After a few minutes, Spike came too and sat up and looked in shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Standing with her back to him was a nearly see through image of his former crush. It still surprised him that he wasn't fawning over her. He still loved her. But his heart, body and soul belonged to another.

"Rarity. We brought a guest. He has a rather interesting story." The Cat called as he walked over and knelt down next to her.

Rarity smiled and levitated over a rose. "Thank you dear." She cooed before turning and gasping at what she saw. "Spike?... has it been that long?"

"Not for me." He admitted with a soft smile. "But maybe I should start at… I guess it's fair to say… when it started."

"Please do." She replied and motioned to a tea set and some chairs. "I may not be able to drink it any more. But I insist that my guests don't go without."

The group sits as Spike tells her what happened. Skipping the details with Rainbow. Rarity rubbed her chin thoughtfully and nodded. "I see… then we simply must get the girls back together at once."

"Can you still use the element of generosity?" Spike asked.

Sighing she shook her head. "It seems even if I am still the same me. The elements need living vessels to use their magic." She sighed and thought. "But I believe you already know of one of our friends who will be very helpful. As for the others."

The cat smiled and nodded. It's going to be a risky trip. But if you're up for it. I do know where AJ is."

Spike thought for a moment before nodding. "Let's go."

Megan sipped her tea and pulled some keys from her pocket. "Don't think you're leaving me behind." She called before getting up.

The guys laughed as they thanked Rarity before heading out with Megan leading the way. Spike couldn’t help but to smile at the thought that even if things returned to normal. Each group would remember the adventure they went on together.

Twilight and Applejack looked up the path that Mod brought them too. Her final words were expectedly simple. "Bring them home." After that they left her behind to start their trip up the winding path.

It hadn't really been all that long ago they started this trip. But they had a strange feeling that they were already nearing their goal.

At the top of the path was a chain that stretched over a lava pool to a castle that sat in the center. Neither mare really wanted to risk it. But at the same time, had come too far to turn back now. Taking deep breaths, they carefully made their way across the chains.

Sadly for them. This mission would prove harder than they thought. Much harder.

Luckily they made it across the chain and waited for a moment as a large shadow passed.

Once it was gone, the two slowly started moving into the building. It wasn't long before the answer of what was happening. Moving through what they thought was a random hallway, they saw several cages with what looked like creatures that had been changed in several different ways. From being spliced with another creature or having limbs replaced with other things.

Bothe mares had to stop several times to try and avoid vomiting or scream in horror at an abomination they saw. Regardless, they took a moment to calm themselves before sharing a glance of determination to end this hell. One way or another.

Rounding the corner they gasped at the sight of seeing a familiar white stallion sitting in a cage muttering to himself.

"It's you." Twilight called softly.

Blinking, the stallion looked over and smiled. "Oh. You're here." He chuckled. "Looks like I arrived at the right time after all."

"Do ya understand what he's saying?" Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head and sighed before smiling at him. "Why are you here?"

"Mostly to see how you're doing." He laughed. "And to tell you not to worry about Spike. I… I can't remember if I ran into him yet or not. But I know he's doing fine."

"And how do ya know that?"

"Probably best not to question it, Applejack." Twilight sighed. "Any ideas on how to help the creatures in this place?"

His smile vanished as he looked away. "I'm sorry… but this time line… there is no happy ending."

Twilight and Applejack gasped. "But… what about the ponies trapped here?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. But you'll only be able to save one." Lifting a hoof he pointed to a nearby torch. "Pull that. It'll open a safe path."

Twilight and Applejack shared a worried look before doing as he instructed. Seconds later the wall opened revealing stairs that led up. With a deep breath, the two slowly made their way up and to what would most likely be a dangerous choice.

Spike looked in wonder as Megan drove them down the street. For what he understood, this… "truck" ran on horse power. Even though he figured it was a figure of speech. Considering how quickly they were moving, he would believe it. He smiled and looked down the road. "How long till we arrive?"

"Correction. We're here." The cat announced motioning over to an old looking building that sat at the edge of the EverfreeForest.

Spike gulped as they parked. "You know… I think my next stop should be back with the dragons. Less chance of a heart attack."

Author's Note

The white stallion gets around. And it looks like both groups are heading for one heck of a predicament. Thoughts?