful smirk while checking out a bow, then glasses and then a crown to see which fits her more. “I’ve been playing this game since I was a filly!” She added.

Rocky then snatch the crown as he gave Jazz a smirk. “And as a newcomer, I have the clear edge.” He boasted as he bump Jazz away to look at his reflection while putting on a headband. “I can look at all the places you wouldn’t think twice to!” He added before some costumes were being toss at him.

Rocky turned as he saw Jazz throwing some costumes pieces at him. “Yes, but I’ll look thrice to the locations you think twice to look--” She said before she was cut off.

“See you at the finish!” Rocky called as Jazz saw that he was wearing a vest with a headband and glasses on. “When you congratulating me on my prize!” He boasted as he flew off.

“Hey, no fair!” Jazz called out as Rocky flew out the door as she look around and pick up a mask from the floor as she race off after him.

Outside in the streets of Maretime Bay, the Pippsqueaks are laughing under the bridge as the stallion from earlier saw that more pumpkins are missing. “Huh?” He asked in confusion.

Beside the tree, a few ponies are searching around while Posey and Sweets are searching for the pumpkin. “I’m going to find me that golden pumpkin!” Sweets said as she pick up an apple to search the barrel.

“Not if I do first!” Posey said with a challenging smile as they rushed off as Posey saw a basket of leaves before she playfully toss some at Sweets. “Woo!” She playfully said as she trotted around.

Sweetslaughed from Posey’s tricks as the two then throw leaves around.

In Opaline’s Castle, Opaline is looking through the cauldron as she saw Posey and the mare playing as she gave a maniacal laugh.

“Ah, enjoy your leaves now, you sill ponies, because…” Opaline said sinisterly before she gave a confuse look as she saw Posey and the mare kept throwing leaves at each other. “Wait, why are they enjoying leaves? Is this some weird gardening celebration?” She asked herself, not knowing that it is Nightmare Night.

Behind Opaline, a pumpkin appeared out of nowhere as it fell to the floor as Opaline walked backwards and tripped with she screamed as she landed on some pumpkins and saw a dozen of pumpkins in the throne room.

Opaline was not surprise by this as she groaned. “Oh, has Misty been decorating again?” She asked in annoyance as she stood up, but then another pumpkin appeared out of nowhere, which surprise Opaline as move out of the way when they were about to land on her. “Huh… Hmm…” She then got curiosity as she walked up to the stack of pumpkins.

Opaline then saw the golden pumpkin among the pile as she picked it up and inspected it. “Hmm…” She said a again as she look at her cauldron again to see the Together Tree as she saw a pumpkin with a bat symbol on it disappeared and reappeared in her castle as she look at it.

“If their silly pumpkins can go from there to here, then…” Opaline started as she gave an idea and look back at the cauldron screen. “I may have finally discovered a path into Maretime Bay! One that Twilight never accounted for.” She declared with a sinister smile as she gave an evil laughter with her wings spread as thunder crackled from the outside.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the girls were getting ready to set up the Frighthouse as Pipp flew to Sunny in the kitchen with a clipboard.

“Kitchen prepped for Nightmare Night treats? Check!” Pipp cheered as she check off the board as she flew to the main room where Misty and Sunset are setting up the decorations. “Trotway transformed into a maze of shadows? A-maze!” She joked as she check that off next.

Pipp then flew to the basement door. “Basement door turned into…” She started before she she saw the door was stockpiled of all their things as Pipp gave a shrug. “Well, pretty much the same as it was before, but it was pretty spooky then!” She cheered with a smile. “So that is a yes!” She cheered as she check off the board again.

Just then alarms can be heard as Pipp look at the basement door as a ghost flew out of it, which caused Pipp to screamed in startled from that as the ghost flew around and hit the wall as it fell to the floor to reveal Zipp’s drone was underneath it.

Zipp gave a chuckle as her drone fly around her while holding her phone to control it. “Introducing: the Ponydrone from a Tombstone!” She said in a deep spooky voice. “‘Cause it looked like a ghost, get it?” She asked her sister with a smile.

“Love it! Leave it! Make sure the sheet doesn’t reveal it!” Pipp said to her sister, liking the idea.

With Misty, she was on top of a barrel setting up a cobweb while humming to herself before her hoof got stuck in it. “Oh…” She said in surprise with a slight chuckle as she tried to get her hoof free. “Oh, uh…” She grunted as she pulled hard on the cobweb, with she manage to get her hoof free as she fell off the barrel and landed in another cobweb.

Misty looked down and saw that she was stuck again. “Um… a little help?” She called out to her friends with an embarrassing smile.

Sunset came to Misty as she gave a slight chuckle. “Got caught in a spider’s web, huh?” She asked amusingly.

Misty gave a slight chuckle from that. “Yeah, could use some help though.” She said sheepishly.

“Don’t worry, Misty. I got ya.” Sunset said as she grabbed Misty’s midsection as she tugged hard to get her free from the cobwebs.

Outside the Brighthouse, Izzy gave a playfully evil laughter as she gave an exciting look. “This will be the most excellent acorn light show Equestria has ever seen!” She announced as Pipp came to her as Izzy plugged the lights in.

The lights on the Brighthouse lit up very brightly as Pipp and Izzy closed their eyes tight before they squint their eyes at the very bright Brighthouse.

“Mostly because they won’t be able to see anything else after.” Pipp said to Izzy before she gave a smile “But still… great work!” She said to her as she walked off, but she hit a barrel with a pumpkin on it as she cleared her throat and shook her head as she enter the Brighthouse.

In front of the Brighthouse at the community garden, Hitch, who is in his pirate costume with Sparky behind him, is next to a sign.

“Pin the husk on the corn cob! Here it is!” Hitch announced as he got behind the sign. “You’re favorite Nightmare Night activity with… no line!” He yelled out as he saw nopony was around before he turn the sign around. “And here it is! Your costume contest sign-ups! WIth not one, not two, but 12 different sub-categories!” He announced as he toss some flyers around. “All the rules are on this handy dandy informational flyer!”

Sparky babbled as he held up the flyer before Hitch look around and saw nopony wants to join in. “And no line for that activity either? Huh?” He asked in confusion before he saw two Earth Ponies close by as he came to them. “Come on, ponies! You truly haven’t experience Nightmare Night until you’ve experience all of it! Plan your night!” He announced while giving the stallion the flyer as he trotted off.

The mare look at the stallion as she shook her head from that as she and the stallion walked off while the stallion tossed the flyer away.

Back inside the Brighthouse, Misty is freed from the cobwebs thanks to Sunset as they looked at the kitchen, to notice the amounts of food and decoratives around.

“Wow! You did an amazing job transforming the kitchen into a mad scientist’s lab, Sunny!” Misty said in awed as Sunny brought out a tray of snacks from the fridge as she puts it down to the fridge.

“Actually, Misty, this is just how she do.” Sunset said with a shrug.

“Wait, really?” Misty asked in surprise.

“Oh!” Sunny said as she turned to them with a sheepish look. “Uh, yeah, this is just how it normally looks when I cook.” She said with a smile as the bot on the stove started clanking as Sunny turned the stove off.

“Yeah, this is pretty much how Sunny cooks.” Sunset said as she leaned in close to Misty as she whispered with a smirk. “Though to be honest, when she does this, it does look like a mad science lab.” She whispered as the two ponies chuckled.

“I heard that, and so true.” Sunny said with a chuckle as she check the pot.

“You look like you could use some help.” Misty said to Sunny.

“Yeah, Sunny. This seemed a bit much for you.” Sunset said in agreement.

“Oh no, I’m an old pro at this.” Sunny assured them with a smile before the pot the lid from the pot flew off, which landed on Misty’s horn. “Oh! But I guess an extra set of hooves couldn’t hurt.” She said sheepishly as she took the pot off of Misty’s horn.

Misty gave a chuckle as Sunset smiled in amusement. “Glad you notice that, Sunny.” She said as the three walk up to the table. “So, what do you want us to do?” She asked.

“Yeah, what are theNightmare Nights treats, anyways?” Misty asked as she levitated a notebook and a pencil.

“Oh, just a few things.” Sunny said before she took a breath and started speaking very fast. “Apples for bobbing, caramel apples, apple spice smoothies. Oh! Juggling apples, carving apples, apples to draw spooky little faces!” She listed out as as Sunset and Sunny watched on with wide eyes as Sunny took a deep breath again and Misty couldn’t write that down. “Fried apple spice donuts, baked apple cinnamon cobbler, frosted apples spice cakes, apple-flavored water which is just regular water but you add apple pulp to it!” She said as she took a breath again as she talked normally. “So I guess it’s technically a juice?” She guessed.

Sunset and Misty gave as Misty spoke. “Hm-hmm. Wow. That’s… a lot of apples.” Misty said in surprise.

“And I thought Applejack put apples in everything.” Sunset commented in surprise that Sunny used that many apples.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace as she was surprise by that as well. “Wow, Sunny, that’s… impressive.” She said in surprise.

“Yeah, way to use an apple theme.” Sunset added, since even Twilight didn’t caught that like herself and Misty did.

Sunny gave a smile at them as she pick up an apple. “Thanks. These Nightmare Nights treats were my favorite Nightmare tradition from when I was a filly!” She explained as she turned to them. “And I want everything to be exactly as I remembered it for tonight’s Crystal Frighthouse!” She said before she gasped and tossed it away. “Oh! So we gotta get moving!” She called out as a timer dinged.

“Hold on Sunny…” Sunset tried to say as Sunny grab the pot.

“I could…” Misty tried to say as Sunny then started tossing some apples into the table.

“Hey, Sunny, could you just…” Sunset tried to speak but Sunny was going to fast to listen.

“Hey, want us to pass…” Misty tried to speak again.

Sunny was moving back and forth across the table as she is putting some ingredients and a lot of apples as she turned to them. “Thanks for the help, girls. I couldn’t have done this without you two!” She said as she place the apples in the blender.

Misty, Sunset and Twilight looked at each other in confusion as Misty spoke. “Uh… Sure!” Misty said.

Sunset look at Twilight with a chuckle. “Classic Sunny. She’s just like you when you wanted to get things ready quickly.” She said in amusement.

Twilight gave a chuckle from that. “Heheh. I can see that.” She said with a smile.

The blender whirled as some contents spilled out as some got on Sunset’s muzzle while Misty shielded herself with her notebook as Misty turned to Sunset with a chuckle.

“Sunset, you have a uh…” Misty trailed off with a chuckle as she pointed to her muzzle.

“I got it.” Sunset said with a chuckle as she wipe her muzzle off.

At Opalines Castle, Opaline is pacing back and forth as she is inspecting the pumpkins on how they came here and to her castle.

“Ugh!” Opaline groan in frustration as she pace in a circle. “Opaline, Opaline, Opaline. It’s clear you’re…” She said to herself before she knock the pumpkin with the bat a little closer to the tree stem all as it glowed and disappeared as she gave a bright smile. “…the most brilliant Alicorn in the universe! Wow! Ha!” She cheered.

Opaline then started moving some more pumpkins next to the stem, and each of them disappeared as she kept putting more.

Back in Maretime Bay, the stallion from earlier was looking at the tree as he wondered where the pumpkins go before a couple hit him on the head before they fell on him as he fell to the floor.

“Ow!” The stallion groaned in pain.

Back at the throne room, Opaline smiled at what she discovered. “Just as I suspected.” She said as she look at the tree stem. “That useless Together Tree I grew all those years ago has finally made a connection with another one!” She cheered with her wings spread as she touch the stem.

Meaning that the tree in Opaline’s Castle is a Together Tree she grew herself.

Opaline then have a thought as she turned to the cauldron to the Maretimen Bay’s Together Tree. “And a perfect one at that. Which means, I’ve discovered a magical tree network! Which means that if pumpkins and ponies and me can travel between them! Ha!” She said in excitement as she gave an exciting smile. “Take that, Twilight Sparkle!” She yelled before another pumpkin appeared behind her as she gave a startled scream,

Opaline recompose herself as she gave an evil smile. “I mean… Take that, Twilight Sparkle, Sunny Starscout and Sunset Shimmer. Opaline’s coming to town.” She said to herself with a sinister smirk.

It was nightfall at the Crystal Brighthouse as as the girls were in their costumes, while Sunny’s costume look like a hippie as they turned to Pipp.

“Can we get started yet?” Sunny asked Pipp in excitement. “We’re so excited!”

Pipp adjusted a skeleton cardboard as she turned to her friends. “This haunted house has to be perfect, and right now, it’s almost perfect.” She said to them. “But we still need more cows! Uh, more lighting! Just… more!” She called out as she started panting.

“We’ll all work together so we can get this done in ten minutes tops.” Izzy assured as she reared up. “All hooves on deck! Let’s go, go, go!” She called out as she blew on her whistle as the group broke up to get started.

Pipp sigh in relief. “Thanks, ponies. I appreciate it.” She said as she adjusted the cut board again.

At the Together Tree, ponies are chatting around while they are in their costumes before a purple mist began to form around the base of the tree as the ponies around watched as a triangular portal opened up as Opaline came through it as she gave a maniacal laughter as she gave an evil smile at the ponies.

“Hello, Maretime Bay!” Opaline said as she took to the air. “It is I, Opaline Arcana, about to turn this night into a nightmare spectacular!” She declared as two ponies, one who is a snowflake and the other is Sugar Moonlight as a spider, came up to her.

“Oh hooves! That was so cool!” The stallion said with a smile.

“Amazing!” Sugar Moonlight added with a smile.

The stallion then gave a gasp. “Do the laugh again. Do the laugh again!” He said eagerly.

Opaline raised a brow from that. “What?” She asked, not what she was expected.

“And the entrance! Great entrance.” Sugar Moonlight complimented as a couple of other ponies came to Opaline. “But I missed that first part where you cackled. So you just pretend I didn't see your dramatic pose and try it all again, okay?” She suggested.

“Oh, oh, oh!” The snowflake stallion hopped up and down excitedly. “And can you say my Dad’s name when you do it?” He asked excitedly. “It’s ‘Butter’. He’d get a real kick out of this!” He added as he started recording Opaline on his phone as he laughed.

Opaline flew down as she gave a confused look. “You’re not scared?” She asked in confusion.

“Oh yeah! Like so terrified!” Sugar Moonlight answered with a smile as she chuckled.

A stallion came to them as Opaline came in front of him as she spread her wings. “Fear me!” She yelled out.

“‘Fear me, Butter’!” The snowflake stallion said.

“Oh! Wait, is that like… your catchphrase?” Sugar Moonlight asked curiously.

“‘Cause we love it!” The snowflake stallion said as he laughed as the crowd does to.

Opaline groaned from this. “Stop filming me!” She ordered.

“Yeah, that’s it!” The snowflake stallion said.

“Stop applauding!” Opaline yelled out at them, but they were still applauding and cheering her.

“Get angrier!” The snowflake stallion cheered.

“Ugh!” Opaline groaned as her right eye twitch in annoyance that the ponies aren’t fearing her and thinking she’s playing a trick.

In the Crystal Brighthouse, Pipp was going through the finished maze as she made it to the fireplace with her friends behind her. “This maze is complete!” Pipp said as she check off her board.

The girls sigh in relief that Pipp approve.

“With just one last ingredient…” Pipp started with a smirk as the girls turned to her in surprise as Pipp then pulled a rope down, which caused bats to fall from the ceiling as the girls, sin Misty, screamed in fright from that as they all gave a laugh.

Pipp then touch a big cobweb on the wall as she tested out. “Fake spiderwebs feeling strong!” She said with a checked on the board again as the girls sigh again as she gave a smirk again. “With just one last touch…” She then pulled the rope nearby again as more bats fell as the girls all screamed again with smiles, except for Misty who looked confuse.

At the kitchen, Pipp tasted the food Sunny made as she gave a smile. “Apple treats tasting delicious!” She cheered as she checked the board again as they all sigh again before Pipp gave a smirk again. “Hmm… But you know what’s missing?” She questioned.

Sunny went wide eyes from that. “No, Pipp. There’s now way, you--” She tried to pleaded.

“I was gonna say a dash of nutmeg!” Pipp said as she pick up said season as the mares sigh in relief as Pipp then gave a sinister smirk and again as a tug was lowered and she pulled with an evil chuckle as the bats appeared again as the mares, sin Misty, screamed again as they started laughing while Sunset breathed to calm her heart while Misty inspected the bat.

“That better be the last one!” Zipp said to her sister in amusement as the bats rolled back up.

“Pipp, you got us good!” Izzy cheered.

“So good!” Sunny added with a chuckle.

“Just, enough. Save it for the frighthouse.” Sunset said as she caught her breath with a slight chuckle. “We might lose our voices.” She added.

Pipp nodded in understanding before she gasped when she saw Misty isn’t laughing. “Misty, what’s wrong? Why didn’t you scream like the rest of the group?” She asked in confusion.

“Hey, yeah. You didn’t scream like us with those bats.” Sunset added in agreement as the others turned to her in confusion.

“Do you not find bats scary?” Zipp asked in wonder.

“Would you prefer giant spiders?” Pipp asked.

“Mmm-mmm.” Misty said with a shrug. “It’s nothing personal, Pipp. I guess I just don’t ‘scare easy’.” She said with a smile.

“Wait, you don’t get scared easily?” Sunset asked in surprise. “How come?” She asked in wondered.

“Well, if you were raised by an evil Fire Alicorn when you were a filly with all her scarey threats, plannings, anger, and not to mention lecturing and scolding with her scary magic, nothing scares you anymore.” Misty explained with a shrug, since having been raised by Opaline since she was a filly, she doesn’t find anything else scary for her.

“Ah, she does have a point.” Sunny said as the others nodded in understanding.

Pipp then flew to Misty with a smirk. “Until tonight” She said before she gasped with a smile. “I’m going to make you my ‘Nightmare Night Challenge’! By the of the evening, you are going to be screaming and laughing and sharing in all the spooky fun!” She declared with a twirl as Misty just gave a small smile as the doorbell ring as Pipp gasped. “Showtime, ponies!” She called out before Sunset felt something she looked out the window, sensing that it was coming from town.

“Hmm… I feel…” Sunset muttered to herself as she narrowed her eyes at Maretime Bay.

“Sunset, what’s wrong?” Izzy asked the others turned to her.

“I-I need to head into town real quick.” Sunset said with a serious look that the others didn’t notice as she walked up to the door.

“Why? Aren’t you gonna enjoy the Frighthouse?” Pipp asked in concern.

“I will once I get back. Just need to check around town real quick.” Sunset assured as she walked up to the door. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. You ponies have fun.” She said as she walked out the door as ponies began to enter the Brighthouse.

The rest of the girls were concern for Sunset as they turned to her. “I wonder what’s gotten into Sunset.” Zipp wondered.

“Well, sometimes she can be deep in thought so maybe it’s something in her mind.” Sunny theorizes while looking at where Sunset took off in concern.

“I’m sure it’s nothing! She just needs some air! Now, let’s get this Frighthouse started!” Izzy cheered.

“She’s right! Sunset will be fine. Let’s get this part started!” Pipp announced as the girls got to their places.

In town where MAne Melody is close by, Rocky stopped in front of a bridge as a shadowy figure was underneath it.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Rocky.” Jazz spoke from under the bridge as she came out of the shadows. “If that’s your real name!” She said with a teasing smirk.

Rocky gave the same expression. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Jazz.” He repeated as he took off his glasses as Jazz walked up to him. “Guess you’re not the gifted golden-pumpkin-finder like ya thought!” He boasted.

Jazz just gave him a smirk at him. “Or maybe I’m just not wanting to dish out all my secrets.” She said softly as she circled around Rocky.

“You must know something, ‘cause I’ve checked every garden and flipped over every gourd!” Rocky stated.

“So have I!” Jazz cried out as she grabbed Rocky, which surprise the Pegasus stallion.

“Wait.” Rocky said as Jazz broke apart. “If you checked everywhere, and I’ve checked everywhere else… Then where could it be?” He questioned in confusion as he turned to Jazz with a smile. “Unless Hitch’s ‘big prize’ was just quality time spent with your closest friends.” He theorizes.

Jazz gave a small smile at Rocky from that as she gave a slight blush from his words as the two smiled at each other, before they started laughing together.

“Nah! That’s nuts!” Jazz said to Rocky in amusement.

“Right?!” Rocky said with a smile.

The two looked at directions as they move their eyes to each other before giving smirks as they went off to separate directions. “Heh…” Jazz chuckled.

“I’m gonna find the golden pumpkin!” Rocky called out.

“Not if I do first!” Jazz responded as they trotted off in different directions.

Somewhere near the square, Opaline is looking around while observing. “Hmm…” She thought before she continued on. “Ugh…” She growled at a stallion, who only laughs in respond. “Why… isn’t anypony fearing me?” She demanded.

Opaline then saw the ponies around her as they weren’t paying her no mind, which annoyed her.

“And what are these outfits?!” Opaline questioned at the costumes the ponies are wearing. “Fashion in Equestria has really gone downhill.” She commented.

Sweets and Toots turned to Opaline, while Sweets a cat while Toots a dog as Sweets gasped with a smile. “Incredible costume. You look terrifying!” Sweets complimented, which made Opaline looked confusion by that.

“Oh yea. And your wings and horn are so realistic!” Toots added as he reach out for Opaline’s wings. “May I?” He asked.

Opaline then hissed at Toots, which made him and Sweets flinch back from that. “Take another step and I’ll banish you to the moon!” She threatened as she got close to Toots’ face.

Toots and Sweets however started cheering her while Sweets hopped excitedly. “Yay!” Toots cheered.

“Oh yeah!” Sweets cheered. “I love that! Seriously, who you supposed to be? Nightmare Moon?” She asked in curiosity.

“You’re new worst nightmare.” Opaline growled as her eyes had flames in them.

Toots and Sweets went wide eyes from that before they smiled. “That was so good!” They both said in unison.

“Seriously, can I hire you for my Nana’s birthday?” Toots asked the bewildered Opaline, since she wasn’t expecting that. “She’d love it!” He added.

“Ugh!” Opaline groaned as she trotted off a filly and her father. “Ah!” She yelled as the two screamed before they laugh as the father took a picture “I’ll show you what to scream about!” She yelled out before she bump into Posey.

Posey gasped when she notice. “Whoops! Sorry about that.” She apologize before she notice Opaline’s appearance. “Wow, look at you… Your costume’s fab!” She complimented while Opaline raised a brow. “And mine? Well, non-existent. Mine’s at my friend Windy’s house. It’s why I’m in such a hurry! Excuse me!” She said as she began to walk off.

Opaline then saw Posey’s Cutie Mark as she have a thought as she stopped Posey with a smile. “No, no. Excuse me!” She said with a smirk as she then used her horn as magic surround Posey’s Cutie Mark as they were bubbled and floated off her flank.

Posey watch in shock as her Cutie Mark floated next to Opaline, and then she gasped in shock as Opaline hissed at her as Posey ran off screaming in fear as Opaline look at the Cutie Mark she stole.

“I did it!” Opaline cheered before she frowned as she turned to the crowd of ponies. “But it’s going to take me all night if I’m going to do this one-by-one.” She whined since it will take her forever to get all the ponies Cutie Marks as she began to walk off with Posey’s Cutie Mark. “Maybe it’s time to regroup and form a new plan. My work here is far from done.” She said as she too the sky and laugh maniacally.

“Opaline?!” A familiar voice was heard as Opaline froze in surprise before she turned and look down to see Sunset in front of her while looking in shock. “H-How are you here?!” She questioned in shock.

“Twilight Sparkle!?” Opaline yelled in shock as she flew down while putting Posey’s Cutie Mark away, not noticing that it was Sunset in her costume. “How did you get your body back!? I saw you as a spirit the last time we met!” She demanded.

“Wrong pony, fire freak!” Sunset yelled out as she remove the mane wig to reveal her real one.

“Guardian Sunset Shimmer!?” Opaline yelled out as she glared again. “I see you manage to wear a Twilight costume, though the question is why?” She asked in confusion.

Sunset raised a brow at the question Opaline just asked. “Don’t you know? It’s Nightmare Night. Ponies are dressing and doing things scary.” She explained with a brow.

Opaline went wide eyed from that as she facehoofed herself. “Oh dear Equestria, I forgotten that it was Nightmare Night.” She muttered, now understanding why the ponies aren’t fearing her the whole time.

“Wow, you are way behind the times.” Sunset commented before she get seriously. “Enough of that, how are you here?! You were suppose to be in your castle with Twilight’s invisibubble keeping you out!” She demanded.

Opaline gave a chuckle. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” She taunted as she glowed her horn. “And since I have time, how about we have a little dance?” She mocked as she took a ready stance with her wings spread.

Sunset got determined as she took a ready stance herself with her horn glowed as well. “I planned to.” She she then flew up into the sky.

Opaline gave a smirk. “I’ve been waiting for a rematch.” She said as she took to the skies as well as the two Alicorns then fired up their horns as they charge at each other with a battle cry.

Back at the Brighthouse, Izzy was outside as she inspected the lights. “Now do I need more lights on the left side or is it more frightening if they’re uneven? Or, oh oh! Maybe I pile on all the lights on the left and leave nothing fo the right!” She said to herself. “Or, no…” She muttered as she thought through her idea.

Behind Izzy, the ponies are entering the Brighthouse as Sweets and Toots are at the front door while Pipp opened the door. “Welcome ponies! One and all!” She called out as they enter the Brighthouse. “To the spookiest Frighthouse where you’ll have a ball!” She announced.

Zipp was controlling her drone, which is in the ghost costume as the drone hit the cobweb as it got stuck. “Agh! No! Why! Did I! Put This…” She complained in frustration as she mash her phone many times while she remembered that the crowd was looking at her. “...very real ghost who’s glitching so much, it’s spooky!” She said sheepishly in a spooky tone while feeling embarrass.

At the kitchen, Sunny was hading out the treats. “So… How’s everypony enjoying the traditional ‘Petrifying Pomme Fruit Feast’?” She asked eagerly while holding a plate and gave a laugh. “‘Pomme fruit’ is another word for apples, which are being consumed in the exact wrong way!” She yelled out as she saw a Pegasus dress as a guard while biting on the caramel apple stick and not the apple itself.

The pegasus put the caramel apple down while giving Sunny a sheepish look before Sunny heard clattering sounds as plates fell from Sugar Moonlight’s costume and the snowflake stallion from earlier.

Sunny heard slurping as she turned and saw Sprout sipping on a cop before tossing it to the floor, which made Sunny a little irritated from that.

“Pipp!? Didn’t you promise to guide the ponies through the house so it wasn’t a free-for-all?” Sunny asked as she gave an anxious look. “This isn’t anything like how it used to be when I was a filly.” She added, looking around to notice that Pipp wasn’t around. “Pipp! Pipp?” SHe called out again as ponies are eating on the stand. “Hmm… I wonder what task she’s so focused on now?” She asked herself.

Sunny then turned to see the pegasus from earlier pick on the stick of the apple again as a pony fell from the table as Sunny gasped with her left eye twitching. “Where’s Sunset when you need her?” She asked.

Somewhere in the Brighthouse, Misty is walking around as she hummed happily as Pipp was on top of the maze wall while giving a mischievous look.

“Oh. I’m gonna get her!” Pipp said as she flew in after Misty.

Misty went into the bathroom as she washed her hooves before Pipp screamed while making a face, but Misty didn’t react as she just gave a small smile as she turn off the shink and walked off.

“Oh.” Pipp sigh, since she didn’t get Misty that time.

In the bedroom, Misty flopped on her bed as she sigh in relaxation before her bunnicorn plushie appeared behind her, which Pipp is holding as she screamed to scare Misty.

“Part two!” Pipp said as she revealed herself to Misty, who didn’t react to that as Pipp just gave a dull look and gave Misty back her plushie, which she accept as she laid down with it.

A little bit later, Misty walked up to the basement door as she grab a tube of glue as she stood there with a knowing look.

Four… three… two…” Misty counted down as she saw that nothing popped up as she closed the door and continued on.

“Urgh! Wait, Misty! My hooves got stuck!” Pipp cried out from behind the door as she knocked on the door. “Come back and I’ll try again!” She cried out as she gave a yelp and got out of the door as she and the stuff inside fell out of it as Pipp flew up, but saw her left rear hoof still stuck as she pulled it free.

Pipp then flew to where Misty walked off. “I… will… scare… you…” She said in a slight craze look, going to scare Misty no matter what.

Back outside, the ponies are enjoying their Nightmare Night before they saw flashes and turned and look up as they saw and saw two magical beams clashed as two ponies are flying around the sky, which is Opaline and Sunset fighting each other.

In the sky, Opaline fired a magic beam at each other as Sunset dodge it and fired back as Opaline summoned a shield to protect herself as she did a loop and flew at high speed as Sunset charged at her as the two Alicorns tackled each other as they fell across the sky while hitting each other with their hooves.

“You think you can beat me this time, Guardian?” Opaline taunted with a smirk. “You don’t even have your friends to back you up.” She mocked.

“Even if they’re not here at the moment, they would’ve taken you down again!” Sunset retorted as they spin across the sky as Sunset charged her horn.

Before Sunset could fire, Opaline tacked her again as they flip across the air before Sunset punched her to the face with her hooves as they split up and blasting magic at each other as they were then tackled to the empty beach as they rolled across the sand as Sunset and Opaline landed in a short distant from each other as they pick themselves up.

“Oh, love your fire, Sunset! You have made my night!” Opaline said as she gave a taunting smirk. “But it’s gonna take more than that, to beat me, Guardian!” She boasted.

Sunset gave a glare. “I would think of no better way to put you back in the fiery hole you came from!” She retorted as she basted and charge at Opaline.

Opaline repeated what Sunset is doing as she blasted back and charge at Sunset as the two then got in close range as they tried to land hits at each other while ducking or dodging each others’ blasts as they seemed to be an even match before they clashed horns.

“You’ve been practicing, huh, Sunset?” Opaline asked with an impressive smirk.

“Have to if somepony like you show up on our home turfs!” Sunset stated as she pushed Opaline back as the Fire Alicorn grunted as Sunset manage to grab one of Opaline’s hooves and turned her back as she twisted it as Opaline grunted from that as Sunset kept the pressure. “I don’t know how you escape Twilight’s invisibubble, but I’m putting you back!” She yelled as she pinned Opaline to the wall end of the beach with all her strength.

Opaline grunted as she tried to get free from Sunset’s grip as she started to know that she doesn’t have time for this and must retreat to her castle for her next plan as she grunted a bit and charge up her horn as she manage to get free from Sunset’s grip as she pushed her back.

“Another time, Guardian! I have other plans and evil schemes to attend to! Ta-ta!!” Opaline said as she did a big flash with her horn, which blinded Sunset as she covered her eyes.

“Ah! The flash spell! Cheep shot even for you, Opaline!” Sunset shouted as she rubbed her eyes, but the moment she opened them and her sight returning, she saw Opaline was gone. “Where are you?! Opaline! Come back you coward!” She yelled out, which echoed through the beach as she sigh in defeat, already knowing that Opaline got away.

Twilight then appear from the necklace as she gave a comforting look. “Opaline may have escape Sunset, but we know her plans. We just need to find a way to return to the dragonlands and warn the other dragons. She haven’t won yet.” She assured Sunset in a comforting tone.

Sunset took a deep breath before she gave a worried expression. “It’s not her plans and her escape I’m angry about, Twilight. It’s how she manage to escape your invisibubble? She wasn’t suppose to get out this early. And yet, she somehow she manage to escape and enter Maretime Bay.” She said in worried as she look out at see with Twilight in deep thought.

Twilight gave a concern look. “I don’t know how she did it either. But it’s best if we get back to the Brighthouse and warn the others of what we’ve learn.” She suggested.

Sunset gave a sigh. “You’re right, they need to know this. Especially Misty, since I have a feeling that they won’t like what happened.” She said, knowing how the others are going to react to this.

“Yeah, I know.” Twilight said in agreement as Sunset flew off back to the Brighthouse, going a bit slow since she was exhausted from the short fight and magic she used on Opaline.

Back in the Brighthouse, Sunny is chuckling nervously while ponies are overcrowding the kitchen and are having some more of her food as even some of the critters are grabbing some.

The ponies either grabbed a piece of a treat or the whole tray as they eat or sip their drinks while bumping into each other in making a mess. Zipp was having trouble getting her ghost out of the web as she grunted a bit before she got it free, but it fell to the floor.

“Watch out!” Zipp called out as the ghost sheet landed right in front of Seashell, Glory and Peach Fizz’s who are all dress as Alicorns as the drone flew around while looking unimpressed.

Outside the Brighthouse, Izzy plugged the lights on as more and more lights turned on as she put on her sunglasses, but it was so bright that the ponies are screaming as they couldn’t see as some of trip or tried to cover their eyes.

Izzy gave a laugh from, thinking the ponies are screaming for fun when she didn’t know that they were screaming because it was too bright to see.

Back inside the Brighthouse, a filly was crying at her spilled candy apple on the flor with Kenneth right in front of her as it pecked on the apple.

Sunny is chuckling nervously as she tried to pass out the treats, but a unicorn grabbed the whole plate, which caused Sunny to scream from that as she groaned and screamed as she had enough.

“This is not working!” Sunny shouted as she slam her hooves to the table while looking at the crowd. “That’s it! The Frighthouse is closed!” She yelled out, which surprised the group as the lights turned on.

Pipp finished putting the stuff back into the basement as she saw the lights turned on as she heard what Sunny just yelled. “Why is everything messed up?! We literally just opened our doors!” She pointed out as she flew to Sunset, who is watching the ponies leave. “Sunny, what happened?” She asked.

“It was mayhem!” Sunny yelled out as she grab some apple spice donut and gave it to some ponies passing by. “Uh, sorry, sorry! Here, have an extra apple spice donut while you go.” She said nervously.

Pipp watched on with a sad look while wondering how the Frighthouse fell apart as the ponies exit the Brighthouse as the lights turned off and the girls regrouped together.

“What the hay, guys!?” Zipp asked in shock at what happened.

“It just wasn’t Nightmare Night.” Sunny answered while looking away solemnly.

“But I worked all day on my ponydrone!” Zipp complained.

“And I spent all afternoon trying to figure out which of my special acorn lights to string!” Izzy added cheerfully.

“And we made some great food, Sunny!” Misty said before she corrected herself. “Well, you did. Made most of it. Okay, all of it.” She admitted as Sunny gave a small smile. “Sunset and I only helped by getting out of the way. But we did it the traditional way!” She added with a smile.

Sunny then gave a thought to what Misty and her friends are saying as she spoke. “You’re all right, but I guess I was just hoping that tonight’s celebrations would be… Like they used to be.” She said.

“Where did we go wrong?” Misty asked in wondered.

“I don’t know, but somehow, we did. And if Sunset was here right now, she would point out the flaws.” Sunny said, knowing that this was one of those moments where Sunset points out the flaws, but she isn’t with them at the moment. “And it was a total bust!” She called out.

“Wait, wait, wait up.” Pipp spoke up as they turned to her. “Even with the chaos, I didn't think it was a total bust!” She said as the drone in the ghost sheet flew by as it hit the wall many times as she ignored before continuing. “Oh… But maybe I was also too focused on scaring Misty and making ‘the perfect Frighthouse’ to notice.” She admitted.

Izzy gave a chuckle as she spoke. “And I couldn’t see anything behind my lights.” She said cheerfully, since her lights was too bright even for her.

Zipp gave a laugh at that as he drone flew to her. “Well, nopony could!” She said before she saw their knowing smiles at them. “Okay, fine, I was little too swept up in my gadgets.” She admitted.

Just then, the door opened as Hitch entered the Brighthouse as he notice it was empty. “You guys are… already done your Frighthouse? I miss it?” He asked them while panting a bit as he rushed to a pumpkin and leaned on it.

“No. I think maybe it was me who missed it.” Pipp said to Hitch with a smile as she spoke to the rest of her friends. “Uh, like the point, I mean. I started all this. And putting such high expectations of perfection on something is a recipe for disaster!” She explained while giving a sheepish look.

“Oh. Tell me about it!” Hitch said in agreement. “I was just so focused on making this the ‘Best Nightmare Night Scare-a-thon in Maretime Bay, ever’ that I forgot to consider Maretime Bay in the first place.” He said while looking down a bit as he pick up the flyers and toss them away. “What was I thinking? Sunset was right when she told me before I made my announcement. These ponies don’t need 27 events to fill a night and make it perfect.” He said.

“Wait, Sunset told you?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“Yeah. She tried to tell me that I shouldn’t just make activities just because I announced. She told that they should have fun in their own ways.” Hitch said with a sheepish look. “Though I guess I got stubborn that she said that she’ll let it slide, but soon the lesson would reveal like it hit me in the face, which it did.” He added as he gave a sheepish chuckle as the girls laughed with him.

“Yeah, not every holiday has to be perfect… or exactly the same as it was last time. Right?” Izzy asked her friends with a smile, which they stood quiet for moment as she kept her smile before she drop it and spoke again. “No I’m genuinely asking. It doesn’t have to be the same, right?” She asked again, being serious about the question she asked.

Sunny gave a laugh as she walked up to Izzy. “No, Izzy. It doesn’t have to be.” She answered before looking down. “I’m sorry for thinking it had to. I was just looking forward to recreating my special memories” She said with a smile as her friends smiled at her. “It’s just like with Wishday. I cherished the times I had with my Dad so much, I guess I just… wanted to share them with my best friends.” She finished.

“But, can’t you still?” Misty asked as she gave a small smile. “I mean, share your memories, but also--”

“Make new ones.” Hitch answered with a smile.

“Even though holidays are about traditions, they’re also about surrendering to the surprise of what this moon will bring!” Zipp said with a spooky tone and a smile.

“And what’s more surprising than Nightmare Night?” Pipp asked as she landed on the floor with a smile and wings spread.

Zipp gave a smirk as she brought out her phone and press on it as the bats fell from the ceiling as Pipp, and now Misty, started screaming as bats then appeared from the barrels as Misty screamed some more before it passed.

The others then started laughing from that as Misty started laughing as well. “Got you! Yeah!” Zipp cheered as Misty kept laughing.

“You got me! You got me that time!” Misty cheered as they all laughed together.

“The Frighthouse is officially reopened!” Pipp declared as the outside lights turned back on as Sunset then came to the door while giving a serious look. “Oh, hey, Sunset! If you are wondering if you missed the Frighthouse, you didn’t. We just have some problems with…” She tried to explain.

“No time for that.” Sunset said seriously, which made the rest of the Mane 7 surprise by that.

“Sunset? What happened? And why is your costume all ragged?” Sunny asked in concern, noticing Sunset’s Twilight costume is all messed up.

“We have a big problem, ponies. Really big then the Frighthouse.” Sunset said seriously as she sat on the chair while the others look in concern.

“What is it?” Hitch asked in wonder as he and the others are worried.

Sunset stood silent before Twilight appeared with a grim look. “Because Opaline was here, in Maretime Bay Earlier. And Sunset fought her.” She said dreadfully.

“WHAT?!” The rest of the Mane 7 called out in shock.

“Opaline was here in Maretime Bay!?” Izzy asked in shock with wide eyes.

“Yeah, she was here. Somehow manage to get into town.” Sunset said while giving a dreadful look. “I fought her but she manage to throw a cheap shot on me and manage to get away.” She explained.

“Wow, you had a rough night.” Pipp said in sympathy. “Why didn’t you call us? We could’ve helped.” She stated.

“I would, but by then it would be too late.” Sunset said while rubbing her chest as Sunny place an icepack on her head she got from the kitchen. “I manage to throw a few hits and try to get some answers on how she escape, but she wouldn’t babble it out.” She explained.

“But how did she manage to escape the invisibubble!?” Zipp asked in shock.

“Yeah, even right now, it’s too soon that she manage to escape it and get into Maretime Bay!” Misty pointed out, having a hard time believing that Opaline was here in Maretime Bay in town and they were too busy with the Frighthouse to even notice.

“We don’t know. But somehow, she found a way to escape it and get into Maretime Bay.” Twilight said while giving a worried thought. “But whatever she came for, it must’ve been evil.”

“But what we do know, is that Opaline found a way, and looks like our mission to stop her is going to be even more challenging.” Sunset said seriously. “Meaning we have to be more careful and be ready for anything.” She added.

The rest of the Mane 7 looked at each other while giving worried expression before they turned back to Sunset with determined looks as they nodded in understanding, seeing that things just got more serious with Opaline.

At Opaline’s Castle, the triangular portal opened up as Opaline came through it as she took out Posey’s Cutie Mark as she levitated to a leaf on the stem as she place Posey’s Cutie Mark into it as it was now secured into the leaf.

“Excellent.” Opaline said with an evil smirk. “While this maybe a start, Sunset sure did put up a fight on her own with me.” She said as she rubbed her sore cheeks Sunset punched her at. “While I would’ve just take her down and steal her Cutie Mark, I have to continue my plans. But I’ll need more power. Much more.” She said as she walked up to the cauldron.

The cauldron then made a protection of two dragons, one that is white, a female and the other is red, a male, sleeping slumbery as Opaline look at them. “And I know just where to get it.” She said as she gave a maniacal laugh with an evil look, thinking that she will soon have her dragons and their fire to become more powerful.

The next day after, the Mane 7 are cleaning up the Crystal Brighthouse now that Nightmare Night is over as they are packing in the decorations and cleaning the room

Sparky started babbling as he is chasing after a bird with a bat decoration as he ran up the stairs as Hitch saw him go.

“Sparky! Sure hope you’re helping, not playing!” Hitch called out while giving Sparky a look.

In the bedroom, Sparky chased after the bird as they entered the bedroom as they went to Zipp’s section and knocked over her headphones, puzzle cube, and almost her Z-Goggles as Sparky made the map Zipp was studying fell to the floor.

Just then, Sparky’s scales started glowing again as he felt it and turned his attention onto the map as he came up it and saw it glowing as well. Sparky looked in awed before he felt a sneeze coming on as he sneezed out one of his dragon fire as it hit the map, which restored it to it’s former glory as it now clearly showing a map of a land on it with Twilight’s Cutie Mark at the right side bottom of it.

Sparky looked in awed as Hitch came in as Sparky giggled happily. “What did I just say?” Hitch asked Sparky before he gasped when he saw the restored map. “Wow! Everypony! Get in here!” He called out to his friends.

The rest of the mares came up when they heard Hitch as they all looked down at the map. “Sparky’s dragonfire restored the map we’ve found in the basement!” Sunset called out in surprise. “It must’ve scent Sparky and got him to use his dragonfire ot restore it.” She added with a wide smile.

“Amazingly sparkly!” Izzy cheered with a wide smile.

Sunny read the map as she saw the descriptions clearly. “‘The Isle of Scaly’?” She read before she gasped in realization. “It’s… the Dragonlands! It’s a map that’ll lead us back!” She called out happily to her friends.

“Great! Now we have the precise location on where the Dragonlands is!” Sunset cheered, now happily, now they know where to go to get to the Dragonlands without a magical portal gateway like from the Wishing Tree.

"We can finally warn them about Opaline!” Zipp said with a wide smile.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace as she gave a wide smile of joy. “And we can finally find Spike if he’s there too!” She said in excitement, hoping that Spike is somewhere in the Dragonlands and really hoping that she gets to see her number one assistant, brother, dragon-son and royal advisor again.

Misty gave a concern look. “And we better do it soon. Before it’s too late.” She said as they all gave looks of worried mixed with determined, knowing that it’s a race to the dragons between them and Opaline and they won’t lose to it.

“Hang on, Spike. We’re coming to save you and the other dragons.” Sunset finished with a determined look.

“And soon, we’ll see each other again.” Twilight finished with a serious look, going to find her dragon friend and protect the rest of his kind from Opaline’s grasp from taking their fire.

Somewhere in the Dragonlands jungle, in a large cave at the base of mountain, dwelled a long purple, green spined snake tail, connected to the large muscular body an adult purple dragon, with an rusty gold medallion around his neck with Twilight’s Cutie Mark carved into it, as he sleeps in slumber before his eyes opened up sluggishly as he moan tiredly.

“Twilight?” He called out before looking to the side of his cave to a carving of a small dragon with six mares standing with him as he gave a small tired smile at it. “Wherever you are, you’re trusted assistant will be waiting for you.” He promised.

This dragon was in fact Spike the Dragon, Royal Advisor and oldest friend to Princess Twilight Sparkle who, even after all this time, never gave up hope he would see Equestria in peace and harmony again.

End of Chapter 5 Ep 6.

Chapter 6 Ep 1: The Isle of Scaly

Chapter 6 Ep 1: The Isle of Scaly

At the break of dawn at the Brighthouse, the Mane 7 started to prepare themselves to travel towards the Dragonlands to warn them about Opaline while Discord was joining the group.

However, as the Sheriff of Maretime Bay is trying to move some boxes to the exit he instead gets really distracted by something that calls his attention. Or rather, with somepony.

As he pulls a box out of the way for Zipp and Pipp to keep going, he suddenly looks to the kitchen, where Sunny is supervising that they have enough food for their trip. They don't know how much they will last traveling from Equestria to the Dragonlands, considering said place is very far away from the equine country, hence why Sunny's making sure they have enough food for their journey.

But Hitch's attention is completely on the Earth Pony mare, his childhood friend... And his not-so-secret crush.

He can't really remember when his feelings for Sunny shifted. Is one of those things you can't control. It just happens. One day, you may see this person - or pony - as one of the closest things you have as a brother or a sister. The next day? You cannot imagine your future without them, you cannot live without them, because they matter so much to you that the last thing you want to think about is losing them... Because you love them with all your heart, and that's what Hitch sees in Sunny.

He's known her for a very long time, even longer than any of the other girls. Sure, they were all cute and pretty... But his eyes could only lay on Sunny. His heart belonged with her, and if it wasn't with that orange Earth Pony, it wasn't with anypony, then.

So why is he still waiting to make the next big step with her in a relationship? Well, you're about to find out.

"Seeing something you like, Sheriff?" Sunset suddenly asked with a teasing smirk, as she lay over a box and looked mockingly at Hitch.

Of course, Hitch yelped a bit startled and jumped backward, he looked startled at seeing Sunset, but then sighed relieved when he saw it was just her. "Oh my hoofness, Sunset... You are way too sneaky sometimes," He said with a sheepish smile and chuckle.

"It’s one of my hidden talents!" Sunset replied with a laugh. "So... Are you watching something you like, or not?"

Hitch blushed a bit because of Sunset's tease, but he knew that there was no point on denying the obvious. "I haven't been any subtle, have I?" He asked.

"Nope, not even a bit," Sunset replied with a mocking smirk. "You seem a little very fascinated with Sunny. In fact, you've been quite a bit distracted because of her lately."

"Well, can you blame me? Whenever I think, or whenever I even just see her... Is like if all my problems suddenly disappear, like if everything is right in the world," Hitch said with a loving gaze towards the Earth Pony mare, who was still supervising the food in the kitchen. "Guess that's what happens when you're in love."

"Huh... You're actually admitting that you like Sunny? As in like, like her?" Sunset asked, more curiously than shocked.

"I haven't been the best one hiding it, Sunset, and you know that," Hitch said with a chuckle.

"Well, yeah, but you two have tried to shut me, and the rest of the time we bring it up or tease you," Sunset pointed out as well. "Is strange you admit it just like that this time, that's all."

"I'm just not fond of lying. And when I do, I get really nervous because I'm a terrible liar," Hitch chuckled. "Remember when I lied about having seen nothing on the beach, even though I found Sparky's egg? I got so sweaty when Zipp questioned if I saw anything in there, and now I realize she wasn't even talking about the egg..."

"Almost a year late, but better late than never!" Sunset mocked up. "I also remember all those times Zipp and I teased you so much about your kiss with Sunny on Wishday," She laughed.

"If you kissed with your best friend, whom you have known since you were a foal, would you like to be reminded of that fact the rest of your days?" Hitch deadpanned with a brow.

Sunset blinked a few times after Hitch asked that so specifically, and then she rubbed her chin with a hoof. "...Okay, yeah. You actually make a good point..." She admitted. "But let's not separate from the subject here! You like Sunny, don't you?"

"Yeah?" Hitch raised an eyebrow again.

"Then why are you two still making things more complicated than they should be?" Sunset asked confused.

"None of us are ready for such a big step yet, Sunset," Hitch explained, which made Sunset frown and look at him in disbelief, but just when she was about to add something, Hitch lifted a hoof to make her stop. "Let me explain myself first, and then you can scold me if you want."

Sunset was surprised to see that Hitch knew what she wanted to do, but still nodded and let him speak.

"Look, Sunny and I really like each other, and I can tell she feels the same things for me as I feel things for her," Hitch started to explain with a slight blush, but also with a smile. Yet his smile faded away as he sighed. "Is just that... We already have tons of stuff in our hooves. We have our jobs, I have Sparky to take care of every day, and soon we'll face an evil Alicorn that wants to steal all the magic in Equestria. Now imagine what would happen if we became a couple!"

Sunset just deadpanned at Hitch, though, and then she sighed frustrated. "Hitch, I have met a lot of stallions and boys that take the word 'oblivious', as well as the word 'stupid', to levels I can't still understand how they're reachable... You somehow managed to reach even higher levels."

"...Is that a compliment, or I should feel offended–– Ow! Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Hitch suddenly exclaimed, since his left ear was being pulled by Sunset's magic, as the Alicorn mare rubbed her face and tried not to explode in anger.

"Hitch, if being busy was a real problem to be a couple, then Alphabittle and Queen Haven should've broken up a week after becoming a thing," Sunset pointed out, once again with a deadpan. "Haven barely visits Alphabittle in Bridlewood, yet they make their relationship work just fine. Heck, they even live in two separate cities, and they have a really cute and healthy relationship! What makes you think you and Sunny can't have something similar?"

"Is not only that we're busy, Sunset," Hitch added, rubbing the ear she was pulling and that finally let go. "It's also that I... I don't want to mess things up with her... Not again."

Now that actually surprised Sunset, a lot to be honest. "Mess things up? How?" She asked confused.

"...Remember that the very same day you and Izzy arrived, I told Sunny she'd lose me as her friend if she kept breaking the laws to prove her point, even though she was right the whole time?" Hitch asked.

"Well, yeah, but Sunny already forgives you for that!" Sunset pointed out with a little smile.

"But I haven't!" Hitch exclaimed concerned. "I... I can't ever forgive myself for telling her such a thing. What if I ever get to my limit again as her coltfriend and I... say something that messes everything so badly no apology can ever fix it?! I could never forgive myself, nor look at Sunny at her face ever again..."

"Oh, Hitch..." Sunset said with concern, now understanding why Hitch hasn't made any move to start dating Sunny as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Listen, you may know Sunny since you two were little, but I’ve been around her 24/7, and Sunny isn’t one to hold grudges that much. She’s pretty forgiving and she’s understandable, remember when Misty revealed she was a spy for Opaline? We forgave her and she became a true friend to us and moved in with us.” She said.

Hitch thought for a moment as he remembered that time. “Yeah, you’re right on that. At first, we felt hurt that Misty betrayed us, but we forgave her when she helped us, and escape from Opaline.” He said.

“Exactly. If she was willing to forgive you for what happened back then, you need to forgive yourself too to move on. Because if you keep fear from telling you to tell Sunny how much you care for her, you have to find the courage in you to say it.” Sunset said with a small smile. “I mean, if we can handle some problems, wacky magic, Opaline, and some other crazy Magical Fridays, then confessing to Sunny that you love her will be a piece of cake.” She added.

Hitch gave a thoughtful moment for a moment before he took a breath. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. But I don’t know if I could tell her now.” He said in concern.

“Well, it’s your choice to know when you’re ready or not. But remember, with all that his happening lately, you gotta say it soon.” Sunset said as Hitch nodded in understanding before a horn sound was played before they turned to the Marestream they saw Discord inside.

“Come on, ponies! We’re losing daylight!” Discord called with some glasses and a hat on. “We gotta go to the Dragonlands before nightfall!” He called with a smile.

“We’re coming, Discord!” Sunny called as she and the others walked to the Marestream. “Come on, ponies. We got dragons to warn.” She said as her friends nodded and walked out of the Brighthouse.

Sunset and Hitch are the last ones before Sunset speaks, “Remember, Hitch. There’s no time better than the present.” She said as she walked into the Marestream Hitch still felt a bit nervous while he entered as well and the Marestream took off.

In the sky, the Mane 7 and Discord are in the Marestream while flying through the sky at high speed with the music playing while Pipp is singing to pass the time.

“Can you turn that down, Pipp?” Zipp asked her singing sister loudly. “I can barely hear myself navigate!” She called.

“And I can hardly hear myself think!” Discord called while covering his ears.

"What? I can't hear you over this intense for our trip to the Dragonlands playlist I made!" Pipp yelled back but luckily Sunny shut it off.

"Thank you." Zipp thanked.

"Hey, I was just trying to lighten the mood. Feels so tense." Pipp defended lightly.

"That's cause the last time we went to the Dragonlands, there were no dragons. Now who knows what we'll find." Hitch explained while holding Sparky.

"I just hope we get there before Opaline..." Misty frowned.

“And I hope we find them and hopefully Spike is with them,” Sunset said with a concerned look as she brought out a bag with Spike’s scales that she kept. “I really miss that dragon.”

Twilight appeared in the necklace while looking at the scales as Discord joined in next to them while they all gave longing looks at the scales, “Boy, I hope that dragon is still around.” Discord said softly.

“Me too. I just hope he’s okay.” Twilight said with a concerned look, hoping that her dragon son was still safe and was still around.

Sunny placed a hoof over Sunset’s shoulder while giving the three an assuring smile. “I’m sure he’s fine. He is a dragon after all.” She said to them as they all smiled in agreement, knowing Spike well enough to get out of situations.

Soon the Marestream came through some clouds and were approaching a cliffside with a large hole in the middle. The ponies and Discord gasped but Zipp steered the Marestream through the whole where everyone saw a huge tunnel filled with multi-colored lights.

The Mane 7 and Discord all gasped in awe at seeing the multi-colored tunneled tunnels. “Wow. This is amazing.” Sunset said in awed.

“I’ve never seen a tunnel like this before,” Twilight said with an awed smile.

“I’ve seen some things around Equestria, but this is amazing,” Discord commented.

“You three said it,” Sunny commented in agreement.

Zipp kept steering the Marestream before she saw the monitor. “Huh?” She asked before she saw the map Sparky restored faded as the dragonfire magic wore off and the map faded again. “Spark-alert! We have a map situation again!” She called out to the others.

“We know how to fix that.” Sunset said with a smirk, “Izzy?” She asked.

“Can do,” Izzy said as she walked up to Hitch and held Sparky by the map. “Step back! Step back! Dragon magic incoming!” She caleld with a smile as Sparky burped dragonfire into the map, restoring it as it showed the path to the Dragonlands again.

But then, the Marestream was coming up on an intersection, which made them panic. “Zipp, eyes front!” Sunset called out.

“Whoops!” Zipp exclaimed with wide eyes. “It’s gonna be a hard left!”

"Hold on to your cutie marks!" Sunny yelped as Zipp made the hard left causing Sunny and Misty to slam into each other as Zipp drove through the turns of the tunnel while they all screamed.

Moving through the tunnels, the Mane 7 and Discord finally came out in the Dragon Lands once more as they all gasped in joy, "We made it!” Izzy cheered with her cheeks on the windshield.

"Still so beautiful." Sunset breathed with a smile.

“It was so much easier when we just trotted through a magic door last time.” Misty commented as they flew over the Dragonlands.

“Well, it was a one-time thing, and we don’t have the key. So it’s better than nothing.” Discord said with a shrug.

“At least we know the way here now.” Twilight said with a smile.

"And at least we can snap some great aerial shots." Pipp grinned with a squeal in excitement before she saw her phone battery nearly dead, "Ugh! My phone is almost dead!" Luckily, she plugged it into the electrical safety plug which was also connected to several other items, and the Prisbeam Lantern dimmed a bit, which caused it to lose power.

"Uh oh..." Sunset gulped before the Marestream started falling.

The Mane 7 and Discord all started screaming, except for Izzy who was screaming in excitement. “Yahoo!” She cheered as she laughed while Hitch did his best not to throw up his breakfast.

“Discord, get us down safely!” Sunset yelled as Discord nodded and snapped his fingers.

But for some reason, nothing happened as Discord kept snapping his fingers in horror. “I can’t! Something is wrong with my magic!” He called as he kept snapping his fingers before they started hurting as he stopped.

“What?!” Sunset yelled while they were all still falling. “Everypony take their stations!” She called out.

“This could be a crash landing!” Sunny added with a yell.

“A very hard one!” Sunset finished.

“I have an idea!” Izzy cheered as she let go of Misty while giving a thoughtful look. “It might work, but it might not. But I like those odds.” She cheered as she put on a protective goggle with a determined expression.

“Just do it, Izzy!” Twilight cried out while worried that her friends would get hurt.

Izzy quickly went to the back of the Marestream as she opened a window and started blowing some balloons.

At the cockpit, the ponies saw that they were getting close to the ground. “Everypony, hold on!” Zipp called as they screamed while bracing for impact while Izzy cheered.

But then suddenly, just when the Marestream hit the ground, they started bouncing while Izzy laughed as they looked out the window and saw giant balloons underneath the Marestream, cushioning their fall as the balloons popped and landed on the ground as they sighed in relief.

“Wow, that was close. And fun.” Discord commented with a smile.

“Yeah. Of course, you say that ‘falling to our doom’ is fun.” Sunset said dully while catching her breath before she turned to Izzy. “Though, that was clever, Izzy. But you kept balloons on you all this time?” She asked in surprise.

“Well, you never know when you’ll need a really, really big balloon.” Izzy explained with a cheery smile as she brought out another balloon as she blew on it and gave it to Sparky. “That’s why I have ‘em at all times. Whew!” She said in relief as she wiped her forehead.

“That’s actually clever. Like Pinkie would’ve done.” Twilight said with a chuckle, knowing this was something Pinkie Pie would certainly do.

“Great landing, everypony. Best yet.” Hitch complimented in relief that they were okay as he sat down, but then Sparky placed the balloon on his spot as Hitch sat on it, which caused it to pop as Sparky laughed as Hitch gave him a dull expression.

Discord laughed at this. “Oh, very clever, Sparky. You silly little prankster.” He said as he rubbed Sparky’s head as the baby dragon laughed at that.

“Don’t encourage him, Discord.” Hitch said with a bored expression.

Sunset then inspected the Marestream as she pressed on some buttons, but nothing seemed to be working. “Well, the Marestream is somehow offline. Must’ve taken a shortage or something.” She said to them. “But at least we’re in the Dragonlands.”

“Yeah. But it was weird. My magic seemed to have stopped for a moment.” Discord said as he snapped his fingers again, which brought up some snacks, which Sparky quickly ate. “It seemed to be working now. I must be rusty.”

“Well, we’ll worry about the Marestream and your magic later, Discord.” Twilight said to them. “For now, let’s explore the Dragonlands.” She said.

“Agreed.” The Mane 7 and Discord said in agreement as they all exited the Marestream.

“Well, we’re back!” Sunny cheered. “I can’t believe we did it!” She said.

“Well, we did. We’re back in the Dragonlands.” Sunset said as they looked around. “Now all we need is to find the dragons.”

“Now let’s not pat ourselves on the back too much.” Hitch spoke up before his friends got too excited. “These dragons have been asleep for ages. Maybe they still are.” He reminded them.

”Let’s wake them up!” Izzy chirped.

”We’re here~!” Pipp sang but they were met with an unfriendly voice

”But why… are you here?” A female voice questioned

The voice belonged to a large female dragon who was indeed four-legged with hot pink tinted horns, underbelly and scales, and a short aquamarine mane. Her wing membranes have stripes of orange and aquamarine as well.

Behind her were several other dragons: One was a male green with pink-tinted horns and orange underbelly scales and wing membranes. The other was another female yellow dragon with purple, orange, and yellow-tinted wings and membranes and orange-tinted legs. The other is a female dark blue with a light blue underbelly with purple horns, and the last one is a male dragon with orange with blue tinted horns and a white underbelly with his wings membranes having stripes of white and blue as well.

“Sweet Celestia, they’re huge,” Sunset commented in surprise with wide eyes.

“Bigger and slightly different than I remember them,” Discord noted with his fingers to his chin.

The large hot pink female dragon spread her wings as she advanced towards Sunny and Sunset, and the two backed away a bit as Sunny felt nervous. “You are trespassing on the Isle of Scaly, who are you?” She asked hotly.

Sunset and Sunny found the courage to find their voices. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, an Alicorn.” She started.

“And I’m sunny. This is Hitch.” Sunny started as Hitch chuckled nervously at the dragons.

“That’s Izzy.” Sunset continued as Izzy recomposed herself and gave a cheerful smile.

“Hi,” Izzy said cheerfully as she waved her hoof.

“Pipp,” Sunny spoke next as Pipp gave a nervous smile.

“Hi,” Pipp said with a nervous wave.

“Zipp,” Sunset said next.

“Hi,” Zipp said with a small nervous smile.

“Misty,” Sunny said as while gesturing to the last pony.

“Eep.” Misty squeaked scaredly as she looked away nervously.

“And last and not even least, Discord.” Sunset finished as Discord gave a proud gesture.

“Hello there,” Discord said with a smirk.

The large dragon still gave a firm suspicious look. “Okay. Why are you here?” She questioned as she stared down at them while baring her teeth and her wings spread.

The two ponies looked at each other as Sunny spoke. “Eh, to help.” She answered.

“Pretty sure we don’t need your help.” The female scoffed before she turned and started walking away along with the other dragons.

“I forgot how rude dragons can be,” Discord muttered with a dull look.

Sunset and Sunny looked at each other as they nodded before Sunset fired up her horn and blasted to the front of the dragons, which startled them as they turned to them in surprise. “Actually, you do,” Sunset said with a firm tone as she and Sunny stepped forward.

“There is an evil Alicorn that wants to steal your dragon magic,” Sunny spoke as the dragons turned to them in shock. “We want to stop her!”

“And we need your help to do it. And we’re not leaving until we gain your trust and help us so we can help you.” Sunset finished with a firm look.

The other dragons looked at the female pink dragon, who had spoken to them before while turning around, “Pony leaders, I’m Blaize. Let’s speak in private.” She said to them.

“Okay,” Sunset said with a nod while Sunny looked surprised.

“Oh, Blaize. Sunset can go, but I’m not…” Sunny stammered only for Blaize to demand.

”This way.” She said as she led the way while Sunny laughed nervously.

Sunset places a comforting hoof on Sunny, “Don’t worry, Sunny. It’s gonna be fine. Thanks to Twilight, I know my way around when it comes to talking in private.” She assured her with a smile.

“Well, okay. I just hope it will turn out well.” Sunny said in concern.

“Don’t worry. It will be. Now come on.” Sunset said as she and Sunny followed Blaize while the others watched them go.

Izzy of course happily trotted over to the other dragons before bouncing in place, “Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Izzy. We flew over here in the Marestream, which might be broken. I wanted to make a good first impression so I made you these friendship bracelets. They have our names so you can remember your new friends.” Izzy revealed the friendship bracelets with each having large horseshoe items in them before she gasped and asked the dragons, “What are your names?”

“I’m Luxxe.” The yellow dragon with the purple, orange, and yellow tinted wings and membranes smiled. “You made this! I love it.”

”Hoof to heart, Luxxe.” Izzy smiled raising her hoof.

Luxxe high fives, but she accidentally pushed Izzy into the green and pinkish dragon, who licked the bracelet thinking he could eat it but it tasted nasty, “Bleh.” The green dragon cringed in disgust

”Leaf be nice. They brought presents.” The orange dragons with blue tinted horns and the white underbelly and striped white and blue wing membranes advised while looking at their bracelets.

“I want a good one. Are they all the same, Tumble?” Lead addressed Tumble before Luxxe happily jumped onto him before flying off with his bracelet. “Hey!”

The blue dragon came near Pipp on the Marestream, "I'm Fountain, what are you doing?" she asked in a chill tone.

"Hi, I’m Pipp.” Pipp greeted quickly before looking back at her phone, “I'm just trying to find a signal." She explained before her phone beeped as she groaned in frustration. “Ugh! My phone is really acting up.”

“Um, signal?” Fountain asked in confusion before giving an uncertain look. “Uh… I don’t know if we have that here. Also, what is a phone?” She asks again.

When Pipp heard what Fountain just said as she gasped in shock before she screamed as she gave dramatic expressions while looking back and forth between her phone, so shocked there was no signal at all and that the dragons don’t even know what a phone is before looking at Fountain again. “What did you just say to me?!” She barked as Fountain moved back a bit while looking at her oddly.

Discord came to them while giving Pipp a bored expression. “Pipp, these dragons have been hibernating for many moons. They never saw any tech and had been out of touch with Equestria for many moons.” He pointed out.

Pipp realized what Discord meant as she gave a slouch expression. “Right. I forgot about that.” She said in defeat.

Discord then turned to Fountain. “Don’t worry about her. She’s so attached to her phone and other devices, that she gets dramatic.” He explained.

“Noted.” Fountain nodded in understanding.

Zipp then brought out her phone again as she started recording. “Okay so… Name: Tumble. Age: Dragon Age. Current questions? These: When did you all wake up?" Zipp asked as Tumble, while he sat down frustrated.

"When the evil one came," Tumble answered with a sigh.

"Evil One?" Zipp echoed before she gasped. "Opaline!"

"Her magic shook the Isles… and she captured Lava and Jade," Fountain informed in worried.

“What?!” Discord asked in shock, as did the others.

“Opaline captured two of your friends?!” Zipp asked in shock. “How?” She asked desperately.

“It takes us dragons weeks to wake up from a magical hibernation that deep." Tumble explained as he growled.

"She attacked you when you were half asleep!" Misty gawked before she frowned. "That sounds like Opaline."

“It sure does. That Alicorn is always one step ahead of us!” Discord cried in frustration as he kicked a rock. “Oh, she’s so gonna get a kick!”

"And our shimmers haven't been that bright either. Look." Leaf demonstrated as he struggled to shimmer and glow but it was faint and Leaf sighed.

"That is very bad." Izzy gasped.

"Well said, pony." Fountain assured.

"How strong is this Opaline?" Tumble asked.

“Strong enough that she can beat me and Alicorns in a fight if we’re not careful. If you get lucky, you’ll probably make it out with just a few bruises.” Discord explained since their first fight with Opaline, she’s that strong if she can take them all on while the dragons looked in horror and shock. “Yeah, trust us. It ain’t pretty. Especially on how she got more power.”

"Do you think Lava and Jade are okay?" Luxxe questioned concerned.

"I hope so." Misty frowned.

“Misty, you know well that when it comes to Opaline, she doesn’t go easy on them.” Discord reminded her with a grim expression. “When she nearly drained Sparky’s dragon magic and now she’s gonna do the same to Lava and Jade. And it wasn’t good.” He said with a concerned look.

Misty gave a concern look, knowing that it was true. “If she needed them for something, I can tell it won’t be good.” She muttered.

Meanwhile in Opaline's Dark Castle within a huge chamber with some cages, Lava and Jade were struggling to break free from Opaline's magic but they couldn't. "Ah, there are my sleepy little scaleys. How are you today minions?" Opaline asked as she approached them with the Dragonstone in her magical aura.

Lava put his arm in front of Jade to protect her from Opaline before breathing fire at the Fire Alicorn whom easily blocked it.

"Oh....You want a lullaby?" Opaline sneered as she came closer while swaying her body around with the Dragonstone hovering in front of Lava, "Well I don't see why not."

(I’m a Villain Song)

(Opaline)
When I walk passed a mirror I scare myself
Opaline took out her own compact mirror to admire herself.
I'm the Queen of Mean

She shut it and turned to Lava and Jade, whom were becoming mesmerized by the Dragonstone as she pulled Lava down towards her.

Don't care about anypony other than me
Isn't that lovely

She flew over to Jade whom winced at her and breathed her fire at her which she dodged.

Don't ask me to be nice
I don't want to
I don't play fair
I'm giving you the heat you can't handle
And I don't care

Opaline flew up with the Dragonstone before swooping back down in a flip.

I'm a Villain
Glamorous and Mean
I'm a Villain

She moved the Dragonstone near Lava before he became mesmerized by it as Opaline climbed onto his horns before she leaped onto Jade's head.

Evil as can be
I'm a villain
Make you shiver through your teeth

Opaline looked at Jade in her eyes.

Don't you cry now
It'll all be fine

Opaline landed back on the floor as she kept swaying herself around while moving the Dragonstone around.

I'm a villain
I'm a villain

Opaline hovered the Dragonstone in front of the two dragons before she changed the scene to blue and had stuffed dummies of Sunset, Sunny, Hitch, Zipp, Pipp, Izzy, and Discord, which she burned individually as she continued singing.

Hush Little Pony
Don't say a word
Or you'll get cursed
Can you feel the flames getting closer
Ain't that the worst
Don't ask me to nice I don't want to
I don't play fair

The illusion created an image of the Unity Crystals as she stared into them before they broke apart.

I'm giving you the heat you can't handle
And I don't care

Coming to the chorus, Lava and Jade were falling for Opaline's Mind Control through the Dragonstone and through her powerful magic before she yanked them down onto the ground and Jade winced and whimpered at the sight of the one whom caused them so much fear in the past.

Evil as can be
I'm a villain
Make you shiver through your teeth
Don't you cry now
It'll all be fine
I'm a villain
I'm a villain
Oh, I'm a villain

Jade regrettably looked into her eyes which were glowing pink as did her, now fully under her control.

"Oh, I'm so scary." Opaline scoffed with a sinister smirk. "There we are. Now, let’s have some of that dragonfire."

Lava and Jade were forced to breathe fire into the Dragonstone charging its Dragon Magic which moved to the tree branch and into her tree. “My plan is growing,” Opaline said as she cackled. “And no pony, draconequus, or dragon is going to stop me.” She added as the dragon fire from the Dragonstone kept pouring magic into Opaline’s Together Tree stem.

Back in the Isle of Scaly, the Mane 7, Discord, and the Dragons huddled together after Sunny, Sunset, and Blaize came back after talking.

“Okay then, ponies and draconequus,” Blaize spoke skeptically. “You say that you aren’t with this evil dragon-napper pony…” She started while giving a brow and her wings spread.

“May the record show that Opaline is an Alicorn,” Zipp said before she was nudged to the side by Sunset. “Ow!” She cringed.

“Alicorn present here, Zipp.” Sunset reminded her with a look while gesturing to herself.

“Oh, sorry,” Zipp said with a sheepish look.

“But not all Alicorns are evil.” Sunny quickly said while wrapping a hoof around Sunset, since she is also an Alicorn half the time as she gave a sheepish look.

The dragons looked at them strangely. “Um-hmm,” Leaf said with an unconvinced tone and a brow. “And how do we know you're not with her, uh, Sunset, right?” He asked.

“Hey, if I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done it. I’m nothing like her.” Sunset said in defense.

“Sunset is not like her!” Sunny said in defense of her mentor/sister. “She helped bring back the magic and helped us bring ponykind together while teaching us the importance of friendship and magic. She helped us in more ways than one.” She explained as Sunset smiled at Sunny from her words as her friends smiled at her as well, feeling the same thing.

“Really?” Blaize questioned with a brow.

Just then, the group heard babbling sounds as they all turned to the Marestream as the door opened as the Mane 7 and Discord gasped with smiles while Blaize and the other dragons gasped in shock when they saw Sparky coming out with a yawn, having just woken up from his nap as he walked up to Hitch and climbed on his back as the Sheriff smiled at him, much to the dragons’ surprise.

"A hatcling!?" Luzze cooed landing on Blaize before said dragon tossed her off.

"If you aren't with the dragon-napper then why do you have baby dragons?!" Blaize growled before she backed up a bit when Sunset gave a stern look that made her flinch.

“Watch it! He’s not kidnapped!” Sunset scolded. “He’s with us.”

“Yeah!” Izzy cheered in agreement with a smile. “That’s Sparky. Hitch found his egg back in Equestria and took care of him!” She quickly explained while looking at Sparky lying on Hitch’s back. “He’s sort of Sparky’s dad now.”

Blaize stomped her foot in front of Hitch and glared at him dangerously close as she snorted at him while Hitch flinched and gave a nervous look as he gulped while Blaize growled. “His pony dad!” He quickly corrected. “But really he’s my best friend and little deputy and…” He chuckled nervously while Blaize got a good look at Sparky. “So much more!” He finished while Sparky looked up and cooed at them with a cute smile.

Sunset then got between the two as she glared at Blaize. “Hey, Blaize, cool it! Would you rather have a hatchling be abandoned and alone with nopony to take care of him? And have Opaline steal his dragonfire too? Would you want that?” She questioned with a look.

Blaize looked at Sunset for a moment with a glare of her own as she snorted and sighed in defeat. “I guess not.” She coincides as the other dragons look at Sparky, finding him adorable.

"Fry my tail! There hasn't been any baby dragons here in a volcano's age." Tumble squealed. "What?" He asked in surprise before Leaf grabbed him and shook him.

"It's like a miracle! A hatchling could restore shimmer to all of Scaly." Leaf added.

Sparky babbled excitedly as he gave Hitch a kiss on the cheeks while the dragons gave an ‘Aw’ while Blaize slouched from this.

"I don't think these ponies and draconequss are our enemies, Blaize." Luxxe assured Blaize, who sighed from this.

"You're too trusting Luxxe. I still don't understand why they came all the way out here." Blaize retorted.

“Because we want to stop all of Equestria from falling into a darkness so dark that we may lose the light of friendship forever!” Sunny stated with a worried look.

“That would be bad,” Pipp added while flying next to Fountain. “Like super bad.” She whispered as Fountain got nervous.

“And that is why we all need to work together if we’re ever gonna stop Opaline and her schemes,” Sunset said with a determined look. “Because if Opaline wins, then all of Equestria is doomed to her internal rule and darkness.”

“So please, dragon friends.” Sunny continued with a smile as they listened as her Cutie Mark began to glow while the dragons looked at her in surprise. “Band together with us. Help us stop Opaline, restore the magic shimmer and kindness in all of Equestria, and rescue your fellow dragons that Opaline has taken.” She said.

“If we all work together, we can accomplish something that Opaline never has,” Sunset said.

“Like what?” Blaize questioned with a brow.

“The power of friendship.” Sunset finished with a serious glare as her Cutie Mark began to glow as well, which they all noticed.

Blaize gave a thought before Izzy levitated a friendship bracelet to her, which smacked her in the face. “Ta-dah!” Izzy cheered.

Blaize growled before she noticed Izzy holding her tail with chuckles, which Blaize gave a bore expression and shook Izzy off as the cheery unicorn gave a yelp as Blaize sighed while Izzy stood up with a laugh.

Blaize walked around as she spoke, “We must first request approval from our leader, the Dragon Lord, to form a partnership with pony-kind." She informed.

“Good call. Because when it comes to dragons, they always have a dragon lord to lead their kind.” Sunset said in agreement.

“That is true. Let’s hope he’s friendly like how Ember once was.” Discord commented as Sunset nodded in agreement.

“Well, where can we find him? We don’t have all day!” Zipp cried out desperately while Misty look at the Marestream.

“Technically we do.” Misty spoke up. “Because the Marestream is well… broken.” She pointed out while looking at the depowered Marestream. “So we are kinda stuck here.” She stated.

“Oh… Yeah.” Zipp said, seeing Misty’s point.

“We’ll worry about getting out of here later.” Sunset spoke up. “We need to get to the Dragon Lord to get his approval.” She said as she turned to Blaize. “You dragons wouldn’t happen to know where he sleeps, right?” She asked.

“Of course we do,” Blaize said. “Follow us, little ponies, we will lead you to our ancient, much larger, much wiser, and much more secretive leader.” She stated with a smirk.

“Yeah, yeah, we get it. He’s the leader.” Discord said in annoyance. “Let’s just get going.” He stated as they all began to follow Blaize, while the Mane 7 looked nervous by how Blaize described him while Sunset rolled her eyes at Blaize’s attempt to scare them.

Izzy however, raised her hoof as she spoke. “Ah, excuse me, Blaize, might I make a suggestion?” She asked as Blaize and the other dragons stopped as they turned to her. I was thinking maybe it would behoove us…” She said with a smirk.

“Clever” Misty commented as she and her friends gave Izzy a small smile.

“Thank you,” Izzy said to Misty with a smile before she continued. “...to have some of us stay here to try and get the Marestream fixed in the meantime.” She explained.

“Great idea, Izzy,” Sunny said with a smile.

“Yeah. The sooner the Marestream is fixed, the sooner we fly out back to Equestria once we get the Dragon Lord’s approval to help.” Sunset said in agreement, finding Izzy’s idea great.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Pipp chanted with a smile as she flew to her. “Izzy can crack a fix for the power source on the Marestream and I will find some residual Pegasus Wi-Fi to make a call for help!” She cheered as she brought out her tablet before tossing it away with a smile.

Misty felt a bit nervous. “Um, I’ll stay too.” She said.

Blaize then whispered to Luxxe. After the whispering, Luxxe spoke. “And Leaf and I will stay here with you ponies. Not because we’re keeping an eye on you or anything.” She said with a wave of her claw, which made Blaize’s eyes widen when she said that and facepalmed.

“But because we love making jokes while others do work,” Leaf commented as he gave a laugh.

“Thanks for the trust, dragons,” Sunset said with a dull look.

“Great!” Hitch said with an uncertain smile. “Let’s get going. No reason for this to drag-on!” He joked as he laughed at his own joke while the others all gave dull expressions as they walked off while Sparky also gave Hitch a bored expression as he gave a disappointed babble. “Seriously? Nothing? Come on, that was a good one!” He called in defense.

“Keep trying, Hitch,” Sunset commented as the group split up before Sunset noticed Hitch’s nervous look, which she could tell what it was as she was about to talk to him when she could.

Tumble, Fountain, and Blaize then guided Sunset, Sunny, Zipp, Hitch, Sparky, and Discord to the Dragon Lord as they walked down the path.

“Every on the Isle of Scaly used to shimmer,” Tumble stated as the others listened. “But ever since we woke up, the magic keeps fading.”

“Yeah, been there. And that defeintally sounds bad.” Discord said, having experienced those things before.

“The last time that happened, you caused it, Discord.” Sunset reminded with a brow.

“Let’s not bring up the past, Sunset. Let’s focus on today.” Discord waved off with a small smile as Sunset rolled her eyes while Bliaize and Sunny talked to each other.

“I really appreciate this,” Sunny said to Blaize with a smile. “I know it can be difficult to trust newcomers, but I want to assure you that we are on your team.” She assured her.

Blaize gave a chuckle from that. “And we will see when we meet the leader, if we are on yours.” She said with a smirk.

“I hope you are, because I just know we’ll be better together! Sunset experienced something like that before!” Sunny cheered while pointing at Sunset since she told them how Dragons and Ponies worked together and accomplished so much.

Fountain then leaned down to Sunny, “So what are you, the leader of the ponies like your Sunset friend?” She asked in curiosity.

“No, um… I just like to plan what we do and support my friends and be an ally for anypony who needs it!” Sunny explained with a smile. “And well, Sunset is the same way, and she sometimes acts like a leader to us. She is from Ancient Equestria, so she has enough experience of that leadership.” She explained.

“Whatever,” Blaize said as she shook her head. “Here’s the thing: When we meet the leader of dragons, you and your friend Sunset are the leader of ponies. Got it?” She questioned.

Sunny ears dropped, feeling nervous when Blaize said that before she smiled. “Uh-huh.” She nodded but still felt a little nervous.

“Hey, Blaizy.” Sunset spoke up as the three turned to her as she giving Blaize a brow. “You might not know us, but we don’t know you. So how about we get to know each other first before we jump to any conclusions? Because if we wanted to gain each other's trust, you gotta know us first.” She pointed out.

Blaize rolled her eyes at that. “Whatever boss.” She sarcastically said as Sunset rolled her eyes and continued on before Blaize turned to Sunny again. “Though, I would admit, this Sunset Alicorn is good.” She admitted.

“She was taught by the best,” Sunny said with a smile, knowing Sunset had more experience at being a leader than the rest of them as they continued on.

As Sunny talked with Blaize, though, Sunset managed to pull Hitch back to have a little chat with him regarding Sunny. The conversation they had earlier in the Brighthouse, about Hitch being scared of failing Sunny as her coltfriend just like he almost failed as only her friend, still runs through his mind. He's serious when he says that he could never see Sunny in the face ever again if he hurt her in a similar or worse way than when Izzy and Sunset arrived in their lives.

Sunset tried to comfort him and assure him that he'll never ever lose his cool again with Sunny, but is easier to say anything than actually do it. He simply refuses to hurt her again, because he really can't imagine what will he ever do if he loses Sunny.

However, the moment Sunset dragged him away, Hitch already seemed mad. He's probably stressed because of the idea that he has to leave Sparky behind again, or he can also be terrified and it's trying to distract his mind. Whatever the case, he's not happy, and Sunset sensed it.

"Judging by how you want to ignore me, you're not in the mood to talk, are you?" Sunset asked him with concern.

"What tells you that? Other of your hidden powers or something?" Hitch asked, a bit more rude than he'd like to.

Sunset noticed his not-so-happy tone, so she decided to think about her next words carefully before speaking. "I'm just watching over a friend, Hitch. I can respect if you want some space to think, but being harsh on me - or anypony else that dragged you away instead - is not the way to go."

Hitch sighed frustrated again and rubbed his face with a hood. "Yeah... You're right. Sorry, Sunset. I guess my mind is just not in the happiest place right now..."

"Is this because you still fear you have to leave Sparky here in the Dragonlands, or is it about the thing with you being afraid of hurting Sunny as her coltfriend?" Sunset asked.

"Are you completely sure that Unicorns can't read minds on purpose? Because you scare me and everypony else with your accurate guesses sometimes," Hitch joked with a little smirk.

"I'm just a mare with experience, Hitch," Sunset shrugged with an eye roll and a playful smirk. "Also, you've been very stuck in your thoughts ever since we left the Brighthouse. My first guess was that you're just worried about Sparky, but... I can tell you're also thinking about Sunny."

"Well, our little chat back home is tormenting me a little," Hitch said with concern. "Yes, I fear leaving Sparky and saying goodbye to him, but I also fear of messing things up with Sunny again. She's definitely the most wonderful and beautiful mare I've ever met, and the idea of losing her because I cannot control what my mouth says... It scares me to levels I didn't know existed until now."

"Hitch, we all have said something we regret, something that hurts those closer to us," Sunset pointed out. "But don't you think is unfair for you and Sunny to not be together just because you fear of something that's... normal?"

Hitch's eyes widened, and he looked over at Sunset with panic. "Normal?! What could ever be normal about saying something I don't really mean because I let my anger get the best of me?!"

"Couples tend to fight for silly things sometimes, Hitch," Sunset pointed out again with a deadpan. "And when they fight for something that's not silly, they tend to say things they don't really mean. Everyone can get crazy because of anger, even the best of us."

"But couples fight and apologize by talking things out with each other–– Oh..." Hitch realized his own words and then facehoofed. "My hoofness, you're right, Sunset. I do take being oblivious and stupid to levels never seen before..."

"Being oblivious? No doubt, Sheriff!" Sunset teased with a laugh. "But I don't think you're stupid for being afraid about something so common. Just because you're brave in some situations doesn't mean you're brave in everything. When it comes to love? Is pretty normal to be scared of screw things up."

"That's why you can always choose: Let that anger consume you and destroy your life, or control it and set things right. Sure, an apology may not be effective, so why not try something that shows your regret? After all, actions speak louder than words," Sunset explained with a smile.

"So if Sunny and I ever got on a fight that makes any of us say something really bad... We can prove with our actions that we regret what we did..." Hitch muttered while in deep thought. "That... actually sounds really good," He smiled widely, then looked at Sunset with a teasing smirk. "I didn't know you were just as good with love advice as you are with friendship advice."

"I... had my own story, before meeting you all. Heck, even before meeting Twilight!" Sunset replied, way more happier than she would have liked to, because Hitch's smirk didn't fade away, and she blushed slightly, so she cleared her throat. "B-But that's not important! We haven't talked to each other in years, s-so it doesn't matter anymore."

"Uh-huh..." Twilight's voice spoke, popping out of the necklace and looking at Sunset with a teasing smirk. "Weren't you the one who told me that a certain guitarist has been in contact with you again since last week? Hmm~?"

Sunset's eyes widened, she blushed harder than before, and her wings opened in panic, which surprised Hitch as he chuckled since he'd never seen Sunset this flustered before.

"You haven't talked to each other in years. Right!" Hitch told Sunset mockingly, slightly pushing her shoulder in a playful way.

"D-Don't make this about me, Sheriff!" Sunset shouted flustered, pushing Hitch back with an annoyed look, but Hitch and Twilight's laughs only made Sunset roll her eyes before she eventually laughed along with them.

"Well, I still gotta thank you, Sunset," Hitch said, now with an honest smile. "A part of me still fears I could ever hurt her again... But I've been waiting far too long to tell her how I really feel about her. I've been drooling over her for years, way before meeting you and the rest of our friends! Is time I stand firm on my hooves and tell her that exactly!"

"Maybe not that exactly, but telling her how you truly feel works out," Sunset pointed out with a smirk.

"And I'm positive that Sunny's gonna love hearing what you feel for her!" Twilight added with a smile.

"So what are you gonna do, Sheriff?" Sunset asked.

"I'll take the next step in our relationship already!" Hitch declared with a determinate look. "And honestly? I could use your help."

"My help? You are the one declaring, Hitch..." Sunset pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"I know, I know, but you're her sister figure now, remember? I would like a hoof or two to help me out on what to do to tell her about my feelings," Hitch pointed out as well.

"Hmm, I guess you have a good point," Sunset admitted, and then she smiled. "Alright, alright. I'm gonna help you out."

"Yes!" Hitch cheered, and then he gave Sunset a side hug. "Thanks, Sunset! I promise you that this will be worth your time."

"And even if it isn't, at least we'll get to laugh at your attempts," Sunset laughed.

"Oh, this is gonna be fun!" Twilight added with a teasing smirk and a laugh as well, which made Hitch roll his eyes a bit, but he still smiled.

Back at the Marestream, Pipp, Misty, and Izzy are inside to inspect what’s wrong with it as Izzy puts her glasses on and looks at the Lantern before she opens up the panel to check and see that the cords are loose.

“Okay, so if I connect this wire to this wire, I turn this knob,” Izzy said as Misty paid attention while Izzy levitated two wires and connected them together, and turned a nob. “It…” She was cut off as the electrical circuit sparked up. “Well, that something at least.” She said as she closed the panel.

“I don’t get it,” Misty said in confusion as they looked at the lantern, which was dimming out as the rainbow was fading slightly. “No matter what we do, the Hope Lanter just gets dimmer and dimmer.” She noted.

Pipp then walked up to them. “It’s not just the lantern. All my devices are drained too.” She said while giving a sad look. “And I’ve had them plugged into the Marestream’s outlet all day!” She cried out while gesturing to her devices. Pipp’s phone, boombox, speaker, and Laptop are all on the outlet while they are showing low battery. “It’s so weird, right?” She asked.

Misty gave a look as if they might have found the problem. “Uh, maybe your stuff is draining the energy from the Lantern?” She suggested as she held up the outlet cord.

Pipp gave a bored expression from that, “Yeah, that’s not really how the lantern works.” She stated naturally before she called out. “Plus, if they were, don’t you think they’d at least be a little charged?” She pointed out that her devices hadn’t even been charging much even if they were draining the Lantern.

“Let’s just unplug this, just in case!” Izzy cheered as she leaned her head down and removed the plugs from the outlet with a smile before they saw Lantern getting dimmer as Izzy gasped in shock. “Even dimmer?! What is this, opposite day?” She asked in confusion as she shook her head. “Oh spark my horn, none of this makes sense.” She cried out.

“Uh, we weren’t trying to eavesdrop…” Luxxe said sheepishly as she appeared from the windshield.

“We were actively doing it,” Leaf stated with a smile.

“But it sounds like the Marestream isn’t draining the lantern,” Luxxe stated while tapping the glass and pointing to the lantern.

“Of course,” Misty said in realization. “The lantern is the problem! It’s losing power on its own.” She said as the lantern kept getting dimmer. “But why?” She asked in thought.

“Wait, didn’t Discord say that his magic wasn’t working when we were falling earlier?” Izzy asked.

“Well, he did. But he said it was okay the second we landed safetly.” Pipp stated.

“No, his magic glitched out like how the lantern is becoming dim at the same time. Maybe there’s a connection to them, but what?” Misty asked while finding this more suspicious, that both Discord’s magic and the Lantern frizzed out the moment they arrived at the Dragonland, but only working slightly.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 7, Discord, and the dragons are walking past a ridge as they talk. “So all dragons have different kinds of magic?." Hitch asked Tumble.

"That’s right. Watch this, dude." Tumble breathed out his fire which revealed to create Wind Magic as it made branches swirl around in a sphere.

“Whoa!” Hitch said in awe while giving a chuckle.

“Wow! That is impressive and amazing!” Sunset exclaimed awedly at seeing a different magic breath from dragons.

“Is that why they call you--” Hitch tried to ask with Tumble interjected.

“Tumble? Ha-ha! You got it!” Tumble said with a smile. “Luxxe can illuminate with her Light Magic. Fountain can bend and spray water with her fire!" He informed with a grin. "Oh! It's so cool!"

“It certainly is cool,” Discord commented with a smile. “Pretty impressive.”

They soon walked up to a clearing where they saw a cave with two green flames on the side and a huge horn in front of it. “This must be where the Dragon Lord lives?" Sunny asked.

Where he hibernates." Blaize said before she blew into the horn, which made them all cringe from the loud sound as the group looked in curiosity and soon a roar sounded before a very familiar-looking dragon came out with a yawn. He had purple scales and greenback scales.

Both Sunset and Discord looked in wide eyes at what they were seeing. “Is that…?” Discord trailed off in shock.

“It can’t be,” Sunset said to herself, hoping that her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.

Blaize and the other dragons all bow to the Dragon Lord as Zipp follows along and turns to her friends. “It’s probably a good time to bow.” She advised as the three followed the bow, including Sparky while Sunset and Discord were the last ones before they shook their heads.

Sunny looked up while looking at the dragon in wonder. “Hmm… He looks familiar. Right?” She asked the others while Hitch looked at her, wondering the same thing.

“Sometime tells me he does,” Discord said with a bright smile.

“It’s… It’s…” Sunset trailed off as Blaize spoke.

"Ponies and Creature of Equestria, our exulted leader of Dragons. Dragon Lord Spike!" Blaize introduced as Spike yawned again.

“Spike?!” Sunny, Sunset, and Discord called out in shock while the two latter looked on in joy at seeing their old friend.

Spike looked at the ponies and creatures for a moment before he flew down to them and gave another yawn, which released his familiar green flames before he chuckled. “Whoa, heh. Excuse my breath. Just woke up.” He said in a deep voice.

Sunset and Discord slowly walked towards Spike with big smiles. “S-Spike? Is-Is that you?” Sunset asked hopefully.

“Yes. My name is Spike.” Spike said before he looked at them for a moment as he squinted his eyes. “You two look awfully familiar.” He said to them as he leaned his head close to them.

“Spike, it’s us,” Discord said with a small smile.

“Surely you remember your old friends,” Sunset said with a joyful smile as tears of joy came out of her eyes.

Spike looked closely at the two before his eyes widened as memories came back to him of when he first met Discord after the little tricks he did and became friends with him soon after and the times when the two of them and Big Mac were having guys night together while playing their roleplaying game and Discord use his powers to make it real and more fun for them.

Then Spike has another memory of when Twilight’s old crown went through a mirror portal as the two followed after her while also reuniting their alternate human versions of their friends and showing the magic of friendship to CHS while also showing a familiar girl friendship to help redeem her mistakes and the time of the battles of the bands when they stop the sirens.

Spike blinked a bit before he shook his head and looked at the two with a warm smile, “D-Discord? Sunset?” He asked hopefully.

“Hey there, pal,” Discord said with a smirk.

“Hello, old friend,” Sunset said with a warm smile as tears fell from her eyes. “The years certainly were kind to you.” She commented with a slight chuckle.

Spike's smile grew wider as he yelled in joy as he quickly scooped up Sunset and Discord, which two were surprised as they gave a yelp before they laughed as Spike spun them around in his hug while Blaize and her dragon friends were surprised that Spike know two fo them while the ponies gave amusing smiles at the three.

“First Sunset, Twilight, Discord, and now Spike. Ancient beings from old Equestria are popping out of nowhere.” Zipp commented with a smile as Sunny and Hitch nodded in agreement as the three have smiles.

Spike stopped spinning as he looked at his two old friends. “Oh, I can’t believe that you two are alive!” He exclaimed in joy.

“We can’t believe that you’re still around and being a Dragon Lord!” Discord responded with a huge smile.

“I knew you were still around, Spike!” Sunset cheered happily as she hugged the best she could because of how big he was. “We miss you so much, Spike!”

“I miss you too, Sunset! You too, Discord!” Spike said happily as he set Sunset and Discord down before noticing Sunset’s appearance. “And Sunset, you’re an Alicorn. You worked your way up in the world and gotten your wish.” He said with a smile.

“Thanks. Oh, and Spike, it’s not just me and Discord who are happy to see you,” Sunset said with a knowing smile as she held up her necklace.

“Really?! Who else is here!?” Spike asked excitedly as he jumped up and down a bit like how he used to when he was just a baby dragon.

“It’s somepony you know all too well who might be excited to see you again,” Discord said with a smirk as he turned to Sunset. “Sunset, mind bringing her out, please?” He asked politely.

“With pleasure,” Sunset said as she looked at Spike, “And trust us, you’re in for a big surprise, buddy,” She added with a small smile.

Spike looked at Sunset’s necklace in wonder as it opened up as a magical projection appeared, showing somepony that Spike hadn’t seen in many, many moons, which brought a huge shock and tears in his eyes.

“T-T-Twilight?” Spike stuttered in a huge shock and hope.

Twilight opened her eyes and gave a warm smile at seeing her dragon son in front of her, “Spike. My number one assistant. Look how grown you are.” She said heartfully, if she had tears, she would show them in joy at seeing her dragon still alive and all grown up before she gave a chuckle. “You certainly got more bigger than when I last saw you.” She joked.

Spike gave a small laugh of joy and wiped his tears from his eyes. “Oh, Twilight. How I miss your voice.” He said with happiness at seeing his mother figure again. “But, how are you…?” He tried to ask.

“You can thank Sunset for bringing me back,” Twilight said while giving Sunset a small smile. “She’s really good at magic after all.”

“Not just me,” Sunset said before pointing to Sunny and the others, “It was a great effort of our new friends here to bring her back and put her spirit in the necklace I’m wearing.” She said with a grin.

“Oh, is that true?” Spike asked while giving the three ponies a smirk.

“It’s true,” Sunny answered with an exciting smile. “And we are honored to meet such another legend as ‘the’ Spike.” She squeaked in excitement. “Is it okay if I call you Spike?” She asked with an exciting smile.

“It would be weird if you called me Fred or something,” Spike said with a chuckle. “Because that’s not my name,” He added as he gave a laugh at his joke while nudging Blaize, who raised a brow at this.

Sunset, Twilight, and Discord join in the laugh at Spike’s joke. “Oh, Spike, even as the new Dragon Lord and a full-grown adult dragon, you still haven’t changed.” Sunset chuckled in amusement.

“Yeah, you’re jokes still funny even after all this time,” Discord commented through his laugh.

Twilight stopped laughing as she sighed, “Oh, how we miss that, Spike.” She said with a nostaligc smile.

Spike stopped his laughing as he sighed, “Ah, it feels good to be around old friends, again.” He said as the three Ancient Equestrians nodded in agreement.

“I just want you to know that I’m a big fan, Spike.” Sunny said with a huge smile, “When I was a foal, my father told me stories of you, of legends of Equestria’s past like Discord, Sunset, and Twilight.” She stated.

“Legend, huh?” Spike asked with an interesting smirk. “I don’t know about that.” He said before he shook his head. “Seriously, I don’t know about that. My memory is a little foggy after all these centuries of magical hibernation.” He honestly said while giving a confused look, since having been sleeping for many moons, his memories are a bit rusty of his adventures with Twilight and his friends. “What moon is this?” He asked them.

“We have no idea.” Discord honestly said with a smirk. “Having lived in the underground ruins of Canterlot for so long, I lost track of how long it’s been.” He said.

“Yeah, and I only returned to Equestria a couple of years ago, I don’t know how long it’s been since our old days, Spike,” Sunset explained while scratching her hoof in wonder.

“I kinda lost track after being resurrected in this necklace,” Twilight said with a shrug since she’s not sure how long it’s been since their old era.

“Mmm, I guess we all don’t know how long it’s been,” Spike commented with a chuckle. “I guess we’re still connected even after so long.”

“True that.” The three Ancient Equestrians said in agreement as they shared a short laugh.

“I know how that is,” Hitch said with a small smile. “I can’t remember anything when I wake up. It’s a miracle I can remember to put my badge on in the morning,” He commented.

Spike and Blaize looked at him in confusion, “You’re not wearing a badge.” She pointed out.

“Huh?” Hitch asked as he looked at his sash and saw that his badge wasn’t there before Sparky jumped on his head while holding his badge while laughing as he dropped back to Hitch, which the Sheriff caught as he gave a small laugh at Sparky.

"Your Spikeness, they have… a hatchlings!" Tumble informed and Spike leaned down at Sparky as the two dragons nuzzled each other as Sparky babbled before they broke apart.

“So this is why you came to find us?” Spike asked, thinking that Sparky was the reason they came.

“No, actually,” Zipp spoke slowly. “We came because you’re in danger!”

“She’s right, Spike,” Sunset spoke with a serious look. “Two dragons have already been captured by an evil Alicorn.” She explained.

“Evil Alicorn?” Spike asked in horror.

“Yes, Spike. And you know who it is.” Twilight said with a grim expression. “And her name starts with Op.”

Spike guessed what they were saying, “Opaline is back?!” He asked in shock as he and Blaize looked at each other.

“Yes. Equestris is in danger as well, buddy.” Discord explained in worry.

“She’s trying to take over, and she’s gaining power!” Zipp exclaimed in horror.

“She wants to steal all the magic for herself,” Hitch added.

“Which is why she’s also draining your dragon shimmer,” Sunset spoke next.

“We know she’s been trying to take over Equestria since the days of--” Sunny tried to say but Zipp interjected.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Zipp finished for Sunny. “She protected our lands somehow, keeping her out all this time.”

“That’s how Twi does. Protecting others and our home with her most powerful and talented spells.” Spike said while giving Twilight a smile.

Twilight gave a slight chuckle. “Thanks for the compliments, Spike,” She said.

“But the spell has broken down,” Sunny called out. “And now Opaline is back. We just wanted to stop her and keep our magic.”

“And I would tell them how, but my memories are a bit foggy after being away and coming back as a spirit,” Twilight said while rubbing her head. “So we hope you, my old trusted assistance and Friendship Ambassador, if you could help us?” She asked with a smile.

Spike nodded his head in understanding. “Come inside, I have a lot to tell you all,” He said to them.

Blaize was shocked by this as she turned to Spike, “Are you sure, your Spikeness? We don't know anything about ponies or this creature." She pointed out.

Spike turned to her with a firm look, "Well I do, Blaize. And four of them are my old friends from back in the day," He stated with a smirk to Blaize before the dragons entered his chamber as the ponies and Discord followed.

"Blaize got burned. Oooh!" Fountain teased with a chuckle and Blaize growled slightly at her from that.

Once they were inside, the ponies and Discord looked in awe at Spike’s cave. “Wow!” Sunny said in awe while Sparky babbled in excitement.

“Roomy,” Sunset commented.

Spike sighed as he turned to them with a smile. “Meeting you takes me back. As you know, my best friends were ponies.” He said to them.

“That’s what I’ve heard,” Sunny said with a smile.

“And it’s great to see some old friends again,” Spike said with a fond smile at his three old friends, “I haven’t thought about it in so long. Mostly because I was sleeping.” He stated.

“You always were a sleeper even without the hibernation spell, Spike,” Twilight commented as they all chuckled, knowing that was true.

Spike gave a chuckle from that, “I suppose that’s true. But I do remember our adventures with you and our friends, Twilight…” He said as they all smiled at him before Spike sighed, “Oh… But my mind feels so fuzzy since I went into that magic hibernation.” He stated.

“When was that?” Hitch asked in wonder.

“Hard to say,” Spike answered honestly. “The spell was so strong.”

“I guess you might’ve overdone it a bit, Twilight,” Sunset said with a small chuckle.

Twilight gave a sheepish chuckle. “I guess I was overdoing it back then when I cast it,” She said sheepishly.

“But it worked and protected us,” Spike pointed out with a smile as Twilight smiled at him in response.

Sunny then turned to Hitch with an exciting smile, “Hitch, can you believe this?” She asked as she nudged him to the side as Hitch turned to her with a warm smile, “This is the baby dragon from the stories my dad used to tell me! Spike was there with Twilight when Opaline got banished and are close friends to Discord and Sunset as well.” She said as Spike heard them.

“It all feels so foggy. Like a dream…” Spike said as they all made it to a throne room in the cave as green fire burst in the middle, “...but you, Twilight, knew you had to protect magic from her somehow.” He said as he sat on his throne with Blaize at his right and Tumble and Fountain on his left.

“That’s why us dragons have been on the Isle of Scaly, magically hibernating for all this time,” Tumble informed, “It was part of the plan.”

“You’re plan saved us all, Twilight,” Spike said as he looked at his friends, “You helped us work together against darkness. You remember, there were these crystals…” He started.

“The Unity Crystals?!” Sunny asked knowingly.

"You know them?" Spike asked them in surprise.

"Know them!?" Sunny asked with a smile smile, “We are the keepers of the crystals!” She said as she hopped around excitedly.

“We found them when I first came back, Spike.” Sunset said with a smile, “And it was thanks to them and a little tricky spell, we managed to bring Twilight back.” She said as Twilight nodded.

Spike smiled at them, glad to hear that Twilight’s legacy still lives on and that the Unity Crystals are still safe.

Zipp then brought out her phone and started recording again, “Sorry to interrupt this uh… moment, but what is the real story of the crystals and Opaline? Who is she, really?” She asked.

“Yeah, we only have fractions of it and have been trying to find more clues, but so far, we only got so little.” Sunset stated since all their clues on Opaline had been coming up slowly, “Mind shedding some light in the manner, Spike?” She asked.

“She’s dangerous,” Spike said with a grim tone. “She’s the reason I had to part ways with my friends!” He said while giving a sad look.

“Because she wanted the Unity Crystals?” Zipp asked in wonder.

“No.” Spike shook his head. “She wanted magic. All of it.” He said with a serious look as the green flames lit up, showing an image of Twilight and the ponies around her and Opaline flying to her from the sky. “Twilight’s reign was peaceful for many moons until Opaline Aracna appeared. She’d been banished from Skyors.” He started.

“The Alicorn land?” Sunny asked with a frown.

“Hardly know that place, still surprised that there was a land fillied with Alicorns,” Sunset commented. “But with how Opaline acted and what our friend Misty told us about her, it makes since why she was banish,”

“Yes. Because she wanted to rule all ponies,” Spike nodded as he kept going. “She thought that Alicorns were superior,” He added as the fire then showed images of dragons and Opaline, who was giving an evil smile at the dragons while absorbing their magic, “But our friends were strong,” He said on behalf of Twilight, “Our friendship created such powerful magic that Opaline had to resort to dark ways to overthrow Equestria. She even attacked the dragons to transform into a Fire Alicorn.”

“That’s what she’s done again!” Sunset called out since they’d seen how she did it when she drained Sparky.

“That’s why she came for Jade and Lava!” Blaize said in realization.

“For their fire!” Tumble finished.

Spike continued as the fire then showed the Unity Crystals with each tribe of ponies with a dragon holding the Dragonstone with Opaline behind them, “The crystals were created to hide the magic of Equestria in them. All of pony magic. And all of the dragon magic inside the Dragonstone,” He explained as the combined magic from all four created a shield around Opaline, “That’s when you, Twilight, sent us here to protect us. And put a spell around Equestria to hide it from Opaline.”

“Which explains why there’s a Dragonstone, why the crystals were created, and why Opaline hasn’t been seen for that long until now,” Sunset said in realization.

“Looked like the plan worked,” Twilight commented.

“But the spell was damaged when we brought magic back, when the three pony kinds reunited again after centuries!” Sunny called out after realizing how Opaline returned.

"You lost magic? All by yourselves?" Spike asked in shock at the fact that ponies lost their magic on their own as he gave a tired expression. “Aww, I’m going back to sleep,” He said as he was about to walk off before Sunset and Twilight appeared in front of him, “Whoa! I forgot you ponies can teleport,” He said in surprise.

“Wait, Spike. The ponies didn’t mean to lose their magic on purpose,” Sunset said to him.

“Then how did it happen?” Spike asked in confusion.

“Apparently, Opaline’s work wasn’t in vain,” Sunset said with a frown, “The damage she’d done back then has left scars on the ponies mentally.”

“The tricks she used to make ponies fight among each other, the rumors and lies were spread all over Equestria even after Opaline was sealed away,” Discord explained.

“And believe us, it wasn’t pretty after what Sunset and the others told me,” Twilight said with a sad look that Opaline had succeeded in her first phase of the plan.

“Oh, that’s horrible,” Spike said in sympathy, never realizing that Opaline really messed up the ponies back then.

“But the moment I got back, I helped Sunny and the others to restore the magic and bring back that legacy,” Sunset explained with a determined expression. “We hit a few roadblocks along the way, but we succeeded.”

“And we still have a chance!” Sunny called next.

“Do we?” Blaize asked doubtfully.

“Yes!/Yes!” Both Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight answered determinedly as Sunny started moving around.

“Because the truth is, you’re strong!” Sunny spoke as she moved to one of the pillars. “You are dragons!”

The toughest and most fierce creatures in all of Equestria!” Sunset continued while she flew around.

“Yes, your shimmer may be fading and you may be tired and scared, but that’s not who you are,” Sunny added as her Alicorn form began to show as the Spike and the other dragons looked in awe at this.

“You still turn this around. You all can still help!” Twilight called next as she, Sunset, and Sunny stood in front of Blaize.

“It’s already over,” Blaize said hopelessly.

“No!” The three Alicorns said as they moved around.

“When you have hope, it’s never over!” Sunny declared as she flew up and showed her full Alicorn form as the dragons looked in surprise by this.

Sunset then turned to Spike, “Spike, you know that even in the toughest of times, you still rise up against the odds! You helped save the Crystal Empire twice, you’ve been helping Twilight since the day she hatched you, heck, you even went up in the Dragon Trials to prevent the other dragons from becoming the new Dragon Lord and starting a war in Equestria when you pass it on to Ember back then!” She exclaimed.

Spike’s eyes widen from that as he remembers all those times he helped save the day, “Yeah. I did save the day many times. And that was when I was just a baby dragon,”

“Exactly, Spike. You are more than you let on. You proved that to me many times before.” Twilight said with a smile, “Those are one of the reasons why I made you Friendship Ambassador of Equestria.”

Spike smiled fondly at that memory as he brought out his old medallion of when he was a friendship ambassador to Twilight he gave tears in his eyes as he held it.

“And we know you still have a shimmer of it,” Sunny added as she landed between her friends.

“And we know that you dragons don’t give up that easily. There’s always a spark in her,” Discord added with his arms crossed with a smirk.

Tumble and Fountain’s marks of their magical breaths on their rumps then started glowing as Tumble saw this and he gasped, “I see what you all mean!” He said.

Fountain saw her mark as she gasped as well, “The ponies are right!” She exclaimed.

Blaize sighed, "You sound delusional." She said to them.

"So we should just give instead, Blaize? Forget about our friends? Let evil win?" Fountain asked matter-of-factly.

Blazie sighed again while looking conflicted, “Uh… uh… maybe?” She asked uncertainly.

Spike found the courage as he stood up and spread his wings, "I am the Leader of the Dragons. And I remember all of my pony friends and I never want to forget or lose them again because of her." Spike told Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, and Discord sincerely with a smile.

The latters smiled at him in return before Sparky babbled and leaped off of Hitch’s back. “Woo-hoo!” He cheered before they went to a rock and blew out a puff of smoke turning it into marshmallows and started eating them before Spike and the other dragons gasped in shock at this.

Blaize gasped, "Transformation Fire?!"

Hitch then walked up to Sparky, “Sparky! Now is not the time for snacks, buddy!” He softly said to him as Sparky burped out some flames.

"I thought that was just a myth!" Fountain breathed.

“Me too,” Blaize said in awed.

“Sparky’s magic is a little different like the rest of you, even you Spike, no offense,” Discord said with a sheepish smile.

“None was taken,” Spike said with a small smile as he leaned down to Sparky, “This little one is special.” He said to them as Sparky gurgled with his paws on his hips as Spike stood up and looked at Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight. “And so are you, Sunny. You and Sunset remind me a lot of somepony I knew,” He said with a smirk as they smiled at him before Spike turned to Twilight, “Twilight,” He finished.

“That’s what I think too, Spike,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Same here,” Sunset said in agreement.

“So you’ll help us?” Sunny asked hopefully.

“Will you join our team to defeat Opaline for good, Spike?” Discord asked hopefully.

“You ready to save Equestria again, Spike? Just for old-time sake?” Sunset asked with a small smile.

Spike gave them a smile, “I’m in,” He answered with his wings spread.

Blaize then walked up next to Spike, “Don’t you mean, ‘we’re in’, your Spikeness?” She asked with a smirk as Fountain and Tumble as Blaize’s mark then started glowing as well.

The dragons gave the five ponies and Discord a smile as they did in return, now joining together to stop Opaline.

The group then exited the cave as they made their way back to the Marestream, “We have to hurry!” Sunny exclaimed.

“We have no time to lose!” Sunset added.

“Come on, Sparky!” Hitch said as he turned and saw Sparky being tossed by Fountain and Tumble playfully as the baby dragon laughed in excitement.

Hitch smiled fondly at him before he gave a sad look before he turned to Spike, “Your Spikeness. Do you think… Sparky might belong here with other dragons?” He dared to ask regarding Sparky's future. Whether he would stay with his species or stay with them.

"Some of the best times of my life were with my pony-family." Spike reminisced. "If I could be there again, I would. You two are a team and you belong together for now." He stated.

“We do?” Hitch asked with a hopeful smile.

“Like a peanut butter and crystal sandwich,” Spike quipped as he gave another laugh as Sunset walked next to them as she shook her head in amusement.

“Okay, Spike. Cool it with the jokes,” Sunset said with a chuckle as Hitch looked at his baby dragon, who ran over to him and hugged each other. “Now come on, we gotta get back to the Marestream. Hopefully it’s fixed.” She said as they all nodded as they walked back down the path they came from so they could quickly get back to Equestria and stop Opaline and her plans.

Suddenly, though, Hitch dragged Sunset apart from the rest, and once he made sure that none of them were following nor noticed what he did, he looked over at her with a smile.

"Sorry to drag you away from the rest so suddenly, Sunset, but we need to talk," Hitch stated with a smile.

"Is this because of your idea of telling Sunny what you feel about her?" Sunset asked with a brow and a teasing smirk. "Are you going all out on her, Sheriff~?"

Hitch blushed a bit, but he still rolled his eyes with a smile. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Are you still helping me or not?"

"I already said yes, Hitch." Sunset reminded with an eye roll of her own. "Besides, seeing you struggling is gonna be fun!"

"Ha ha, so funny," Hitch deadpanned. "Look, I have a plan on when and how to tell her. Maybe plan this whole thing out while we're in the Dragonlands before going to kick Opaline's flank is not ideal, but since there's not a 100% guarantee that we'll succeed, I just want to be ready."

"Saying that you're not 100% confident in us winning is everything but being positive, Hitch..." Sunset deadpanned as well, then she sighed. "But, you're not wrong. Being prepared to tell her what you feel is not a bad idea, and I guess you wanna tell her how you feel before Opaline eventually makes her move."

"Precisely!" Hitch replied with a smile. "Now, I have a little idea in mind to tell Sunny how I truly feel about her and is making some kind of 'Tunnel of Memories'."

"A tunnel of memories... That actually sounds interesting!" Sunset confessed with a smile, and then, her necklace opened up to show Twilight.

"I agree!" Twilight said, also with a smile. "A tunnel of memories sounds like the perfect way to declare your feelings to that special pony. Just imagine looking back at all the amazing stuff you've gone through together, moments before being asked to be more than friends... Oh, I'm getting excited with just imagining it, and I'm not even the one who's gonna declare or get declared to!"

This made the three friends laugh, then Hitch sighed a bit. "Yeah, well. I only think in the best for the best mare ever..." He said with a gaze that was lost because he was clearly thinking on Sunny again.

"Aw, you're thinking about her, aren't you~?" Sunset teased with a cute smile.

"I can't help it!" Hitch replied with a slight chuckle. "Anyways. How about you two stop teasing me with my crush over Sunny and help me plan out what can we put in the tunnel of memories?"

"Sounds good!" Sunset said as she sat down on the floor, while Hitch took out a pen and a notebook to write the things down. "Let's start with something simple, but pretty obvious: Foalhood memories." Sunset declared. "Drawings, pictures, toys, anything that reminds you two about your times as foals should be used."

"Right! All the stuff you two loved as foals that would bring amazing memories back to Sunny while she moves across the tunnel is a good place to start," Twilight agreed with a smile.

"Foalhood... memories..." Hitch muttered as he wrote it down in his notebook. "Works for me! What else?"

"Hmm... I think memories from your hardest moments in life where you two were there for each other is also a good thing to add," Sunset pointed out. "It can work as a reminder of why you two are best friends in the first place, and why you both fell in love with each other as well."

"Yup, those moments where you two were all you had when things got through are crucial for declarations like this one," Twilight stated.

"Hmm... Yeah, I actually can do something for that." Hitch said, writing it down. "Anything else I should keep in mind?"

"The funniest memories you have together," Sunset said before she gasped. "No, the happiest ones better! Oh, but the ones you felt embarrassed can't be skipped!"

"How about putting them all?" Twilight suggested. "Any good memory should be in here, so long as it helps to the main purpose of the tunnel."

"I'm with Twilight," Hitch said with a smile. "I'll just put all the funny, happiest, and embarrassing memories in it. Anything else you may have in mind?"

"The most recent memories where you two have grown closer thanks to the restored magic in Equestria," Sunset pointed out. "I know magic is not really the reason why you two fell in love, but it has made you two grow closer. Remember your Cutie Mark Mix-Up with her?" She asked with a teasing grin.

"Yes, because you constantly rub it in my face, Sunset." Hitch deadpanned. "But it did make us get closer as friends, and after knowing what it feels like to walk in each other hooves, I think it also made us like how the other does their thing even more."

"You see? It had good effects!" Sunset smiled. "Now here comes the most important part: Your speech. Although you probably don't need help with that. You love making speeches, anyways."

"Actually, I'm thinking on telling everything along the way," Hitch said with a smile. "You know, see where Sunny's walking across the tunnel and narrate stuff as she sees it, then just tell her what I feel when she's finally in front of me. I'm gonna be very nervous, and probably very sweaty too... But I don't really care. I want to speak with honesty, from my heart, not by something scripted and practiced. I just wanna be myself."

"...Hitch, that's the most competent and sweetest thing you've said from your plan so far, and I love it!" Sunset said with a smile.

"Me too! And I'm sure Sunny will love it as well!" Twilight agreed.

"Well, now I have everything I need for my Tunnel of Memories and declaration!" Hitch said with a smile, putting his notebook and pen aside.

"Actually, there's still one thing you're missing, Hitch..." Sunset said suddenly.

That surprised Hitch and it also made his eyes widen in panic. "There is?! What?!" He asked, pulling the notebook out again. "I thought you told me everything I––"

"Hitch, Hitch, Hitch!" Sunset called out, making Hitch put the notebook down. "Listen first, panic later if you want." She said, and Hitch took a deep breath to calm down. "Good. Now, what you're missing is memories from Sunny herself. You know, things she might remember that you don't?"

"Oh... Oh! You're right! She may have those memories!" Hitch said with a smile, one that faded away. "Ow, but if she has those memories, then it's bad... I can't just ask her about it just like that! She'll ask why I wanna know, then I'll panic and blurt out why I really want to, and the whole idea is gonna be ruined––"

But then, Sunset slapped him on the face with a hoof to make him stop talking and also calm him down. "If you're done panicking, let me tell you that you have nothing to worry about!" She assured with a smile.

"Really?" Hitch asked confused with a brow.

"Mmm-hmm!" Sunset nodded confidently. "You won't ask her anything about her best memories with you. I will." She said as the two caught up with the others as they continued their way back to the Marestream.

Meanwhile at the Marestream, things are not looking bright for Izzy, Pipp, and Misty as they all sat outside with defeated looks while Luxxe and Leaf played around with the Marestream with laughter as they titled side to side.

“This is awful,” Misty spoke in defeat. “We’re stuck. And they’re going to be back soon!” She cried out.

“At least we had fun while we didn’t fix anything!” Izzy cheerfully said as she join in on the laughter with Luxxe and Leaf as she stood up. “I love laughter, heh.” She commented.

“Good news, everypony!” Sunny’s voice called out as they all turned to see their friends and the dragons returning. “Ponies and dragons are now working together!”

“And we have an old friend who is actually the Dragon Lord!” Sunset added while gesturing to Spike, “Spike, Izzy, Misty, and Pipp. Girls, Spike.” She greeted.

“Wait, Spike the Dragon!? Twilight’s old assistant!?” Misty asked in shock.

“Yep. That’s me.” Spike said with a smile. “Nice to meet you,”

The three mares and two cheered in joy at them now working together.

“Now let’s go get that Dragonstone and stop Opaline.” Hitch declared with a smile.

“Izzy, fire up the Marestream!” Zipp called with a wide smile.

Um.” Izzy said as she, Misty, and Pipp looked uneasy, “When you say fire it up, like should we burn it? Because it is toast!” She cheered with her cheerful smile.

“What?!” Sunset exclaimed in shock.

“Not to worry, I can fix it!” Discord exclaimed as he then snapped his fingers, but for some reason, they were not working again as he gave wide eyes and tried again and again, but nothing, “Oh! Not again! How is this happening!? I’ve been practicing my magic when I first got them back, but now they’re not responding?! What is going on!?” He cried out.

“We’re stranded?!” Sunny called out in panic.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Spike said with a smirk as he spread his wings and looked at his fellow dragons as they all followed his example as they all gasped in joy.

“Yeah!” Izzy cheered as they all started cheering, knowing what their plan was.

Sunset and Twilight then smirked at Spike, “You’re suggesting we go for a ride?” Twilight asked with a smirk.

“Twilight, you know me so well,” Spike said with a smile.

“Then let’s ride!” Sunset cheered as they all did once again.

At Opaline's Dark Castle, the Alicorn was on her throne with many leaves holding the cutie marks she'd stolen, "The seeds of my reign are finally sprouting." she hissed. "Welcome to the era of Opaline Arcana! Without their Cutie Mark magic they cannot shine then their Unity Magic will wilt and die on the vine! “ She laughed before she gasped, “Those miserable do-gooder ponies will never be able to stop me now, especially Twilight Sparkle and her the Guardians of Harmony!"

Opaline cackled as the final stage of her plans was about to begin.

Meanwhile, Spike and the other dragons are giving the Mane 7 and Discord a ride back to Equestria as they hold onto the dragons’ back as they fly across the sky since the Marestream is toast for now, but they’ll be back for it later.

Sunny rode on Blaize while holding her lantern, Hitch and Sparky rode on Tumble, Izzy and Misty rode on Luxxe, and Sunset and Discord rode on Spike as they flew on his back.

“Just like old times, huh, Spike?!” Twilight cheered with a smile.

“Just like time, Twilight! Only this time, I’m carrying you and our friends!” Spike cheered with a smile.

Sunset gave a chuckle, “It’s great having you with us, Spike!” She said.

“We sure miss you!” Discord called next.

“Same to all of you!” Spike called with a smile.

Sunny then looked at Blaize, “I don’t know how to thank you!” She said to her.

“Save it. We’re a team now.” Blaize said with a smile while looking at the friendship bracelet Izzy gave her.

“You think we can do it?” Fountain asked in concern. “Save Equestria? And the Isle of Scaly?”

“Well, it’s not going to be easy.” Zipp honestly said.

“When has that ever stopped us?” Discord asked with a smirk.

“Discord’s right,” Sunny said with a smile. “If we all work together, we can do anything!” She called out. “Who’s ready to take down Opaline!?” She called with her hoof raised.

“I am!” Misty called determinedly from behind Izzy as Sparky cheered with his arms raised in agreement while making fighting moves as they all laughed together.

Just then, Pipp’s phone chimed, which got her attention. “Hold on, hold on!” She called as she brought out her phone in joy, “My phone just turned on! Can you say all that inspiring stuff again please?” She asked as they all laughed and cheered again.

“No, Pipp but thanks. But Twilight taught us that unity is when all can be one to spark the light to stop the darkness.” Sunset said with a determined smile, “Well we are one!” She called as they all cheered and flew threw the sunset as they flew back to Maretime Bay, ready to stop Opaline once and for all.

End of Chapter 6 Ep 1.

Chapter 6 Ep 2: Roots of All Evil Part 1

Chapter 6 Ep 2: Roots of All Evil Part 1

In Zephyr Heights, the ponies are having a peaceful time as Misty’s Together Tree in the garden, which has now sprouted more flowers, is having a moment of peace. But then it was all ruined when Opaline stepped in with an evil smirk as she turned to the Together Tree, lit up her horn, gave maniacal laughter, and blasted at the Together Tree.

The Together Tree then turned purple as magical roots burst out of the tree as Opaline laughed evily and entered through the portal as the roots spread throughout Zephyr Heights.

Zephyr Heights is now in chaos as the ponies are all screaming in fear as they all try to run away from the roots following them as Zoom and Thunder come into the middle of town.

“Everypony, please stay calm!” Zoom called out as the ponies kept screaming. “Do not panic. Everything is under--” She was cut off when Thunder spoke.

“Zoom! I forgot my shield!” Thunder called as he looked over himself, not noticing the tentacle coming up behind him. “Do you have one?!” He asked desperately before something sparked up behind him as Zoom felt strange for some reason. “Hey, something feels funny…” He said in confusion.

Thunder turned as he saw the roots take his Cutie Mark as he screamed in fear and hid behind a trash can while Zoom stood beside her partner and she brought out her tennis ball as the ponies were still trying to get away from the roots as they screamed in fear.

In Bridlewood, Opaline is blasting the Together Tree as she laughs evily while the ponies in Bridlewood are screaming in panic while running away from the roots as Elder Flower, Onyx, and Dapple look at Opaline while Mayflower in horror.

“It can’t be!” Elder Flower cried out in horror as the roots moved around as Opaline opened a portal and escaped through it.

The tentacle then flew through the unicorns as they moved out of the way in panic. “Elder Flower! Look out!” Dapple cried out as Dapple and Oynx moved her out of the way, but Dapple got hit by the tentacle, and his Cutie Mark got touched as they hid behind a crystal. “Ah, are you okay? What was that?” He asked in concern.

Elder Flower stammered nervously. “I don’t know!” She cried out.

Onyx then saw Dapple’s flank as she gasped, “Dapple! Look!” She cried out while pointing to Dapple’s flank.

Dapple turned as he went wide eyes, “Oh, my, my…” He stammered as he saw his Cutie Mark floating up. “Oh! Ah!” He called out as his Cutie Mark was grabbed by a tentacle and taken away.

Another tentacle came up behind Onyx and Elder Flower and took their Cutie Marks as well.”Oh no. What’s happening to us?” Onyx asked in horror as they saw their Cutie Mark being taken to the Together Tree as Elder Flower gasped.

“Our Cutie Mark Magic, it’s being stolen!” Elder Flower cried out as the stolen Cutie Marks were being taken to the Together Tree.

“Everypony run!” Dapple cried out as they and everypony then screamed in panic and ran for their lives and their Cutie Marks.

In Maretime Bay, the ponies are running for their lives while they are screaming in panic while Toots stands there in a panic. “Oh my hoofness! What do we do?!” Toots cried out.

Jazz ran next to Toots and shook him. “Run!” She cried out as she and Toots ran away with screams as two shadowy figures flew over them.

Above them are a herd of dragons flying over them. “Now dragons? What’s next?!” Sugar cried out in fear as she took off her glasses.

Each dragon then took their positions around Maretime Bay as Spike and Blaize landed in front of Lily. “Leave us alone! Please!” Lily cried out in fear as she threw her glasses at Spike, which hit him in the chest.

“Whoa, what kind of welcome is this?” Spike asked in confusion as he waved his paw at Spike. “It’s me, Spike! Friend of pony kind since forever?” He asked with a small smirk, “Royal advisor to--” He was cut off when Sprout yelled.

“Dragon!” Sprout yelled as he screamed in fear and jumped over the edge and into the ocean as everypony then started screaming and running in panic while Lily fainted in horror.

Spike gave a sigh from this, “Nevermind.” He said.

Sunset and Discord then appeared behind his back, “It’s not their fault, Spike. The true history of Equestria was lost when ponykind was divided.” Sunset said with a bored expression.

“Guess they didn’t get the memo.” Discord said with a bored expression.

“They sure didn’t,” Spike said to them.

Sunset then flew up as she called out, “Everpony! It’s alright! The dragons aren’t our enemies!” She called out, which got their attention.

“Yeah. It’s cool, everypony! Spike and the other dragons are with us!” Hitch called next on Tumble’s back.

“Sunset? Hitch? Princess Sunset and Sheriff Hitch?!” Dahlia asked in shock as everypony settled down as they all looked at them in shock.

Sprout swam back up to the surface with a sea plant on him. “Wait… what?!” He called out in shock from this, and the fact that Hitch was riding a dragon as they climbed down from the dragons.

One by one, the rest of the Mane 7 are then shown on their respective dragon friends with smiles. Sparky and Hitch then came up to Lily, whom Sparky was fanning with a leaf before Lily opened her eyes and smiled at Sparky as she stood up.

Sunset and Sunny then stood together as they looked around the ponies as Sunny placed her lantern down, “Now can somepony tell us what’s going on here?” Sunny asked.

“Yeah. What’s with all the screaming and running?” Sunset asked in wonder.

Glory and her two friends are hiding behind a table, “We don’t really know, but it’s bad!” She cried out as the Pippsqueaks came out and showed their flanks were blanks.

“Our Cutie Marks are all gone!” Seashell cried out. “And… And… the pony who took them all… she was an alicorn!” She yelled.

Sunny and Sunset then gasped in horror while the others were shocked, already knowing who they were talking about.

“Oh no.” Sunset said in worried as the vision Discord showed her was coming true as Jazz and Rocky walked out of Mane Melody.

“Uh, Jazz, are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Rocky asked, feeling stunned by what they were seeing.

“Our friends just rode into town on flying dragons?!” Jazz called out in shock as Rocky nodded his head.

“And Pipp’s hair is still fabulous!” Rocky added with a smile as they turned to them.

“Where have you ponies been?!” Jazz asked as they walked up to them.

“Who would do something like this?!” Rocky asked next.

“A certain pain in the neck we’ve been trying to stop,” Sunset said with a rageful look.

“Her name is Opaline.” Sunny continued. “And she’s--” She was cut off when Izzy spoke.

“Oh, Opaline!” Izzy called out as her friends turned to her as she smiled, “Oh, yeah, yeah, of course, of course! You know, I was really racking my mind, like, who really would do something like this?” She asked. Before she gave a small laugh, “Okay, yeah. No, that make sense, continue.”

“Seriously?” Discord asked with a brow.

“Izzy, who else did you think would do this?” Pipp questioned with a brow.

“Honestly, uh…” Izzy started before she moved to Hitch, “I’ve always been a little suspicious of Hitch’s crab friend, McSnipsalot.” She admitted with a look as they turned to said crab near them. “He’s just so pinchy!” She cried as McSnips blinked.

“Hey!” Hitch said in offense Izzy would think his critter crap did this as Izzy gave him a sheepish smile.

Spike turned to Sunset with a chuckle, “She’s so much like Pinkie Pie. I can tell why you think she might be a descendant of her.” He whispered to her.

Sunset smiled, “Yeah. Izzy is like Pinkie alright.” She said before she got serious, “But enough of that, Opaline caused this and we need to know how!” She called, getting back on topic.

“Right.” Sunny nodded as she turned to Jazz and Rocky, “Rocky, Jazz, show us what happened.” She said.

“If we need to find out how she did it, we gotta know what happened while we were gone,” Sunset explained as Jazz and Rocky nodded in understanding as they led the way.

The two fashion ponies then walked up to their Together Tree, but it was all purple and glowing in dark magic. “There! They disappeared through there.” Rocky called while pointing to the tree.

“The Together Tree?” Sunset asked in shock. “It’s all, purple and dark glowing in a non-friendly way.” She said uneasily.

“But how is Opaline doing this?!” Sunny asked in shock, wondering how Opaline was causing this.

“She had these magical vines that followed her through town and they stole the Cutie Marks.” Jazz explained as Sunny and Sunset gasped in shock.

“And where is she now?” Hitch asked.

“The trees,” Zipp said as they all turned to her as Zipp flew around the Together Tree. “She must be using the trees like portals! Just like we did when we went to the Isle of Scaly.” She stated.

But to open a portal, you’d need a key, right?” Sunny asked in confusion, since the last time they opened a portal, Misty used a key to get them to the Dragonlands the first time.

“That is true. But this doesn’t make any sense,” Sunset said with a thoughtful expression. “Without one of those keys, Opaline would need so much more than pony magic to pull it off.” She pointed out.

“But she has fire Alicorn magic!” Misty reminded them. “And she has the Dragonstone.”

“And the actual dragons!” Pipp cried out.

“And, she has all of our Cutie Marks!” Jazz cried out while showing her blank flank.

“So she found a way into Maretime Bay through the tree…” Zipp started with her hoof to her chin.

“That would explain how she was in Maretime Bay the last time during Nightmare Night,” Sunset said in thought, now knowing how Opaline came into Maretime Bay the first time. “She must’ve found a way to use them to enter Equestria.”

Zipp then gasped in worry. “And if she broke through Twilight’s protection spell, that means… she could be back to finish the job at any moment!” She cried out.

“Her plan continues on,” Discord said grimly as he looked at Spike in worry. “She’s finished what she started all those moons ago.”

“Ruling all of Equestria and becoming all-powerful,” Sunset finished with a grim tone as well.

“Everypony and everything could be in real danger!” Rocky cried out.

“You’re right. Even the Unity Crystals!” Sunny called out in shock.

They all gasped in shock while Toots and Sweets were with them as they stood there in shock, while Sweets was blowing on a bubbling gum as the gum bubble popped on her muzzle.

“That explains why my magic was on the fritz!” Discord called while looking at his hands, “My magic is connected to the crystals like every magic else! Meaning that sooner or later, I’ll be powerless to even fight Opaline in battle!” He stated.

“And why the lantern was losing magical energy on the Marestream back in the Dragonlands.” Sunset said, seeing what Sunny and Discord were saying, “The magic is connected to the Crystals, and if Opaline is stealing everypony’s Cutie Marks, she’s tipping the balance of magic to become all-powerful.”

“Which means that sooner or later, we’ll lose them all together!” Spike finished as they all gasped again.

“I’m just gonna say it.” Jazz said naturally before she panicked and placed her hooves to her cheeks, “We’re doomed!” She cried out as she trotted away as everypony then started screaming in panic as they ran away.

“Wait, everypony! Come back!” Hitch called out as they stopped and looked at him. “We need all hooves on deck here protecting this tree!” He stated.

“But without our Cutie Marks, we’re not ourselves!” Toots cried out. “We can’t protect anything! Ugh!” He cried dramatically as he fell to the floor.

Misty walked up to him and reached a hoof out to him, “Yes… you can.” She said with a determined smile.

Toots looked at Misty’s hoof as he accepted it as she helped him up.

“I know it doesn’t feel like it right now. But you all have something to offer.” Misty said to them as the ponies gathered around her. “You’re all smart and brave and kind. I’ve seen you. Any of you would do anything to help your fellow pony.” She said as the crowds were moved by her words as they smiled, “Even you, Sprout!” She added with a smile while looking in the direction of a barrel.

Sprout then came out from behind the barrel when Misty said that. “Really? Aww!” He said with a smile.

“Look, I know Opaline.” Misty continued with a grimace look at the memory. “She’s awful. She kept me locked in her lair for moons. But I survived all of it… Even without a Cutie Mark!” She said as the ponies continued to listen as they started to smile. “Yes, your Cutie Marks are special. But they’re not the only thing that makes you special. And nopony can take away what makes you special on the inside.”

“The Cutie Marks may be part of us, but it doesn’t defy us of who we are,” Sunset said with an inspiring smile as she stood next to Misty. “We did many things as foals way before we got our marks. Heck, when I was in another world, they didn’t have Cutie Marks. But we still did amazing things with or without them.” She said, since back in the human world, even though the humans don’t have Cutie Marks, they are still special in their own ways like the Rainbooms.

“Yeah!” Izzy cheered with a smile as she came up next, “You’re powerful ponies! Any one of you could kick a door off its hinges in two and a half tries!” She exclaimed as she kicked her back legs with a cheery smile as Pipp landed behind them.

Pipp gave a strange smile at Izzy’s words, “That is… oddly specific.” She said.

“But good example, Izzy,” Sunset said with a slight smile.

“Thank you very much!” Izzy cheered.

“Well do our part,” Rocky said to them with a smile before he got concerned. “But how are you gonna stop Opaline? Do you have a plan?” He asked as the other ponies were wondering the same thing.

“A plan?” Sunny asked before she gave a forced smile. “Ah… Of course! Absolutely!” She called out nervously as her friends looked at her with a brow as they all huddled up, “Okay! Who has a plan?” She asked

“Oh…Oh! Me! I do!” Izzy cheered with a smile. “Here’s what we’re gonna need: Two bathtubs full of glimmerberry jam, a stick of bubble gum, and exactly 16 cases of assorted craft supplies.” She listed with a smile. “This ain’t gonna be easy, but if we time it just right, then we’re gonna--” She was cut off when Sunny spoke.

“That is… an option!” Sunny said as she gave a nervous laugh.

“Izzy, we’re not doing that,” Sunset said softly. “As much as crafting is fun, it’s not gonna get us out of this situation,” She stated.

“Okay!” Izzy cheerfully said.

“Does anypony have any other ideas?” Discord asked.

“We need to figure out how Opaline is stealing the Cutie Marks,” Zipp stated seriously.

Twilight appeared from her necklace. “I agree. If we find out how she’s doing it, then we might find a way to stop her,” She said, finding Zipp’s idea great.

“And we need to do it before she comes back here and finishes the job!” Pipp cried out as she looked at her Cutie Mark and gave a nervous whimper since she and her friends were possibly next on Opaline’s list of taking their Cutie Marks.

“What if Zephyr Heights and Bridlewood are in danger, too?!” Hitch asked in worried. “This is too much! How are we supposed to do this on our own?” He asked, feeling so much pressure.

“We’re not on our own…” Sunny said with a smile. “Opaline’s not the only pony with dragons on her side!”

Sunset felt uncertain about this before Toots called out as they turned to him and the other ponies. “So uh… What’d you come up with?” He called out as Sweet popped her bubble gum bubble again.

Back at where Spike and the other dragons are with Sunny’s Lantern, Spike suddenly slouches to the ground in exhaustion as his dragon friends look at him in concern as the Mane 7 and Discord come to them as they all look worried at him.

“Spike!” Sunset called out in concern as she went up to Spike and rubbed his head to comfort him. “Oh, Celestia! What’s wrong!?”

“Are you okay, buddy?” Discord asked.

Twilight then appeared from the necklace again as she looked at Spike in great worry. “Spike, what happened?! What’s wrong?!” She called out in worried.

“I-I don’t know,” Spike said in exhaustion.

“He just collapsed!” Blaize stated in concern.

Luxxe then starts groaning, “I’m not feeling so great either…” She said as she held her head.

“This must be some kind of pony spell!” Fountain theorizes as she shakes her head, “Is this… a-a trap?” She asked while looking at the Mane 7 and Discord.

Before any of them could speak, Misty spoke up, “No, it’s the Dragonstone! It has to be.” She said with a concerned look, “If Opaline has dragons under her control, she’s using the stone to do it.” She realizes.

“But the Dragonstone is what makes a connection to the dragon magic in all dragons!” Sunset pointed out with wide eyes as she kept rubbing Spike’s head while looking at him in concern.

“That means that if she uses up all of the Dragonstone’s magic, that could--” Sunny said as her eyes went wide in horror as Spike found the strength to stand.

“That could put dragons back to sleep for another thousand moons,” Spike said in grim before he gave a determined look, “We can’t let that happen,” He said before he turned to Blaize and the others, “Dragons! Come with me. That stone doesn’t belong to this Opaline.” He said as the other dragons nodded and followed after their leader, “And if we’re gonna have any chance at stopping her, we’re gonna need all the dragon power we have left.” He declared.

“Spike… what about the one…” Luxxe started as they turned to Sparky, who was playing with the leaf on Hitch’s back, “The hatchling?” She asked as Spike nodded as they walked up to Hitch.

Hitch realizes what they are thinking as he gets nervous, “What? No. You can’t… He’s just a baby.” He said to them as Spike lowered his head to him while giving a soft look.

“He is stronger than you know,” Spike said, knowing from experience and know that Sparky is stronger than any of them think.

“Hitch, he’s right.” Misty said as she walked up to Hitch, “Sparky’s the one who filled up the Dragonstone in the first place. He’s why Opaline’s Fire Alicorn magic is so powerful.” She reminded as Sparky played with the leaf.

“And if she got her magic through Sparky…” Sunny started with a smile forming.

“Maybe he’s the one who can take it all back,” Spike finished with a smile, coming up with a plan.

Hitch turned to Sparky uncertainly. “He is strong. But he’s still my… my little…” He tried to say but couldn’t say it.

“Believe me, he always will be.” Spike assured as he lifted up his paw, “But trust us.” He said with a smile.

“Spike, are you sure this is a good idea to attack Opaline head-on now?” Twilight asked in uncertain. “I mean, she’s as powerful if she managed to take all the Cutie Marks. And with her having the Dragonstone, she’ll have it on a tight leash.” She pointed out.

“I know, Twilight. But there’s not much time left.” Spike said with a small frown. “So we have to at least try. Once we get the Dragonstone away from her, we’ll make a plan to stop her and free Jade and Lava.”

“Spike, we just reunited after many moons,” Sunset said with a frown. “And Opaline is as dangerous as she can be. She nearly drained Sparky of all his dragon magic and it could’ve been worse if we didn’t stop her. What if… what if…” She tried to say before Spike put a paw on Sunset’s shoulder.

“Sunset, we’ll be fine. We survived for many moons, we can survive this.” Spike assured with a small smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll be back. And when we do, we’ll take the fight to Opaline.” He said.

Twilight and Sunset looked at each other as they slowly nodded as Spike leaned into Sunset and hugged Spike’s head while he smiled at the gesture and their friends smiled with tears of joy at this moment as they broke apart.

“Just, be careful and come back once you have the Dragonstone.” Sunset said to him.

“And try not to do anything silly, Spike,” Twilight said with a smirk.

“Hey, I’m Spike the Dragon. It’s what I do.” Spike said with a smile as the three laughed together.

“I’m coming too.” Discord spoke as he went next to Spike as they all looked at him in surprise, “You and the dragons are gonna need help to navigate Opaline’s Castle. Me and the others had been there before and I scouted the castle the first time I was there. I can’t let you and the other dragons do this alone.” He said while placing a hand on Spike’s shoulder.

“Are you sure, Discord? It’s gonna get dangerous,” Spike stated.

“Hey, look at who you’re talking to,” Discord said with a smirk, “I’m the Lord of Chaos. Danger’s my middle name.” He joked as Spike chuckled.

“I guess that is true.” Spike said with a smile before he turned to Hitch, “And Hitch…” He started as he raised his paw again.

Hitch knows what he’s saying as he looks at Sparky as he lowers his head. Sparky turned and saw this as he flipped over and landed on Spike’s paw and he babbled happily as Hitch took off his badge, “You got this, bud.” He said as he gave it to Sparky.

Sparky took it as he was about to playfully use his dragon fire, but stopped when he saw his adoptive father’s expression he gave a sad expression, knowing what Hitch was saying as he looked at the badge and cooed with a smile as he held it and came up to Hitch. Hitch gave a small smile as he and Sparky shared a nuzzle as Spike lifted Sparky to his head as the dragons and Discord then started taking to the air.

“Spike! Discord! Be careful.” Sunny called out.

“Yeah! It could get messy in there!” Sunset said as Twilight nodded in agreement.

“Don’t worry about me, Princesses Twilight, Sunset and Sunny!” Spike said with a smile, “This isn’t our first rodeo.” He quipped.

“And we’re sure it won’t be the last!” Discord said as he took the lead. “Let go dragons!” He called as Spike and the other dragons followed after Discord as they flew away.

“Protect your ponies!” Spike called out as he and Discord led the dragons to Opaline’s Castle.

“We will, Spike!” Sunset called with a smile.

“I’m not…” Sunny called after what Spike just said, “I’m not a princess!” She quickly corrected as Spike started laughing.

“If you say so!” Spike called out from the distance as his voice faded away.

Sunset and Twilight gave amusing smirks to Sunny, “That’s Spike./That’s Spike.” They said in unison as Sunny gave a sheepish chuckle from that.

Hicht then walked a big as he exhaled a breath. “I’m gonna gather everypony by the tree!” He declared with a determined smile.

“We’ll meet you back there as soon as we check on the crystals.” Sunny said to him before she looked at Hitch, “And Hitch! Promise me you’ll be careful, too?” She asked with a plea, not wanting Hitch to get hurt by Opaline either as she couldn’t imagine if something like that would happen.

Hitch gave an assuring smile at Sunny and placed his hoof to his chest, “Hoof to heart.” He promised as he trotted off.

Sunset gave Sunny a comforting hoof on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, Sunny. He’ll be fine. He’s the Sheriff after all.” She assured as Sunny gave a small smile at her as the mares all trotted back to the Brighthouse.

A little bit later, the ponies are still panicking as they are either hiding or running in fear before Hitch, with his sheriff hat, and his critters comes out of the station while Hitch is holding up his megaphone. “Everypony, listen up!” He called out as the ponies all gaped as they lifted their heads up while Hitch walked across the street as they listened and came out of hiding. “I know you’re scared. But we’re stronger together. We’re safer if we’re together! Everypony to the Together Tree!” He declared.

Sprout came out as he gulped nervously as he and the other ponies all followed Hitch as they stood in front of the Together Tree, which was still corrupted by Opaline.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the mares are all looking at the Unity Crystals, which are still shining and the rainbow is still shimmering.

“Mmm. They seem okay.” Sunset said in thought.

“Phew!” Sunny sighed in relief.

“She must not be able to enter the Brighthouse still.” Misty summarize. “She never could do that.” She stated that Opaline never found a way into the Brighthouse since the beginning.

“Which makes the Brighthouse the safest place in Equestria from Opaline’s wrath,” Sunset added.

“For now. But Opaline will find a way,” Twilight reminded them, “But for now, she can’t touch us if the crystals are still working, meaning the magic is still active,” She said.

“Good,” Sunny said with a small smile. “That means the protection spell is still intact! At least here…” She said uncertainly, which Sunset noticed and felt worried for her.

“Wait!” Zipp called out as she trotted to the elevator, which made the mares surprised by this.

“Wait for what?! Where are we going?!” Pipp called as she and the other mares followed Zipp to the elevator. “Zipp. Zipp…” She said as the elevator went down as Pipp tried to get her sister’s attention. “Equestria to Zipp!” She called as Zipp flew out and went to her bed section and went through her notes. “Zipp. Zipp. Zipp-uh! What are you doing?! Studying?!” She called out in frustration.

Zipp then brought out her board as she grabbed a picture from her desk, “Showing you this! Ha!” She called as she placed a picture of a Together Tree on the board with the ponies at their roots.

“Zipp, what is this?” Sunset asked more calmly.

“Ever since Elder Flower told us about the connected roots, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about… this picture!” Zipp explained while showing the picture she put on the board.

Flashback.

At Zephyr Heights during the Manesquerade Ball, Zipp was walking through the library section to find any clues on Opaline as she looked up and saw the same tree from the picture on the ceiling. “It’s from the library back home in Zephyr Heights.” Present Zipp narrated with a laugh as Past Zipp took out her phone and took a picture of the tree.

End of Flashback.

“So…” Pipp started as she exhaled a breath, “What am I looking at?” She asked her sister.

Ziopp then spoke up, “Underneath the tree. Roots that look like they power ponies’ Cutie Marks, right?” She asked.

“Yeah, they most certainly do.” Twilight nodded.

“Oh, I think I see where you’re going,” Sunny said in understanding.

“Yeah, I think we are getting it.” Sunset nodded, seeing what Zipp was trying to say.

“Three trees…” Zipp started with a smirk as she gestured to the three Together Trees from each home of the tribes. “The Maretime Bay Together Tree. Misty’s Together Tree in Zephyr Heights. And the Wishing Together Tree in Bridlewood. Three threes.” She started.

“Elder Flower said that the connection of the Together Trees brings us together, so that must be what Opaline is using!” Sunset said in realization.

“Exactly! Somehow she tapped into the connection between the tree, but I just can’t figure out how--” Zipp said as she rubbed her head to figure out how Opaline found the connection between the Together Tree.

“Even I don’t know.” Twilight said with a frown, “The only way for Opaline to tap into the Together Trees is if she somehow has their roots. But that’s impossible, she couldn’t possibly tap into them from a distance from within her castle.” She said while rubbing her chin.

“She must’ve found someway, but what?” Sunset asked while in thought on how Opaline found the trees’ roots connection.

“It’s not three trees.” Misty spoke up as the mares turned to her as Misty looked down a bit before she continued. “It’s four.” She revealed.

“What?!/What?!” All five mares cried out in shock.

“There’s a fourth tree,” Misty said as she walked up to the board. “Opaline has her own magic tree in her throne room.” She stated.

“You mean those roots and stems we saw in her castle were a piece of a Together Tree?!” Sunset asked in shock.

“I’m afraid so. But it’s not beautiful like the Together Trees.” Misty explained as she looked at the picture of the alicorn. “It’s dark and twisty.” She informed as she had her flashback.

Flashback.

Years ago when Misty was a filly, she remembered the Together Tree around Opaline’s Castle as Filly Misty sat on the stems of the tree while in fear as thunder struck.

“It was supposed to feed on unity magic but it never worked because Opaline never found unity with anypony…” Present Misty explained as she pictured Opaline with an evil smile.

End of Flashback.

“She never had a friend like--” Misty started before Zipp spoke.

“Elder Flower!” Zipp called with a smile.

Izzy gasped as she went next to Zipp, “She’s not friends with Elder Flower?!” She asked in shock.

“Uh, no!” Zipp shook her head while gesturing to the board again. “Elder Flower said they’re all connected.”

“That explains how she managed to find a connection between the trees’ root system and open a portal between them,” Sunset said with a grim look.

“Because she has her own,” Twilight finished with a frown, “Using a Together Tree that represents unity for evil is cruel.” She added.

“And if our Cutie Mark Magic is flowing through it roots of the trees…” Zipp started in thoughtful as Sunny continued.

“Then Opaline must be able to reach them through her own tree!” Sunny finished as they all looked at the board in worried.

“So she can travel through the trees and she’s using the trees to steals the Cutie Marks?!” Zipp asked in shock.

“Whoa. This is a lot!” Izzy called with her hooves raised before she gave a nervous look as she realized something, “Um… Hey, we’re did Hitch say he was gathering all the ponies, again?” She asked nervously.

The mares all turned to her in horror as they realized that Hitch was leading the ponies to the Together Tree without knowing, “Oh no!” Sunset cried out with wide eyes.

At the Together Tree, Hitch and the ponies all stood next to it. “See? It’s cool. We’re safe here together,” Hitch said to them with a smile. “Everything is--” He was cut off as he and Sprout turned and saw something that made the two stallions gasp.

The Together Tree then got some tentacle roots out as Sprout started running. “Not good! Everything is not good!” He called out in fear before one of the roots came to him and took his Cutie Mark. “Ah! My essence!” He cried out as he tried to reach it, but failed as his Cutie Mark was sent into the tree and everypony started screaming.

Just then, Zipp, Pipp, and Izzy than trotted/flew to them as fast as they could. “It’s not safe!” Zipp called out.

“Get away!” Izzy cried.

“We were wrong!” Pipp called out.

Hitch heard his friends as he got nervous as he and the ponies backed away a bit, “Oh, this is not good,” He said nervously as he turned to the tree. “Okay, opposite plan! Everypony split up! Get away from the tree!” He called out as the ponies started screaming and running for their lives and away from the tree.

“But, but you said to go--” Dahlia tried to say as Hitch ran next to her before Sprout started screaming.

“My Cutie Mark!” Sprout cried out as he looked at his now blank flank, and ran up to his mother and jumped on her back, “Mommy! I want it back!” He whined while kicking his hooves.

Phyllis just gave a bored expression with rolled eyes at her son being such a foal even though he’s a grown stallion before she trotted off with her son on her back.

Zipp and Pipp stopped flying as they looked at the tree while Hitch dodged the roots, “If the tree here in Maretime Bay is doing all this, then what about the one in Zephyr Heights?” She asked in worry.

In the Zephyr Heights throne room, Queen Haven’s phone is on her throne as it was buzzing while the ringtone of Pipp’s singing is playing as Pipp is trying to call before a message is played.

“You’ve reached her Royal Majesty, Queen Haven of Zephyr Height’s voicemail.” The voicemail is played while at the Royal Garden, the Zephyr Height’s Together Tree that’s using it’s roots to try and take the ponies Cutie Marks while Queen Haven and Cloudpuff are flying around to try and avoid the roots while Zoom and Thunder tried to stop it.

“Please leave a message after Cloudpuff’s bark! Haha!” The voicemail finished with Cloudpuff barking as Queen Haven flew away from the roots that were chasing her.

Back in Maretime Bay, Pipp heard the voicemail from her phone after she heard the beep. “No answer!” She said to her sister in worry.

“Did you leave a message?” Zipp asked in concern.

“She doesn’t know how to check her messages!” Pipp pointed out as she reminded Zipp that their mother doesn’t know how to properly use her phone. “We have--” She was cut off when Hitch came to them.

“We have to warn Zephyr Heights!” Hitch finished for Pipp.

“We’re on it.” Zipp said as Pipp nodded before they heard a horn honking, “Izzy?!”

Izzy drove to them with her Izzy’s Does It scooter with a worried look, “Okay, I’ve got Bridlewood!” She said as she was going to her home to warn the ponies there as she turned to Hitch with a serious look. “Hich, you’re in charge of here! You listen to me. Can you handle this as a solo Hitch mission?” He questioned while giving a serious look to Hitch.

“Dah, I don’t know!” Hitch called out as he stammered a bit, “Uh, I mean, uh--” He stammered before he asked. “Where are Sunny, Misty, and Sunset?” He asked about the three missing ponies in their group since he could use their help, and wanted to make sure Sunny was safe.

“They’re at the Brighthouse on the lookout!” Zipp explained as they all turned to the rainbow that is shooting out. “At least we know the crystals are safe.” She said, but then the rainbow is starting to glitch out.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, the three mares saw the rainbow glitching as they rushed to the roof. “Oh no! Not again! Not now!” Sunny cried out as she went to the crystals as Sunset and Misty followed behind while Misty leviated the lantern.

“It, it doesn’t make any sense!” Misty called out as she gave Sunny the lantern. “The ponies are frightened, but they’re still working together!” She pointed out.

“But the Crystals are glitching again!” Sunset stated in worry. “There’s no disharmony going on, but there is chaos that somehow messing with the Crystals!”

“It’s Opaline! It has to be!” Sunny cried as she then gasped. “She’s figured out a way inside.”

“That’s not possible! She’s not strong enough to break through the protection spell yet!” Misty pointed out.

Both Sunny and Sunset flinched as they slowly turned to Misty. “What do you mean, yet?” Sunny asked in worry.

“Misty, what are you saying?” Sunset asked.

“If Opaline gets enough Cutie Mark Magic, she’ll have enough power to break any spell and take all the magic!” Misty explained to them.

“Which will allow her to rule all of Equestria with no equal match!” Sunset cried out as Sunny put down her lantern.

“Ugh! That can’t happen!” Sunny called out as she looked at the two mares. “We can’t let Equestria lose their Cutie Marks and their pony magic, too!” She stated as they looked at the rainbow glitching again, “What defense would we have then?” She asked hopefully.

“I don’t know, but we need to find a way to stop her before it’s too late,” Sunset said with a serious look.

“I hope you’re right, Sunset,” Sunny said in a distressed expression.

Sunset could notice the distress on Sunny's face. In fact, she also felt this distressed, because this whole thing not only was accurate with the vision Discord gave her... It was even worse. However, she learned long ago that panic is the worst enemy in situations where the last thing you have to do is panic.

She took a deep breath and nodded, then approached Misty. "Can you give us a second? I wanna talk with Sunny about something important, and I feel she's gonna need it." She said.

Misty only nodded and then went outside of the Crystal Room to give Sunset and Sunny space. With Misty out, Sunset approached her sister figure and nuzzled against her slightly in an attempt to cheer her up. Sunny seemed to notice this, so she nuzzled back because the affection seemed to be working a bit.

"I know you're scared, Sunny. I'll be lying if I said I ain't..." Sunset said after a while.

"How couldn't I?" Sunny asked concerned with a sigh. "Sunset, all the Cutie Marks from Equestria have been stolen! Opaline is becoming more and more powerful with every second we speak! Even with our Alicorn magic, or with Discord and Spike himself at our side... Do we really have a chance against her?"

Sunset knows that feeling of despair. She felt that when no one but the Rainbooms accepted her as her friend in CHS. And sometimes, even after the whole school forgave her, she still felt like this for a while. Now Sunny here is feeling the same kind of distress.

"...Honestly? I don't know..." Sunset replied with a sigh. "I had faced my own struggles back home, but nothing compares to this. So many ponies losing their magic, and the villain gaining much power... I'm worried about how things might turn out for us just as much as you are."

"In my moments like this, I wished my dad was here..." Sunny said with concern, looking up with a sad expression. "He always knew how to cheer me up, even when I seemed like nothing could make me smile anymore."

Upon hearing this, Sunset's ears perked up, and so, an idea popped into her mind. Maybe she could distract Sunny from her distress for a second or two. In the process, she can also get out some stuff of her related to Hitch, stuff she can tell him later so he can use said stuff for his Tunnel of Memories for Sunny.

"Then how about we do that? Let's just talk about any other stuff, not related to Opaline so we can release your mind from all the worries," Sunset said with a smile. "I've been wanting to talk with you about something I noticed, anyway."

"Really?" Sunny asked, willing to listen to Sunset and just chill for a short moment. "What is it?"

"Well... I noticed that you were staring at Hitch at times during our journey here, and you've been staring at him as well on our stay." Sunset pointed out with a teasing grin.

Sunny blushed since she understood what is Sunset implying, so she simply breathed in and out. "He's probably not ready to say goodbye to Sparky if it happens in the end, so I'm worried for him. That's all."

"Uh-huh..." Sunset said, clearly not believing in Sunny's words. "Are you sure your crush over him has nothing to do with it?"

Sunny's blush intensified after hearing that, and she shook her head while placing her hooves on her cheeks. "Sunset! T-That has nothing to do with what's going on!"

"Come on, Sunny. Is no secret to anypony that you've been drooling for him since way before we met," Sunset pointed out with a teasing smirk, also nudging playfully with her. "And I know for a fact that you two have great memories together. Like, how or when did you fall in love with him?"

"...I... I can't tell for sure..." Sunny said nervously, rubbing one of her hooves. "It definitely happened before magic returned. Well, before you and Izzy arrived, even. I think we went to the very first Canterlogic presentation that Phyllis ever hosted. She was sharing a lot of inventions to protect us from Pegasi and Unicorns. I... I couldn't take my anger in and tried to make my very first speech of how unity could make us better," She said with a sad expression.

"Judging by your face, I guess it didn't go as well as you hoped?" Sunset asked with concern.

"They laughed at me, as usual," Sunny sighed sadly, but then she smiled a bit with a little blush. "You know what made that one of my favorite days, and memories, I'd ever made, though? That Hitch stood for me. He... He didn't believe in the same things that I did back then, but he was willing to protect me from everypony in the town if necessary just to make sure that I was fine."

"That definitely sounds like Hitch," Sunset said with a smile.

"Then, a few weeks after that incident, Hitch was selected to be Maretime Bay's new Sheriff!" Sunny said with a smile. "The fact he stood up to protect me, among other things he's done for the town, made him qualify as the perfect Sheriff for the town. That... Is also the reason why I like him. Despite our discussions and clashes on ideas back then, he never left my side, not even when he said he would the very same day I met you and Izzy. Hitch has always been there for me... And I don't know what would I do without him in my life."

"Aw, Sunny. That's... That's actually really sweet," Sunset said with a cute smile. "I get why you like him so much. He's definitely the kind of stallion any sane mare would fall for, but if you ask me, you're definitely his soulmate."

"Sunset..." Sunny complained a bit with a slight blush.

"Like if you haven't pictured yourself at his side!" Sunset mocked her up, nudging her again.

"It's still embarrassing to hear it out loud..." Sunny confessed, playing nervously with her mane. "And why are you so interested in my feelings for Hitch, anyways?"

"Can't a big sister tease her little sister with her crush every now and then? Is that illegal now?" Sunset asked with a natural mocking tone.

"I guess..." Sunny rolled her eyes with a smile. "But since we're talking about crushes, is there anyone in particular that caught your attention?"

"Nope," Sunset replied with a bored expression. Yes, she's lying, but Sunny doesn't have to know that. "Don't make this about me, Sunny. It won't work. Now, is there any moment in particular you and Hitch had together that you like the most? A hang-out on the beach? A walk in the park? Maybe a movie you both like to watch again to revive the good ol' times?"

"Oh, trust me, Sunset, I have lots of stories to tell in between my favorites!" Sunny said with a huge smile. "However, there's one in particular that I believe Hitch can't remember. Not that I would blame him though, but anytime I think about it... My heart just beats so fast I can barely control my emotions." She added with a slight blush again.

"Your eyes are lost, and I can see your heart is beating fast right now..." Sunset said with a teasing smirk. "Well, if you don't mind me asking, what is this memory about?"

"The time Hitch made a Sand Unicorn sculpture for me, hidden from the town so nopony would ever find it and destroy it," Sunny replied, then she looked over at Sunset with a smile.

"...Hitch built a unicorn with sand from the beach? Just for you?!" Sunset asked in shock, and Sunny nodded with a bright smile. "Wow... I know that stallion is drooling for you as well, but doing something that in his own town can be considered illegal just to make you happy?"

"Did I mention that he did that for my birthday? Because if I didn't, well, now I did!" Sunny added happily while blushing.

"For your birthday?! Okay, yeah, that does it. This is true love, Sunny, and I won't hear anypony saying otherwise!" Sunset declared with a smile and a laugh, which made Sunny laugh a bit as well. "I'm serious, though. Hitch went as far as breaking the law he loves to protect to give you a birthday present. If that's not a sign of true love, I don't know what it is, then."

"I was as surprised as you are, Sunset," Sunny said with a smile. "'Till this day, I still can't believe he did that for me."

"And what happened to the statue?" Sunset asked curiously.

"As surprising as it may sound, is still there, hidden away from the rest of the town!" Sunny replied happily. "I still visit it from time to time, just not as often as I used to."

"Oh, so that explains why you sometimes wake up even earlier than me~," Sunset said with a teasing grin.

"S-Shut it, Sunset!" Sunny said slightly flustered, and Sunset laughed again, although she was also very happy to see that Sunny was in a better mood and had forgotten about their current situation for now.

At Opaline’s Castle, Discord is leading Spike and the other dragons to the Dark Castle up ahead. “There it is. Opaline’s Castle.” Discord said with a serious look.

“Great work, Discord.” Spike said to him, “Now let’s see if she’s there” He said as they flew closer to the castle while Sparky looked nervous.

Blaize looked through the window and she saw Opaline’s study room as she saw no one there. “Looks like nopony’s home,” Blaize said.

“Opaline must still be out stealing other ponies’ Cutie Marks,” Discord said with a glare as he looked through the study room, “And no Dragonstone. She must’ve moved it.”

Sparky then started babbling as he pointed down to the bottom of the castle and Spike gasped, understanding what Sparky was saying, “The Dragonstone! Do you sense it, too?” He asked.

“Can you dragons tell where it is? Because I’m not a dragon,” Discord pointed out that he can’t sense the Dragonstone since he’s not a dragon.

Luxxe then answered, “Well, it’s definitely inside there, but it… it feels distant. Like she’s keeping it somewhere… below.” She said in thought.

Discord knew what Luxxe was saying since he was familiar with it, “I think I know where the stone is.” He said with a smirk.

Fountain, however, knew what they were saying and she didn’t like it, “Oh no! C’mon! Not a--” She groaned.

Not long after when Discord guided the dragons inside the castle, they are now in a dungeon, much to Fountain’s displeasure. “Dungeon!” She cried out as she groaned in frustration while Spike and Discord led the way, “Urgh! You know I hate dungeons!” She cried out to Luxxe next to her, “You know what happens to a dragon in a dungeon?” She questioned.

Luxxe raised a brow. “They chain us up?” She guessed in confusion.

“They chain us up! Correct!” Fountain cried out as she stepped back. “I’ve been chained up in a dungeon before, “I’ve been chained up in a dungeon before, Luxxe. Have you?! It’s not cool. It’s not cool at all!” She ranted.

“Shh!” Discord shushed them, “Can you dragons be quiet? We’re in enemy territory! We need to be sneaky about this if we’re ever gonna get that stone and stop her!” He whispered to them.

“And Opaline can return at any moment,” Spike added quickly with a firm look as they continued on while looking at the empty cells.

And then after searching around, the group then found a champer with the Dragonstone in the middle, glowing brighter.

“There!” Spike whispered.

“That’s the one,” Discord nodded.

“And it’s just been charged,” Spike noted at the bright glow the Dragonstone is shimmering.

“Oh no.” Blaize said in concern as she knew why, “Lava and Jade. She has them! That means she must’ve…” She trailed off.

“Chained them up!” Luxxe called out in worry.

“Once we retrieve the stone, we can rescue them and set everything right,” Spike assured with a determined look.

“Then let’s go grab it and then set things right,” Discord said as he and Spike walked up to the Dragonstone, but as soon as Spike was about to grab it, a magical shield prevented him from touching it, “What the…?” Discord asked in shock.

“She got some kind of magic shield around the stone.” Spike theorizes as he inspects the stone.

“Magic shield?” Discord asked before his eyes widened in panic as he remembered that kind of spell. “Wait! Spike! It’s…!” He tried to call out before the Dragonstone was levitated away from them. “Oh dear,” He muttered.

“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong, Spike…” Opaline said as she came in with an evil smile as she remembered Spike very well with the mind-controlled Lava and Jade beside her as she chuckled. “I didn’t put a spell around my Dragonstone…” She started as a shield formed around the group. “I put a spell around my dragons! And the Lord of Chaos as a bonus!” She called as she crackled.

“Aw, come on!” Fountain yelled in irritation. “I told you guys!”

Opaline kept laughing as she looked at Discord. “Do you really think I wouldn’t notice you sneaking into my castle again, Discord? I came prepared this time from our last encounter. I knew you were coming with your old dragon friend before you got here.” She said with an evil smirk.

“Dang it! I can’t believe I fell for that!” Discord cried out as he snapped his fingers again, but nothing happened as he groaned in annoyance. “Classic. Magic proof shield.” He muttered as he slammed his fist into the shield. “I’m sorry, Spike. I should’ve seen this coming!” He said in guilt.

“You did you’re best, Discord. We don’t blame you,” Spike assured him as the dragons all started slamming onto the shield in an attempt to break. “Ugh, you can’t keep us in here forever!” He yelled at Opaline.

“Oh, hush,” Opaline said with a rolled eye before her eyes turned pink and controlled Spike and the other dragons as they were put under her control.

“Spike! Dragons!” Discord cried out as he shook Spike in order to snap him out of it, but it was too late.

“You’d be surprised how long I can keep somedragon in here,” Opaline said with a smirk.

Discord then glared at Opaline as he slammed his fists on the shield, “Opaline, you’ll pay for this!” He yelled in rage.

“I highly doubt that, Discord. You’re dragon friends are mine now.” Opaline said smugly as Sparky hid behind Spike to keep out of sight while Discord made sure Opaline didn’t see him. “My own little Scaly Army. How lovely.” She mocked as she turned to Discord and the dragons as the Lord of Chaos kept his glare, “See, Discord? I can make friends too.” She mocked before she frowned in disgust. “Friendship, ha! They used to tell me that was magic.” She said in amusement as she chuckled and put the Dragonstone back.

“Because it is magic, you power-hungry Alicorn fire witch!” Discord yelled in anger. “Tell it to some creature who had a double dose of that power twice and how it made me become better!” He called out.

“Oh, because you got turned into stone twice?” Opaline mocked with a smirk as Discord gritted his teeth, “You know what I think is magic?” She questioned as she flew up and went face-to-face with Discord and the mind-controlled Spike.

“Like what?” Discord sneered while Sparky saw Opaline flying up as he babbled nervously and kept hidden.

“Power!” Opaine answered as she spread her wings lit them and her horn in flames, “And soon, I’ll have all of it.” She said as she flew around, “Dragonstone? Right there. Cutie Mark Magic? Incoming. Prisbeam? Soon enough. Together Trees?” She listed out with a smirk as her back faced Discord. “Did you see my tree upstairs?” She asked.

Discord was shocked by what she said, “You have a Together Tree?!” He asked in shock.

“I most certainly do. Poor little thing,” Opaline said in fake sympathy as she turned to him and used her magic to create a project of the throne room, Discord gasped in shock at seeing all the Cutie Marks she had stolen trapped in the leaves, “I tried and tried to make it grow, but you know what feeds a Together Tree right?”

“Of course,” Discord sarcastically said with a look.

“Did you guess ‘Unity’?” Opaline asked as Discord stood silent while keeping his glare at her, which Opaline took it as a yes. “That’s correct. It’s always unity. So my little tree would allow just wither up and die.” She said with a glare.

“That’s because you never understood or tried unity. Which caused your tree to die with lack of thereof.” Discord pointed out.

“Oh, but I did try at least once,” Opaline admitted, which surprised Discord as she told her story.

Flashback.

Many moons ago, Misty was a filly and found by Opaline, who was carrying her, Misty looked nervous before Opaline put her down. “Why even when I found it a real live friend, it wouldn’t grow,” Presnet Opaline explained as she and Filly Misty looked at the Together Tree roots.

Then the scene changed to show Filly Misty being alone in her room as time goes by as she grows older with some more objects before becoming what Misty is today while doing some things to pass the time while looking at a picture of her and her friends.

“No matter. My little fake friend brought some real unity magic back to me whether she meant to or not,” Opaline continued as Misty moved a bit and showed a drawing of Sparky, “And all it took was one tiny spark to activate my tree.” She finished.

End of Flashback.

Discord was shocked by what Opaline just revealed as Sparky looked behind Spike as he listened to the conversation. “So you used and lied to Misty to try and get your magic back and seek revenge and continue your plans to rule all of Equestria,” He said in rage that Opaline never truly cared for Misty and that he was using her to just get a magical spark flowing for her plans as Sparky whimpered from that. “Which by the way, was many moons late, I might add,” He added with a smirk

“It may have too many moons for it to happen, I’ll say that. But it was all worth it,” Opaline said with a frown before she smirked while she kept looking at the tree roots before turning to Discord, “And once my tree woke up, well, it made friends with the tree in Maretime Bay, and another tree in Bridlewood. And then my friend Misty, do you know what she did?” She questioned teasingly as Discord gave a dreadful expression when she listed out the Together Trees.

In Zephyr Heights, the Together Tree is using its roots to take the ponies Cutie MMarks from them as Queen Haven and Cloudpuff look at the chaos. “She grew a brand new one for us in Zephyr Heights,” Opaline said.

With Queen Haven wasn’t looking, a root grabbed her Cutie Mark from her flank as Haven gasped in horror as Cloudpuff flew around to try and catch it.

“So maybe My Little Misty really has been a true friend, after all.” Opaline continued as Queen HAven’s Cutie Mark then appeared in one of the blank leaves like the others.

In Bridlewood, the Wishing Together Tree continued to take other ponies Cutie Marks while being sucked into the tree. “Now all of the Cutie Marks come to me…” Opaline stated.

“One by one. Bing. Bong…” Opaline said with a sinister smirk with her wings spread.“But I’m saving my favorite Cutie Marks for last.” She said as she levitated the golden pumpkin she kept during Nightmare Night.

“No!” Discord cried out in shock as he knew who Cutie Marks Opaline was talking about. “Not them!” He pleaded.

“Oh yes, them, Discord,” Opaline said with a smirk as she turned the golden pumpkin into a necklace that had six holes, “And with you off the board, and Spike and the other dragons under my control, it will be easy to defeat Sunset, Twilight, Sunny, and their friends. And once I have those Cutie Marks, nothing will stop me from total domination!” She called.

Not long after, Opaline was outside the castle in the air with the other dragons except for Spike. “Then, Equestria is mine!” She finished as she laughed evily as she, Lava, and Jade flew off while the rest of the dragons stayed to guard the castle.

In the dungeon, Discord gives a horrified expression as Opaline goes after his friends to steal his Cutie Mark before he slams his fist into the shield in rage. He stops and slouches in defeat before he turns to Sparky, seeing him nudging the stiff Spike, trying to snap him out of it as he whimpered sadly before looking at Discord.

Discord gave a sympathetic look at Sparky as he sighed and walked up to him and gave him a comforting hug, “Yeah, I know. Things are not well,” He said to him as he looked up, “I hope the others thought of a plan.” He added before turning to Spike with a concerned look, “If you could hear me Spike, I hope our friends can handle this. Because they’re gonna need a miracle to stop her now.”

Back in Maretime Bay, Sunset left Sunny and Misty on their own to watch over the Unity Crystals in case anything else went wrong, while she went to check on the town and make sure nopony was panicking anymore.

So far, everypony seemed to have calmed a bit from the earlier scare, but then Sunset noticed that Hitch, who was in front of the Together Tree, was also looking to the ground with concern. This worried her since she feared it meant that something bad happened, so she flew to him and landed behind.

"Sheriff?" Sunset called out, making Hitch perk his ears and turn to her. "Everything good?"

"As good as it can be, I guess..." Hitch replied. "I'm just worried about something."

"Is it about Opaline and all the Cutie Marks she just stole?" Sunset asked, now feeling a bit worried as well. "Or is it about your surprise for Sunny?"

"Both, actually, but leaning slightly more about Sunny, just not about my declaration thing..." Hitch replied. "As much as I try to calm myself down with that subject, I'm still concerned with what I told Sunny about not being her friend anymore if she kept doing a lot of illegal stuff for the sake of proving her point."

"Seriously?" Sunset deadpanned. "Hitch, for the last time, she––"

"Has forgiven me already. I know, Sunset," Hitch rolled his eyes annoyed. "The thing is that I can't forgive myself. I haven't been good at showing her that I regret with my soul telling her that."

"Then why don't you talk it out with her?" Sunset suggested with a little smile.

"Huh?" Hitch said confused.

"You say you feel uneasy and can't forgive yourself just yet, right?" Sunset pointed out. "Then tell Sunny exactly that! I'm sure she'll be able to help you calm your nerves down. And, who knows, she may even be able to help you finally forgive yourself. Is something you two have to fix together, Sheriff."

"Well, that sounds good, but are you sure?" Hitch asked uncertainly. "The last thing I want is to lose Sunny, or hurt her again if I remind her that..."

"You won't do it, Hitch. I know it because I know you. You'll be able to fix it," Sunset assured once again with a smile, and Hitch smiled back with a nod.

With that being said, Sunset took a last glance at the Tree, then at the town, then she spread her wings and traveled back by flight towards the Crystal Brighthouse.

Back at the Crystal Brighthouse, Sunny and Misty kept looking at the Unity Crystals as the rainbow glitched again before Sunset flew in while seeing this as well. “Oh boy, this is getting worse,” Sunset muttered in concern.

Misty groaned. “Oh, this is all my fault. I never should’ve come here.” She cried out. “If I hadn’t helped Opaline, she never could’ve done all this!” She cried out in guilt.

“Misty, none of this was your fault. This is all on Opaline for using you.” Sunset assured as she and Sunny walked up to her.

“Yeah. You can’t think like that.” Sunny said in agreement. “What were you supposed to do? Stay in that creepy lair forever by yourself?” She asked before she frowned. “Besides, I’m the one who made us all leave. We never should’ve gone to the Isle of Scaly! We should’ve stayed here and protected Equestria.” She said in despair as the rainbow glitched again.

“But then you wouldn’t have helped the Dragons find their courage again,” Misty pointed out.

“And you wouldn’t have helped me, Discord, and Twilight reunite with Spike when we did,” Sunset added with a small smile while gesturing to her necklace that Twilight is in.

“Yeah. You’re a leader like Sunset, Sunny.” Misty stated with a smile, “You always help everypony.”

Sunny however kept her frown, “I’m not a leader. I’m just a pony. A pony who can’t ever stop stirring up trouble!” She cried out as she felt guilty for causing this mess. “Sunset is a better leader than I ever would be,”

“Who, hey, that’s not who you are, Sunny.” Sunset said while placing a hoof on her shoulder, “You don’t cause trouble. You never did.”

“Yeah, Sunny, you know that’s not--” Misty tried to say before she had a familiar sensation as she gave a horrified expression, “She’s back! Opaline’s here.” She cried out.

“What?!” Sunset cried out in shock.

“How do you know?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“I can feel it in my hooves,” Misty answered in fear. “See it in my mind.” She added as she heard Opaline’s crackle as she closed her eyes.

At Maretime Bay’s Together Tree, Hitch stood in front of it as he turned to the ponies in hiding, “Everypony, keep away from the tree. This is the Sheriff’s responsibility!” He called with determination as the rest of the ponies stayed in hiding, “I won’t let any more of you be in danger.”

Just then, Hitch’s critter crew came up and stood beside him, “Kenneth. Guys. No. You can’t be here either.” He said to them, but then a portal opened up, which surprised Hitch as Opaline, Jade, and Lava flew out of it while Hitch watched them land in front of him.

“Don’t try to hide, ponies,” Opaline called with a smirk. “I will find you!”

Hitch then gave a serious expression as he and his critters faced Opaline, “Not as long as Sheriff Hitch is around!” He declared as he stomped his hoof and used his Earth Pony Magic.

Some vines grew and tied Opaline around them, but she then focused her magic as she burned the vines off her while giving a chuckle of amusement. “Earth Pony Magic! Ah, what’ll they think of next?” She asked in amusement.

Then Hitch’s critter charged at Opaline, “Wait! Kenneth! Steven! McSnipsalot!” Hitch called out as they tackled Opaline, pushing her back into the portal with them as well. “No!” He cried out as he reached his hoof out.

Once Opaline went back into the portal, Jade and Lava’s eyes returned to normal, now free from Opaline’s control now she was not close to them. “No…” Hitch said in despair at what happened to his critters. But then, Hitch saw something coming back from the portal as he flinched.

“Ugh!” Opaline groaned as she came back before she tossed Hitch’s critters off her and they fell to the floor and ran away from her in fear while Opaline landed between Jade and Lava, putting them back under her control as the two dragons breathe out their fire.

Opaline looked around as she noticed that Hitch was gone and the street was empty. What she didn’t know was that Hitch was hiding behind some crates while whimpering in fear as he looked overhead and watched Opaline searching around.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are!” Opaline mocked with a smirk as she walked around.

Hitch found his courage as he fixed his sheriff hat. “Not in my town!” He whispered as he stomped his hoof down, using his magic again as he create another vine.

The vine then quickly grabbed Opaline and lifted her up, “Ugh!” She cried out as she struggled to break free and was lifted up in the air as she gave a yelp before she focused her magic and burned the vine up again as she gave an evil laugh. “Your weeds are no macth for a Fire Alicorn!” She boasted before thudding sounds can be heard, “Huh?” She asked as she looked down.

Opaline saw two stallions beside each other as some apples fell, giving away their hiding place as Opaline looked at them as they looked at her in fear, “Well, look at that.” She said as she saw the grey stallion’s Cutie Mark. “And I thought I’d collected all of the other Cutie Marks.” She said as the roots charged after them.

Hitch saw this as he ran after them, “Not today!” He called as he ran in front of the two stallions as the roots got him and pulled him towards Opaline as he struggled to get free, “Run! Get out of here!” He called as the two stallions didn’t need to be told twice ran off with screams.

“After them!” Opaline ordered Jade and Lava as they flew in front of the stallions, preventing them from leaving.

“No!” Hitch called out as he struggled to break free as his Cutie Mark started glowing.

“There it is. Ripe for the plucking!” Opaline said with a smirk when she saw Hitch’s Cutie Mark.

Hitch looked at his Cutie Mark as he was not giving up without a fight as he struggled a bit and slammed his hoof down, using his magic again as a couple of vines grew, “Not in my town!” He strained as the vines pulled the roots off him, freeing him as Hitch faced Opaline with a courageful look.

“Ah! Opaline yelled as she used her magic to create a ring, which she threw at Hitch as he jumped up, but he was hit and fell to his side, losing his hat, as his hooves were now tied together by Opaline’s magic.

Hitch looked at his hooves as he struggled to break free, but he wasn’t going down that easily as he used his magic again to summon two more vines and launch them at Opaline.

Opaline flew around as she dodged the vines before she used her magic to burn to them ash as she gave another laugh before facing Hitch.

At the Brighouse, Sunset, Sunny, and Misty are watching the fight while Misty is looking through her binoculars as she went wide eyes when she saw Hitch got caught. “She got Hitch!” She cried out.

“She’s gonna steal his Cutie Mark!” Sunset called next, she was impressed by how Hitch was handling Opaline at first, but that vanished when they saw him get caught.

“We have to help him!” Sunny called out in great worry for Hitch as she and Sunset went up to the elevator as the rainbow kept glitching.

Misty, however, looked nervous as she sat down, “Sunny, Sunset… I-I can’t.” She said to them as they turned to her.

“Misty! We have to.” Sunny urged.

“We know you’re scared, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from doing what you think is right,” Sunset said to her, seeing that Misty was scared to even face Opaline again.

“I don’t think I can face her,” Misty said uncertainly.

Sunset and Sunny looked at each other as they nodded and turned to Misty with small smiles, “You don’t have to.” Sunny said in understanding.

“We understand, Misty. You don’t have to face her,” Sunset added while placing a hoof on Misty. “You stay here!”

“Somepony needs to protect the Unity Crystals.” Sunny finished as the three mares looked at the crystals.

Back with Hitch, he kept struggling to break free as he looked at Opaline in fear as she flew down to him with a smirk as she lit up her horn and took Hitch’s Cutie Mark right off his flank as Hitch watched in horror as it go.

Opaline smiled as she levitated Hitch’s Cutie Mark to her as Hitch kept struggling. “Not… in my… town.” Hitch groaned as the magic ring on his hooves disappeared as he lay on the ground in defeat.

At the Crystal Brighthouse, Misty, Sunset, and Sunny looked as they saw the yellow color of the rainbow disappear, which made them shocked as they realized one thing.

"HItch!" The three mares cried out in horror, realizing that Hitch lost his Cutie Mark to Opaline as Sunny gave teary eyes at what happened to her foalhood friend as Misty went to her and gave her a comforting hug, which Sunny deeply returned.

While Sunset, however, her eyes went fear at what happened to Hitch, "Oh no. No, no, no, no! It's happening!" She stammered as she started hyperventilating, and might be having a panic attack because the vision that Discord showed her was becoming more and more real and finding it even worse since Opaline has stolen all of the Cutie Marks before they came back from the Dragonlands, fearing that the worse is coming for the rest of them.

Opaline laughed in victory at her mission as she held up Hitch’s Cutie Mark while the root took the grey stallion’s Cutie Mark before Jade and Lava flew towards her with roars while Opaline kept laughing evilly.

Up in the sky, the clouds turned more grey over them.

In Bridlewood, Izzy made it to her hometown as she met up with Alphabittle before they heard Opaline’s laughter echoing through the air as they looked up and saw yellow lightning bolts.

Alhabittle was shocked by this while Izzy watched in horror and realized what that lightning bolt was, “Hitch!” She cried out, feeling that Hitch lost his Cutie Mark.

At Zephyr Heights, Pipp and Zipp met up with their mother, they heard Opaline’s laughter as well and saw the yellow lightning bolt as they all looked in shock with horrified expressions.

“No! Hitch!” Pipp cried out as the Royal Family looked up to the sky.

“Hitch!” Zipp cried out as she and her sister had the same feeling that Opaline stole Hitch’s Cutie Mark.

Back in Maretime Bay while yellow thunder clashed, Jade, and Lava then stood in front of Opaline.”Now Mistress Opaline, all of the Cutie Mark Magic in Equestrias is yours.” Jade said mindlessly as she and Lava bowed to her.

Opaline kept her smile as she levitated Hitch’s Cutie Mark to her, “Not quite.” She corrected as she placed Hitch’s mark into one of the holes in the necklace. “Five little ponies to go…” She said at the five remaining holes around Hitch’s Cutie Mark for the rest of the Mane 7 as thunder kept booming.

Opaline is just getting started and she won’t stop until her enemies’ Cutie Marks are hers and all magic as well so she can rule all of Equestria, the Mane 7’s fight with Opaline just went from bad to worse.

End of Chapter 6 Ep 2.

Chapter 6 Ep 4: Secrets of Starlight

Chapter 6 Ep 4: Secrets of Starlight

The Mane 7 were at the front of the new Together Tree that had been born after Opaline's Castle was destroyed. Izzy seemed to be waiting excitedly for another portal to appear, and so was Pipp. Zipp, however, was dying from boredom, Misty had no idea why they were still here, Sunset was staring concerned at the closed necklace, and Hitch... Hitch was smiling like an idiot when he saw Sparky playing with Sunny.

The baby dragon was constantly circling Sunny, as if he was playing hide and seek, sometimes even managing to sneak behind some rocks, but Sunny still managed to find him all the same and grab him in her arms to treat him like her own son, something that Sparky didn't minded as he babbled happily, and Hitch himself didn't minded, either.

What happened earlier with Sparky calling Sunny his 'mama' is still making the Sheriff a bit giddy. Why did it feel so great when Sparky himself hugged Sunny tightly and referred to her as his mom? Hitch has no answer to that question, but he knows that if Sparky himself loves Sunny as a mother, then maybe Sunny is the perfect mare for him after all.

He smiled warmly at Sparky and Sunny acting like mother and son. Why keep questioning the reason behind Sparky seeing a mother on Sunny when it was incredibly wholesome? Sparky seemed so happy and peaceful at her side, and that's what really mattered to him in the end.

He realized he was staring for way too long, though, and if anypony - or draconequus - else caught him staring, he'd look like a creep. So, he chose to let Sparky play with his new mother figure, but just as he was about to go and see how Sunset was doing...

"You know you're not as sneaky as you are, do you, Hitchy?" Sunny's voice suddenly spoke, catching the Sheriff off guard, and making him stop and gulp nervously.

Hitch turned back to her, just to see that she was looking down at Sparky on her hooves, but she was also smiling, and that actually made him smile a little bit as well.

"Yeah, well... Being sneaky was not really one of my strengths," Hitch confessed with a sheepish smile, then he approached Sunny and sat beside her. "I'm sorry for staring, Sunny," The Sheriff apologized a bit ashamed. "It's just that, well, I found the whole thing too adorable to not stare."

"It's okay, Hitch. It doesn't bother me at all," Sunny said with a little smile. "Just try not to be so obvious next time, okay?" She added with a flirty smile and a wink.

Hitch blushed a bit at this, but he still chuckled and nodded. "I'll try. Just don't steal my son from me, 'Mama Sunny'."

Although blushing, Sunny also bursted out laughing after hearing Hitch's joke, and Hitch himself joined in the laugh with her. It didn't matter the situation or the place, these two enjoyed each other's company so much that they wouldn't trade it for anything in the entire world.

"I still can't believe Sparky calls me his 'mama'... I felt so many things at the moment, and I still do!" Sunny says with nothing but joy running through her body. "It was so magical! I-I felt––"

"A mix of happiness, confusion, pride, and love?" Hitch asked with a smile, and Sunny looked at him surprised.

"I–– Yeah! Those emotions precisely!" Sunny replied shocked, although smiling all the same. "How did you––"

"Because I felt the same way when he first called me 'papa'," Hitch replied with a smile, then he sighed and caressed the baby dragon's head, who babbled happily at his father's touch. "This little guy is one of the most important things in my life. The day he referred to me as his dad, I knew my life couldn't be the same without him."

"Well... Now I'm the one that can't imagine a life without him..." Sunny said with a smile, looking down at Sparky as he smiled at her. "I still wonder why he called me his Mom out of everypony in the group, though."

"Hmm?" Hitch tilted his head confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I honestly thought that he'd see Izzy as his mother," Sunny confessed. "Just think about it: She's incredibly talented with kids, Sparky obeys her even more than he obeys you sometimes, and she can put him to sleep way faster than the rest of us! To me, it is just logical he calls her his Mom."

"What are you talking about?" Hitch asked confused and in disbelief. "You think that being good with kids makes you a good mother already? Is more complicated than that, Sunny. Sure, Izzy can make Sparky sleep and obey, but have you ever seen how much energy it takes out of her?"

"...Yeah, she usually gets very tired by the time she's done with him..." Sunny admitted while in thought.

"And Sparky does not always hear what she says, either," Hitch pointed out. "I think she mentioned that Sparky ran away from her right before spotting Misty the day she met her. He also caused her trouble when I went insane with the 'No Magic Rule' incident, although she never told me until weeks later."

"Well, yeah, he's hoofful for all of us, but Izzy's still more fit to be considered his Mom, so much more than me," Sunny argued, now carefully placing a hoof over Sparky's head.

"Is she, though?" Hitch asked with a brow, but also with a smirk.

"Now what do you mean, Hitch?" Sunny asked, confused.

"When Sparky got sick that one time, you were the first pony to put everything else aside and help me out. You even found the cure! Sure, we didn't know it was the cure until a few hours later, but your solution was still the one thing that helped him feel better!" Hitch started to explain with a smile. "And whenever I needed a dragon-sitter and Izzy wasn't available, you were the one that took care of him. I heard from Sunset and Zipp that he slept twice as fast as he usually does with Izzy, all because you simply treated him like the baby he is!"

"Well, that's true. He... He actually barely makes any mess when he's with me, now that I think about it..." Sunny was shocked with wide eyes.

"And a baby only behaves that well with their mom, or mother figure," Hitch added with a smile that widened, while Sunny blushed a bit at what he implied. "Don't you see, Sunny? Izzy may be a great dragon-sitter, but you? You are the mare that Sparky loves as his mom, the one he wants to be his mom... The one I believe is the right choice to be," He blushed after saying this last thing.

Sunny blushed as well after hearing Hitch say that, but she also smiled at him with a loving gaze, and then they both looked down at Sparky, the baby dragon they both love and care for... their son.

"Well... I'm really honored to be Sparky's Mom." Sunny said happily, carefully making only her horn appear, then also carefully levitating the baby dragon to carry him on her back. "I never imagined that I would become a mom so young." She giggled.

Hitch's heart melted at that sound for what felt like the millionth time, but he still chuckled. "I didn't think I would be a dad so young either, but then I found his egg on the beach. My life's been happier ever since."

"I think all our lives have been that way ever since," Sunny pointed out with a smile. "Although, personally, I'm gonna be even happier now that Sparky sees me as his mom."

"I bet you will, Sunny," Hitch said with a smile. "Hey, um... Once we go back to Maretime Bay, do you think that we could go to the beach? Just you and me, though, like in the old times!"

Sunny looked at Hitch surprised, but then she grinned. "Are you inviting me on a date, Hitchy?" She asked in a flirty tone.

Hitch blushed like mad, but then he chuckled and smiled in the same flirty way. "Maybe I am, Sun~"

Sunny didn't expect that comeback, but she still smiled, then leaned and kissed Hitch's cheek. This made the Sheriff's face get as red as a tomato, but he still smiled like a dork and got a bit giddy.

"I'd love to go out with only you, Hitch~" Sunny declared with a smile and a blush, while Hitch smiled back with the same flustered expression as her.

As they stared at each other happily, with Sunny still carrying Sparky like it was her own child, they didn't notice that Sunset was not as focused on the necklace as they thought and that she heard the whole thing. However, she only smiled and let them be, because they'd been waiting far too long for a moment like this.

"Took you long enough, guys," Sunset muttered with a smile.

Sunset then looked back at her necklace as she kept tapping on it, trying to get it to open and bring Twilight out, but it wouldn’t even budge, which Misty noticed as she walked up to her.

“Still having trouble getting Twilight to come out?” Misty asked in concern.

“No. I mean, she just came back, only to leave and lock herself away in the necklace,” Sunset said as she kept looking at the necklace, “We just defeated Opaline and she decided to leave. I don’t know why she even did that,” She said while tapping the necklace.

“Well, with Opaline defeated, she might’ve thought Equestria is finally at peace,” Misty suggested with a smile, “The two were old enemies of each other back in Ancient Equestria,” She added.

“Yeah, but she couldn’t stay and enjoy the peace?” Sunset asked as she looked at the necklace with sighed, “Whatever Twilight thinks, she’s always cryptic with things and not explaining reasons at times,”

“Well, I’m sure she has her reasons,” Misty assured her and placed a hoof on Sunset’s shoulder, “But, at least she can finally find peace that Equestria is now safe and that the magic and unity, as well as friendship, continues on,” She said.

Sunset gave a small smile at Misty before looking at her necklace, “Yeah, I guess that’s true. But I’ll still miss her,” She said.

“We all will,” Misty said to her while giving Sunset a side hug, “So, you think that portal will open up again?” She asked, changing the topic.

“Not sure. I may have experiences with portals, but there are different ways to open them and sometimes they open at random. Like the one we saw earlier,” Sunset said with a shrug as they stood up and walked next to Sunny and Hitch as they looked at Izzy smiling at the Together Tree, waiting for a portal to open up.

“We’ve been waiting for hours, Iz!” Zipp said in boredom, “Nothing has happened.”

“Yet,” Izzy cheered as she kept looking at the tree with an excited smile, “Nothing has happened yet.” She said with a determined expression before she smiled cheerfully at her friends, “But you can bet your sparkles it’s going to!” She cheerfully said with a cheerful smile.

“I hope so!” Pipp said in agreement as she flew next to Izzy, “I mean, I would love to transform into a stunning crystal version of myself,” She said in excitement, wanting to transform like how Izzy did earlier when she touched the snowflake when the portal first opened.

“Of course, you would,” Sunset said in amusement that Pipp wanted the same crystal look that Izzy received.

“Maybe we should take a break from staring at a tree,” Sunny suggested as she chuckled as Hitch smiled and shook his head in amusement at Sunny’s jokes, “Just for a bit?” She asked.

“We’ll come back, okay?” Pipp assured Izzy with a smile.

“Yeah, after defeating Opaline and stopping her plans, I saw we earned a little break. Let’s call it a day,” Sunset said in agreement as she put the necklace away, “We’ll be back and see if the portal opens again,” She stated as the Mane 7, except Izzy, started walking away.

Izzy just frowned that they had to leave, but as luck would have it for her, a rainbow color sparked up, which made Izzy gasp as she turned and saw the portal from earlier open up again.

“Everypony, look!” Izzy cheered as she pointed to the portal, which the rest of the Mane 7 turned and saw that it opened up again.

Pipp came next to Izzy as she looked at the portal with a smile, “Pretty!” She sang as she and Izzy smiled at each other.

“Wow, that was convenient,” Sunset commented as they all walked back to them.

“More like a coincidence is more like it,” Hitch suggested in surprise.

“Yeah, that too,” Sunset nodded.

“Whoa. I guess you were right,” Zipp said with an awe smile, seeing that Izzy was right when it opened up again.

“Ahem,” Pipp cleared her throat while looking at Zipp, “Yes we were,” She said while gesturing to herself and Izzy since she agreed with Izzy’s idea to wait before she waved her hoof, “Crystal snow!” She cheered before she gasped at the one falling in front of her, “Oh, how pretty!” She cooed at it before she touched the snowflake as a bright flash was made.

The rest of the Mane 7 saw this as the flash faded as they all gasped in amazement as Pipp was now a crystal version of herself like Izzy but with her color schemes and matchings like her Cutie Mark.

Pipp giggled in excitement as she stomped her hooves with glee, “It happened! I’m stunning!” She cheered as she flew up and took a selfie of herself with her as she chuckled and put her hooves together with a pose at her new look.

“Twice in a row, and by touching a snowflake? Amazing,” Sunset said in awe as she rubbed her chin, “Though, I’m not sure how. This is a little new for me to know what magic this is, but the crystal detail is somewhat familiar,” She said in thought.

Sunny then spoke with a smile as she looked at the Together Tree, “I think this is another magical Together Tree like the ones we have in Maretime Bay, Zephyr Heights, and Bridlewood.” She said as she walked up to the tree.

“Possibly. These trees are full of more surprises than we thought,” Sunset commented as she and Sunny walked closer to the tree, “Though where this portal leads is a mystery,” She said while looking at the portal.

“Be careful, girls,” Zipp said to the two Alicorns in concern.

Hitch just gave an assuring smile at Zipp while holding Sparky, “Relax! It’s not like it’s gonna suck us into a portal,” He said to them before the rainbow mist grabbed onto Hitch and pulled him in, much to the mares’ shock.

“Hitch!” Sunny cried out in worry before the rest of the Mane 7 were caught as well and they started screaming as they all disappeared through the portal as one snowflake flew out of it.

At the other side of the portal, the Mane 7 all landed in a snowy crystal-like forest as they got their bearings, “Huh? Ha.” Izzy said as she saw a crystal snow landed on her nose, which caused her to sneeze with a groan as she and the others stood up.

The rest of the Mane 7, including Sparky, are now crystal ponies like Izzy and Pipp with their replicas of Cutie Marks on their necklace on their necks their hooves sparkle and are colored like their manes and their manes have sparkling streaks and Sparky has a necklace of his own while his paws, legs, and horns sparkled up with a necklace of his own.

“Wow,” Hitch said with an awed smile.

“Whoa,” Sunny said next with a smile.

“Woo,” Izzy said.

“Sweet Celestia,” Sunset muttered in amazement as the Mane 7 looked around as they saw the snowy forest around them and shining stars with northern lights as the stars were shining bright.

Sunny gasped in amazement at what she was seeing, “Look at all those stars!” She said as they all looked at the stars.

“Where are we?” Misty asked, wondering where they were.

“Whoa,” Zipp said again.

Hitch then looked down at himself as he noticed their crystal form, “Uh, better question… What are we?” He asked while Misty, who was next to him, looked at herself with a smile as she twirled and hopped around with a smile as Sparky babbled with a smile.

“Who cares?” Pipp said as she walked up with her phone out while the others looked at themselves while Izzy was slipping around, “We’re so glamorous!” She cheered as she took selfies of herself while doing poses.

“Sunny, Sunset, what do you think this is?” Zipp asked while wanting to know what their looks were.

“Yeah. And how do we fix it?” Hitch asked next while looking at himself and blushing a bit at Sunny’s crystal form, finding her beautiful.

“I have no idea!” Sunny said uncertainty, “I’ve never seen anything like it before,” She pointed out.

“These looks are familiar somehow,” Sunset said as she looked at her crystal look and saw her wings were now red streaked with crystal sparkles like the rest of her body, “But I can’t seem to remember what.” She said as they all looked at the portal that was still open.

“But the new Together Tree wouldn’t have brought us here for no reason, right?” Sunny asked her friends as they all muttered in confusion, not sure how to answer that.

“Sunny, we’re not sure why we’re here from a portal that somehow dragged us here,” Sunset pointed out while rubbing her head, “So we’re kinda stump.”

“Well, if we’re here, then it must be for something special,” Sunny theorizes with a smile. “We just have to figure out what it is,”

Just then, the portal began to shrink again, which got their attention, “Uh, is it just me, or is that portal thingy shrinking?” Hitch asked nervously.

“Nope. Not just you,” Zipp said as she flew to the portal and brought out her phone as she scanned it, “It seems to be moving pretty slowly, though,” She informed as the portal shrunk a bit before she turned to her friends. “I think we have enough time to do a little digging and investigate,” She said.

“Well then, let’s hurry!” Hitch called out as he walked up next to Zipp, “So we can still get out of here. Wherever there is!” He cried out nervously.

The rest of the Mane 7 all think it was a good idea, “We did just finish defeating Opaline and I was sorta getting ready to take a nap…” Misty commented as she stretched and gave a yawn. “But I could muster enough energy for another quick adventure. Plus, I’ve never been in snow before!” She said with a smile as she jumped and moved the snow before she picked it up and inspected it, “Hmm, I thought it would be colder.” She said.

Sunset got what Misty just said as she touched the snow, “Wait, snow and it’s not even cold? That’s strange.” She said before feeling the air as she was not shivering, “Hey, the air’s not even shivering in this snowy forest,” She stated.

“Yeah, we’re not even cold the moment we arrive here,” Sunny said as she and the others noticed the same feeling that they're not cold, not even the snow was cold to them.

“This snow is different!” Izzy said in thought as she looked down and slipped, “Oh!” She yelped as she fell on her stomach. She tried to stand up, but she slipped again, “Whoa!” She cried out and landed on her side before she gave a laugh and got up properly, “It’s extra, extra slippy. Whoa!” She said before her hooves slipped again as Sunny came to her and helped her up, “And extra sparkly!” She added as she lifted some snow and saw the snow sparkling.

“You’re right!” Sunny said with a smile, “What a fascinating place,” She commented.

“Snow and weather not cold, crystal forms, and now the snow is slippery and sparkling?” Sunset listed out in thought, “Where have I seen this before?” She muttered.

“Well, to know, let’s find out what brought us here!” Sunny declared as they all looked down at Sparky, who was babbling to her as Sparky ran off in a direction, “I guess Spark is leading the way!” She said in amusement as they all laughed together as the Mane 7 followed Sparky through the forest.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 were still walking through the woods as sparkling snow fell here and there as they followed a path while they looked around in amazement.

“Ooh! Aah!” Izzy yelped as she slipped and fell face-first with a scream before she got up with a groan and shook the snow off her, “All this slipping is making it…” She then quickly gave a raspberry to get some snow out of her mouth, “...very hard to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’. She said.

Hitch then walked up to her, “Need a hoof?” He asked with a friendly smile as he lifted Izzy up.

“I feel like I’m gonna be slipping in this snow forever!” Izzy cried out as she tried to keep her balance.

“You just have to be careful, Izzy,” Sunset advised as she walked up to her. “Granted, it’s not easy, but try and go slow and you’ll be fine,”

“I’ll try,” Izzy said uncertainly as she kept her balance.

Sparky gave an exciting yell as the three ponies looked down and saw Sparky making a snow angel as he showed it to them and Hitch chuckled. “Sparky seems to love it,” He commented as the three ponies smiled.

“That’s cute,” Sunset said with a small smile.

“We’ve been searching a long time!” Pipp cried out as they turned to her, “Will we ever find anything?” She cried out dramatically.

“Found something!” Zipp called out as the others looked up and saw her flying above them as she landed down.

“You found anything, Zipp?” Sunset asked as she and the others smiled in excitement.

“I sure did,” Zipp said with an exciting smile, “This way!” She moved her head in a direction.

“Come on, everypony!” Izzy cheered as she laughed while slipping a bit as she kept her balance and hopped away as the others followed her.

Izzy ran up a hill as she then slipped a bit, “Whoa!” She yelped as she slid on the ground a bit before she sat on her haunch and gasped at something downhill, “Wow!” She said in awe.

The others followed after her before they all gasped at seeing a beautiful town with crystal roofs and all of the houses were purple with golden windows and lines on them. The Mane 7 kept gasping in awe as Pipp brought out her phone and took a picture of it.

“Amazing,” Sunset muttered in awe as she saw the designs before.

“Wow! It’s so pretty under the starry sky!” Sunny cheered at the town shining from the shining stars in the sky.

“This place reminds me of the Crystal Empire back in the old days,” Sunset commented before her eyes widened in realization, “Wait, crystal looks, a snowy area, shimmer snow and weather that isn't cold, and a crystal town?! This place is based on the designs of the Crystal Empire!” She explained.

“The empire where Twilight and her friends fought King Sombra twice when he attacked and Spike helped restore the Crystal Heart?!” Sunny exclaimed in shock and excitement.

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Sunset nodded with a smile before looking at the town in thought, “I only saw it briefly, but I've never seen a town like this from the empire before. I checked the map of Equestria, both old and new, but this wasn’t on the map.” She admitted.

“It must’ve been made when ponies were divided,” Hitch theorizes. “But with how it has nights bought with stars in the sky when it was sunny back home, pun intended,” He joked while giving Sunny a smirk as the mare chuckled from that, “That’s strange when it was daytime back home but night here,”

“Well, something tells me that we might not even be in Equestria anymore,” Sunset said in thought. “We might be far from home than we thought,”

“Well, in any way, this place is incredible!” Sunny cheered with a wide smile.

Zipp gave a suspicious look at the town, “More like incredibly empty,” She noted how the town was deserted.

“Where is everypony?” Misty asked in wonder.

“It’s like the whole place has been completely deserted!” Hitch stated, not seeing a single pony in sight.

“But it can’t be because of Opaline this time,” Misty said in confusion since they knew it was not Opaline since she was defeated.

“No. We defeated her and things are peaceful back home. But it’s something else. ” Sunset said in thought as she then started climbing down the hill.

“Wait, we’re going in?” Misty asked nervously.

Sunset stopped as she turned to them, “Well, we’re not gonna find any answers on why this place is deserted,” She pointed out, “But from how untouched this place is, I don’t think there’s danger close by. So let’s go check out the town to find any more clues.”

The rest of the ponies looked at each other and nodded in agreement as they followed Sunset down the hill and made their way into the crystal town.

The Mane 7 entered the town as they entered the center of it while searching for signs of anypony, but it was so silent that they only heard the wind.

“Why would anypony abandon a fabulous place like this?” Pipp questioned.

“Don’t know, but it must be for a reason,” Sunset answered. “There could be many reasons, but with how this place is intact and unscratched, it’s a mystery.”

“Yeah, which is strange,” Sunny said in agreement as they kept walking.

Just then, they heard the sounds of banging, which were in a rhythm, which caused them to stop, “What is that?” Misty asked nervously as she and the others all walked up to the biggest building at the end of town.

“It sounds like it’s coming from in there,” Sunny said while gesturing to the building, the central central town.

“At least we know this place isn’t deserted,” Sunset said with a shrug as they walked up to the building, except for MIsty who looked nervous.

“Why is everypony trotting towards the scary noises when there is perfectly good silence in the other direction?” Misty asked fearfully while pointing back the way they came.

Her friends then turned to her with assuring smiles, “Don’t worry, Misty!” Sunny spoke up. We’re all going together. We’ve got your back,” She assured.

“And besides, with how this noise is playing, it sounds like music,” Sunset added with a smile, “So don’t worry. If things do turn out bad, we’re there for you,” She said.

“Oh, right.” Misty said with a smile as she scratched her cheeks in embarrassment, “I keep forgetting!” She said as she walked up to her friends.

The Mane 7 walked up to the center hall and opened the door, which caused them to gasp in amazement as there were Unicorns inside, these Unicorns had similar get-ups as the rest of the Mane 7 but their horns were actually made of crystals.

All of the ponies inside are banging their cups and hooves while playing a catchy beat while a purple unicorn mare with her mane and tail white and her Cutie Mark being that of a crystal while she’s also wearing a crystal necklace as she levitated a flute and starts playing it.

(Starshine Time Song)

(Everypony, come on!)

The mare started as she danced around while playing her flute while the other unicorns were banging to the beat.

(Time to shine now!)
(You gotta shine now!)
Hey, put those workin' hooves away
It's time to hit the beat (hit the beat)

The mare then went up to her stallion friend while holding a tray full of cups as the mare grabbed two and gave him a wink as she started passing them to the ponies as she sang and danced.

The sun is down, the stars are shooting
Far as the eye can see (whoo!)

The stallion then passed more cups to the other ponies as the ponies either smiled or passed their cups to each other.

Come on over, join the party
Just have fun with me (with me)
There ain't nopony here that's watchin'
Use your magic to believe

The Mane 7 and Sparky smiled as they moved to the music and watched as the mare spun around with some unicorns surrounding her as they looked up at the star lamps sparkling on the ceiling as they danced around. While moving their heads

Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh
The stars align, the moon is shinin'
Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh (it's shinin', yes, it's shinin')
And can't you feel the night sky hummin'?
Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh
It's like it's up there callin' out to me
(It's callin' out to me)
To me

The mare and the Unicorns all danced around before they moved to the middle of the room and did a pose as the mare spun around and did a pose as they lifted up their hooves as the mare jumped and trotted on a table as the unicorns passed each other cups while the mare made sure not to hit any of them.

Starshine Time
We're only gettin' brighter
We're glowin' up together
We shine, shine, shine (we shine)

The stallion then held a mare’s hoof as she and her friend were dragged off with smiles as the singing mare grabbed another pony and dragged her off as they all danced in a line.

Starshine Time
We're only gettin' brighter
We're glowin' up together
We shine, shine, shine

The stallion from earlier danced in the line too, but he slipped and fell as the filly behind him was knocked down from his hoof before they got up and continued to dance around the drink machine as the Mare played her flute again as they moved to the music as the mare stands on the tea machine.

Da, da, da, da-da
Da, da, da, da, da-da
Da-da-da, da, da, da, da-da, da-da
We shine, shine, shine (we shine)

The mare finished singing as the Mane 7 then started cheering from the song they sang, which the Unicorns noticed at the front door.

“Encore! Encore!” Izzy cheered as she hopped up and down.

The crystal Unicorns all looked at the Mane 7 in the stunt as they all started screaming and running in panic as they all went into hiding, which surprised the Mane 7. Before long, the center hall was empty.

“Was it something we said?” Sunny asked her friends, wondering what was that all about as they all walked out of the hall and into town.

“Where did everypony go?” Misty asked as they still saw the empty town, but the lights were on in the building.

“Looks like they’re hiding from us in fear. That’s familiar.” Sunset commented as this reminds them of when Ponykind was afraid of each other before they brought the magic back and brought them together again. “Looks like they never had visitors before from the looks of things,” She added.

“From what we saw, it appears so,” Hitch said in agreement after seeing the crystal unicorns’ reactions.

“Uh, we’re really sorry!” Sunny yelled out to the hiding ponies, “We didn’t mean to frighten you, ponies!”

“We’re friendly! We promise!” Izzy called next.

“We’re not here to harm you!” Sunset yelled next.

“Please come out!” Sunny pleaded.

“Yea! And we ended up here by accident.” Hitch called out while looking nervous, “We don’t even know where we are.” He said nervously.

Just then, the mare from earlier came up behind them as they all turned to her with small smiles while the mare looked at them with a nervous one, “Hello. Sorry about the sudden disappearance,” She apologized sheepishly as they all looked at her, “We shouldn’t have panicked like that.” She said.

Sparky then gurgled as he walked up to her while giving a small smile, which made the mare chuckle at him with a small smile.

“We’re just not used to new faces around here and, you know, it’s kinda hard to know who to trust or what is real because of the trance.” The mare explained before she gave a slightly fearful look.

The Mane 7 looked confused by what she said, “Trance?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“What do you mean trance?” Sunset questioned in wonder.

“Trance?” The mare asked in panic after she realized what she said as she chuckled nervously. “Who said… Who said that? Not me.” She quickly said. The Mane 7 looked at each other at the mare’s behavior as they looked at her before she gave a nervous smile, “Anyway, we’re very glad to meet you!” She said as she walked to the other side and turned to the hall, “Right, everypony?” She asked before she took out her flute and played another melody again.

Just then, every crystal unicorn was coming out of hiding as they walked around while still looking nervous, much to the Mane 7’s confusion. And then, the stallion with the glasses who was handing out drinks earlier came out as he smiled and gave a chuckle as he went up to them.

“Our mistake!” The stallion called as he slid a bit before he regained his balance, “Whoa!” He yelped before he regained his balance, “We love visitors!” He said before he leaned next to Izzy, “Not that we’ve really ever had any, but I think we love visitors!” He added as he got between Sunny and Misty, “I mean, at least I do?” He questioned while he tapped his hooves.

The stallion then slid next to the mare as he stood up, “We just can’t really invite anypony here because of…” He was cut off when the mare leaned her head to him as she cleared her throat, stopping him as he sat down and covered his muzzle.

The mare then walked up to the Mane 7 with a nervous smile, “Uh, what Comet here is trying to say is… Welcome to Starlight Ridge!” She announced.

“I’m sorry, Violet!” Comet said quietly as Violet gave a nervous smile, “I didn’t mean to say that.”

The Mane 7 looked at them strangely while Izzy kept smiling at them, “Say what?” Zipp asked suspiciously.

“I’m Violet Frost!” Violet exclaimed with her hoof raised to change the topic as Sunny went up and shook her hoof.

“I’m Sunny!” Sunny greeted as she gestured to her friends, “And this is…” She tried to say but was cut off when Izzy came in and leaned on her.

“Izzy. Izzy Moonbow!” Izzy cheered as she shook Violet’s hoof next.

“Name’s Zipp,” Zipp said as she and Pipp flew next to Violet and shook hooves.

“Pipp, lovely to meet you,” Pipp said as she shook Violet’s hoof.

Hitch then came up to Comet, “Hitch!” He greeted as he shook hoof with him as Comet smiled.

Misty came up to Comet on the other side, “Hi! I’m Misty!” She greeted as Comet raised his other hoof and did a double hoof shake with them with a smile.

Sunset then walked up to Violet, “I’m Sunset Shimmer. A pleasure to meet new faces,” She said as she shook Violet’s hoof.

Sunny then gasped as she went down and picked up Sparky, “And this is Sparky!” She said with a smile as Sparky then let out a sneeze, releasing a dragon fire in the process as Violet flinched from that.

“We’ve never met any ponies that aren’t Auroricorns before,” Violet said with a smile as she petted Sparky.

“Auroricorns? That’s what you ponies are called?” Sunset asked in surprise since she never heard of those types of ponies before.

“Yes. We are Auroricorns.” Violent answered with a nod.

“And we’ve never met any that are!” Sunny cheered with a wide smile at meeting new ponies, “We’re so happy to be here!” She exclaimed.

Izzy chuckled as she walked up, “I have never seen anypony flute-jam like that before!” She said as Sunny nodded in agreement at how Violet was playing the flute.

“Yeah. And I know music and that was an impressive flute play,” Sunset commented with an impressive smile.

Violet chuckled their compliments, “I got a little carried away” She honestly said with a hoof to her head before she got nervous, “But I had to have some fun, while I still can,” She whispered as she gasped and covered her hoof, which made Sunset raised a brow.

“‘Have fun while you still can’?” Zipp asked suspiciously as she noticed it as well as she flew up beside Sunset as the two ponies looked at Violet strangely. “What does that mean?” She questioned.

“Because that’s oddly suspicious when you said that you need to have fun while you still could,” Sunset added in agreement.

Izzy then hopped to Violet cheerfully, “Yeah! I like to have fun all the time!” She cheered as she got close to Violet as she walked back a bit nervously and stopped next to Comet, who was looking nervous as well.

“So do I, Izzy!” Violet exclaimed as the two Auroricorns gave nervous smiles.

Sunset and Zipp kept looking at the two strangely while Sunny and Zipp kept smiling at them.

Comet got an idea as he nudged Violet, “Violet, Violet! I have an idea! Be right back!” He said as he trotted into the hall.

After waiting for a moment, Comet then came back with a tray filled with eight cups of hot cocoa on his back as he chuckled and hopped towards them, but he then slipped and fell to his stomach as the tray flew off him before he caught it with his magic.

“Ha-ha! Sorry about that!” Comet said in embarrassment, “Sometimes, my hooves can’t keep up with my brain,” He explained.

“We can tell,” Sunset said with a small smile.

Violet chuckled from that, “Comet is our Starlight Ridge Cocoa Specialist.” She explained as Comet stood up and fixed his glasses.

“Mm-hmm, here!” Comet quickly said as he lifted up the trays, “Try a few of our favorite flavors!” he said as he started organizing them, “Okay, let’s see, we’ve got Apple Oat cocoa, Tropical Banana cocoa,” He started, talking much like Izzy, as he gave the first two cocoa to Sunny and Sunset, which made Izzy looked with wide eyes before Comet gave her a cup, which she smiled widely. “Razzleberry cocoa,” He said while giving Izzy the cup.

“Hay Milk cocoa,” Comet continued while giving Zipp her cup, “Jumping Jellybean cocoa.” He said with a slight chuckle as he gave Misty a cup as a jellybean jumped from it before Izzy quickly caught it.

Izzy ate the jelly bean happily, “Mmm! Jumpy!” She cheered as Misty smiled at her.

Comet then gave Violet her cocoa, then to Pipp, and finally Hitch, “Salty Cinnamon cocoa, snowflake-shaped marshmallow cocoa, and my personal favorite, super ice cold frozen cocoa,” He finished with a smile.

Hitch looks at his cocoa and sees that it really is frozen, he shakes it while looking weird that they froze hot cocoa, “Oh, uh… Thanks!” He said awkwardly as he moved his cocoa to Sparky, which he defrosted with his fire and started drinking as Hitch smiled.

Sunset sips hers’ with a smile, “Banana in hot cocoa? Now that’s something that was never made before,” She commented as she savored her cocoa, “And tasty.” She said.

“It sure is, Sunset,” Sunny said as she raised her cup, which Sunset did hers with as the two ponies smiled and tapped each other's cups as they enjoyed their drinks.

Violet looked at the Mane 7 with a smile, “You ponies are in luck because today is Starshine Time!” She announced.

“Yes! Woo-hoo!” Izzy cheered as she gulped down her cocoa, tossed the cup away, and hopped happily, “Starshine Time is my favorite! It’s my fav…” She sang before she realized something, “Quick question for you… What is it?” She asked in confusion.

“What is Starshine Time?” Sunset asked, wondering the same thing.

“Starshine Time is our special day of fun!” Comet explained with a smile.

“Really?” Sunset asked with a smile.

“Uh-huh,” Comet nodded with a smile.

“Heh, sounds like something Luna would love,” Sunset commented, seeing another night activity than the Moon Festival that Princess Luna would love.

“Oh my hoofness, what great timing!” Sunny cheered with an exciting smile, as did the other mares as Hich walked between her and Zipp.

“Give us a second, would ya?” Hitch asked the two Auroricorns with a chuckle as he put his hoof over Sunny’s back and walked up with the other mares following as he spoke, “While fun does sound fun, let’s not forget that there is a shrinking portal that we have to get back to,” He reminded them, since the portal is still closing slowly and he’s not sure if they have that long to stay.

Sunny gave an assuring smile to Hitch, “I totally hear you, but these are ponies we’ve never met before!” She exclaimed while gesturing to the Auroricorns around them.

“Even I’m surprised to see these types of ponies. I never seen anypony like them before either in all my life,” Sunset said with a small smile, “I bet not even Twilight knew about them as well,”

“Exactly! Even Sunset had never seen them before,” Sunny said with a smile as an Auroricorn foal turned and waved at them, “This is our chance to make friends with them,” She said as she, Sunset, and Izzy looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

“But just to be on the safe side, Zipp, do you think we still have time?” Sunset asked the pegasus.

“Let me check,” Zipp said as she brought out her phone and looked at the time stamp for the portal, “Hmm. Uh… I guess we’ve got time to hang out. But after that, we’re definitely going back,” She informed Hitch to assure him.

“Fine by us,” Sunset said as the others nodded in agreement.

“Well, Starshine Time does sound pretty cool,” Hitch said with a smile before Pipp grabbed him and pulled him in a hug.

“And they do musical numbers!” Pipp exclaimed as she sang in excitement with a wave of her hoof while Hitch rolled his eyes bored.

Zipp continued to look up to the stars with a smile, “Plus, Sunny’s probably right. If we’re here in Starlight Ridge, it must be for a reason.” She said in a thought.

“That portal did open up out of nowhere in front of us all of a sudden. So whatever that reason is, we’ll figure it out,” Sunset added with a small smile.

Sunny then spoke as she pulled Izzy in as the rest of the mares huddled close to her as well, “And what better way to find out what it is than having fun with new friends?” She asked excitedly as she and the mares looked at Hitch with wide eyes and wide smiles.

“What do you say, Sheriff?” Sunset asked with a smirk.

Hitch just gave them a dull look before he looked down and saw Sparky spilling his hot cocoa with some on his cheeks as he babbled happily and laid on his back before Hitch turned back to the mares.

The six mares knew they had to push Hitch further to convince him, so they all gave him puppy eyes with small cute faces, “Aww!” They all said in unison while looking at Hitch pleadingly.

Hitch saw their faces as he gave a small smile, knowing that he couldn’t say no to their faces, and having seen Sunny’s puppy face so many times, he knew he couldn’t say no to her as he gave a small blush and spoke, “Du-okay. Starshine Time it is.” He said to them with a smile.

“Yes!” They all cheered happily and Hitch agreed as they all laughed while Violet and Comet looked at them with small smiles before they smiled nervously, clearly hiding something that they were too afraid to tell them.

A little bit later, Violet and Comet took the Mane 7 to a frozen lake behind the central hall building while they were all wearing ice skates as the two Auroricorns then started skating on the lake.

“Oh, I’m so excited!” Sunny cheered in excitement as she started skating on the lake, “I love skating!” She added.

“You’re the pro on skating, Sunny.” Sunset said in amusement, “Wait for us!” She cheered as she skated after Sunny.

“Try and keep up, sis!” Sunny said playfully.

“Oh, it is on!” Sunset exclaimed as she started skating.

“Uh-oh!” Izzy said as she gave an uncertain look, “I’m not so sure about this,” She said with a frown since she thought she might slip again.

“Don’t worry, Izzy. You’ll do great!” Pipp assured her as she and the others joined in the skating as Pipp twirled around, “Wee! I could do this all day!” She cheered as Pipp twirled on the ice with one hoof.

Zipp skates past her sister, “This is pretty awesome. Oh, yeah! Ha-ha!” She cheered as she moved around on the ice.

”I feel like I haven’t skated in forever!” Sunny exclaimed as she skated around the ice, “I’ve missed it so much!” She cheered with a spin.

“When you’re saving the world and on an adventure, there are sometimes things you haven’t done in a while!” Sunset exclaimed as she skated around on her hind hooves while doing a spin and twirl before landing on all four, “But this is fun!” She cheered.

Misty and Hitch are then holding Sparky by the paws as they skate on the ice with Sparky’s feet on the ice as the baby dragons giggled in joy. Misty then saw Sunny nearby as she gave a smile, “Hey, Sunny, wanna switch?” She asked.

“I sure would!” Sunny answered as she and Misty switched places as she held Sparky’s arm as she and Hitch skated together while holding Sparky, “This is amazing, Hitch! Remember when we went skating together when we were kids?” She asked with a smile.

“Do I!? It was you who taught me how!” Hitch cheered with a smile before he gave a sheepish one, “After the first few times when I fell, that is.” He said.

Sunny gave a small chuckle at the memory, “But you still did great!” She said as Hitch blushed a bit as the two kept holding Sparky, who babbled in excitement as they continued on.

Izzy, however, looked nervous as she looked at the ice, “Okay. Come on, Izzy. You’ve got this!” She said to herself as she slowly got one of her hooves into the ice, but then she started slipping as she screamed while waving her hooves around, “I don’t got this!” She cried out before she fell on her face and slid to the others as they watched her with her face down and her back up.

“You okay, Izzy?” Sunset asked in concern as did the others when they saw Izzy slip.

“I don’t know. I can’t even do it for a second!” Izzy said sadly as she lay there as Sunny and Sunset skated around her.

“It’s okay, Izzy,” Sunny assured her with a smile, “It’ll just take some getting used to.” She said.

“Yeah. It takes practice to skate around, whether on wheels or on ice,” Sunset added with a small smile, “Just go slowly,” She advised.

Izzy slowly tried to stand up, but she slipped and moved frantically around, “Whoa!” She called out as she screamed and was about to fall before Sunny and Sunset caught her.

“Okay, maybe not,” Sunny said sheepishly with a chuckle.

“Maybe you should take practice lessons,” Sunset said with a sheepish smile.

Izzy frowned while her friends held her, “I’m no good trotting on this crystal ice and I’m even worse at skating on it!” She cried out in discouragement.

Just then, Comet is skating to the three ponies, “Don’t worry! Whoa, ha!” He called out as he tried to skate but was losing balance like before he managed to stand straight with his hooves bent, “I’ve never been good in trotting or skating either.” He said to her with a small smile.

The three mares were surprised by that, especially Izzy, “Huh? You haven’t?” Izzy asked Comet in surprise.

“Mmm-mmm.” Comet shook his head, “I’ve got my own way of doing it. I call it… Whoa!” He yelped as he nearly tripped, “Trip-skating!” He finished with a sheepish smile.

Izzy then gave a small smile from that, “Well…” She started before she gave a chuckle, “The name sounds fun,” She admitted.

“Mmm-hmm!” Comet nodded, “Follow my lead!” He said as he started slowly skating but nearly tripped as he kept his balance before he spun in front of Izzy.

“Oh yeah!” Izzy cheered with a smile, “Trip-skating looks more my speed!” She said as Sunset and Sunny smiled.

“Then let’s do it together!” Comet said as he raised his hoof to Izzy, which the cheery unicorn accepted as they then skated together while nearly tripping as they started laughing, “You got it! Whoa, you’re a natural!” He said to Izzy as they Trip-skate together while trying to keep their balance.

Sunset and Sunny smirked at each other, “You have a feeling that there’s a connection between these two, Sunny?” Sunset asked with a teasing smirk.

“Maybe. They do seem alike in a way,” Sunny said as the two ponies gave a small laugh together as they continued skating.

Sunny and Hitch continued to hold Sparky while skating as Sparky gurgled in excitement as the two Earth Ponies shared a laugh together.

Zipp, Misty, and Pipp are skating close to each other while Zipp and Misty skate around Pipp while Pipp spins in the middle as they laugh together.

Sunset then started skating close to Violet as they both laughed together as the rest of the Mane 7 and two Auroricorns skated around the lake, having fun. But then suddenly, a bright big star shoots up and gives up a big flash with rainbow color.

The Mane 7 looked up at the star in awe, “What was that?!” Sunny asked in awe.

“It was absolutely stunning!” Pipp cheered as she spread her wings.

“That was a beautiful star flash, or whatever it is, there!” Sunset complimented with an awed smile.

Violet then spoke with a nervous smile, “Oh it’s nothing, just an Aurora Flare,” She said.

Sunset and Zipp looked at each other strangely before looking back at Violet, “Um… Nothing is ever just nothing.” Zipp said suspiciously.

“Yeah, usually it means something,” Sunset added in agreement.

Sunny then skates up to Violet, “Is that why today is called Starshine Time?” She asked.

“Yep!” Violet answered with a smile.

The other Auroricorns looked at the flare, but instead of feeling awed like the Mane 7, they looked fearfully while Zipp and Sunset looked at them in thought, “Hmm…” Zipp hummed.

“Something isn’t right,” Sunset muttered.

“So what activity is up next?” Sunny asked excitedly before Comet and Izzy then slipped and tripped on the ice together as their friends looked at them when they fell.

“Something that would keep these two from tripping?” Sunset asked with a small smile since Comet and Izzy are so much alike.

A short bit later, the Mane 7 were at a big slide as an Auroricorn mare hopped on one of the pads and slid down with a cheer.

“The Ice Slide is my absolute favorite thing to do during Starshine Time,” Violet said with a smile after a hop of joy.

“Wow, that’s one big slide,” Sunset commented in surprise, “But awesome!” She cheered.

Hitch felt nervous about this, “As an Earth Pony, I prefer keeping all four hooves on the ground,” He said nervously.

Izzy smiled as she walked close to the slide, “I can’t slip and slide by accident if I slip and slide on purpose!” She cheered, finding this activity perfect since she could slide down for fun as she slid down the slide screaming, “Wee!” She cheered as she jumped over a gap to the next slide.

Pipp, Zipp, and Misty joined in with pads as they all cheered as they slid down the slide.

“Now this is an activity Izzy can get behind,” Sunset commented with a proud smile as Sunny nodded.

“This is more her style alright,” Sunny added in agreement as the two looked at Hitch, “You wanna join them, Hitch?” She asked with a small smile.

“Uh, maybe Sparky and I will just sit this one out,” Hitch said with a nervous smile, feeling a little scared to try out the slide, but then Sparky jumped off his back and slid down as he screamed in excitement, “Or just me,” He said dully after Sparky went down the slide.

“Hey, if Sparky can do it, you can do it too, Hitchy,” Sunny assured him with a smile as Hitch blushed a bit.

“And besides, don’t knock it till you try it,” Sunset added with a small smile.

“Yeah, don’t worry, Hitch.” Violet said with an assuring smile and lit up her horn, “We’ve got Auroricorn magic. We promise we won’t let you get hurt!” She assured with a chuckle as she grabbed a pad and slid down the slide as she screamed in joy before she laughed as she jumped over the gap.

Hitch looked down a bit while Sunset, Sunny, and Comet watched as he gave a determined expression, “Okay. Like you said, Sunny, if Sparky can do it, so can I,” He said as Sunny nodded with a warm smile as Hitch grabbed the pad and slid down with a scream before he started laughing in joy as he jumped over the gap, “This is so much fun! Woo! Yes! Here we go!” He cheered before he started to slow down and went in front of the others as he lay on his stomach and slid on the floor with a sigh.

Sunset, Sunny, and Comet followed along as they and their friends laughed at the experience. “Wow! That was amazing! Hehe! And I know Rainbow Dash would love this!” Sunset cheered from the adrenaline from the slide.

“I’m sure she would, Sunset,” Sunny said with a smile before another Aurora Flare appeared as they looked up, “Wow! Another one!” She cheered.

“They’re so gorgeous!” Misty cheered.

“And not to mention colorful,” Sunset added as they all looked at the flare.

“I wish Aurora Flare would happen in Equestria,” Pipp said with a smile.

“It seems like the Aurora Flare happens whenever everypony is having a good time,” Zipp theorizes, “It’s clearly connected to--” She was cut off when Comet spoke.

“Equestria?” Comet asked with an interesting smile when Pipp said that. “I’ve never heard of it.” He admitted.

Izzy then gasped at what Comet just said, “You’ve never heard of Equestria?!” She asked in shock with her hooves on her cheeks.

“Uh… Neigh way!” Pipp asked in shock.

“Looks like these ponies have never even been to Equestria before if they never heard of it,” Sunset said in surprise.

“Like how the crystal ponies from the Crystal Empire don’t remember much when they returned?” Sunny asked.

“Something like that, but this is different since it’s not a curse,” Sunset said with a shrug, “But apparently, it looked like these Auroricorns never even travel outside of their home,” She noted.

“Well, you’re right on that, Ms. Shimmer,” Comet admitted as he gave a smile, “Oh I have always dreamed of traveling, but I’ve never been allowed to leave Starlight Ridge,” He said with a frown.

That brought their attention, “Wait, what do you mean allowed?” Sunny asked in confusion.

“Yeah, why would you need permission to leave?” Sunset asked with a brow.

“Um…” Comet got nervous before Violet spoke up.

“Onto the next activity!” Violet exclaimed nervously as she and Comet walked ahead while the Mane 7 looked at each other in confusion at their behaviors before they followed after them.

And soon, their next activity was making snow sculptures in the center of their own as they each did their sculptures while Zipp did a sculpture of her drone, Pipp did a sculpture of her Cutie Mark music note, Hitch made a sculpture of his critters, Sparky is making a sculpture of a dragon stone, and Misty is making a butterfly while Sunset and Sunny explained about Equestria to Violet and Comet.

“And when we finished counting, we realized there were exactly 35 lamp posts in the whole area!” Sunny exclaimed as she did a sculpture of the Unity Crystals.

“And besides that, Equestria is a magical area where ponies and other creatures can live in harmony, with new adventures, discovering new lessons and other lost artifacts, but also the Magic of Friendship that flows,” Sunset said as she did a sculpture of Twilight and the rest of the original Mane 6 before giving a sad look at missing them, especially Twilight.

“And um, that’s basically every single fact we can think of about Equestria,” Sunny said to them sheepishly as she placed a comforting hoof on Sunset, which the Alicorn smiled softly at her in response.

Comet got up with a huge smile, “Wow! Equestria sounds incredible.” He said. “I would love to go. Wouldn’t you, Violet Frost?” He asked the mare.

“It does sound amazing, especially how this legendary Twilight Sparkle was and did for it as well,” Violet said with a small smile before she turned to the town, “But I could never leave Starlight Ridge. It’s my home. It’s special, don’t you think?” She asked as she picked up some snow and looked at it longly. “Even the snow here is known for having magical healing properties,” She added as she tossed the snow in the air as the sparkles came down as the ponies looked awed.

“Wow!” Sunny cheered.

“That is special,” Pipp breathed.

“And very interesting,” Sunset added with a smile while looking at the snow.

“Starlight Ridge is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” Sunny said while playing with the snow.

“None of us did, not even me. And this can make the Crystal Empire more beautiful.” Sunset commented.

“You all are pretty lucky to live here,” Sunny said to Violet and Comet.

“Yeah, we are…” Violet said with a small frown before she smiled, “But Equestria sounds like a wonderful place to visit!” She said.

Izzy then turned to them with a wide smile, “It is! It’s our home! And it has…” She then made weird looks while making muttering sounds as she moved aside to reveal a snow sculpture of the Mane 7 and Sparky, “...all of us there. Ta-da!” She cheered.

“Whoa! Izzy! Those are some skills.” Violet said in amazement at Izzy’s crafting skills.

“She’s the best crafting pony there is in all of Equestria,” Sunset said with a smirk, “Whatever junk she finds, she reuses and makes it even better. She calls it Unicycling, which is catchy,” She explained.

“Wow, she is pretty talented just by seeing the sculpture,” Violet said with an impressive smile.

“Thanks!” Izzy cheered before continuing, “You know, at first, I didn’t really like the snow.” She stated as Sparky walked up to the snow sculpture of himself and climbed on it as Izzy slipped a bit, “It’s slippy and stuff. But now, it’s really starting to grow on me,” She said.

Sparky climbed on top of the sculpture of himself, but then he gave a sneeze as he released his dragon fire onto the arc part of the sculpture as some of the snow fell on Izzy, who wasn’t bothered by it.

“And now it’s starting to melt on me,” Izzy said with an amusing smile while looking at Sparky.

Hitch came up to Sparky when that happened, “Oh, Sparky, buddy, gotta be careful with your magic,” HE said to him as Sparky sat down and gave Izzy an apologetic look as he babbled in guilt.

Izzy gave Sparky an assuring smile, “It’s okay, Sparky! It’s a quick fix!” She cheered as she levitated some snow and she sang a bit and fixed up the spot of the arc Sparky melted, “Ta-da! Again!” She cheered.

The Mane 7 then cheered again as another flare shot up and burst out again as they looked at it in smiles again. “I knew it!” Zipp cheered with a smile, “Every time we finish doing something really fun, the Aurora Flare blasts across the sky.” She informed them.

“You’re right. It makes perfect sense.“ Sunny said with a smile as they looked up at the flare and then at Violet’s Cutie Mark, “The Flares are attacked by the Auroricorns’ special kind of Cutie Mark magic!” She exclaimed.

“Which explains why these flares keep happening. The more they have fun, the more flares they get.” Sunset said with a smile, “Now that’s another Cutie Mark magic that is going in the books,” She added, going to make a note of the new discovery of Cutie Mark magic.

Violet then gave a nervous smile, “Wow! What a day. I’ve had so much fun. Have you ponies had fun?” She asked suddenly.

Zipp and Sunset then have strange feelings again, “Okay, what is going on with you two?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah. Why won’t you talk about the Aurora Flares?” Zipp questioned.

“The Aurora Flares? Yeah!” Comet suddenly interjects with a nervous smile, “They’re super special. And so unique, right?! Like now! When I first saw one, when I was a colt, I couldn’t believe my eyes! They’re incredi-mazing.” He frantically said while Violet spoke up.

“They sure are!” Violet called out with a nervous look again, “Now for our next activity, we should…” She tried to say but was cut off.

“Okay, hang on one second,” Zipp said with her hoof raised as she walked up towards them, “Something isn’t adding up about this. Why is everypony acting so funny every time we bring up the Aurora Flares?” She questioned while getting next to Sunny and Sunset.

“Yeah, you ponies panic and want to change the subject every time we bring them up. Why is that?” Sunset questioned as well while Violet and Comet stood quiet, uncertain what to say while Zipp and Sunset gave them suspicious looks.

Sunny then placed a hoof in front of her two friends as she gave the two Auroricorns a nervous chuckle, “Will you excuse us for a moment? We just have to go look at the patch of snow, uh, over there,” She said nervously as she pushed the two ponies away.

The rest of the Mane 7 knew what Sunny was saying as they felt strange as well and they got into a group meeting.

“I agree with Zipp and Sunset. Something strange is going on,” Sunny said, seeing that Zipp and Sunset were onto something.

“Strange indeed, these ponies are weirder than how Bridlewood used to be before the magic came back,” Sunset commented, “No offense, Izz.” She quickly said.

“None taken!” Izzy cheered with a smile.

“And I know the Together Tree portal brought us here for a reason, but what is it?” Sunny asked her friends.

“Maybe the reason we were brought here was just to have some fun!” Izzy suggested with her cheerful smile.

“Yeah.” Misty nodded in agreement, “We really did need it after everything we’ve been through,” She said.

“Mmm… Maybe, we did just beat Opaline and to be honest, she was pretty hard to beat even the first time we faced her,” Sunset said in thought.

“But could the reason really not be bad for once?” Sunny asked since they’ve been through many scenarios like this before and it sometimes ended up bad.

“Hmm… Seems sketchy.” Zipp said in thought, but then the bells started tolling as they heard the ringing sound as they all gasped in surprise.

Violet, Comet, and the other Auroricorns all gasped in fear from hearing the bells while the Mane 7 looked on in confusion.

“What’s with the bells?” Hitch asked in wonder.

Violet then gave a fake yawn as everypony then went back to their homes, “You know what, today has been so great, but…” She started with a nervous smile.

“Uh, right, yup!” Comet called out nervously as he gave a fake yawn as well, “Time for bed!” He exclaimed.

The Mane 7 were confused by this, “Bed?” Zipp asked.

“Now?” Sunny asked as well.

“This early?” Sunset questioned again with a brow.

“What about all the other activities?” Sunny asked in confusion.

Violet however laughed, “You ponies are hilarious. The bell’s ringing, so we have to go to sleep now!” She quickly said while the Mane 7 kept looking at them strangely while giving another yawn, “It was so great meeting all of you!” She said as she and Comet walked off.

“Bye! Thanks for visiting!” Comet said to them as they walked off before Violet stopped and turned to them.

“You should really go home now, but we did have a really great time with you,” Violet said honestly and a bit sad as she continued on.

“Aw,” Sunny said as every Auroricorn entered their homes as their doors closed as Violet was the last one as she gave one last look at the Mane 7 before she entered her home and closed the door.

The bells stopped as the Mane 7 were the only ones left in the middle of town.

“That’s it? We’re done?” Izzy said sadly as she sighed. “It was so sudden,”

“It’s probably for the best,” Hitch suddenly said with a nervous smile, “The portal…” He reminded them with a nervous chuckle, “...must be pretty small by now.” He reminded them that the portal might be smaller than when they just got here

Sunny looked at the sculptures of themselves while thinking, “Hmm, yeah. I guess you’re right.” She said while still feeling off.

“It has been a while, so maybe we should check it out,” Sunset said, seeing Hitch’s point, but still feeling off about what the town’s residents are afraid of from the flares while one of Flare stars faded.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 then walked back the way they came and saw the portal still there, but it was a bit smaller than before. “Wow, look how small it is,” Misty noted.

“Good thing we came back!” Hitch said in relief.

“But should we just leave when there’s something wrong in Starlight Ridge? Just like that?” Sunset questioned them since they knew something was up and they couldn’t just leave without knowing why.

Sunny gave a determined look as she turned and spoke, “No. I really wanted to believe that maybe the portal brought us to Starlight Ridge to have some fun and make new friends, but something tells me that’s just not the case,” She said seriously.

“You said it, Sunny,” Sunset said in agreement, “Something is up, and we need to find out why,” She declared.

“I agree.” Zipp said in agreement as well, “My detective instincts are tingling. The Auroricorns were acting really strange,” She stated.

“Yeah, and they went to bed so suddenly!” Pipp exclaimed as she continued, “I mean, I love my beauty sleep, but that is just like too much,” She stated, even though she found it strange that the Auroricorns went to bed so suddenly, but that is weird by her level.

Hitch looked at the portal as Misty came to him, “The portal is getting really small,” He reminded them as the portal kept shrinking by the moment, “If we don’t leave now, we might not make it through at all.”

“That would be bad,” Misty said in fright.

“What do we do?” Izzy asked her friends, unsure what to do.

“We go back and find out what’s really going on,” Sunny declared.

“But we could get stuck here,” Hitch called out in fear, that the portal would close if they did.

“Hitch, would you rather let these ponies be afraid of something their whole lives and just abandon them just because we need to get back to Equestria?” Sunset questioned with a brow, “Because if we do that, we’re no better than Opaline for leaving the defenseless behind,”

Hitch thought for a moment as he looked down a bit, seeing that Sunset was right about that, “You’re right. I’m all for helping them, but I’m just worried that we might not have enough time left before the portal closes,” He explained.

“It’s a risk that we’re just going to have to take,” Sunny said to him with a smile as she looked at her friends, “The Auroricorns are our friends now and if they’re in trouble, it’s our responsibility to help!” She declared as her friends all looked at her, “If one of us was in trouble, we would do anything we could to help. Right?” She asked her friends.

Sunset was impressed by Sunny’s speech as she spoke, “She's right. If any one of us were in danger, we would do anything to help each other. And we would go through many risks, big or small, to help out,” She said while standing next to Sunny as the two ponies smiled at each other before turning to their friend, “So what do you ponies say?”

Misty then spoke, “I may just be getting used to having friends, but I want to be a good one.” She said to them before she gave a determined look, “And that means going back and making sure everything is okay with the Auroricorns,”

“You’re right.” Zipp said in agreement, “Nopony is going to be in trouble on my watch! She declared.

“Mine either!” Pipp spoke next while standing next to her sister.

“Or mine,” Hitch said with a determined expression while Sparky gurgled as he stood up with a proud pose, clearly saying that he was in.

Izzy was about to speak, but she slipped a bit before she regained her balance, “Also me.” She said with a cheery smile.

“Then it’s settled then, we’re going back to help!” Sunset declared with a proud smile.

“The Auroricorns are our friends!” Sunny announced with a smile, “If they need help, then help is what they’ll have!” She declared.

“So let’s move!” Sunset finished as the Mane 7 turned back to Starlight Ridge as Sunset turned to Sunny, “Sunny, that was an amazing speech you did there and more impressive on the courage of going back to help others despite the fact we’re gonna lose our trip home,” She said with a proud smile.

Sunny smiled softly, “Thanks. After the whole battle with Opaline and the lessons you taught me to take things more seriously, I made a promise myself that I would make sure to stand up and solve any problems and make sure if there is one whether it looks like it’s okay or not,” She said, having taken so many lessons and their fight with Opaline during the stealing Cutie Marks incident, she’s not gonna let an issue slip by her again.

Sunset gave a proud smile and patted Sunny on the back, “That’s really thoughtful, Sunny. And I’m proud of you. You've come a long way since we met,” She said.

“Thanks. I learned from the best,” Sunny said with a smile at Sunset, “Don’t you agree, sis?” She asked with a smirk.

“I sure do, sister,” Sunset said with a smirk as they all walked back to Starlight Ridge.

The Mane 7 then made it to the hill of Starlight Ridge as they looked down to the town before another Aurora Flare went off in the sky. But what’s really strange is Comet and the other Auroricorns all gave creepy smiles with their horns lit, which made the Mane 7 uncomfortable.

“Uh… What are they doing?” Zipp asked in confusion.

“Well, they’re certainly not sleeping. That’s for sure,” Pipp commented.

“I guess they wanted to keep having fun without us?” Izzy suggested with a sad expression, “But why?! We’re a super-duper good time!” She cried out.

“I don’t think it’s that, Izzy.” Sunset said while looking closely at the Auroricorns, “But something tells me that it’s not right here,” She said.

“Yeah. Something is up,” Zipp said in agreement, “Let’s go take a closer look,” She said.

“But out of sight for precautions,” Sunset added as the Mane 7 all walked down and hid behind some snow as they watched.

Comet and the other Auroricorns all then lifted their heads up with creepy smiles as they used their horns on an Aurora Flare, which they magically removed the stars from it as they levitated them closely as they all split up as Cpme walked past the Mane 7, who are then following him into the woods.

“Comet! Comet?” Sunny called as Comet moved the star he had around while not responding to Sunny like he couldn’t hear her, “Can you hear me? What’s going on?” She asked, but Comet didn’t respond as he continued on.

“Does he even know we’re here?” Sunset questioned as they all shrugged in confusion.

Izzy then rushed in front of Comet as she made silly and strange faces with noises, but Comet still gave a creepy blank smile, unfazed by that as Izzy kept making weird faces and weird noises before she stopped.

“Huh,” Izzy said as she saw Comet’s face didn’t react, “Even my Izzy boinks and bonks didn’t snap him out of it. That usually works,” She said in surprise and concern as Comet continued on.

“Good try though, Izz,” Sunset said while patting Izzy’s back with her wing, “But it looks like he’s in too deep to even notice us or anything else,” She commented.

Zipp then walked up to Comet in thought, “What do you think he’s doing?” She asked before Pipp joined her.

“I’m not sure, but he’s definitely acting odd,” Pipp noted at Comet’s strange behavior and him moving the star.

“Uh, I know odd,” Izzy spoke up, since she knows a weird thing when she sees it, “This was even odder than that! Which I normally love.” She said with a smile before she frowned, “But not this time!”

“Do you think this is why they wanted us to leave?” Hitch asked them in wonder.

“Yeah, not sure if this fits into their fun Starshine Time,” Zipp pointed out as Comet walked past them.

“Then why do they all look so happy?” Sunny asked in confusion.

Sunset noticed the smile up close, “Actually, I think it’s more by force than natural,” She said.

“What makes you say that, Sunset?” Pip asked.

“I’ve seen many smiles from Pinkie Pie over the years, you would know what kind of smile there is,” Sunset explained before shuddering, “And trust me, it’s best not to explain it up, but their smiles were more by force than actually doing it.” She said.

“Yeah. Even I can tell this smile isn’t natural,” Izzy said in agreement while looking at Comet in concern.

“Then what’s wrong with them?” Sunny asked.

Misty then saw Violet at the square of town, “There’s Violet Frost! Should we go talk to her?” She asked her friends.

The Mane 7 were about to, but then they saw a winged female snow leopard in front of Violet, who was mainly purple with darker spots, and her wings were colored purple, blue, and green with the same color on her mane. With a bunny behind her and what looks like a floating object beside her as she then makes some sounds on Violet as the mare steps back in fear.

“What in the name of Equestria?!” Sunset asked in shock.

“Oh my hoofness! Who is that?!” Pipp asked fearfully when they saw the snow leopard.

“I have no idea, but I think we can all agree that she does not look friendly,” Hitch stated after seeing that the snow leopard wasn’t friendly by the looks of her.

“Uh…” Izzy started fearfully, “Neither does he!” She called while pointing to an evil bunny on the snow leopard’s back as he gave hissing sounds.

“I knew something was off about this place,” Zipp said seriously.

“Sunset, do you know who that creature is?” Pipp asked her in confusion.

Sunset looked at her closely before she shrugged, “No. I had never seen any creature like her before. But she looks like a snow leopard, but with wings?” She asked in surprise.

“Isn’t that a bit strange?” Zipp asked.

“Well, I know Griffins and Hippogriffs, but a snow leopard with wings, that’s new,” Sunset commented while rubbing her chin.

“Well, from the looks of things, they’re clearing in trouble!” Sunny called out before she got an idea, “Maybe if we get closer to Violet Frost, we can hear what they’re saying,” She suggested.

“Good call, Sunny. Let’s get sneaky and out of sight,” Sunset said in agreement as the Mane 7 walked closely to Violet Frost and the snow leopard, who was still pouring her power into Violet.

Violet struggled a bit as she tried to resist, “Let. Go. Of. Me. Allura! Ugh!” She strained.

“Don’t try to fight it, Violet Frost,” Aullar said with a sinister smile, “Find me the star that I desire,” She ordered as she kept using her powers on her as the bunny gave a maniacal laugh.

Violet couldn’t fight it anymore as her eyes turned pink for a bit before she gave a blank expression, “Yes, Allura.” She said mindlessly.

“Don’t forget to smile,” Allura said while putting on a mocking smile as Allura gave a forced smile, “And have fun.” She added as she flew off with her bunny minion laughing again as Violet then started grabbing a crystal and walked off.

The Mane 7 saw this and they all looked in shock and horror at this.

A little bit later, the Mane 7 huddled as they discussed their next move, “What do we do?” Misty asked them.

“Clearly, this Allura has got all the Auroricorns under a spell,” Zipp stated as Comet and Violet walked past them while laughing to themselves while levitating some crystals.

“Another mind-control magic creature,” Sunset said in annoyance as she sighed, “Seriously, first Opaline and now that snow leopard, this is beginning to feel like a routine with the mind-controlling thing as well,”

“You’re telling me,” Zipp said in agreement.

“We have to snap them out of it!” Sunny called determinedly as the Mane 7 rushed up to Comet and Violet into the woods. Violet and Comet kept laughing as the Mane 7 followed behind them as the two Auroricorns then split to each spot. “Maybe if we can get Violet Frost and Comet far away from Allura, we can get them out of the trance,” She suggested.

“Good call, Sunny. From what Hitch told us, Opaline’s spell was out from Jade and Lava when she fell into the portal briefly,” Sunset said, finding Sunny’s plan a good one.

“It’s true. They were free for a second before Opaline came back,” Hitch confirmed since he had seen it first hoof.

“Then let’s get started!” Sunny called as she rushed up to Violet and sat down with her hoof raised, “Violet Frost, stop! Violet no!” She called, but Violet wasn’t listening as she mindlessly pushed past Sunny, “Ah, ugh…” She groaned as she fell to the floor as Violet continued on.

Sunset, Izzy, and Hitch are trying to get Violet to stand still, but the pony keeps going as she pushes past them while Izzy spins around on the snow and slips onto the floor as they try to catch her.

Zipp and Pipp then tried to get Comet to stand still as they grabbed him, but he got out of their grips with a creepy chuckle as he moved around while the two sisters fell to the floor.

Misty then grabbed Violet by the back, but she was dragged along and fell as Hitch jumped and grabbed Violet by one of her back hooves. “Wow, they are being really difficult!” Misty commented as Hitch lost his grip on Violet.

“And happily!” Hitch added as Sparky ran up to Violet and got on her back with a laugh.

Sunset then moved in front of Violet as she spread her wings, but Violet moved past her at great speed Sunset was surprised by that, “And apparently, pretty smart to move out of incoming obstacles!” She commented.

Pipp then flew in front of Violet with her arms and wings spread, “You do not want to go that way,” She said.

Sunny then got in front of Violet and tried to push her back as Sunset came to her to help her, but even with their combined strength, Violet managed to push them back as the two ponies fell to the floor while Violet and Comet continued on as Sparky got off Violet’s back and cooed at them in concern as Sunny and Sunset gave him an assuring smile.

“Okay, clearly doing this one at a time isn’t working,” Sunset pointed out, finding it difficult to get one controlled Auroricorn to stand still.

“Then we need to be organized,” Sunny stated as they stood up, “Let’s link up!” She declared as the Mane 7 rushed in front of Violet and Comet.

Once Violet and Comet got close, the Mane 7 then started pushing the two back and away from Starlight Ridge with some effort, once they did, the two Auroricorns’ eyes flashed briefly before their face returned to normal as they dropped their crystals before they noticed the Mane 7.

“Sunny? Sunset?” Violet asked in surprise as the two said ponies and their friends smiled at them while the two Auroricorns were surprised that they were still here.

“What are you all doing here?” Comet asked in surprise.

“Ha, it worked! Finally!” Sunny cheered as they finally got them out of mind control.

“Figures that mind control spell don’t have that big of a range,” Sunset said with a smile, “But we can’t talk here, we gotta hide,” She said.

“Yeah. Hurry, over here!” Sunny called as they all ran into a hiding spot before they turned to the Auroricorns.

“I guess you discovered our secret,” Violet said in guilt.

“Yeah, we knew that something fishy was going on but this? This is something,” Sunset pointed out.

“Yeah. Violet, what’s going on?” Zipp questioned. “You can tell us.”

“Yeah, we just wanna help,” Pipp added in agreement.

Sunny walked up to Violet and placed a comforting hoof on her, “It’s okay. We’re friends,” She assured with a smile.

“It’s okay to ask for help and tell us what’s wrong when needed too,” Sunset added with a small smile.

“We didn’t wanna tell you because we didn’t wanna risk you all getting hurt, too,” Violet explained as Comet nodded in confirmation.

“Violet, who is that? What does she want?” Hitch asked, wanting to know who Allura was and why she was in town as Sparky gurgled in agreement while wondering who she was as well.

“We know that Allura is a snow leopard, but for the reason why she controls you ponies and the reason she’s here, we need to know the full story,” Sunset pointed out since they need to know more about who they’re dealing with.

Violet nodded her head in understanding as she started explaining, “That’s right. That’s Allura. She’s an evil tyrant who showed up one day with her little sidekick, Twitch. She completely took over Starlight Ridge by force.” She said.

“What?” Sunset asked in shock.

“By force?” Sunny asked, shocked as well.

“Yeah.” Comet confirmed with a sad look as he adjusted his glasses, “Allura claimed the most important thing in our town: a special called the Nova Charm,” He started as if he had a flashback.

Flashback.

A while ago before the Mane 7 came to Starlight Ridge, Aullar and Twitch came into the central hall with evil smiles as Allura levitated the Nova Charm inside a container and she gave an evil laugh while Violet and the other Auroricorns looked on in horror at their relic is stolen.

End of Flashback.

After explaining, the Mane 7 went wide-eyed, “A Nova Charm?” Sunset asked before she went eyes wide, “Wait, didn’t we see Allura with an icy container next to her?” She asked as the Mane 7 realized that as well.

”It must’ve been the Nova Charm!” Sunny exclaimed.

“That must be what we saw earlier,” Pipp said in realization with a smile when they saw the ice covering a container next to Allura. “It was so sparkly,” She commented.

“The sparkliest!” Violet exclaimed as she brought out her flute and started drawing the Nova Charm on the snow, “It’s a special charm that our town has possessed for thousands of moons. Town law says that whoever holds the power of the charm rules Starlight Ridge.” She stated with a frown, “Alluar managed to steal it and possess it, so she’s the leader,” She explained with her head down.

“Wait, so just like that? She stole your charm and she took over in a matter of seconds?” Sunset asked in surprise at this info.

“Well, yes. That’s kinda how the law goes,” Violet nodded.

“Sunset sighed as she planted a hoof to her face, “That’s a weird way to take over. But really cruel,” She commented.

“Aw, this is no fun at all!” Izzy said with a frown, “Allura sounds like a bully.” She added before she started slipping and tripped with a yelp before Comet walked up to her and helped her up, “You should stand up to her!” She stated.

“I wish we could, but she’s very powerful,” Comet said as he adjusted his glasses.

“And persuasive.” Violet added as they all turned to her, “She’s able to get us to do whatever she wants just by talking.”

“The old classic mind control, just by talking?” Sunset said in thought as she groaned, “Oh pony feathers, really, first Opaline, and now this? Villains just keep on showing, and the mind control thing must be their favorite,” She said in annoyance, since she has her fair share of mind control through experience, even when the first time was when she caused it before her redemption.

“Yeah, this isn’t new for us,” Zipp said in agreement since they’re all too familiar with something they handled a few hours ago.

“That’s not all, if we try to stand up to her, she could destroy our whole village without us even realizing it,” Comet added as he stood next to Violet, “That’s how much her powers can trick our minds. It’s no use,” He said hopelessly.

“But what does she want?” Sunny asked.

“Yeah, why go through all this trouble just to take over a peaceful village?” Sunset asked as well, wanting to know what Allura’s goal was.

Violet spoke up, “Allura forces us to use our magic to make Aurora Flares.” She started as she had another flashback.

Flashback.

Allura uses her powers on Violet and brings her under her mind control as the snow leopard and Twitch gives sinister smiles.

“Then she makes us steal the stars out of them,” Comet continued as Violet and the other Auroicorns were then using their magic on the Aurora Flares and removed the stars as they searched around in different sections of the forest while Allura and Twitch watched them work.

“She believes that one of the stars in the sky is special and contains the magic that will lead her to another realm,” Violet added.

“Wait, another realm?” Sunset asked in surprise at what they just said.

“Why, yes. That’s what Allura thinks.” Comet said to her.

“She thinks that one of those stars can magically open a gateway to a new realm, like a…” Violet tried to say before Sunset beat her to it.

“Like a portal!” Sunset exclaimed in shock at what they meant as she turned to her friends, “Oh, so that’s why the Auroricorns never knew about Equestria, because it doesn’t exist in this place!” She called.

“What are you getting at, Sunset?” Hitch asked.

“I’m saying that the portal from the Together Tree that brought us here didn’t teleport us, it set us to another world!” Sunset exclaimed in shock. “Starlight Ridge isn’t just a place, it’s a whole new world outside of our own!” She added.

The Mane 7, Violet, and Comet were shocked by this before it hit them, “You mean, like how you came back from the human world, Sunset?” Zipp asked in surprise.

“Exactly, it’s just like the mirror portal I used to get back home the first time,” Sunset confirmed, “No wonder our appearances change, the portal changes our appearance to adapt to the world’s environment to blend in! Like how the mirror does with similar effects.” She said.

“So, we’re in an alternate world that isn’t Equestria?” Sunny asked Sunset, who nodded in confirmation before Sunny got excited, “This is so cool!” She exclaimed.

“Wow, that’s an experience I never thought to get other than snow,” Misty said with a surprised smile.

“Ooh, I am so posting this for my Pippsqueaks to know we traveled to another world!” Pipp exclaimed in excitement as she snapped a picture.

“Pipp?!” Zipp called out in annoyance.

“What? They have to know when we get back,” Pipp said in defense. “It is an amazing experience of a lifetime,”

“It would be amazing if Allura is out to find a way into our home!” Sunset called out, which made the rest of them realize what she meant.

“Wait, this other realm, she’s talking about Equestria!” Sunny called out.

“It might be more than that, this charm can travel to other realms, right?” Sunset asked Violet and Comet as they nodded, “So what if it can open portals to places like CHS, or any dimension!” She exclaimed.

Everypony around them all looked at each other in grim expressions, “Oh, no, that would be bad,” Izzy muttered.

“That explains why she wanted a special star from the flares,” Sunny said grimly.

“And that also explains why she wants to control more than just Starlight Ridge,” Violet realizes as she gives a guilty expression.

“And until she finds the right one, she’s making us steal them all,” Comet finished.

“I can’t believe that anypony would be so cruel,” Pipp said in shock, “Plus, the stars are stunning. That bully does not deserve any of them!” She exclaimed with a slightly angry look.

“Second after Opaline, but yeah. And what’s she planning once she finds it, not gonna be good,” Sunset added in agreement, “So the question remains, how do we stop this?” She asked her friends for any ideas.

Hitch thought for a moment before he spoke, “Maybe we need to get everypony away from Allura?” He suggested.

Izzy then hopped around cheerfully, “You could all come back to Equestria with us!” She cheered.

“If we figure out how to get back, that is,” Misty explained sadly that if the portal closes, they’ll need to find another way to get back home, which is pretty hard.

“We’ll find a way, Misty. We always do,” Sunset assured her as Misty gave a small smile.

“I hope so,” Misty said to her.

“That’s a great idea!” Comet called with a smile while Violet turned to him in surprise.

“We can’t just leave our home like that,” Violet protested. “Starlight Ridge is special!” She stated.

“But what else can we do, Violet Frost?” Comet asked sadly before he gave a determined look and rushed off back to town, “We have to get the Auroricorns away from Allura!” He called as he rushed back to Starlight Ridge.

“Comet, wait!” Sunny called out.

“We need a…” Sunset called next but Comet was already far off, “Plan.” She finished.

Comet rushed back to Starlight Ridge as he entered the square, but the second he entered the town, his eyes flashed a bit, and gave a forced smile, being mind-controlled again as Allura flew overhead and saw him as she gave a smirk and growl while Twitch smirked as the two landed in front of Comet.

“Comet, there you are,” Allura said as the Mane 7 and Violet were hiding as they all gasped in horror.

“Oh no!” Both Sunset, Sunny, and Violet cried out in horror.

“Almost got lost in the woods, did you?” Allura questioned as she circled Comet while growling.

“Happy to be back, Allura,” Comet mindlessly said as he kept his forced smile.

“That’s right,” Allura said as she kept circling him, “We need that happiness alive and well. Now go. Join the others,” She ordered as Comet rushed off to his controlled orders.

The Mane 7 and Violet then duck for cover as Allura and Twitch looked around while Twitch sniffed the scent, “Hmm…” He muttered as Allura then flew off with the charm.

“What are we going to do?” Misty asked the others in concern.

“There’s no way we can get everypony away from Allura long enough to remove the trance,” Zipp stated.

“And even if we did, by the time Allura finds out, we’ll be under her spell too,” Sunset spoke up while rubbing her chin, “And from what we’ve seen, the second we’re close to her, back to being mind controlled. Especially how hard it is to move Violet and Comet out,” She said before turning to Violet, “No offense, Violet.”

“None taken,” Violet said in understanding. “But there has to be another way, there has to be,” She said nervously.

“Well, if whoever has the Nova Charm is in charge of Starlight Ridge, then there’s only one thing to do,” Sunny started as she, Sunset, and Violet looked at Allura, getting what Sunny was saying.

“We’re getting that charm back,” Violet declared determinedly.

“And stopping Allura’s plans once and for all,” Sunset finished with a determined smile.

A short bit later, the controlled Auroricorns are still collecting stars from the sky while Allura and Twitch are overseeing them as Allura growls.

What she didn’t notice is that the Mane 7 and Violet were hiding behind the sculptures as they saw the Nova Charm with Allura while keeping out of sight.

“Wait for it,” Violet whispered as Izzy appeared beside her with a cheery smile as the rest of the Mane 7 looked at Allura as the snow leopard turned to the sculptures with a growl, but saw nothing as she kept going as the Mane 7 appeared from their sculptures. “Now!” Violet called.

The Mane 7 and Violet then dragged their snow sculptures to the central hall slowly before Pipp saw Allura coming back as she gasped quietly, “Hide!” She whispered as the group went back into hiding as Allura flew by. Once the close was clear again, the Mane 7 and Violet rushed into the building as they quickly closed the door.

“Phew, that was close,” Sunset said in relief as they went into the hall as there were empty hot cocoa cups on the tables.

Sparky gurgled happily as he picked each one to try and see if there was some cocoa left as he picked one of the cups and got a drop out of it as he sighed and smacked his lips to the flavor as he continued on.

At the end of the hall, Sunset, Sunny, and Violet are pacing around while trying to figure out a plan while the others sit at the tables as they listen. “There’s got to be a way to stop her!” Sunny started.

“Because if finds that special, Equestria and other realms will be doomed,” Sunset added.

“Well, everypony has a weakness,” Violet said.

“Exactly!” Both Sunny and Sunset said.

“We just need to figure out hers,” Sunny added. “What does Allura care about?”

“Violet, you know Allura longer than any of us, do you know anything?” Sunset asked as Violet spoke up.

“Well, the portal, the realms, the stars, the Aurora Flares….” Violet pointed out as she looked up at the star lamps on the ceiling.

“Is this why you were being so strange about the Aurora Flares earlier?” Zipp asked about Violets and the other Auroricorns’ behavior about the flares during the fun activities. “Because of Allura?”

“Yeah. Sorry about that,” Violet apologizes about how they acted earlier, “But when we’re happy and having a great time, the Aurora Flares blast across the sky! We can’t help it,” She explained while looking out the windows to the sky before she frowned. “Allura uses her power to trick us into feeling happy. She forces us to make the flares against our will,” She added.

“That’s horrible,” Hitch said in sympathy.

“That’s just low, being forced to be happy? Oh, if Pinkie was here, she would be really angry,” Sunset muttered with an angry look at Allura’s actions, knowing that Pinkie would not like this.

“She sure wouldn’t, Sunset,” Sunny said in agreement as she patted Sunset’s pack with a soft smile as Sunset calmed down and returned the gesture.

“Normally, I’m all about being happy!” Izzy said with a smile before she frowned, “But being tricked into it does not sound right,” She added.

“That’s why whenever she leaves, we celebrate Starshine Time!” Violet continued with a smile, “A time when we make the flares happen by choice. Our real happiness,” She stated.

“Everypony deserves to be happy,” Sunny said with a smile.

“Not being controlled or forced to be happy,” Sunset added with a small smile.

“Mm-hmm, real happy,” Izzy said as she stood up with a smile.

“Why does Allura want to do such bad things?” Misty asked in wonder. “Has she always been this way?” She asked as Sparky came up to her with a cup and cooed, Misty understood what Sparky wanted as she picked up the cup and gave a drop to Sparky, who sighed happily.

“Yeah, what’s her origin?” Sunset asked as well, wondering the same thing.

“All I know is that Allura’s determined to find that other realm by any means possible,” Violet said as she looked at the stand the Nova Charm used to stand, “And she has the Nova Charm, so, she’s in charge.”

“Then we’re just going to have to find a way to make Allura give it back,” Sunny declared.

“And stop her plans and free the other Auroricorns so that you all will be free,” Sunset finished with a smile as the Mane 7 all spoke in agreement.

“We’ve tried to steal it from her. But it’s impossible!” Violet cried out at the past experiences at failing to get the Nova Charm back.

“That’s because you didn’t have us,” Sunset said with a smirk.

Violet thought for a moment as she gave a small smile, “Well, I guess that’s true,” she said.

“Then it’s time to get creative!” Sunny declared with a smirk.

Izzy then appeared between them with a cheery smile, “Did somepony say ‘creative’? That’s ah, kinda my thang,” She said with a smirk before she hopped away with a chuckle and started using her magic to levitate some stuff from the cabinets, which startled Hitch with a gasp as Izzy began to sing.

(With a Little Creativity Song)

(Izzy)
Come on!

Izzy levitated the objects around her and then started dancing and jumping onto the table with a twirl as she levitated some cups and got between Hitch and Misty as she levitated the cups and stacked them into a tower before Sparky rolled as he knocked them over.

(Ooh-ooh) I got a good feelin'
(Ahh-ahh) In my so-o-oul
(Ooh-ooh) Let's put our manes together (uh-huh)
(Ahh-ahh) Let's lose contro-o-ol

Izzy then stood as she levitated the objects around her and danced around as she moved some in front of Violet. Violet looked at the objects in confusion before she saw Izzy levitate some objects to the spot where the Nova Charm was as she made a replica of its container as Izzy got next to Violet, who smiled as she moved to the music while Izzy levitated the object around them.

(Ooh-ooh) Oh, yeah, I got that vision
(Ahh-ahh) Told you befo-o-ore
(Ooh-ooh) I'll make somethin' outta nothin'
(Ahh-ahh) So here we go-whoa-whoa

Pipp then flew up and grabbed one of the stars from the ceiling and tossed it to Zipp, who was holding some headlights. Zipp then gave the start to Sunny and Sunset, who were looking at the objects as Sunset looked at the bottles while Sunny tossed a beach ball to Misty. Misty caught the beach ball with her magic, and then Sparky came to her and released a dragon fire at it, which turned into an umbrella as Misty was surprised by that as she quickly grabbed it.

Can you see it? Oh, yeah, I can see it
Just follow my vibe, no, we don't need a blueprint (uh-huh)
Life is random, sometimes it's chaotic
But in a bit of time, oh, pony, it'll be lit (whoo!)

Izzy then trotted in front of the umbrella as she then painted with blue paint. Izzy then levitated more objects as she moved around and jumped onto a table where her friends were, who were working on their side of their plan as Izzy danced around and levitated the things they were working on and hopped away.

Every little thing, yeah, has got a purpose
(Oh, pony, can ya feel me?)
Every little thing, yeah, just needs a pla-a-ace
(Oh, pony, can ya hear me?)

Izzy then hopped onto the end of the room and moved to the music as she kept singing with a huge smile as she turned to Violet, who was painting on the bottle with some lights inside it as she levitated some more things up in the air.

Every little pony has got their own destiny
And I'm gonna live mine with a little creativity
With a little creativity

Izzy then levitated the things she was working on as the umbrella, which is now blue, has buttons on it as the headlights, fake snowflakes, and the bottles were then in place to make a fake portal.

With a little creativity (oh, pony)
With creativity
With a little creativity!

Violet and Izzy hootap each other with smiles as Izzy ends the song and tosses some glitter into the air as they are ready to put their plan into action.

A little bit later, the controlled Auroricorns are still taking the stars from the sky as Allura and Twitch are still overseeing them from the air. “Smile, ponies, smile,” Allura said to them as the Auroricorns continued on, “We need that cheer to get what we want,” She reminded as she flew around.

Twitch then started squeaking with a frown as he told Allura that something was wrong, “You’re right, Twitch,” Allura said to her sidekick bunny, “I haven’t seen Violet Frost in forever. Where is that pony? She questioned as she flew around for Violet.

After searching for a bit, Allura found her, “You fool. She’s right over there,” She said to Twitch as she pointed to Violet, who was out in the open with something in her ears as Twitch sniffed her and started squeaking at Allura, who rolled her eyes, “Fine,” She said as she flew down to Violet.

Violet gasped at Allura in front of her, and then Allura used her magic on her as Violet gave a forced smile. “Violet Frost, what are you doing?” Allura questioned as she circled around Violet.

“Hi, Allura! Happy to see you!” Violet spoke in a mindless tone, “I’m just looking for that special star,” She explained as she used her magic and grabbed one of the stars from the sky before continuing on while Allura and Twitch watched.

“See? She’s in the trance.” Allura assured Twitch, who was still squeaking, “What do you want? You’re annoying me.” She said as Twitch stopped squeaking as Allura continued on.

From behind the trees, the Mane 7 ware watches as they see Allura go, “How is Violet resisting the trance?” Misty asked Izzy in confusion.

“Oh, I made her some special crystal snowball earplugs!” Izzy explained with a cheering smile as Violet had earplugs in her ears, not being controlled by Allura thanks to them, “Just enough to muffle the spell.“ She added.

Violet looked at the star she had as she brought out lightbulbs in the shape of a star, “The special star!” She acted as she levitated the fake star.

Allura stopped as she and Twitch turned to her in shock, ”What did you just say?” Allura questioned.

“The special star,” Violet repeated as she kept her act as she turned to Allura, “I found it,” She added.

“Protect the charm,” Allura ordered Twitch.

“Mm-hmm!” Twitch saluted as he got off Allura’s back and watched over the charm while Allura went up to Violet

“I don’t believe it. Show me!” Allura ordered with a smile as Violet secretly winked to the others as Hitch and Zipp pulled some ropes as they started reeling them in to reveal the fake portal, which Allura saw, “A portal! I did it! I finally did it!” She exclaimed to herself as she grabbed the fake star, “Give me that,” She ordered as she gave an evil smirk, “Now I can use this star to open any portal and go to whichever realm I desire,” She said sinisterly.

Meanwhile, Twitch is still guarding the Nova Charm while Sunny, Sunset, Misty, and Pipp come up behind him as they see Twitch guarding the charm.

“What do we do now?” Misty whispered to Sunny and Sunset.

“We’ve gotta distract him,” Sunny stated.

“Where’s Hitch or Fluttershy when you need them?” Sunset questioned since this is Hitch and Fluttershy’s department for handling critters.

But then, they saw Twitch stretching a bit as he gave a yawn and leaned on the charm, which made Pipp smile as she gave an idea, “Or lull him!” She said as the other three mares smiled at the idea as Pipp started humming a lullaby.

Twitch hears the lullaby as he starts drowsing out, he tries to stay awake as he shakes his head, but he is losing the fight as Pipp keeps singing softly, and before long, Twitch falls asleep and leans on the charm and he starts snoring and whistling.

The four mares gave quiet laughs as Pipp twirled in the air at her success, “You did it!” Sunny cheered.

“Way to go, Pipp!” Misty complimented.

“That’s one way to put a critter to sleep,” Sunset added as the four mares high-hoofed each other.

“Nopony can resist falling asleep to my lullabies,” Pipp bragged with a smile, “Especially that one!”

“Now, to get that charm,” Sunset said as she and Misty used their horns on the charm to levitate it gently away, “Easy, easy,” She said to Misty.

The charm was then moved away, but Twitch fell to the floor in his sleep, which made the four mares flinch, but to their relief, Twitch was still asleep as brought the charm close to them with them smiling.

Violet continued to get close to the fake portal while Zipp and Hitch kept spinning it, but it was getting tiring out, “How much longer do you think we have to pull these for?” Zipp asked Hitch.

“I have no idea, but my hooves are getting tired,” Hitch said, since he didn't know how long they’ll pull the ropes but their hooves can’t keep doing it.

Violet looked nervously while Allura groaned, feeling off as she saw the lightbulbs flicker and took a closer look at the portal before she noticed something was off as she grabbed one of the fake snowflakes, which she realized it was a trick, “A fake,” She said as she then growled angrily.

Izzy looked behind the trees as she grew nervous, “Oh…” She said nervously before she tried to wave to her friends about this, but Allura saw her and gasped at Izzy, “Oopsy,” She said sheepishly as she went behind the tree.

Allura growled angrily as she turned and saw Violet, who looked nervous before Allura flew up, “Double oops,” Violet said sheepishly as Allura threw the fake star away and flew after Izzy and the others with a hiss.

Izzy, Hitch, and Zipp then ran off when Allura got close to them while the snow leopard hissed angrily before they caught up with the others and they all rushed past Twitch, who got startled away by their hooves before he saw the Mane 7 and Violet running away.

“We got the charm!” Violet called out as they ran off, which made Twitch exclaim in shock as he rushed to Allura, who she allowed on her back as the two flew after them.

The Mane 7 and Violet rush back to the Central Hall where they regroup as Comet goes up to them, now free from Allura’s spell.

“I can’t believe you got the Nova Charm back!” Comet exclaimed in surprise as he saw them with the Nova Charm with a smile, “You saved us!” He cheered.

“We’re finally free!” Violet cheered next.

Then a huge gust of wind blew, “We’re not out of the snowy woods yet,” Sunset said as they saw Allura flying towards them, “Watch out!” She called.

The ponies then all split up as Allura landed as she looked at them with a smirk. “Seven little ponies, and one of them is an Alicorn, wandered into my territory and tried to destroy my plans?” She questioned as she turned to Izzy and Pipp, who backed away fearfully before she flew up to Sunny and Sunset, who backed away a bit, “Who do you think you are?” She questioned.

“We know who we are.” Sunny spoke as she and Sunset gave determined looks, “We’re the Auroricorns’ friends!” She declared.

“And we’re the ponies who're gonna end your reign in this town!” Sunset added as her horn lit up as Allura and Twitch gave evil smirks at them as she circled around them.

“And we’re not going to let anypony, or not-pony hurt them!” Sunny finished seriously as she brought out her Alicorn form as their friends stood beside them while facing Allura.

Allura laughed from this, “Another Alicorn? How cute. Twice the ponies, double the fun,” She mocked in amusement as Twitch gave a squeak in agreement.

“It’s too late, Alura. You lost!” Violet called out as she levitated the Nova Charm, “We have the Nova Charm now!”

“Lost?” Allura asked before she gave a smirk, “You think I need that pathetic charm to have what I want?” She questioned as she gave a growling purr as her magic hit Comet, bringing him back under her control.

“Ha-ha,” Comet mindlessly said as he took the Nova Charm and walked back to Allura, much to the Mane 7 and Violet’s shock.

“What?!” Sunset asked in shock, “How can you still do that?!” She questioned.

“Silly ponies, I don’t need the charm to do anything,” Allura said as Comet placed the charm next to them while Twitch guarded it, “I can have whatever I want. All I need is the power of ‘purr-suasion’.” She said as she used her powers again, this time on the Mane 7.

The ponies then scattered in a panic to get away from Allura’s spell, but Misty got hit as she was now put under Allura’s control, as did Izzy, Hitch, Sparky, and then Pipp gave them forced smiles and chuckles.

Zipp flew around as she tried to avoid Allura’s attack. She thought she was in the clear as she gave a chuckle, but Allura got in front of her and used her magic on her, putting her under her control as she landed down.

“This place is so great!” Zipp exclaimed happily with a creepy smile, which was so unlike her.

Sunset, Sunny, and Violet were the only ones left as they turned to Allura, who landed in front of them, “Maybe I’ll let the Auroricorns have a little fun with you three before I make you join them,” She said with a smirk as their mind controlled friends surrounded the three ponies.

“You’ll pay for this, Allura!” Sunset called as she, Sunny, and Violet ran off while their mind- controlled friends laughed and followed after them.

“What do we do, girls?” Violet asked nervously as the three ponies turned to their friends, who were marching up to them, “We can’t lose our beautiful Starlight Ridge to Allura!” She exclaimed.

“And you won’t!” Sunny assured her with a smile.

“We need a new plan since we can’t hurt our friends since they’re not in control of themselves!” Sunset pointed out, “We have to find some way to free them, but what!?” She called out.

“Well, we better think so because they’re getting close!” Violet called as their friends were getting closer to them.

The mind-controlled ponies all laughed as they drew closer to the three, but Izzy hoof’s slipped on the ice as she knocked Comet over to the snow, but for some reason, he was returned to normal, “Huh…” He said before he stood up and was brought back under Allura’s spell as he continued on.

Sunny and Sunset saw this, “Huh. That was weird,” Sunny commented in surprise.

“Yeah, that snow just snapped Comet out of it for a second,” Sunset said before she and Sunny remembered the earplugs that Violet was wearing that is made of snow and what Violet said about it earlier before they gasped before they looked at each other with smirks, “Sis, you thinking what I’m thinking?” She asked.

“Oh, I do, sis,” Sunny said before the two Alicorns turned to Violet, “Violet Frost. Didn’t you say the snow here had healing magic?” She asked.

“Yeah.” Violet nodded. “But I’d never actually seen it used.” She stated.

“Well, we might have just now. Look at this,” Sunset said as she wiped the snow off to see the sparkles. “This must be what Izzy used on those earplugs you were wearing,”

Sunny gasped in realization, “That’s it. That’s why Izzy’s earplugs worked.” She said.

“What?” Violet asked in confusion.

“Violet, they’re made of snow,” Sunset spoke as she lifted up some snow, “The snow here is special like you said,” She stated.

“Very special!” Sunny added as Sunset gave her a snowball and threw it at Comet, which brought him out of his mind control.

“Huh?” Comet asked in confusion, not sure what happened.

“It’s a cure!” Violet said in realization as the three mares looked at each other.

“This snow does more than make things sparkle or make sculptures, but it counteracts a spell!” Sunset added while looking at this snow, “Where was this for the Crystal Empire back in Equestria during the old days? Twilight would’ve used this to free other mind-controlled ponies back then if this existed in our world,” She joked.

“She sure would fight against King Sombra, twice,” Sunny said in agreement as the two Alicorns chuckled.

The rest of their controlled friends kept laughing as they advanced to the three mares. The three mares nodded as they levitated some snowballs and charged at them as they tossed the snow at them, bringing Zipp and Izzy back to normal, much to the two ponies' relief while Allura and Twitch watched angrily while Twitch squeaked in frustration.

Sunny, Sunset, and Allura then threw three more at Hitch, Sparky, and Pipp, bringing them back to normal as they gasped in joy.

“Sunny, Sunset, you both did it!” Pipp cheered with her wings spread.

“But how?” Allura questioned as she landed close by them.

Hitch realized why as he spoke, “The snow here is special. Just like the Auroricorns!” He said as he smiled warmly at Sunny, who threw another snowball at Misty, snapping her out of him.

“So we have a way to stop your plans, you Griffin ripoff!” Sunset called out with a smirk, “It’s time to put you on ice!” She declared.

Allura growled angrily at Sunset from that insult, “What are you going to do? Keep throwing snow at everypony?” She questioned amusingly while gesturing to the Auroricorns around them.

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Sunny said with a smirk.

Sunset turned to Izzy, “Izzy, it’s time to play an old classic game,” She said with a smirk.

Izzy knew what Sunset was saying as she levitated more snowballs, “Crystal snowball fight!” She yelled with a wide smile as she threw the snowballs at the Auroricorns, snapping them out of it.
Violet then rushed to them as she held up a snowball, “Come on, everypony! Keep throwing snowballs!” She exclaimed as she threw a snowball at a foal, bringing him out of his trance.

The two Auroricorn mares looked uncertain, “But she’s been controlling us for so long,” The first mare pointed out.

“Can we really beat her?” The second mare asked.

“Yes. We can! I know we can!” Violet encouragingly said as she looked at them around her, “Sunny and Sunset made me remember how special of a place Starlight Ridge is.” She said as the two Alicorns flew around with snowballs as Pipp followed behind them.

“And it doesn’t stop there!” Pipp continued as she looked down at them while holding two snowballs, “Starlight Ridge is special, but what makes it extra special is all of you!” She called while looking at the Auroricorns, who were beginning to smile at their words, “You are the Auroricorns! You’re amazing!” She added.

Misty was next to them as she threw a snowball, “It’s true!” She said as she turned to them with a small smile while looking at Allura, who tried to get the ponies back into the trances, but the second she did, the MAne 7 threw snowballs at them to snap them out of it, “I know how you all must feel being under the hoof of somepony that’s angry and just wants to control you, but it doesn’t have to be this way,” She said to them with a sympathy smile.

Zipp then flew up behind her as she spoke next, “The only way to get what you want is to have the courage to defend yourself.” She said to them.

“They’re all right. Nopony deserves this!” Hitch called as Sparky growled in agreement while holding a snowball.

“Allura thinks you’re weak, but she hasn’t seen what you ponies can do when you all stand up together!” Sunset called next, “This is your home! You shouldn’t let a tyrant like her take over and force you to do something! You have to stand up and face her in order to take back what’s yours! There’s always hope, regardless of how powerful Allura is! But together, you will succeed!” She announced.

The Auroricorns all were moved by the Mane 7’s speech as they all looked at each other with determined expressions as they all nodded, knowing that their words were true.

Allura kept using her powers before she turned to them, “Quiet! Your plan will never work! I’ll just entrance you all again!” She said as she faced them.

Violet, Izzy, Sunny, Sunset, and Comet all levitate some snowballs while giving Allura challenging smirks, “Well, that won’t stop us from trying!” Sunny declared with her wings spread.

“And good luck trying to control us if we keep throwing snowballs!” Sunset finished as Comet threw a snowball at an Auroricorn stallion, snapping him out of it as he gave a laugh.

“Whoa, that… that was kind of fun,” The stallion said as he then threw another snowball at a mare, who laughed as she and her friend laughed at each other and hit each other with snowballs, and then their Cutie Marks began to glow.

Twitch dodged the incoming snowballs with squeaks as he was still guarding the Nova Charm. Sparky came up behind him while gurgling in excitement as he tossed a snowball into the air, but then Sparky used his dragon fire to turn it into a cupcake, which hit Twitch on the head as he groaned, but he tasted the frosting as he smiled, “Oh!” He cheered, finding the cupcake tasty.

Alura moved around as she dodged the snowballs the best she could by the laughing ponies, but some got her while she used her trance spell on Comet, but then he slipped with a scream as he dropped the snowballs he was levitating on him, snapping him out of it as he smiled.

Allura was then hit by more snowballs by Sunny, Sunset, and Zipp from above as the three ponies laughed while Allura growled at them as the three mares flew away.

One by one, the Auroricorns all started playing snowball fight as their Cutie Marks kept glowing as the three mares looked at the Aurora Flares that were lightning up.

“Wow! Look at that!” Sunny cheered.

“The Aurora Flares are even brighter than before!” Sunset added as they looked down at the Auroricorns throwing snowballs at each other with laughs before Sunset noticed their Cutie Marks, “Girls, look!” She said as she pointed down.

The two mares followed Sunset’s gaze as they saw it too as Sunny gasped in realization. “That’s it!” Sunny said as she and Sunset flew down, “When you’re happy, you’re powerful!” She said with her hooves spread.

“You’re Cutie Marks and magic is connected to your emotions, so the more you feel, the more energy is released, like the Aurora Flares!” Sunset added with a huge smile.

Comet thought for a second before he smiled, “So, we need to have real fun,” He started as he turned to the other Auroricorns, “And be truly happy in order to take back our town!” He called.

“That’s a great idea!” Violet called as she brought out her flute, “I now declare today… Super Starshine Time!” She announced as the Auroricorns all started cheering as Violet’s Cutie Mark glowed up.

“All right!” Comet cheered as he brought up a cup and started banging it on the ground as the other Auroricorns all banged their hooves to the rhythms as Violet started playing her flute before she started singing.

(Starshine Time Song Reprise)

(Violet)
(Everypony, come on!)
(Time to shine now!)
(You gotta shine now!)

Violet starts playing as the Mane 7 all move to the music while the Auroricorns all throw snowballs while Allura growls angrily from this as Misty, Pip, And Ziipp danced behind Violet.

Hey, put those workin' hooves away
We're gettin' in the groove
We're out here shining brighter
Than the stars above the moon

Violet sang as she gave some snowballs to the Auroricorns as they danced around. Comet threw a snowball at a mare with a trip before she smiled. Violet came next to Comet as she gestured to the Aurora Flares that were still shining while Zipp, Sunset, Sunny, and Pipp flew over them as they circled around while Violet sang.

Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh
Feels like I'm one with the aurora
Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh (we shine)
The magic's here, it's shining on us

An Aurora Flare shined while the four mares in the air flew by it. Hitch and Sparky are moving around as they dodged a snowball, which Sparky hit one with his dragon fire that turned into a unicorn bear plushie, which hit Allura as she moved around in rage before a snowball hit the stallion she just trance on, snapping him out of it.

Ohhhh-oh-ohhhh (so bright, it's shining on us)
It's like it's up there callin' out to me
To me, yeah!

Allura growled as she spread her wings while Twitch covered his ears as Violet kept singing and danced close to Comet and the other Auroricorns as Allura flew around and was losing control of the ponies, who are dancing around with snowballs as Sunny, Sunset, and Violet danced in a line.

Starshine Time
We're only gettin' brighter
We're glowin' up together
We shine, shine, shine (we shine)

Hitch and Sparky looked up at the Aurora Flares with huge smiles as they were shining more brightly in the air as Sparky danced on Hitch’s head to the music. The other Auroricorns kept throwing snowballs at each other, having a good time while Violet kept singing while the Mane 7 and Comet danced close to her.

Starshine Time
We're only gettin' brighter
We're glowin' up together
We shine, shine, shine (we shine)

After the song, the Aurora Flares in the sky shined very bright.

Allura growled with her wings spread, with Twitch on her back “No!” She called out as Violet, Comet and the other Auroricorns stood in formation while holding snowballs as Allura quickly caught the Nova Charm and took into the air, “Stop singing! Listen to me! I’m your leader!” She ordered while holding the Nova Charm.

And the, somepony threw a snowball at the Nova Charm out of her paws, which surprised her as the Auroricorns all glared at her as they all threw snowballs at her and Twitch, which knocked them back into the ground as they fell into a pile of snow as they stood up with a growl as she turned and saw the ponies staring down at her.

“Just admit defeat, Allura,” Sunset said with a smirk, “You are beaten, and this isn’t the first time we’ve dealt with a tyrant like you. And you don’t wanna know what happened to the last one we dealt with,” She said.

“Trust us, you really don’t,” Sunny said with a smirk, knowing that Sunset is referring to Opaline, “Just surrender and maybe we’ll go easy on you,”

“And maybe stand you up for trial, if you’re lucky that is,” Hitch joked with a smile.

Allura growled ragefully at them, “You think I would just surrender?! Not a chance! I’ll get you back, ponies!” She called with her wings spread as the ponies all looked at her with smirks, “I want out of this realm and I always get what I want!” She called as she took off with Twitch holding on by her tail.

Twitch looked back at them while speaking in gibberish with angry faces, clearly trying to mock or insult the ponies as they flew further into the snowy forest as they went behind the snowy mountains.

Once the two villains were gone, Violet walked up to the Nova Charm as she levitated up and brought it back to the others while the Aurora Flares continued to shine in the sky.

“Oh, I can't believe we’re finally free!” Comet cheered in joy that they are now free from Allura’s control.

“Allura’s plan failed and her reign is now over in this town.” Sunset said with a smirk, “And after a defeat like that, I think it will be a while before we see her leopard face again,” She added.

“And now, even if she does return, you know your secret weapon,” Sunny said as she spread her wings up, “Fun, signing, and lots of snowballs!” She called.

Pipp then walked up to the Nova Charm while thinking, “Hmm… Now how do we get the Nova Charm out of its ice cage?” She asked them in wonder as she tapped the ice.

Hitch knew how as he turned to Sparky with a smirk and a wink, which the baby dragon giggled knowingly as he turned to the ice cage and use his dragon fire on it, melting it while freeing the Nova Charm as they all cheered and complemented to Sparky for freeing the charm.

Violet levitated the Nova Charm to her as she held it and looked at the Mane 7, “You ponies are incredible. And it’s only right that you all become our new leaders!” She announced.

The Mane 7 looked at Violet with smiles before Sunny laughed, “We can’t lead Starlight Ridge!” She said to them. “We have to go back to Equestria,” She stated.

“Yeah. We don’t belong here. And besides, we got friends back home who are waiting for us,” Sunset added with a smile.

“Hmm!” Pipp nodded in agreement.

Violet looked at them in surprise, “But if not you all, then who?” She asked.

“Why you, of course!” Sunny answered with a smile.

“Me?” Violet asked in surprise.

“Yeah, Violet. We’re talking about you,” Sunset confirmed, “You ‘d make a great leader to the Auroricorns,” She stated.

“And you’ve proven to be an incredible leader today,” Sunny added.

“You’ve proven that you can protect and lead the Auroricorns while also helping them find their courage to stand up and take back their freedom,” Sunset said with a smile.

“Hmm!” Pipp nodded again.

“I’m not special enough to lead, am I?” Violet asked uncertainty while looking at the Nova Charm.

“Violet Frost!” Comet spoke up, which got Violet’s attention as she turned to him, “Violet Frost!” He repeated as the Auroricorns joined in.

“Violet Frost! Violet Frost!” The Auroricorns all changed as they repeated their chantings as Violetlooked at them with a smile.

“It appears the Auroricorns agree, Violet. You are their new leader,” Sunset said with a proud smile.

“Yeah,” Sunny nodded in agreement, “And being a leader isn't about possessing a charm, Violet. It’s about doing the right thing. Having hope!” She said with her wings spread.

“And bravery,” Sunset added.

“Having confidence,” Pipp added as she flew up.

“And Courage,” Zipp said with her chin up.

“Empathy,” Misty said with a smile.

“Kindness,” Hitch said while holding Sparky.

“And don’t forget about creativity!” Izzy cheered as she levitated some snowballs around.

“You’ve proven to have all of that,” Sunny said.

“And that being a leader is more than just doing things on your own, it’s about being there and helping guide others to a better future,” Sunset said with a smile, “Take me and Sunny for example, we’re leaders of this group, and yet when we’re with our friends, we can accomplish anything with the Magic of Friendship. To stand up to those who threaten our friends and families while helping ponies in need,” She stated with an inspiring smile as Violet smiled at her words.

“Sunset’s right,” Sunny said as she placed her wings over Sunset, “When she came to us, she helped us see the Magic of Friendship clearly and had been by our side since we met. And she taught us everything she knows. And we know that you are a great leader, Violet.” She said as they all smiled at her.

Violet smiled at them before she spoke with courage, “Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll lead Starlight Ridge.” She declared as she raised the Nova Charm high as the ponies all started cheering for her with some laughs before she spoke up again with a concerned look, “Now what? How will you get home?” She asked the Mane 7.

The Mane 7 stopped cheering as they all looked at each other with frowns since they knew they had no way back now that portal closed. “That might be an issue,” Sunset muttered.

A little bit later the Mane 7 went back to the sport the portal used to be as they walked through the forest, “There must be a way to get back,” Sunny said.

“I’m not so sure. The portal is closed,” Hitch reminded them sadly. “We’re lost and now we’re stuck!” He cried out as he sat down sadly.

“Sunset, do you think you know how to get back?” Zipp asked the Alicorn.

“Why are you asking me?” Sunset questioned with a brow.

“You’re a dimension expert then the rest of us,” Zipp pointed out. “Do you know a way to get back to Equestria?” She asked.

“I may know dimensional travel, but I don’t know how to open a portal to them. Even that’s beyond my expertise,” Sunset said in defense while rubbing her head, “The only thing I do know is to find a portal in this world or use a dimensional artifact to get us back home. But to do that, we need a relic like the Mirror Portal to get back, but from the looks of things, I don’t think there’s such a thing around here,” She said in defeat.

“Then the only thing we know that would get us back is with a special star that Allura talked about,” Sunny said in worry. “Which might be tricky to find,”

“Allura couldn’t figure it out, what makes us think we can?” Misty said sadly as Pipp flew down to her and placed a comforting hoof on her.

“At least this isn’t the worst place to be stuck,” Pipp said, seeing the bright side in this situation while trying to lighten the mood.

Comet and Violet all gave sympathetic looks to the Mane 7 for being stranded, “We are all so thankful that you ponies helped us,” Violet spoke up.

“But it was at the expense of you getting home,” Comet added in guilt.

“We’re so sorry,” Violet apologized as she and Comet looked down in guilt for getting their friends stranded with now way back.

“Hey! It’s okay,” Izzy assured them with a smile, but then she then slipped and slide towards Violet, who raised her hoof to caught her, but she dropped the Nova Charm as it’s container fell into the floor and opened up as the gem rolled across the snow, “Woopsies! I’ll get it.” She said cheerfully.

Izzy walked up to the Nova Charm, but then she saw it glowing bright before she had a thought and then smiled, “Hmm… Sometimes, you just have to be creative.” She said as she levitated the charm up and moved it around.

“What are you talking about, Izzy?” Sunny asked in wonder.

“Yeah, what do you mean by that?” Sunset asked as well as they saw Izzy moving the charm to the spot where the portal was as the charm glowed brighter, “Wait a second. Could it be?” She asked as she, Sunny, Izzy, and Misty walked up to the charm.

“You don’t think…” Sunny started, having the same thought as Izzy nodded to them.

“What’s going on?” Misty asked in wonder as the charm became even brighter.

The Nova Charm became so bright that it magically reopened the portal back to Equestria, “The Nova Charm was the star!” Violet called in shocked.

“You mean, Allura had it the whole time?” Zipp asked in shock as they all smiled in amusement.

Hitch gave a laugh, “I guess her greed and anger stopped her from seeing the special thing right before her eyes,” He joked.

“And lucky for us too!” Sunset said in joy, “Not only do we have a way back to our dimension, but we prevent Allura from ever finding out that she has the star the whole time when she has the key to cross other dimensions from the star. And our ticket home,” She added with a smile as they all looked at the portal.

“Which we now have out of her grip,” Sunny added with a smile.

Comet smiled at them, “I guess this means you can go home now,” He said sadly as he adjusted his glasses.

“Equestria, here we come!” Zipp cheered as she hauchned down while Izzy held onto the Nova Charm in her hoof.

The ponies all exclaimed as they all hugged each other goodbye as they all nuzzled each other before they broke apart, “Thank you for everything,” Violet said to them as Izzy gave the Nova Charm back to her, “We will never forget you all,”

“And we won’t to you either,” Sunset said with a small smile, “And who knew that there were other pony worlds out there. I know the multiverse is big, but I didn’t know it would have something like this,” She said.

“Well, there are many realms out there, Sunset,” Violet said with a smile, “It’s a surprise you never stop seeing. You never know what you find out there.

“Well, I guess that’s true enough,” Sunset said with a shrug.

“Well, I guess we better get going then,” Sunny said slowly as they all began to walk up to the portal.

“Uh… Uh…” Comet then felt conflicted as he looked back between the Mane 7 and Violet before he spoke, “I’m coming with you!” He called out.

The Mane 7 stopped and turned to Comment in surprise by what he just said, “Wait what?” Sunset asked in surprise.

“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” Pipp asked in confusion.

“I have been dreaming of seeing the rest of the world for as long as I can remember,” Comet started in wonder as he adjusted his glasses again before turning to Violet, “And I couldn’t be happier to call Starlight Ridge home, but…” He stopped as Violet gave a smile and nodded her head in understanding before he turned back to the Mane 7, “I’m ready for my next adventure. I want to see what else is out there!” He called with a twirl before he got his balance, “And what better way to do it than with new friends? So, if it’s okay, I would like to come with you,” He said to them.

The Mane 7 looked at each other in surprise before Zipp coughed, “Are you kidding?” She asked, which made Comet nervous as he gave a sigh.

But then they all smiled at him, “Of course you can come!” Pipp called as they all started cheering.

“We’d love to have you!” Hitch added with a smile.

Izzy then happily hopped to Comet as the two ponies held each other's hooves as they hopped around, “New friend! New friend! New friend! Ooh!” Izzy cheered as she and Comet hopped around happily before they let go.

Sunset gave a chuckle, “Sometime tells me, she and Izzy are gonna get along just fine like the rest of us,” She said as the others all smiled in agreement with chuckles as well.

Violet then walked up to Comet and Izzy, “I’m so proud of you, Comet. You’re gonna have the most amazing time. I know it,” She said proudly as Comet smiled and went up to the others while Violet turned to Izzy, “One more thing!” She quickly said as Izzy turned to her and brought out the Nova Charm, “I want you to have this,” She said as she gave Izzy the charm.

Izzy was surprised by this as she looked at the charm and then Violet. “But don’t you need it?” She asked.

Violet just gave her a smile and lifted up the container, “I think it’s time we did away with the old rules and started making new ones,” She suggested as Izzy smiled softly at Violet, “It belongs to you, Izzy. That way, you can always find your way back to Starlight Ridge.” She said as Izzy looked at the Nova Charm softly, “Plus, now I know that the Nova Charm isn’t what makes a leader. Caring about your fellow ponies is,” She finished.

“Spoken like a true leader, Violet,” Sunset said proudly, “Though, maybe we so use something to carry it around more easy,” She said in thought.

“I know just the thing!” Izzy said as she bent down and made a necklace with the Nova Charm on it as she lifted up with a laugh.

“Love it!” Pipp sang as they all smiled in agreement as Izzy put the charm away.

“Hoof to heart,” Izzy promised Violet as the two ponies touched each other’s chests as she walked up to the others as they all entered the portal, except for Sunny and Sunset.

The two ponies rushed up to Violet as they quickly gave her a hug as they broke it, “You’re gonna do great,” Sunny said to her.

“Remember to always rely on others to help and be there for your friends,” Sunset finished as Violet nodded as she and Sunny rushed back to the portal and walked through it.

Violet watched them go with a proud smile as she turned and saw the Aurora Flare lightning up again as she smiled fondly at it.

Back in Equestria at Opaline’s Together Tree, the Mane 7 jumped through the portal with laughs as they exit the portal and are back to their original appearances before Comet jumps through with them while still retaining his Starlight Ridge appearance.

“We’re so excited you came with us, Comet!” Sunny cheered in joy.

“And welcome to Equestria, a new world outside of Starlight Ridge,” Sunset announced with a smile.

Comet looked around before he noticed the Mane 7’s original appearances. “Whoa! You ponies look different now,” He commented in surprise.

“Oh yeah.” Zipp said with a smile as she turned and showed her appearance to Comet, “This is what we really look like. Surprise!” She said with a smile.

“Yeah. When traveling to new worlds, the portal adjusts our appearances to fit into each one,” Sunset started with a smile, “And this is our true form. Though with how you still obtain your crystal form, I guess this is just how you always look since there many different ponies in Equestria,” She explained with a shrug, since Equestria always have different types of ponies of Equestria, including different creatures, which might be why Comet still looks how he is in Starlight Ridge.

Comet gave a laugh from this explanation, “I’ve been in Equestria one minute and I’m already learning so much,” He said happily.

Pipp then flew down to Comet, “I have a feeling you’re gonna super love it here!” She said with a smile.

“And if you ever do miss home, we know exactly how to get back,” Sunny said as she gestured to the Nova Charm on the necklace Izzy is wearing.

“With the Nova Charm in our possession, we have a way back to Starlight Ridge whenever we want.” Sunset said with a smile, “And who knows what other capabilities it can do if it can travel between realms,” She said in thought while rubbing her chin.

“It’s a mystery I like to crack!” Zipp exclaimed in excitement.

“Sure you do, Zipp. But let’s care for the Nova Charm instead of experimenting it first,” Sunset suggested with a smile.

“Yeah, sis. We want to find out more about the Nova Charm and see if it can travel to other worlds, but I think we would rather use it for Starlight Ridge for now,” Pipp said with a smile.

“Okay, I won’t mess with it,” Zipp promised in understanding, seeing her friends’ point.

“Good. Because if we’re not careful, Comet would lose his way back home,” Sunset said as Comet nodded in agreement.

“Speaking of home, I think it’s time we head back to ours,” Sunny suggested with a smile.

“I think we’ve finally earned ourselves that nap!” Misty commented as they all laughed as they all trotted the bridge while Pipp and Zipp flew by them.

“Oh wow.” Comet spoke while they all trotted, “It is amazing. Sometimes, I can anp for like hours on end and…” He kept talking as they listens with amusing smile while the portal is still open.

Back in Starlight Ridge, the sculptures the Mane 7 made together still stand while Violet and the other Auroricorns are in the Central Hall while enjoying their hot cocoas as Violet comes up to a mare and gives her cup to her.

“More Razzleberry cocoa for me please!” A stallion called from the end of the table.

“I’ll take another Apple Oat!” A mare called next.

“You got it!” Violet nodded as she levitated a couple of cups and gave them to the Auroricorns that requested them as she walked up to two mares.

“You’re the best leader ever, Violet Frost,” The mare said to Violet.

Outside, Twitch is spying on them as he makes mimicking sounds at the pony for what she just said to Violet in annoyance as he sticks his tongue out.

“I’m so glad Comet and the others made it through the portal,” The mare said again, which caught Twitch’s attention as he listened closely, “But they definitely made Starshine Tiem a little bit brighter,” She commented.

“Yeah, Equestria is very lucky to have them,” Violet said in agreement with a small smile.

That’s all what Twitch needs to hear as he gave a smirk and hopped away to find Allura.

In the forest, Allura is pacing around before she sees Twitch rushing towards her, “What is it?” She questioned.

Twitch then starts squeaking as he makes paw signals while giving a smirk to Allura by what he learned from the Auroricorns.

Allura understood what Twitch was saying as he turned to him in shock, “What did you say?!” She questioned with her wings spread as Twitch got on her back and pointed the way as Allura flew off.

A bit later, Allura then saw the portal the Mane 7 and Comet went through, still open but it’s still shrinking as it closes slowly, which shocks Allura from this.

“What? Those ponies found the portal?” Allura questioned in shock as Twitch chartered to her again in confirmation before Allura then heard someone in her head.

“You fool,” A mysterious male voice started, which made Allura gasp in surprise at this, “You had the star the whole time!” He pointed out.

Allura flinched a bit before she gave a determined expression. “Don’t worry, brother. I’ll get it back,” She hissed as she growled as she and Twitch entered the portal to Equestria.

Looks like Allura is now on a quest to get the Nova Charm back and to fulfill what she desires and for her brother, whoever or whatever he is. And now she’s in Equestria to make sure she does.

Meanwhile back in Equestria, the Mane 7 and Comet made it back to Maretime Bay as they all entered the Brighthouse, while Comet looked around in amazement.

“There’s so much to see, so much to learn!” Comet said as he trotted around the Brighthouse, “I can’t…” He then skidded before he lost his balance slightly, “Whoa!” He called before he realizes he didn’t slip, “Wait!” He said in realization that he didn't slip.

“Yep. No ice, crystals, or snow, no slips.” Sunset nodded with a smile.

“We are so happy you’re here, Comet,” Sunny said happily.

“Yeah!” Hitch said in agreement as he walked up to Comet, “We’re gonna show you all there is to see in Equestria,”

“And with Opaline and Allura gone, there’s nothing but fun to be had!” Misty cheered with a way of her hoof, since now that Opaline is defeated and Allura stopped, things are now at peace in Equestria.

Izzy then gasped happily, “Let’s start right now!” She stated with a wide smile, “Comet! How do you feel about a game where we balance yarn balls on our heads?” She asked as she cheerfully levitated three yarn balls onto her head as she tried to balance them, but then she screamed as she lost her balance and fell to the floor.

Her friends looked at her in concern before Izzy stood up while covered in yarn strings and a yarn ball stuck on her horn, “Ta-da!” She cheered as they all laughed playfully at this as things are now great in Equestria, for now.

It's been a few weeks ever since Opaline was stopped and since magic in Equestria was saved.

Of course, this was a big motive of celebration all across the magical land, but that was done weeks ago already when they got back from Starlight Ridge and stopped Allura from finding the star, which happens to be the Nova Charm the whole time and Comet came back with them to have more adventures with them.

Now, Sunny was ready to have that promised date along Hitch on the beach. She's been looking forward to this, if she has to be honest, and she's glad that the day has finally arrived. She was looking the same as usual, just that she wasn't wearing her saddlebag right now, and she also had an aquamarine lily on her mane, behind her left ear.

After that, she left the Crystal Brighthouse and went down to the beach, but instead of finding Hitch in there, she found herself surprised to see a big sign drawn on the sand and pointing to a path that was made over it as well. Sunny tilted her head confused, but then thought that this may be Hitch's doing, so she simply giggled and decided to play along. Wherever this was guiding her, it had to be good, right?

She moved ahead and followed the path of signs that were drawn in the ground. Hitch was never good with drawings, so the signs in the ground were just lines with a pointer in the right direction for her to follow.

However, when she reached the final sign, she found herself surprised when she gasped, because she reached a very large tent that was open, but inside seemed a bit dark, despite the fact there were several lights illuminating the inside. She hesitated on entering at first, but since this still seemed to be Hitch's doing, she adventured inside anyways.

This was a great decision, because as soon as she did, the lights illuminating the path all suddenly moved, and instead of pointing to the path ahead, they pointed at the walls, and she gasped loudly when they did so.

The walls of the tents, or rather 'tunnel' she got in, were showing her pictures, and also some drawings, of many memories that she made along Hitch a long time ago. Well, most of them were from years ago, but some were also from recent years, and there even was the picture of their Wishday kiss.

This last thing made her blush a bit, but she still giggled and kept staring completely amazed at all the memories she has made with Hitch so far.

And then, as she finally reached the end of the tunnel, she gasped loudly when she saw many reflectors illuminating not only Hitch in the very end of this mysterious place, but also the Sand Unicorn statue he made for her birthday so many years ago, something that finally made her rush to him.

"Hitch?!" Sunny asked surprised and in disbelief. "What are you... W-What's the meaning of all of this?!" She asked in wonder.

"A little surprise I made for you," Hitch replied with a smile. "Did you like my Tunnel of Memories? I was planning on narrating all the stuff we went through together as you walked over, but then figured that just bringing you here to see the pictures and drawings was more than enough."

"Tunnel of memories?" Sunny asked while tilting her head, but then smiled. "You know? That name actually fits right with this place. My memory definitely awakened so many good things we had together..."

"I wanted this place to have our best moments together," Hitch declared. "Our foalhood, or teenage years, our happiest moments, the most intimate ones, the most embarrassing ones..."

"And there was nothing in the world that could ruin our friendship!" Sunny added with a giggle.

Hitch chuckled along with her. "Yeah, those too."

"And you planned to bring me here? To the best birthday present anypony has ever given to me?" Sunny pointed at the Sand Unicorn statue behind Hitch.

"Yeah," Hitch nodded with a smile. "I honestly didn't remember I made you this, but one day patrolling around, I went further than on my usual rounds, and I found this statue, which awakened the memory in my brain. I just knew it was the perfect place to put my plan in action."

"Your plan?" Sunny asked with a teasing smirk. "What kind of plan is that?"

Hitch took a deep breath now. He was incredibly nervous, but he also knew that it was now or never.

"It's been a long, long time ever since we first met, right?" Hitch asked with a nervous smile. "And it's also been a long time ever since I started to feel things that nopony else causes in me. When we were little, every adult pony in town was always saying how good we looked together, how cute, how good of a couple we'll make growing up..."

"And we both always gagged at the idea as kids..." Sunny reminded with a nervous smile of her own.

"Yeah... Well... It's been a good minute ever since that idea stopped being gross, and actually started to make sense, at least for me," Hitch said, his nervousness fading away to give space for more confidence.

"H-Huh?!" Sunny asked surprised with wide eyes and a blush, clearly not expecting this change of attitude, nor that answer.

"Sunny, we've known each other ever since we were foals," Hitch pointed out. "We've both grown into adults with lives, hopes and dreams. We have made new friends, and you even got cool new powers thanks to the fact that you never stopped believing in unity and friendship. But all these years have passed by, and... My feelings for you have changed, too."

"H-Hitch?! W-What are you––" Sunny tried to ask in shock.

"When we were kids, I thought of you as my little sister, a pony I could take care of the way a big brother does..." Hitch confessed. "But after we turned around 17 or 18, I saw you in another light," He chuckled. "It took me a while to realize why, but I finally figured: I fell in love with you, Sunny, my best friend."

Sunny gasped, and her blush intensified. "H-Hitch..."

"I know that many ponies may believe the 'two childhood friends becoming a couple as grown ups' is a cliche many of them can't stand, and that some even despise because it is used, but do I look like I care?" Hitch said with a snort, and Sunny snorted a bit as well. "I don't even know why I fell for you, Sunny. I didn't choose to... But I don't care, either. You are the light of hope in my life that I love the most, my sunshine... My everything."

"Oh, Hitchy..." Sunny said, really touched by his words and with teary eyes, but with a smile.

"What I'm trying to say, Sunny... Is that I love you," Hitch went straight to the point. "You are the mare of my dreams, and if it isn't with you who I'm meant to be with, then it isn't with anypony else."

Sunny was now tearing up from happiness, but then she quickly wiped off her own tears, and then launched herself to hug Hitch and tackle him to the ground, surprising the Sheriff as he yelped in the fall, but he still ended up giggling as Sunny hugged him tightly with laughs, while also nuzzling on his chest.

Hitch eventually sat down in the sand, and Sunny sat as well, both none of them dared to break the hug.

"Hitch, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that!" Sunny admitted, so happy to hear that Hitch loves her the same way he loves her. "I-I mean, is not like any of us has been subtle about the fact we like each other..."

"Oh, I know. We suck at hiding our feelings!" Hitch said, as the two Earth Ponies laughed.

"But even so, I always knew that we'll eventually come to this moment..." Sunny added, now with a loving gaze for Hitch and a blush gesture the Sheriff returned to her. "I've been in love with you ever since the very first time you defended me on the first Canterlogic presentation. Ever since that day, my heart has been bumping for you. And, I love you, too. You're my everything as well, Hitch, and I don't want to be with anypony if it isn't you."

Hitch's heart melted at her words, and he nuzzled his muzzle with hers, although he was holding back his own tears just to try and be the stallion in the situation.

"Well, if that's how things are, then... Sunny Starscout, would you like to be my––" Hitch tried to say.

Yet all attempts to speak further died when Sunny locked her lips with his, completely on purpose and not out of some holiday tradition like with their first kiss. Her lips were as soft and gentle as said first kiss, but this time it was more genuine and less messier, because Sunny wasn't nervous this time around.

Hitch, however, had no idea on how to respond at first, but he still returned the kiss the best way he could. He was still a bit messy like with their first kiss on wishday, but at least this was a more honest kiss, not one that was done for the sake of being done because of a tradition.

Eventually, the lack of air made them part ways, and they looked at each other's eyes as they caught their breath again.

Sunny smiled as she spoke first. "Hitchy, I'll be honored to be your marefriend. But, only if you wanna be my coltfriend?"

Hitch chuckled and lifted Sunny's chin with a hoof. "I thought you'd never ask, Sun~"

Sunny smiled and placed her hooves on his chest, while they both leaned closer again for another kiss... Just to be brutally interrupted by the anonymous squeals of other 5 mares.

Their eyes widened, and they both looked to the entrance of the tunnel, where they found their friends all squealing and laughing excitedly, because they all saw their kiss.

"About damn time!" Sunset exclaimed out loud with a huge smirk.

"Oh, thank hoofness! My pleas were listened by the sun and the moon!" Pipp exclaimed dramatically.

"Why you two didn't get together earlier is the biggest mystery in Equestria. Like, seriously, it took you two long enough!" Zipp shouted happily.

"Your sparkles are so bright right now that I can barely contain my excitement!" Izzy exclaimed, then she moved Misty wildly while still squealing, but Misty laughed despite feeling dizzy now.

"We're so happy that you two finally got together, guys!" Misty said with a smile.

Sunny and Hitch, however, looked at them confused, then at each other, then back at them. "How long have you five been there?" Sunny asked first.

"Six!" Izzy corrected, as Sparky got out of her mane and then jumped from her to Sunny and Hitch, hugging tightly his parent figures, who were now officially together. "He's been with us, too!" Izzy pointed out with a cheery smile.

"As for your question, just ever since Hitch said, 'When we were kids, I thought of you as my little sister...' and blah, blah, blah, blah..." Sunset replied with a mocking smirk.

"And now that you two are finally together, I officially declare StarBlazer a thing!" Pipp said happily with a squeal.

"StarBla–– You know what? I don't really care," Hitch said with a shrug, then he looked back at Sunny and smirked. "Right now, nothing can ruin this moment for me."

Sunny smiled with a loving gaze for him, then grabbed Sparky to put him on her back and looked back at Hitch. "I couldn't agree more, my Sheriff~"

With that being said, the new couple locked lips again, and even though Sparky gagged and covered his eyes at the scene, the other five mares all said, "Aww!" at the scene, specially because this is something they've all been waiting for a very good time.

After all, what Sunny and Hitch had was special... A true love that transcends time.

But even with all this happiness, Sunset still looked down in sadness. With Twilight being engaged on the necklace for reasons she still can't understand, she is sad that she couldn't get to see Sunny and Hitch getting together when she also helped out to plan the entire declaration Hitch made.

"...Wish you could've seen this, Twi... I know you'll like it." Sunset muttered with a sad smile.

Yet not everything is gonna be pink colors, flowers, and friendship forever.

Not so far from the Brighthouse, an X-shaped portal suddenly opened and started to distort this reality itself. Then, once said portal has opened entirely, from the other side it's seen a red, black and blue background, as well as white lines and curves that move like river streams.

Not only that, but it also can be seen a giant robot with a mustache face, red arms, green legs, yellow body, blue head, and a strange prism of red, blue, yellow and green was attached to the robot's right hand.

The last thing heard from this mysterious machine is a male, maniac laugh that echoes across this universe...

End of Chapter 6 Ep 4.