Spitfire led her team to Ponyville where they instantly split off to find the CMC.

As fate would have it, Flash was the first to see the girls. Quickly releasing a “bolt ball” behind him, he quickly kicked it into the air and dove to save the girls.

Down the street on opposite sides of town, the other members of the team looked over as the ball went off making the teams logo appear over where Flash was and quickly shot to the location.

Startled by the flash, Diamond huffed and turned to see Sweetie and Applebloom backed into a corner as Scootaloo was forced away from them showing clear signs of being exhausted and was visibly weak enough for her to do her job.

“Just take care of the other two.” She ordered. “The master is going to want her… unspoiled.” She laughed as black tendrils reached out at the pegasus who looked in shock before turning her attention up to Flash.

Her mind worked fast enough to make her idle and teacher proud. Plucking one of her feathers, she spat it over to Sweetie before calling to Flash to save them. As the tendrils pulled her into the shadows, she added for him to get them to Twilight.

Flash, Soren and Spitfire snarled in rage as they watched Diamond vanish into the shadows. Flash snatched up Sweetie Belle as Soren grabbed Applebloom. Spitfire landed and ordered the boys to sit. Soren and Flash knew she'd be fine and made their way to Canterlot.

Twilight sat in the planning room with the princess and Rainbow Dash who was looking out the window at her mate who was sitting with Pinkie and her sister.

“You sure you're OK Dash?” Twilight asked softly.

After a moment, Rainbow turned and smiled at her friend. “Yeah. Just checking in with Cat.”

Twilight tilted her head as the princess looked at her in equal confusion. “Who's Cat?”

Rainbow moved to the table and rubbed the back of her neck. “Oh… that's his name. My mate that is.”

“How are you?...” Luna asked for a moment before realizing it. “You mean the two of you can speak telepathically?”

Rainbow blinked and turned to Twilight. “She's asking if you can talk to him with your thoughts.” Twilight explained.

Rainbow thought for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. I guess I can.” She laughed nervously before blushing. “He's rather…” She bit her lip for a moment before continuing. “Supportive.”

Luna covered her mouth with a hoof, understanding what she meant as Twilight and Celestia took her words at face value. “I'm sure you two will be able to support each other plenty.” Luna giggled before turning to the others. “Now let's go over our plan to find the girls.”

Twilight sighed and looked at the notes she took. “From what I can tell… he's likely hiding out in the capital somewhere.”

Celestia looked over a map of the area. “We've already looked all over the area. And the trail ends in the sewers.”

Twilight thought for a moment before a look of terror crossed her face. “Not everywhere.”

It took Celestia a moment to realize where her student was talking about before a look of fear crossed her own face. Without a word, she quickly left the room calling for every available guard to come to the throne room.

Luna looked at Twilight in confusion as Rainbow looked over the notes and map, she relayed the information to Cat who was talking with the Pie sisters. After a moment her eyes widened as she understood what Twilight and Celestia were worried about.

Luna turned to Rainbow Dash as she started to get annoyed about being left out of the loop. “Mind filling me in?”

“Crystal mines.” Was all Rainbow said as Luna's eyes widened in fear.

The detective moaned as he stumbled out of the shadows and turned to the dark figure that smiled at him. “What's the plan now master?”

The dark figure turned as a mare with an upturned nose approached. “Now? We prepare to welcome another breeder. After all, these three won't be very talkative soon.” He laughed.

The mare sat and rubbed her belly with a soft smile. “Too bad my useless husband isn't around to see my new baby.” She sighed before turning to the dark figure. “at least I have you, my daughter and future grandchildren.”

The figure smiled as he lifted her chin with a hoof. “Yes. Soon you and many mares will be proud mothers to my children.” He laughed. “Don't worry. Your daughter will stand at my side as promised.”

Spoiled smiled at him for a moment before a look of fear crossed her face at his smile. “What about me?” She asked. “My position?”

He laughed. “In MY kingdom. Your precious title will mean nothing. You will only survive to be nothing but breeders.” He replied as shadows grabbed her and pulled her into a cell. “After all. A deal is a deal.” He laughed.

Author's Note

With how things are looking, there's a chance that things will only get worse before the team can have a chance at saving the day.

Thoughts?