Hours passed before they were able to sit and go over their plan to find the others as they sat at the kitchen table as they had dinner. "Finally, if I'm correct. The others will be in one of the other timelines." Twilight explained as she looked over her notes.

Applejack rubbed her chin. "One problem with that hun. If y'all are right about Equestria being split between each timeline. There's no telling where each of them are. Or who we'll find in each."

"That is a good point. But luckily there are a few clues we can go off." Twilight replied as she pulled out a map. "For instance. There's the part of town overrun with plants. Considering that I can look out the window and see the sun. It's not likely to be Nightmare Moon's territory. So that leaves one other I can think of."

"And the part of my orchard that was turned into a rocky terrain?" Applejack asked.

Twilight thought for a moment. "That… is a good question. From the look of the map. I'd have to guess that it's likely what would have happened if the dragons took over."

Applejack turned to Spike with a suspicious glare. "Don't look at me." He shouted. "I was raised by ponies."

"That does make me wonder what would be in that area though." Twilight explained. "I mean. The more I look at the map. The more the layout seems more unusual the farther away from the tree of harmony you get."

"And what is at this tree?" Applejack asked.

Twilight gulped and looked at Applejack. "The Castle of the Two Sisters. And most likely."

"Nightmare Moon." The two mares said in unison. A shared shutter went down their spine.

"What do y'all say, we check out what's in this unknown location first before going into the forest?" Applejack suggested.

Nodding, the two start for the door before something smashes through the wall, causing them to turn and look in shock at the dark form of the intruder.

"Twilight?" Applejack asked as they slowly took a step back. "Please tell me that's not what I think it is."

"If you're thinking it's a changeling… then I'm afraid it is." Twilight gulped. Moments later a dark armored bat pony stepped through the hole. "And that's even worse."

Applejack gulped in fear as Twilight glanced back at Spike and whispered. "Run."

Nodding, the dragon tearfully ran away as the two ponies prepared to do the same.

"You two." The bat pony spat. "Hold this bug down while I get the inhibitor in place."

"That voice." Twilight whimpered as her heart sank. "Rainbow Dash?"

"That's Captain Dash to you." Rainbow spat before bucking the changeling back down. "Now do as you're told."

The two sigh and hold the changeling down, letting her put the inhibitor in place. "Sorry, Captain Dash. Y'all caught us off guard is all." Applejack apologized.

"Whatever." She huffed before kicking the changeling outside. "Thankfully my job is done for now." Looking around the room, she snatched a cider and sat on the counter before taking a swig. "Hope you two aren't plotting anything against the princess."

"Not at all." Twilight replied. "We were just planning on looking for our other friends."

"Like that purple glowing dragon you kicked out?" Rainbow asked with a knowing smirk.

"Yes… wait… glowing?" Twilight gasped.

"Yeah. What? You thought I wouldn't notice him sneaking out after you told him to run?" Rainbow laughed. "I'm not Captain for nothing."

Twilight quickly turned to the door. "I'm sorry. But I have to go."

"Pardon?" Applejack asked.

"What's the rush?" Rainbow asked, becoming intrigued.

"No time. I have to find him." Twilight called as she rushed out the door. Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared a confused glance before following her.

Rainbow Dash flew up and scanned the area before joining the others. "You want the good news or bad news?"

"Good news please." Twilight requested.

"Your dragon isn't far from where I saw dragons gathered." Rainbow replied.

"And the bad?" Applejack asked.

"She's in witch territory." Rainbow replied.

"Witch?"

"Yeah. Two ugly looking ones." Rainbow shrugged. "They're between him and the dragons."

Twilight and Applejack nodded to each other before following the direction Rainbow pointed. "Thanks Captain." Twilight thanked. "If possible, would you be able to join us?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "For now I guess. I can count this as some kind of 'recruitment expedition'."

Deep in the rocky landscape, Spike paused to scratch himself against a rock. "I can't believe this is happening again." He groaned. He hoped a role in some dirt would help calm his itching. But the most it did was lessen the glow his body was giving off. Honestly he didn't know how he knew where he was going. He just knew the was being called to wherever the Dragon Lord was. Peeking around the corner, he froze at the sight of a short fat… human? And a tall skinny one. From the looks of it. They were arguing about something. He didn't know what they were up to. But if he didn't get out of there soon. He had a bad feeling… he would soon find out.

Author's Note

Looks like time is more messed up than things originally appeared. Who wants to guess how messed up things are going to get? Lol