What the hell is wrong with these ponies? People said they were acting a bit strange, but this is far beyond strange. They’re basically completely opposite of their normal selves. I was pretty quickly able to figure out that literally every single sentence out of AJ’s mouth is a lie. Fluttershy is being a massive cunt, and Pinkie is just…mad. Hopefully Twilight hasn’t completely lost her mind.

“Yo! What’s up Twi? What are you doing all the way over here at the corner of the camp? I’ve been trying to find you for like 30 minutes.” She’s the only one I’ve seen using a normal sized tent. Just hanging out all alone way off in the corner.

“Well? You found me! Now leave me alone.”

“Not you too! Did Discord manage to corrupt all of you or something?”

“Corrupt? He opened my eyes. I should’ve never listened to Celestia, I knew making friends is a waste of time.” She sounds depressed.

Does this weird thing Discord did to them count as a curse, or would it be closer to a status condition like paralysis or petrification? Remove Curse works on Modify Memory, so it probably would’ve worked on Nightmare. I was just way too overwhelmed and panicked. By the time I could think somewhat clearly…

I clutch my left arm as I remember watching it flapping around the wind, nearly severed. By the time I could think clearly she had used all my spell slots. Well I’m gunna try Remove Curse on Twilight and we’ll see what happens. Channeling the Mizzium I get ready to cast Remove Curse, it’s a level 3 spell so the DC will be 16, that should be safe enough.

Arcana (Mizzium Check DC 16)

19 + 13 = 32.

Would’ve liked to save that roll for when I try to slam a level 9 spell through this thing, but hey that works. Twilight turns her head up in confusion as she hears the Mizzium start to hum to life and hears me reciting an incantation. “Wh-what are you doing?! Stay back!”

I just merely flare my mana since I know that caused her to freeze up in the old castle, this should let me touch her so I can channel the spell. She opens her mouth again as the mana unleashes and her pupils shrink rapidly in fear. “Don’t worry, this is for your own good.”

“Remove Curse.”

I place my hand on her back and channel the spell, thankfully it has no material cost like Greater Restoration. There's a small burst of light, and afterwards the unicorn's coat looks much more vibrant. I didn’t realize how dull her colors were until just now. “You back to normal?”

“Ignis! Oh, I just had the worst dream ever. I lost all of my friends and even had to leave Ponyville. Did we beat Discord?”

“That wasn’t a dream, and no we didn’t beat him. I was hoping you could explain what went wrong but it sounds like you all were unable to use the elements after being corrupted. Where are the elements by the way?”

“Oh no… we threw them away! We have to go back to Ponyville, Ignis! Can you fix my friends too?”

Well that Sending spell was a 3rd level, same as Remove Curse. I only have one 3rd level slot left, then I’ll have to use my 4th and 5th levels. Assuming I only have to cast it 5 more times that’ll leave me a single 5th and 6th level spell slot. I guess I don’t have any other option though. “Yeah I can. If they react to me casting a spell the same way you did though, I’ll need your help. I have to touch them for the spell, so if you could restrain them with your magic that’d be nice.”

“That should be easy enough, c’mon we can’t afford to waste any time!”

“The only one left now is Rainbow. You guys know where she is?” I ask after using my last 4th level spell slot on Fluttershy. With Twilight’s magic getting the rest of these guys cured was relatively uneventful. I used Guidance in tandem with the Mizzium as well so my odds were still pretty good, even for 4th level spell slots. The 1d4 boost from Guidance made it so even if I rolled a 1 I could still theoretically hit the DC if the Guidance rolled a 4. It never came that close thankfully.

With Rarity I rolled a 2 and needed to hit a 3 or a 4 on Guidance to cast the spell, so basically a 50/50. We lucked out and got a 4 though.

“She couldn’t have gone too far, there’s nothing around for miles. Fluttershy you check the clouds and we’ll spread out to look through the trees. She’s probably just napping somewhere.” Twilight divvy’s up the assignments and I break away from them.

“While you guys look for her I need to go update my Vice Captain on the situation.”

Everyone splits up and I’m able to very quickly make it back to the tent I woke up in. “Where’s Elytra?” I ask one of the first guards I spot when I arrive.

“Vice Captain is in the Command and Control tent just over there.” I thank him and turn to walk away but pause when he speaks up again. “Sir…I don’t know if you remember this, but when you were visiting Night Court a couple of weeks ago, I was there. That noble muttered under her breath about you being a monster, and she was surprised when we all heard it. You just laughed it off and I couldn’t understand why. Until you mentioned how often you used to hear things like that when you first arrived here.”

I elect to interrupt him there. I’m sure he’s leading to something but it seems more like rambling at this point and I really am pressed for time. “That was when I first got here. It’s only like once a week nowadays. I appreciate what I assume was going to be a pep talk, but I really need to ge-”

“I was one of the few Night Guards that happened to be outside when you fought Discord. I saw everything, and I just wanted to… make sure you knew. That you knew every single pony who was out there with me, none of them see you as a monster. Nopony thought any of us had a chance against that thing and we just needed to hide and wait for the real heroes to save the day. You changed that, I, no, we really thought we had a chance. You inspired ponies then, sir, and I just thought you should know. It seems like nopony tells you about things like that, and you deserve to know. That you’re not a monster or a freak or…or..”

His eyes are staring at the ground as he searches for the words, so he doesn’t notice that I’m reaching out towards him. I place my hand right on top of his head and his eyes snap up towards me. “Thanks. Listen this might sound bad, but there’s alot of you and I haven’t really had any one on one time with any of you. So, forgive me for asking, but what’s your name?”

“Echo. Private Echo, sir. I’m sorry for holding you up.”

“No you’re good Echo. You’re right I definitely don’t hear things like that, and I’m happy you told me. Do you have anything else you wanna say or ask? I’m in a hurry but I’ll give you a free one for lifting my mood.” I remove my hand from his hand and back up a few steps.

“Umm,” It’s always a tragedy when someone is put on the spot. I can guarantee you he had something he wanted to ask at some point in the last few weeks, and now it’s just slipping his mind. If he can’t remember he’ll ask some childish question like “How’s your day been?” or “How can I get-””

“How can I get as strong as you? I realized how weak I really am that day, and I want to be strong.”

“Well that’s a tough one. I don’t know if I recommend my method of training. I just lost, like a lot. Fought Nightmare Moon, lost. Fought a dragon at the colosseum, lost. Fought Chrysalis, twice, lost both times. Oh I fought Celestia at the colosseum too, definitely lost that one, but that one didn’t put me on death's door like the others. I think up until Discord I had been on a bit of a hot streak, but back to zero wins in a row now.”

“So I just have to fight….and lose? Are you sure that works?”

“Of course. You gotta nearly die though, that’s a key factor. You’ll lose but survive and you’ll win some too, and eventually you’ll be strong enough that you never lose again.” I leave him with that and go towards the C2 tent.

Opening the tent flap I stick my head in and announce myself. “Elytra!”

“Sir!”

“The element bearers had some type of magic affecting them, but I’ve gotten nearly all of them cured. I’m about to go cure Rainbow Dash and then we’re heading back to Ponyville to grab the elements. I figured I’d give you that update before I leave so you can spread the good news. I’d maybe sit on it for a bit until morale drops though, that’ll probably be a decent booster.”

My eyes turn away from the Vice Captain who looks a bit shell shocked for some reason, and spot a pegasus…Day Guard? “I thought it was just Night Guards here? Were you in Ponyville to watch over the element bearers or something?

“No, sir. He just arrived a few minutes ago. He brought urgent news from Canterlot. The- actually maybe you should tell him yourself, Lieutenant.”

The Day Guard officer stammers a bit and I can already tell this is bad news. I can feel a knot in my stomach twisting everything up. “Princess Celestia is missing.”

“What?”

“She got her magic back, apparently the “game” for the elements ended so her magic returned? I don’t know, but she flew out of the cave and went to take on Discord herself. We heard rumbling and crashing and the interior of the mountain definitely got hotter by a few degrees. After a while though it was just silent. That was nearly 12 hours ago at this point, and nopony has seen her. Our tracking spells are turning up nothing and same thing with our Sending spells. Captain Armor wanted me to come deliver the news and request that you and the Elements return as soon as possible.”

“Alright. Message received. That’s what we were about to do anyways, I’ll be heading out with the element bearers in a few minutes. Elytra you said Nightmare woke up and left around 12 hours ago as well right?”

“Yes sir, but it’s more like 13 and a half at this point. You think it’s related?”

“Maybe. Alright, you’re in charge, don’t throw any crazy parties while I’m gone. If you see a giant rainbow shockwave fly over then it’s clear to head back to Canterlot.” She gives me a super serious affirmative and holds the tent flap open for me as I leave. I know I said I picked her for her determination and professionalism, but she could stand to lighten up just a bit.

When I walk out of the tent I immediately get called out by someone. “Uhm, excuse me, uhm Mr. Ignis.”

Oh it’s Fluttershy. I’m surprised she’s talking to me, ever since that napping dragon incident she hasn’t really spoken a word to me. “Hey, did you guys find Rainbow?”

“Yes. Twilight wanted me to come get you. They’ve got her all tied up but she’s really struggling. So uhm, if you could hurry, if that’s ok, that would probably be best. I’m Sorry.”

“You’re good. No need to be so…afraid. Where are they? Just point me in the general direction and I’ll find them.”

She apologizes again and points a wing towards the North West. Using a bit of mana I chain a few leaps together to get over the tents and out of camp. Then I break out into a sprint and start to swivel my head around looking for the ponies.

Within a couple of minutes I found them and wow I didn’t realize how bad it was. They’ve got a few ropes tied around Rainbows barrel and they’re all holding their own rope, pulling in four different directions to keep her in place. Even with all of that she’s still kicking back her hind legs and throwing a huge fit.

She spots me approaching and starts to double her efforts. “Oh heck no! You’re not gunna eat me, Ignis! Ughhhh Let. Me. Go!”

I just reach out with my telekinesis and slowly push her towards the ground. Alright this time I have to cast Remove Curse at level 5 so the DC is going to be 20 this time. This time it’s actually a bit risky. I try to tune out the pegasus as she throws a string of curses at me, and channel the Mizzium for what is hopefully the last time.

Arcana (Mizzium Check DC 20)

7 + 13 = 20 + 1 (Guidance) = 21.

Turns out I would’ve been okay without Guidance, but better to be safe than sorry. The spell goes through and her sounds of resistance quiet down as the color returns to her. “Huh? Wait, what happened?! Did we beat Discord?”

I back away as they have their cheesy group hug and catch her up to speed. Once that’s done we gather up a few supplies for our short trip and start heading back towards Ponyville.

“Some news came in while I was talking to my Vice Captain by the way. I’ve been debating if I should tell you all, but I suppose you deserve to know.”

“Did something happen?” Twilight stops me from continuing with a question and I just give her a look of minor annoyance. I know she's just stressed though so I don't hold it against her. Hell I guess I'm stressed too. That shouldn't have annoyed me as much.

“OH! Is it a surprise?! If it’s a surprise you shouldn’t tell us cause that’ll ruin it, and I love surprises. But wait, if you don’t tell us then that means we’ll know it’s a surprise because we told you to not tell us if it is one? Oh I know! You can say whatever it is and I’ll block my ears so I can’t hear it! Then I won’t know cause you told us and I didn’t hear what you said!” Pinkie chimes in and sounds like an insane person, like normal.

“Like I was TRYING to say,” I give Twilight a side eye and then Pinkie an absolute bombastic side eye. “Princess Celestia-”

“Lalalalala, blblblblblblbl I can’t hear you!” How is she so… like this with everything that’s happened?

She keeps making her noises so I’m forced to speak up a bit louder. “Celestia was last seen leaving Canterlot mountain to go confront Discord, over 12 hours ago. No one has heard from her since, and none of their tracking spells are working. She’s officially missing.”

The group pauses our forward momentum as they all gasp and Twilights ears pin back. “Th- the Princess is missing?”

Pinkie, seeing that we’ve all stopped and my mouth isn’t moving anymore, decides to stop making incessant noises and removes her ear plugs. Where’d she even get those? When she regains her hearing the first thing she hears is Twilights sniffling and Pinkie quickly realizes the mood is somber now. “Wait what did I miss…?”

Completely ignoring her before she gives me an aneurysm I go kneel next to Twilight. “Listen, Celestia's fine. I’ve gone toe to toe with her and Discord and I can tell you that she wouldn’t go down that easy.”

“But if the tracking spells aren’t working then she’s either sealed or… oh I hope you’re right.”

“I am. C’mon we gotta keep moving, we’re still several hours away from town.” I hope I’m right too. The sun and the moon are both missing, but at least we’ve got the element bearers back.

Somewhere Near Canterlot

“I’m impressed that brat managed to cleanse my magic from Twilight and her little friends, and even more impressed that he’s still alive after that lover’s quarrel. Now that he’s handled the younger sister, I’m curious to see how he fares against the elder one. This should delay the bearers for a while as well. Long enough for me to plan a new game.” A certain draconequus laughs to himself, imagining what’s about to unfold.

Just a few feet away there’s an alicorn soaring through the air, flying towards Ponyville. On her flanks rests the sun, and in her eyes there’s a pair of hypnotic swirls.

“Ignis has foalnapped Twilight and her friends and placed a Geas on them. I have to safeguard the Elements until he is dealt with and the element bearers can prove they are free from the mental compulsion.” She repeats to herself out loud with a monotone, robotic voice.

After she finishes repeating herself the swirls fade away and the alicorn regains control of her body, mind still altered. “I knew that elf would betray us one day. We taught him magic against my better judgment and now he has all of Equestria at risk. I can only hope Lulu will forgive me when she finds the glassed crater I will leave him in.”

The solar alicorn speeds up and approaches Ponyville with determination in her eyes. Those golden, draconic eyes. Her mane and tail a crackling, blazing inferno that leaves embers in her wake. In her telekinesis a small metal box, imprinted to only open to her mana signature, contains the Elements of Harmony.

Author's Note

Poor Ignis thinks they're just gunna walk into Ponyville, grab the jewelry, and leave.

Since there's a lot more time between the Mane 6 getting cured and the Mane 6 getting the elements back, I figured it'd be pretty in character for Discord to want to plan another little game for them. And since Celly kinda just threw herself at him, recklessly (she finally got her magic back and Discord did kinda push the Luna button), he saw a great opportunity to buy some more time while he plans and plays around.

I'm debating on just having the cast show up in Ponyville at the start of next chapter or if I wanna spend 50-100% of next chapter giving Ignis/Mane 6 some more interaction time. I can't really think of that much dialogue they would have and honestly I feel overwhelmed when there's that many characters in one conversation scene cause it's easy to forget some of them exist and have them just silently exist cause you forgot to write them chiming in with stuff.

I'll sleep on it and figure it out in the morning.

Thanks for reading! <3