Eric Sparkle and the Mysterious Filly

On a calm spring day, Twilight and Storm were in their office looking over some papers. They didn’t notice that Cozy Glow came in.

“Good morning, Professors Sparkle and Blade!” Cozy Glow greeted as she gave them the mail.

“The mail’s here already? What time is it?!“ Twilight asked, looking at the clock, “We’re late for our class’s field trip to Cloudsdale!“

Twilight took out hers and Storm’s saddlebags as she frantically panted and tapped her hooves.

“I sure hope we don’t miss it!” Storm added.

“Don’t worry. I asked Professor Rainbow Dash and Counselor Starlight to cover for you two,” Cozy Glow replied.

“Good thinking,” Storm said.

“And they said yes?” Twilight asked.

“Uh-huh. I told her how busy you are and how much her loyalty meant to you,” Cozy Glow replied, “I also color-coded your teaching schedule by friendship element and catalogued all the magical artifacts in the school. I hope that’s okay.”

“Okay? Cozy, that’s amazing! You’re like our right-hoof pony! I don’t know what we’d do without you,” Twilight said.

“If only Eric could see how nice and helpful you are, Cozy. I’m still surprised that he’s so suspicious of you,” Storm added.

“It’s like you taught me. Helping is what friendship’s all about,” Cozy Glow replied.

“Exactly, and hopefully our class is learning that on their field trip right now,” Twilight said.

“I heard they might do some sightseeing first,” Cozy Glow replied.

Twilight and Storm looked out the window with Cloudsdale in the distance.

Later on, Eric rushed into the office, holding Midnight. He noticed Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Starlight, and Cozy Glow alongside his parents. Five of them, including his parents were in the same predicament.

“Mom! Dad! Midnight’s magic is gone! My wand also stopped working!” Eric said.

Just then, the door opened revealing Spike gagging like he’s sick.

“Spike, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

Spike didn’t answer as he kept gagging, Rarity then slammed her hoof on his back to help him belch out a letter.

“Thanks. I’ve never had a letter get stuck before,” Spike said, sighing in relief, “It’s from Princess Celestia! We’ve all been called to an emergency meeting in Canterlot! Look!”

Twilight took the letter with her magic, only for it to fall on the floor.

“Pretty sure we all know what it’s about,” Twilight replied.

Canterlot

The Mane 7, Starlight, Spike, and Cadance, along with Eric and his friends were gathered in the throne room, meeting with Princesses Celestia and Luna, along with Lord Emerald.

“Throughout our city, ponies have been reporting tales of their magic failing. Spells going wrong. Potions not working,” Princess Celestia said.

“Even raising the moon has become difficult. Are there similar troubles in Ponyville?” Luna asked.

“We experienced it first-hoof,” Twilight replied.

“Even my wand stopped working,” Eric added, still holding Midnight.

“It’s the same in my kingdom. The Crystal Heart seems safe for now, but I worry if this continues,” Princess Cadance said.

It was then that the local mail delivery pony entered the throne room. He gave a salute and said, “Letter for the princess from Star Swirl the Bearded!”

Spike took the letter and held it close to Princess Celestia so she could read it, as he hovered.

“Ah! It is even more terrible than we feared! Magic is disappearing all across Equestria!” Princess Celestia said, then everyone else gasped, “Star Swirl believes the power will drain from our land in three days. First, unicorn magic and spells will fail.”

“That’s what’s happening now,” Starlight replied.

“On the second day, creatures will lose their magic abilities,” Celestia continued.

“Oh, no!” Fluttershy gasped.

“This is a disaster,” Storm said.

“And finally, magical artifacts will stop working. When the sun sets on the third day, the magic in our world will be gone forever!” Celestia finished.

Everyone gasped in horror.

“But why is this happening now?” Cadance asked.

“That’s the worst part. We have no idea,” Princess Luna replied.

“Has anypony checked on Tirek?” Twilight asked.

“You mean the big, red, scary centaur who eats magic? Why would we wa— Ohhhh. Riiiiight,” Pinkie replied.

“If he has found some way to escape his prison or work from within it, he could be responsible for this,” Princess Celestia said.

“That is the best explanation so far,” Princess Luna added.

“This might sound crazy but, I don’t think Tirek is behind it. This smells like Glacio to me,” Storm replied.

“What do you mean, dad?” Eric asked.

“I suspect he must have found some means of stealing magic so that he can use it for himself, leaving us defenseless as he conquers Equestria,” Storm explained.

“Whether it’s Glacio or Tirek, we’re doomed either way unless we can find the source of the problem and stop it,” Lord Emerald said.

“Agreed. Regardless of who is responsible, somepony should investigate,” Princess Luna added.

“We’ll go,” Twilight replied.

“Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no. Not without us, you wo—“ Rarity said, then asked, “Wait. Did you say ’we’?”

“I’ve finally learned that it’s okay to count on your friends for help,” Twilight replied.

“We both have,” Storm added in agreement.

“Um, you do want to come, right?” Twilight asked.

“Uh, duh!“ Rainbow replied.

“We’ll take that as a yes,” Storm said.

“Thank you, all. We will search for ways to protect Equestria in your absence,” Princess Celestia replied.

“Be careful. Tartarus has changed since you were there, It now holds many dangerous creatures, and you won’t be able to rely on your magic,” Luna added.

“With her friends by her side, she won’t have to,” AppleJack said.

The next night, Eric rocked his little brother, Midnight to sleep and sang softly to him:

(All credit for this song goes to Disney)

“Sweet dreams, Midnight,” Eric whispered.

He then kissed his hand and patted Midnight’s cheek, then gently placed him in his crib. It was then that Eric went entered the School of Friendship through one of the window to his parents’ office. In the hallway, Sandbar was carrying some books when he noticed three other pony students talking to each other.

“Cozy Glow baked our class cupcakes today!” the one called Citrine Spark said.

“And she made all of us friendship bracelets!” the one called Berry Bliss added.

“She’s the nicest pony I’ve ever met. I’m so glad she’s headmare!” the one called Patty Peppermint replied.

“Uh, temporary headmare? Right, guys?” Sandbar asked.

“Oh, oh, of course. But if Twilight takes her time coming back, I won’t mind,” Citrine Spark replied.

The three of them laughed as they went on their way. Sandbar picked up the books, then entered the library and met up with his friends.

“Finally! We thought you forgot about study club,” Silverstream said.

“Sorry I’m late. Cozy Glow gave our class tickets to a Sapphire Shores concert in Ponyville tonight,” Sandbar replied.

“You get the feeling Cozy’s trying too hard to make us like her?” Gallus asked.

“Or maybe she just wants to help us keep our minds off of how scary it is that magic’s disappearing,” Ocellus replied.

“I don’t trust her. What’s she up to behind those big eyes and bouncy curls?” Smolder asked.

Just then, the seven of them heard a clattering noise. Eric was also in the library for he was trying to find out the true cause of the magic disappearing.

“And why Cozy pony coming out catacombs so late at night?” Yona added.

She and the others saw Cozy Glow exiting the catacombs and headed out of the library.

“Let’s go ask her,” Gallus said.

“Good thinking,” Bramble replied as they followed her.

“Guys, wait for me!” Eric said.

“Hey, Eric,” Bramble replied.

“You trying to find Cozy Glow? So am I, maybe you can help me out,” Eric said.

“Of course. Anything for my sister’s friend,” Bramble replied.

Eric snuck out of the library with them.

“What is Cozy Glow up to down there?” Eric asked quietly.

Soon enough, the Student 7 and Eric followed Cozy Glow all the way to Twilight and Storm’s office. They watched her enter as the door was just slightly open. It was then that Neighsay revealed himself, turning around and faced Cozy Glow.

“Where are Princess Twilight and Prince Storm?!” Neighsay asked.

“Oh, golly. They’re away on a quest. I’m watching the school for them,” Cozy Glow replied.

“Magic is failing across our land, and they left a foal in charge of this facility?” Neighsay said.

“Yes, sir! Is there anything I can do for you?” Cozy Glow asked.

“That won’t be necessary. Twilight and Storm’s folly stops here. As of now, I am headstallion, and I have quite a few changes to make,” Neighsay replied, with a devious smile on his face.

Cozy Glow scowled at him, while the Student 7 had looks of concern on their faces and Eric just gasped quietly. Neighsay slid his hoof across Twilight’s desk and put the Student 7’s files in the waste basket.

“What are you doing?! Those are Twilight and Storm’s student files!” Cozy Glow asked.

“These aren’t. Not anymore. With Equestria under attack, ponies must stand together,” Neighsay replied, “Twilight and Storm endangered us all by skipping off on friendship trips while these dangerous creatures run loose.”

“You don’t think they’re the reason magic is disappearing, do you?” Cozy Glow asked. The Student 7 were taken aback by what they were hearing.

“Yes, and I came to warn Twilight and Storm. But since they are gone, it falls to me to protect you foals from these monsters,” Neighsay replied.

Outside the door, the Student 7 felt so insulted that they chattered with each other. Eric quickly put on his invisibility cloak he first used three years ago.

“Did you hear something?” Neighsay asked.

“It sounded like it came from over there!” Cozy Glow replied, pointing at the door.

They opened the doors, causing the Student 7 to fall atop each other, into the office.

“You again. As I suspected,” Neighsay said.

He then activated his medallion and conjured up a magic chain to restrain them. The seven friends screamed as they were being chained.

“From now on, this school is pony-only! As nature intended,” Neighsay declared.

“More like you intended,” Bramble retorted.

It was not long before Neighsay placed the restrained Student 7 in one of the student dorm rooms.

“Since you refuse to explain your plot against Equestria and return the magic you stole, you will stay here while I summon your guardians to take you home,” Neighsay said.

“Wait! You were right about them from the beginning, sir. I see that now,” Sandbar interrupted.

“Wisely put, colt,” Neighsay replied as he freed Sandbar with his medallion, “Everypony will come to their senses eventually.”

Neighsay and Sandbar then closed the door and left the dorms. Under the cover of his cloak, Eric followed Sandbar quietly.

Soon enough, Eric and Sandbar went over to Sweet Apple Acres to get help. He threw apples at one of the bedroom windows until Apple Bloom woke up and opened the window, yawning and rubbing her eye. She ducked as he threw a watering can into her room.

“Sorry, I ran out of apples. I need the Cutie Mark Crusaders. My friends are in trouble. Neighsay locked them up,” Sandbar replied.

“Huh? I thought Cozy Glow was in charge,” Apple Bloom said.

“Not anymore, but you guys are good buddies. If you can convince her to distract Neighsay, I can break out my friends. Will you help us?” Sandbar replied.

“Do mulberries have seeds?” Apple Bloom asked rhetorically, leaving Sandbar confused, “That’s a yes.”

Back in Tartarus, the Mane 7 and Spike were still trying to get answers from Tirek.

“Where is Equestria’s magic going, Tirek? What’s making it disappear?” Twilight asked.

“If you let me out, I’m sure it will jog my memory,” Tirek replied, “What do you say? I scratch your back, you scratch mine?”

“How about you tell us what you know or you’ll be stuck here forever, because we’re out of magic keys and nopony can open the door?” Rainbow demanded.

“Oh, dear. I hadn’t thought of that,” Rarity said.

“We’re just as trapped as Tirek?” Spike asked with concern.

“We’ll figure something out, Spike. We always do,” Storm replied reassuringly.

“What a pity. Well, for you. Sweet revenge for me. It seems my little protégé’s plan worked after all,” Tirek said.

The Mane 7 and Spike gasped in horror.

“Which little protégé?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, we’ve never met. We’re pen pals. Each letter had so many questions about draining magic,” Tirek replied.

“And you answered them?!” Pinkie asked, getting into his face.

“I was bored. So I simply pointed my pen pal in the right direction,” Tirek said, getting into her face.

Pinkie then collapsed onto the ground and Fluttershy helped her up.

“Can’t you just tell us your pen pal’s name? I mean, since we’re stuck here anyway?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh, why not? The irony is too perfect,” Tirek said, “Her name is...”

School of Friendship

“Cozy Glow! I-I could’ve sworn I saw her come down this way when she left her office,” Sandbar said.

“I did too,” Eric replied.

He, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo entered the catacombs followed by Sandbar as he closed the grate. The five of them gasped as they saw Starlight trapped in a magic sphere surrounded by six cultural relics arranged in a spell circle.

“Enjoying yourself in there, Starlight? I’m sorry I had to push you in. But what else could I do? You were going to ruin all my plans,” Cozy Glow said.

The five of them gasped again at what they saw.

“You might get some company soon, if I can’t make that annoying Neighsay back off! All this magic needs time to drain from Equestria before my vortex sucks it to another realm. Three days can sure seem like forever, huh? You know, you ponies got it all wrong. Friendship isn’t magic. Friendship is power! With Twilight and her lackeys out of my way, all of Equestria will bow to me! The future Empress of Friendship!” Cozy Glow finished, then laughed maniacally.