Author's Note

So far, this is the longest chapter to any story we’ve created so far. I’d like to thank Drama as always for editing and everyone who put forth quotes that made it into this story.

Aragog

Darkness fell over the skies surrounding Hogwarts, the light of the moon began to shine upon the castle and its grounds. High up the tower dormitory of Gryffindor House, a drawer opens, and a hand reaches in taking the invisibility cloak. Ron, Harry, and the Equestrian Gryffindors carefully snuck their way through the dorm. Around them, their fellow classmates slept undisturbed. Harry soon pitched the cloak over himself, Ron, and the Student Six… and then they were gone.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders, along with Spike, waited by the entrance hall, keeping a close eye out so as not to get caught by a prefect or member of the staff. They hear the sound of running footsteps and turn just as their friends reveal themselves beneath the cloak. Their friends swept them inside, and together they marched their way into the night, sneaking by an unaware Snape and his assistant Potion Nova. Potion suddenly stopped as she felt a chill and turned behind her, but her eyes saw an empty hall. Shrugging it off, she proceeds to march hastily behind Snape’s tracks.

<>

That night as the rest of Hogwarts slept, Sunset Shimmer tossed and turned in her own bed yet found her rest disturbed by painful images. The discovery of Twilight’s petrified body sent sharp, painful stabs through her heart as she can feel the grievances rush through her brain like a tidal wave. Groaning in her sleep, she can hear the echoes of the past pounding against her. A series of scolds, growls, sobbing, and even the cackle of her darkest past.

‘You should’ve done more to help!’

‘How ungrateful can you be?!’

‘We risked our necks searching the galaxy for you… how did you thank us?! You tried to kill Twilight!’

‘Teacher no care for students!’

‘Don’t bother helping us! Why can’t you just leave us to solve our own problems? You’re good at that…’

‘This is just as you wanted, Seraphina…’

‘Monsters don’t make good pets, Hagrid!’

Sunset awoke with a start, panting heavily and sweating a storm. As she looks around, it turns out she is not in her own bed… but rather she has been resting in the hospital wing where she can look over her petrified friends. She still refuses to believe in it, even after the discovery concerning all her friends… except Fluttershy and Spike.

As she lifts herself off the bed, standing before Twilight Sparkle, the reality of her nightmare is true… her friends are petrified and somehow, she feels it’s all her fault. Even though she knows they are alive, whether they can feel her presence or not, to Sunset they look dead. All of which only intensifies her horror, leaving her unable to fight back her tears…

“Twilight… I’m sorry… it’s all my fault…” Sunset sobbed. “I’d give anything to have you back! I need you… I can’t do this by myself. I need help…”

All at once, a thought came to Sunset Shimmer from the very day that started this. Dawning upon her since the students first shared the news concerning the chamber.

“Hagrid… Sonata…” Sunset Shimmer whispered.

Only then does Sunset Shimmer realize what she needs to do. As if guided by an act of fate, she quickly storms her way out of the hospital wing to get to the figures she hopes can help her. And perhaps, prove once and for all whether Hagrid is truly innocent… or if perhaps the students truly were on to something.

<>

Meanwhile, along the grounds just outside Hogwarts, a small hut rests upon the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Its owner was none other than Rubeus Hagrid himself. The big, burly, bearded man sits inside the hut with his faithful boarhound, Fang, enjoying a pot of tea.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Suddenly, the massive pounding against his front door made Hagrid put down his teacup and retrieve his massive crossbow. Slowly he made his way toward the door and kicked it open, ready to fire. So imagine his surprise to find the five members of the Legion of Light standing before him. Quill Cast and Curtain Call, the moment they saw the crossbow aimed at them, held their hooves in the air in defense.

“Whoa, hold up Hagrid!” Quill shouted urgently. “It’s only us!”

“Blimey!” Hagrid exclaimed in relief. “Sorry about tha’ fellas. Didn’t realize yer would be stoppin’ in.”

“Dumbledore didn’t tell you?” Curtain asked curiously.

“He told me what yer were lookin’ fer,” Hagrid explained. “He didn’t tell me yer would be comin’ by tonight.”

Hagrid looks past the two leading members of the Legion and his eyes widened upon seeing Storm Shield completely unpetrified.

“Storm Shield?!” He gasped, amazed. “Aye thought yer were petrified.”

“I was,” Storm replied. “Until these guys managed to wake me.”

“Do the others know?” Hagrid asked.

“They don’t,” Storm shook his head. “And we can’t risk their safety by having them know I’m alright. This allows us to finish our task without complications.”

“Anyways Hagrid, we mostly came tonight to discuss an urgent matter,” Mirai butted in. “We’ve managed to find Slytherin’s scriptorium and a means to finally bring Spike’s mother back.”

The news caught Hagrid off guard, his eyes widening greatly.

“Yer did?” He asked bewildered. “Aye thought she was gone fer good.”

“Apparently not,” Quill replied. “She was merely captured and sealed within the Chamber itself. The only way to free her is by slaying the creature.”

A sigh escapes Hagrid, and the half giant appears to respond over such astonishing news. Suddenly, an eerie sight comes in view and his eyes narrow toward the forest.

“What is that?” Hagrid pointed.

The Legion turned their heads to where he was pointing, noting three figures draped in dark cloaks standing in the dark of the trees. One of them carries an hourglass, its sand raining down. An eerie chant echoes across the field.

‘Fall and pray, fall and pray…’

As suddenly as they appear, the trio fades deep within the forest. Quill and Curtain turn toward Mirai and Draxus, who nod in unison and the leaders face Hagrid.

“Sorry to leave you Hagrid,” Curtain informed. “But it appears we have urgent business in the forest.”

Before Hagrid could respond, the Legion members quickly raced into the darkness of the Forbidden Forest and then they were gone. Just as Hagrid closes the door, a set of hands stops the door from fully closing. To Hagrid’s surprise, Sunset Shimmer appears before the half giant, panting heavily.

“Sunset!” Hagrid greeted. “How are ya?

“Sunset?!”

Stepping behind the half giant, holding a fruit cake of sorts, Sonata Dusk is stunned to see Sunset Shimmer appear after overhearing the giant’s talk with the Legion. The Dazzling herself is a mess, her apron covered with bits of cake batter.

“Hey… Sunset!” Sonata greeted casually. “What’re you doing here?”

“What’s the matter?” Hagrid asked. “Ya look troubled.”

“Ha-Hagrid… I…” Sunset muttered. “I feel I may have made a mistake… can I talk to you guys?”

“Of course, come in!” Hagrid invited Sunset, picking up a kettle of tea. “Care for a spot? Should help clear yer mind.”

“Thank you…”

Sunset sighed heavily as she took a seat, while Hagrid poured her a dainty serving of tea. Sunset takes the cup and proceeds to take slow sips.

“Now what seems to be the trouble?” Hagrid questioned.

“I… I…” Sunset began, inhaling deeply. “I’ve been trying to help Harry find clues about the Chamber of Secrets, to find it and hopefully stop whatever monster’s been crawling out to end the madness. The students claimed to find an important clue connecting all of this, and naturally I tried to be supportive. But then Twilight and I got in an argument, and next thing I know… she and the others were petrified… including Hermione!”

“Oh dear!” Hagrid exclaimed.

“Oh yeah, I was there when it happened,” Sonata nodded in confirmation. “I mean I wasn’t there during the attack; I mean the aftermath… you know?”

“It’s all my fault it happened!” Sunset moaned. “I’m supposed to prevent all of this; I trained these scenarios. But every time something goes wrong, I’m either too late or unable to stop it! I couldn’t keep Lockhart’s pixies under control, I couldn’t save Harry from a Rogue Bludger, and on top of all that, I couldn’t even prevent the ponies I’m close to from being petrified… under my watch!

“I’m a failure! There, I said it! It is my responsibility as the Assistant Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and I can’t even do that right…”

“Now Sunset, don’t blame yourself,” Hagrid coaxed the crestfallen Jedi. “All will be forgiven in time…”

“I just don’t know that anymore, Hagrid,” Sunset Shimmer sobbed. “Ever since that horrible time in the Galaxy… I just haven’t been myself lately. Even after I was rescued from the Dark Side, it’s like pieces of myself were scattered and I’m retracing my steps trying to put myself together. And Twilight… she’s done nothing but help, and I threw it back in her face. I really am such an ungrateful pony…”

“It’s not your fault, Sunset,” Sonata frowned sadly. “And it’s not Twilight’s fault either. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me! I’m the one who kidnapped you, along with my former sisters. And while they abused you, I just stood on the sideline as it happened… like I always do.”

“You girls have nothin’ to blame yerself fer,” Hagrid consoled the girls. “From what I’ve learned, all the blame in the world will never find the answers we seek. Just misdirection and misunderstanding… believe me, I know.”

Hagrid takes a pause for a dainty sip of tea before continuing his lecture.

“Try to be less hard on yer friends, Sunset,” Hagrid advised. “Friends make mistakes; that’s normal for every wizard and creature. Nobody’s perfect; perfection is impossible. The best we can do is learn from our mistakes and move forward. And from what I hear, Princess Twilight done her hardest save yer, hadn’t she?”

To which Sunset nods her head slowly, her eyes barely looking at the half giant.

“Maybe she was too late,” Hagrid admitted. “But never hold that against her. She done the best she could; all of yer friends had. But that don’t mean she never cared…”

“You’re right…” Sunset agreed sadly. “I thought being a Jedi meant showing everyone I’m different from the mare I was before. And yet… all I’ve been doing is making one mistake after another. Maybe I’m not cut out to be a Jedi; I should have just gone home…”

“… Is that yer talk, Sunset?” Hagrid asked. “Or a Jedi?”

But before Sunset can address the question, there’s another knock at the door. The disturbance startled the giant man and his guests.

“Who’s there?” Hagrid demanded.

As the two girls step back, Hagrid cautiously puts the lid on his teapot and holds his crossbow at the ready. He approaches the front door and kicks it open.

“Hello? Hello?”

Then appearing out of thin air is Harry Potter and his friends, dropping the cloak. Hagrid lowers the crossbow, relieved to see its only his friends. Fang thumps his tail at the sight of the newly arrived guests.

“What’s that for?” Harry points to the crossbow.

“Nothin’, nothin’,” Hagrid muttered hesitantly. “I’ve been expectin’… doesn’t matter. Sit down… I just made tea…”

As Hagrid invites Harry and friends inside, Sonata Dusk and Sunset Shimmer look on with surprise.

“Where do these guys keep coming from?” Sonata asked, facing Sunset. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d bring more guests over?! I’d have baked more cookies along with the fruit cake!”

“They weren’t with me,” Sunset replied.

“EE-NOPE!” Spike and the Students agreed with disdain.

“Wait a minute!” Sandbar realized. “How the hay did you even get here before us, Sunset?”

… Yeah, how did Sunset even get to Hagrid’s first?

Well you got me… (Reading Cortez’s notes) By all accounts, none of the material makes sense.

Never mind, never mind… let’s move on…

The remaining heroes walk in and gather around the table, barely addressing Sunset Shimmer as she can feel the awkwardness in the air. As Hagrid pours the tea for everyone, Harry can see that the half giant seems to be on edge. Nervously taking the kettle, spilling the tea… something was clearly off.

“Are you okay, Hagrid?” Harry asked concerned.

“I’m fine,” The giant replied, putting the kettle down. “I’m all right.”

“Did you hear about Hermione?”

“And our sisters?” Apple Bloom added.

“Oh, yea,” Hagrid sighed. “I heard, all righ’.”

His eyes look toward Sunset Shimmer and Spike, the latter the only one sitting next to the fiery maned pony. Despite the tension in between, the giant can understand the pain they’ve been feeling. What with everything happening at the school, they hardly have any reason to feel happy.

“I’m especially sorry for what happened with… Princess Twilight,” Hagrid informed Spike.

But the dragon didn’t reply. He merely dipped his head, as if praying for the well-being of his friends in hopes it will help them get well.

“We’re sorry if we came at a bad time, Mr. Hagrid,” Ocellus began. “We… just wanted to pay you a visit.”

“Look… we have to ask you something,” Harry voiced his concern. “Do you know who’s opened the Chamber of Secrets?”

Hagrid took a slice of fruit cake from Sonata… and stopped. It appears he wants to answer, the concern on his face is as clear as day. A look that a man gives when they are caught in the act of committing a crime. Sunset and the others watch as Hagrid takes a deep breath, before preparing to explain himself to his most trusted allies.

“What you have to understand about that is…” Hagrid began.

Suddenly… there is a loud knock. The fruitcake and plate in Hagrid’s hand smashed to the floor. Harry and friends turn towards the door as Fang barks.

“Quick! Under the cloak!” Hagrid quickly whispered. “Don’t say a word, be quiet all of you. You too, Sonata!”

Panicked, Harry and friends quickly race to the corner just as Ron hurls the Invisibility Cloak over them, hiding them all. Several members found themselves squeezed from both sides, trying to get comfortable.

“A little tight… don’t you think?” Apple Bloom grunted.

“Sorry!” Scootaloo apologized.

“Ow! Someone stepped on my foot!” Sunset groaned.

“Sorry, that was me!” Sonata apologized.

“Quiet!” Harry hushed harshly.

Sweating up a storm, Hagrid grabs his crossbow, pointing it at the door.

“C-Come in,” Hagrid called out.

The door opens and a grim Dumbledore enters. Accompanying the old wizard were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and a portly man in a pin-stripe suit and a bowler.

“Oh, Professor Dumbledore, sir,” Hagrid greeted.

“Good evening, Hagrid,” Dumbledore greeted. “I wonder, could we…?”

“Of course,” Hagrid replied. “Come in, come in.”

The heroes struggle to keep quiet, trying to stay hidden under the Invisibility Cloak. Their eyes peer for a close look at what is happening within the hut.

“Princess Celestia and Luna?” Sunset whispered. “What are they doing here?”

“What’s Dumbledore doing here?” Harry asked.

“And who’s that guy?” Gallus pointed out.

“That’s Dad’s boss!” Ron whispered. “Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.”

“For realsies?!” Sonata exclaimed quietly. “What’s a Minister of Magic? Is it a Priest?”

“From what I heard, the Minister of Magic is like the big boss of the Wizarding World in Great Britain,” Sandbar explained. “Sort of like what the princesses are.”

“This visit must be serious if he’s here,” Smolder commented.

“Bad business, Hagrid,” Fudge frowned solemnly. “Very bad business. Had to come. Four attacks, three on Muggle-borns, not to mention the Equestrian Heroes including the Jedi’s Grandmaster. Things’ve gone far enough. Ministry’s got to act.”

A worried look spread across Hagrid’s face, knowing where this was going. Sonata, especially, looked concerned for her dear friend. The giant turned to Dumbledore, pleading for help.

“But I never…” Hagrid stammered. “You know I never, Professor Dumbledore, sir…”

“I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence,” Dumbledore spoke defensively.

“That goes double… triple from us!” Princess Luna added.

“I’m very much upset over what’s happened to my son and my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Celestia spoke sternly. “But I won’t have another innocent life destroyed because of this. I’m confident that Hagrid is innocent…”

“Look, Albus, Hagrid’s record’s against him,” Fudge shook his head. “I’ve got to take him.”

“Take me? Where? Not Azkaban Prison!” Hagrid protested.

“For a short stretch only,” Fudge replied. “Not a punishment, Hagrid. More of a precaution. If someone else is caught, you’ll be released with a full apology.”

Albus Dumbledore and the two alicorn siblings faced Hagrid, expressing their sorrow for their inability to save him.

“What’s Azkaban?” Sandbar whispered to Ron.

“It’s a prison on an island, in the North Sea, and it’s guarded by dementors,” Ron explained quietly. “It’s a prison for the most dangerous criminals in the Wizarding World. Anyone who goes there almost never comes out.”

“Hagrid is being arrested?!” Sonata exclaimed.

“SHHHHH!!!” The others shushed Sonata harshly.

Just then, there is a sharp rap upon the door. As Dumbledore opens it, Harry and friends nearly slump. It is Lucius Malfoy, strolling into the room and dragging Whisper Dream by a leash. The poor bat pony appears scared, as though trying to figure out what’s going on.

“Already here, Fudge?” Lucius smirked. “Good, good…”

Fang merely growls at the man’s entry; Hagrid shares his contempt.

“What’re you doin’ here?!” Hagrid barked. “Get outta my house!”

“My dear man, please believe me, I have no pleasure at all in being inside your…”

Lucius turns to the spot where Harry, Ron, and his others are hiding under the invisibility cloak. Whether he can feel their presence or not remains undetermined at this time.

“Do you call this a house?” Lucious continued.

The heroes sigh quietly with relief, as Lucius turns his attention toward Professor Dumbledore and the alicorn princesses.

“I simply called at the school and was told the Headmaster was here, with the Supreme Rulers of Equestria.”

The invisible heroes exchange looks over what business Lucius wants with Dumbledore and the princesses.

“And what exactly did you want with us, Lucius?” Dumbledore asked.

“Dreadful thing, Dumbledore, but the other governors feel it’s time for the three of you to step aside,” Lucius answered.

“Say what?!” Spike whispered.

Sunset and Sweetie Belle quickly slapped their hooves over Spike’s lips before he could say more. Everyone present, including Hagrid, looked with wide eyes.

“I beg your pardon?” Princess Luna asked sternly.

“This is an Order of Suspension,” Lucius presented a parchment. “You’ll find all twelve signatures on it.”

“What’s the meaning of this?” Princess Luna demanded. “What reason do you have to make such demands? Explain yourself!”

“I’m afraid we feel you’ve rather lost your touch,” Lucius answered stoically, facing Princess Celestia. “And in light of Celestia’s past… effrontery with Queen Chrysalis, we’ve all agreed you can no longer be trusted in the care of our students nor trust your misplaced faith in… Sunset Shimmer.

“Perhaps she’s taken after you more than you realize. Such a pity… everyone held you in such high regards. But now we have reason to believe that you could be involved as much as anyone… especially that criminal.”

Princess Celestia remains stoic in the face of Lucius Malfoy’s statement. But it is very clear, from the look in her eyes, she is as hurt as anyone. Especially knowing her part in the downfall of Fire Fall and Chrysalis’ descent into madness, regardless of whether she were the cause of it or not. All the while, Sunset Shimmer stood hurt by Lucius’s choice of words. But also, she is rather curious over how Lucius could possibly know about Celestia’s past and hers specifically.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore eyes the roll of parchment, opening it, and reading the fine print. True to Lucius’s words, all twelve signatures are written along the document. The wording is legitimately clear. Under orders, Princess Celestia and Dumbledore are to be removed from Hogwarts, effective immediately… or else.

“What with all of these attacks,” Lucius continued, walking around. “There’ll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts. And we all know what an awful loss that would be to the school, and to the alliance amongst Wizards, Equestrians and Jedi.”

Malfoy proceeds to take the official roll and hand it off to Fudge.

“Now, see here, Lucius,” Fudge spoke up. “Dumbledore, Luna, and Celestia suspended. No, no… last thing we want right now… if they cannot stop these attacks… I mean to say, who can?”

“That remains to be seen,” Lucius replied. “But as all twelve governors have voted –”

“You can’t take Professor Dumbledore away!” Whisper objected with alarm. “The Muggle-borns wouldn’t stand a chance without him! And with the princesses gone, you’d be putting every pony in danger, master!”

Lucius glares toward Whisper, attempting to silence her without words. That is until Hagrid spoke up.

“I agree,” Hagrid frowned. “An’ how many did yeh have ter threaten before they agreed!”

“I would advise you not to shout at the Azkaban guards like that,” Lucius warned.

“Yeh can’t take Dumbledore and the princesses!” Hagrid continued. “Take them away an’ the Muggle-brons won’ stand a chance! There’ll be killin’s next!”

“You think so?” Lucius raised an eyebrow.

“We know so, master!” Whisper screeched. “My friends go to this school! Some of them are Muggle-born, and I’m proud they are!”

“… You dare to befriend those—” Lucius whispered with rage.

Sunset Shimmer was just about to reach for her lightsaber, threatening to blow the heroes’ cover. Then suddenly…

“Calm yourself, everyone!” Dumble spoke up, steely-eyed. “If the governors desire our removal, Lucius, we shall of course step aside.”

“What?!” Princess Luna exclaimed, facing Celestia. “We can’t go through with this, Tia! I won’t go! What of the ponies… the students—”

“I’m afraid there’s no way around this, Luna,” Princess Celestia sighed. “While I cannot deny it, I honestly meant no ill-will towards Chrysalis. I’ve agreed to pay whatever compensation to make amends… I suppose that starts now…”

Princess Celestia and Dumbledore walk up to Lucius, with Luna following behind.

“However…” Dumbledore continued. “You will find that we will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to us. You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who… ask for it.”

Dumbledore’s eyes drift – unmistakably – to Harry Potter and his friends. Underneath their cloak, the heroes are taken aback, feeling Dumbledore’s gaze penetrating them.

“And furthermore,” Princess Celestia began. “While Sunset Shimmer’s crimes cannot be overlooked, I know her past is not today. She has made the effort to put it behind her, to move forward and become a better pony… and a better person tomorrow. When push comes to shove, I trust her to make the right choice.”:

Saying all of this, Princess Celestia also glanced in the same direction as Dumbledore beside her. However, it is obvious she is looking directly at Sunset Shimmer, her eyes pierced by the gaze of her former teacher. Lucius turns to see what Dumbledore and Celestia are looking at, seeing nothing at all.

“Admirable sentiments,” Lucius replied. “We shall all miss your highly individual way of running things, Albus, and only hope your successor will manage to prevent any more, um, killin’s. Shall we?”

Lucius walks toward the door while Dumbledore and Celestia give the heroes one final significant look before leaving the hut.

“Fudge… Princess Luna,” Lucius beckoned.

Luna follows after her sister and Dumbledore, before she stops to address Malfoy.

“I’ll go wherever my sister goes,” Luna stated. “But I entrust Hogwarts’ security under the protection of my Nightmare Knights in my absence.”

“You actually trust those bumblers you call Knights?” Lucius raised his brows.

“Yes.”

It is clearly the only answer Luna will give in defiance. But just as Lucius aims to follow Dumbledore out the door, he stops suddenly to face Celestia and Luna.

“There is one more thing, Princess Celestia,” Lucius realized. “It pains me to say this… but your former student, Seraphina… is under arrest.”

“What?!” Sunset Shimmer gasped beneath the cloak.

“WHAT?!” Celestia exclaimed. “What do you mean ‘under arrest’? For what?”

“For plenty of reasons,” Lucius replied. “Attempted coup d’tat against you, misuse of a spell, attempted murder of Princess Twilight Sparkle… twice, outright betrayal against Equestria… and not to mention her… recent flight of fancy, risking the exposure of our world to the muggles!”

“Those crimes were cleared!” Princess Celestia argued. “I’ve pardoned all of them!”

“Pardoned by you,” Lucius wagged his fingers. “But not by us in the Wizarding World. You see, we’ve never had full confidence in your reasoning to give Seraphina the benefit of the doubt. Permitting a criminal, especially your former student, into a school of underaged wizards and wizards is rather questionable, if not a foolish gambit.

“Now we have all the proof we need. Princess Twilight, alongside your son, have been petrified in the very school with Seraphina. Hardly a coincidence.”

“Hold on!” Princess Luna argued. “We don’t know if it was Sunset behind these attacks! You can’t blindly assign blame!”

“I can’t?” Lucius revealed a lightsaber. “How do you explain this?”

Sunset Shimmer gasps with shock seeing her old Sith lightsaber in Lucius’ hand. Luna eyes Lucius skeptically, while Celestia is in great shock.

“Where did you get that?!” Celestia gasped.

“It was found on the school grounds,” Lucius explained. “We’ve found her fingerprints all over it, along with traces of her aura. Goes to show how deep trusting a Sith can get you. Seraphina clearly had her chance to behave, but the rules are black and white. She is due to be put away in Azkaban for a very long time.

“We have even taken the necessary means to ensure there are no other worlds she can escape to. If she attempts to leave the school grounds, a whole squadron of our best Aurors will come to collect her wherever she goes. I would advise that she be placed in custody by morning.”

There is nothing but silence between everyone in the room. Every pony and person were struggling to process this form of establishment. First Hagrid being taken to a maximum prison for a crime he didn’t commit; Dumbledore and the Princesses removed and suspended from Hogwarts; and now Sunset Shimmer branded a criminal and under immediate arrest. How else could this get any worse?

“Now then, I bid you all a good night,” Lucius concluded.

Malfoy strides to the door and beckons Dumbledore, and the princesses out. In all this chaos, Sunset Shimmer is practically hyperventilating under the cloak. She couldn’t believe it herself. Her friends bedridden, and Sunset is being blamed for it. And if what Lucius says is true, the entire Wizarding World has her trapped with no escape. Not to the Galaxy, not to Equestria. No matter where she goes, she is public enemy number one.

In her mind, Sunset is beating her fist against a wall. The Jedi had to be restrained by Sonata to prevent her panicking from giving them away. After Lucius leaves, along with Dumbledore and the princesses behind him, Cornelius Fudge and Hagrid are the last ones left in the cabin. Fudge, fiddling with his bowler, waits for Hagrid. Instead, Hagrid stands his ground.

“Come, Hagrid,” Cornelius Fudge beckoned. “Well?”

Hagrid takes a deep breath, one look around the cabin, and chooses his words ‘very’ carefully…

“If anyone wanted ter find out some stuff, all they’d have ter do is follow the spiders,” Hagrid stated. “That’d lead ‘em right! Tha’s all I’m sayin’.”

With that, Hagrid reluctantly follows Cornelius Fudge out of his house, before he stops for one last word of advice:

“Oh, and I’ll need Sonata to feed Fang while I’m away.”

Fudge stares at Hagrid in amazement, before he acknowledges Fang, who growls miserably at the minister.

“Good boy,” Fudge addressed the dog.

The Minister of Magic proceeds to follow Hagrid out. As the door slams shut, Fang starts to howl, scratching at the closed door. Harry and friends emerge from the cloak, spilling across the floor and gasping for air.

“That was intense!” Scootaloo gasped. “My heart was about to burst from my chest!”

“More than I can say for her,” Smolder addressed Sunset.

Sunset drew her lightsaber from her hilt, igniting its blade to open a portal to determine if she can pass into Ponyville. Unfortunately, upon stepping through the portal, Sunset is engulfed by a green aura returning her to the exact same spot in the hut.

“NO!” She screamed.

Desperate, Sunset opens a set of other portals. One for the Galaxy, and the other to Discord’s Theater. But each time, she is met with the same problem. No matter how hard she tries to pass through, time seems to reset around her, returning to the same spot over and over. Lucius Malfoy was right: She cannot escape; she is trapped. Once again, Sunset has been framed for a crime she didn’t commit… just the same as Hagrid. She had never felt so alone in all her life, now that Twilight isn’t around to save her.

“No! No! NOOOO!!!” Sunset screamed, pounding her fist on the ground.

“Pull yourself together, Sunset!” Spike shouted at the Jedi. “I know you’re upset, but we have bigger problems now!”

“Bigger than mine?” Sunset asked.

“Don’t you see, Sunset? Hagrid’s right! Hogwarts needs us more than ever!”

“With Dumbledore and the princesses gone, there’ll be an attack a day!” Ron added.

“Does this mean… the alliance between the Wizarding World and Equestria is… called off again?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously.

“I don’t know,” Spike replied worriedly. “But we must make things right and fast. It’s what Twilight Sparkle would want; now what do we do?”

“Look…” Harry pointed.

Everyone’s attention suddenly turns to the windowsill, where a trail of spiders escapes through a crack in the glass.

“Spiders again?” Yona cringed.

“C’mon,” Harry gestured, taking Hagrid’s lantern. “C’mon Fang.”

Silverstream turns to Sonata, beckoning the siren to follow along. Harry leads his friends, Fang included, out the door. The young wizard proceeds to illuminate the trail of spiders outside. They run from the window to the ground, to the dark trees in the near distance. As Harry moves to follow, Ron hesitates.

“What are you doing?” Ron croaked.

“You heard Hagrid,” Harry replied. “Follow the spiders.”

“They’re heading into the Dark Forest!” Ron protested.

“Yona no like spiders!” Yona whimpered.

“I thought you got over that fear ages ago!” Smolder assumed.

“Yona still scared!”

“It’s okay, Yona,” Sandbar reassured. “We’ll get through this together.”

“Alright,” Gallus began. “If it pleases the court, those in favor of following the spiders, raise your hands… or hooves… or whichever.”

The entire group present raise their hands and hooves, outnumbering Yona and Ron.

“There you go folks!” Scootaloo stated. “The motion is passed!”

“C’mon, Ron!” Sandbar urged the frightened boy. “We’re here for answers; this could be the clue Hagrid wants us to follow.”

“I did promise Hagrid I’d take Fang out for his walk anyway,” Sonata added.

Soon the group followed the spiders, with Yona and Ron the last to follow.

“Why spiders?” Yona asked.

“Why couldn’t it be ‘Follow the butterflies’?” Ron joined.

As Sunset moves onward, she stops and turns back with concern. She sees that Spike has turned his back toward Hogwarts, and she didn’t need to look into his mind to feel his concern. She slowly approached Spike as he released a sigh.

“Hang in there, Twilight,” Spike broke the silence. “We’ll be back…”

“It’s going to be alright, Spike,” Sunset reassured. “We’ll make this right again… I promise.”

Spike turned his head toward her gaze and silently nodded his head. He took Sunset’s hand, and together they followed their fellow students into the forest.

<>

Shortly after departing from Hagrid’s cabin, the heroes found themselves deep in the Dark forest as they followed the spiders. For Harry, along with Ron, Fang, the Student Six, and by extension Sunset Shimmer and Sonata Dusk, it is déjà vu all over again. For the CMC and Spike, however, they never felt more terror as this is the first time entering this forest. It is a mysterious place, if not more frightening than the Everfree Forest. The mist rolled across the forest floor, the ambient sounds of animal cries and howls echo all around.

“This is even worse than that time we served detention,” Ocellus whimpered.

“It’s scarier than the Everfree Forest,” Apple Bloom whimpered.

“Yona really not like spiders…” Yona cringed in disgust.

“Harry, I don’t like this,” Ron spoke frightenedly. “I don’t like this at all.”

“Shush!” Harry shushed.

“Why would Hagrid want us to follow the spiders all the way out here?” Scootaloo asked Gallus.

“I don’t know,” Gallus answered. “But we’ll never know if we keep asking questions. Let’s just keep going…”

Not far behind, Spike and Sunset Shimmer followed closely to ensure the safety of their students, and their friends’ sisters.

“I wonder if this is how Twilight felt when she and her friends went into the Everfree Forest the first time,” Spike wondered.

“You mean when they were looking for the Elements of Harmony?” Sunset asked. “You mean… you didn’t play a role in Nightmare Moon’s defeat? I’ve always assumed you were there; Twilight always said she couldn’t defeat Nightmare Moon without her friends.

“Yeah, she wasn’t very specific,” Spike sighed. “She just said her ‘friends’ in general, but… sometimes that doesn’t include… me. In my defense, I was passed out at the time.”

“Really?” Sunset asked in surprise. “But… you and Twilight are like bread and butter. You’ve been by her side she you hatched; you’re her best friend.”

“Yeah well, sometimes we do our separate things. I actually have other friends I hang out with sometimes. Whenever Twilight and the girls leave town, I’m free to have some ‘Guy Time’ with Big Mac and Discord.”

“Discord?” Sunset asked skeptically. “Big Mac I can understand, but you actually hang with that crazy Draconequus?”

“Believe it or not, Discord is a cool guy once you get to know him,” Spike rolled his eyes. “When he’s not being a total bonehead… or a loose cannon… or setting villains free.”

“And Sonata?” Sunset asked. “You were making ‘tacos’ with Sunset at the time of… well, you know?”

“Oh yeah, she’s pretty cool too!” Spike smiled. “She makes some mean tacos too! Hard to believe she used to be one of the Dazzlings.”

“Yeah… I saw what happened in Gotham,” Sunset frowned. “Poor girl. And I thought I got mixed up with the wrong crowd.”

As they followed the students through the Dark Forest, Spike looked at all the trees around him.

“You know… this is the first time I’ve set foot in this place,” Spike commented. “I was still a fledgling back then, so I stayed behind at Hogwarts while everyone was serving detention. Now without Twilight… I feel… scared.”

“I feel the same way too,” Sunset agreed. “Like being a prisoner of the Empire all over again. I’ve never felt more lost until you don’t know where you friends are. You feel backed up in a corner, forced to make tough decisions on your own. Even if they cost you everything…”

“At least you have the chance to move on,” Spike added. “That’s what they’d probably want you to do…”

Sunset looked toward the teenage dragon, who turned back toward the Jedi Sorceress and the way they held hands. It was hard to believe this was the same girl who tried to kill his sister… twice. But looking into her eyes, Spike can clearly see she’s not the same girl. In fact, he sees himself in her reflection… and Twilight Sparkle in Sunset’s place.

“It’s only been an hour or so, and I know they’re still back in the castle,” Spike rambled. “But I already miss Pinkie Pie. She always knows how to make the darkest moments seem… less bleak.”

“That’s Pinkie for ya,” Sunset agreed.

“She always wants to see everyone smile,” Spike recollected somberly. “It always fills her heart with sunshine all the while.”

“And when she sees her friends are happy, she’s happy…” Sunset sighed.

Both Spike and Sunset turned toward each other, sharing the same determination to see through the end of this adventure. For better or worse, for friends and family, these friends had ‘one’ opportunity to open up and truly get to know each other better.

“What was Twilight like to you?” Sunset asked. “Before meeting me?”

“Well… there was that one time she used a ‘Want-It, Need-It’ spell to make a friendship problem,” Spike laughed.

“Whoa, wait a minute!” Sunset chortled. “She made a problem herself?”

“Yeah! Everyone in Ponyville were fighting each other for Mr. Smarty Pants,” Spike chuckled. “I haven’t seen that much chaos since Discord broke loose…”

“What happened?”

“I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, explaining what happened, and she showed up to undo the spell lecturing Twilight and the girls about friendship reports for the future.”

“Wow…” Sunset shook her head. “All that trouble for fear of tardiness?”

“That’s Twilight,” Spike shrugged. “She may be smart, but she always overthinks the smallest thing. She’ll break into a full-blown panic attack if left unchecked… which is why I’m there for her to keep her… anchored.”

“Twilight’s lucky to have you for an assistant,” Sunset smiled. “Maybe if I had someone like you, I wouldn’t have…”

“It should’ve been me,” Spike sighed, looking toward the floor. “I should be the one petrified in the Hospital Wing… not her.”

“Spike, don’t beat yourself up like that!” Sunset Shimmer comforted the dragon.

“I’m supposed to be her Number One Assistant!” Spike frowned. “What kind of assistant lets their friend get petrified at the worst time?”

“You didn’t know,” Sunset continued. “Neither of us. But beating ourselves up won’t help. Dumbledore’s been forced to step down, including Celestia and Luna, Hagrid’s been taken to Azkaban, and as long as the Heir of Slytherin is still on the loose more Muggle-Borns and our friends are in trouble.

“I’m still here because I know Twilight needs me,” Sunset continued firmly. “Not that I have any other choice, I can’t go anywhere anyway. But regardless, she needs us… and you too. Twilight and her friends can only be back to normal if we work together.”

“That’s right, we’re all in this together!”

Sunset turned as Apple Bloom approached the pair, along with the entirety of the group.

“Hermione’s our friend,” Harry spoke up. “She’s in trouble, so we are doing this to save her.”

“But do we have to follow the spiders?” Ron whimpered.

“EEYUP!” The heroes answered in unison.

“Unfortunately…” Yona sighed.

And so the heroes continued their trek, Ron reluctantly dragging behind. The CMCs turned toward Sunset Shimmer who, despite the motivational speech to Spike, still showed gloom and despondence. Apple Bloom approached her, holding Sunset’s other hand.

“If it’s any consolation,” Apple Bloom began. “We forgive you.”

“Thanks…” Sunset solemnly nodded her head.

“The truth is none of us are perfect,” Sweetie Belle added. “We’ve made mistakes too. Like one time, we made a Love Poison to get Big Mac to fall in love with our teacher, Miss Cheerilee.”

“You did what?” Sunset asked.

“That’s nothing!” Scootaloo spoke up. “Remember that time we rigged a parade float to self-destruct, as payback against Babs Seed for bullying us? We were in so much trouble after that…”

“It could’ve been avoided if we spoke to Applejack like I suggested!” Sweetie Belle brought up.

“Oh yeah?” Scootaloo challenged. “What about those times we tried enrolling ourselves into Twilight’s School of Friendship? We came up with so many crazy plans to get in. Disguises…”

“Shirking chores,” Apple Bloom added.

“And the pestering,” Sweetie Belle brought up. “I got stuck with the name ‘Repeatity Belle’ for weeks for saying ‘please’ too much.”

“On top of that, we staged a fight in front of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie to convince them to get us enrolled,” Apple Bloom brought up.

“Wow!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed. “You girls are masterminds for trouble… even bigger than your counterparts back in the other world…”

“It’s what we’re good at,” Scootaloo chuckled. “Getting into trouble…”

“It’s part of the job description as Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Apple Bloom shrugged.

Sunset Shimmer laughed wholeheartedly over this revelation. To her, this moment brings relief for her guilty consciousness, knowing she isn’t the only one getting in trouble for any petty or simple reasons. She can feel a kinship with the Crusaders, despite having a bad history with their human counterparts notorious for the worst Christmas in history…

But that’s a story for another time… and this chapter’s long enough already…

“So, what else did you do as a bad girl?” Smolder asked Sunset. “Besides falling to the Dark Side over a stupid video and turning yourself into a Demon Sorceress…”

“Well… there was one time I broke into the Restricted Section of the Canterlot Library to study dark magic,” Sunset admitted.

“Bloody hell!” Ron exclaimed.

“Including the one about a mirror that takes you to an alternate world?” Harry asked.

“Yeah…” Sunset cringed. “Looking back, I really don’t feel good about it… but maybe it happened for a reason. Like its fate I’d be in that alternate world, to be a prisoner to the Empire, becoming a Sith, found by Twilight, then becoming a Jedi and… stuff…”

“I call it the choices you make,” Spike replied, crossing his arms.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m a dragon, right? But Twilight hatched me. She and every pony took me in and raised me as one of their own. Maybe it was fate I’d live like a pony, even though I’m a dragon.”

“What are you getting at?” Sunset asked.

“I still had a choice,” Spike continued. “I had every chance to leave every pony behind, take my place in the Dragon Lands, and maybe find out more of where I came from. Every chance to know who my real parents were, or why I was left alone. Or why I have these dreams of talking to someone.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because I made a choice! I’ll never know my real parents, but I know Twilight. She’s been part of my family since I was born, and that’s good enough for me. The point is: I’ll always choose her over anything or anyone… life is defined by our choices, not fate.”

“Spike’s right,” Apple Bloom nodded. “Just like we’re following these spiders because we chose to do as Hagrid told us to…”

“Hold on!” Harry called out.

Everyone stopped as Fang suddenly crashed through some low-slung branches and sharp brambles. Ron gingerly picked his way behind Harry, then jumps as Fang howls. More branches snap following by rumbling sounds, and then… silence. The group turned toward Harry, who appeared to spy on something.

“What is it, Harry?” Sunset asked.

“There’s something moving there…” Harry answered quietly. “Something big.”

Just then a blaze of light splintered the trees, blinding the group momentarily. The group starts to flee… when Ron stops.

“Harry… guys!” Ron called out. “It’s our car!”

“The car?!” The CMC exclaimed in unison.

Sure enough, all scratched and mud-smeared, with bits of earth and grass sprouting from its headlamps and hubcaps – the Ford Anglia stood. Only it appeared to look half-animal by this point. Ron and the others circled the car, eyeing with wonder.

“I don’t believe it,” Scootaloo gasped. “It’s been here all this time!”

“Looks like the forest turned it wild over time,” Sunset observed.

“Well, least we have a landmark if we get lost,” Apple Bloom replied.

Harry nodded his head, then glanced back up the slope.

“C’mon, we don’t want to lose the trail,” Harry gestured.

<>

“Hello…” A feeble voice called out. “Sunset! Kids! Any pony?”

Far behind the group, wandering aimlessly in the woods, Fluttershy shuddered in fear of the entire forest surrounding her. Although she still wasn’t quite herself after the attack, Fluttershy went to check on the students to ensure their safety. She looked in Gryffindor house, but Sunset and the Students weren’t there. Then she checked Hufflepuff, but the CMC weren’t there either. Then she spied on some activity at Hagrid’s cottage, then spying figured vanishing off into the woods. And now here she was, wandering the grounds hoping to get them back before they stir any more trouble.

“Sunset! Kids! We’re not supposed to be out here!” Fluttershy called out. “Please answer so we can go home!”

Suddenly, a huge wave of smoke and mist began to blanket her side of the forest. Snapping of twigs caused Fluttershy to tuck her head behind her mane, suddenly finding herself frozen in place. Shivering, her eyes looked around the forest which seemed to transform somehow.

“W-What’s happening?” Fluttershy squeaked in fear.

Next thing she knew, the entire area began to grow dark, and fireflies suddenly popped out from nowhere. Fluttershy spins about, trembling in fear before her eyes freeze over the sole lantern glowing amidst the smoke. Fluttershy stares at the lantern, frozen with terror. However, what came next proved utterly more terrifying.

A sole figure rose from the smoke and mist, crawling in a rather creepy way toward the frightened Pegasus. Tears spilled down Fluttershy’s face as the figure crawled closer. From what the Pegasus could tell, it resembled a woman, dressed in a dirty-tattered white dress. Her dark hair fell over her ghastly, ghostly-distorted face.

The ghostly woman slowly stands up before Fluttershy, while the frightened Pegasus trembles in fright. The woman slowly holds out something towards Fluttershy, who notices that it appears to be a sheet of parchment. The woman drops the parchment on the ground and slowly walks toward the lantern. Fluttershy looks at the parchment and notices only two words written on it:

Find Me

Fluttershy looks back toward the woman, who quickly blows out the lantern and disappeared into the smoke and mist. When it clears, Fluttershy nearly trembles, sobbing to herself when she gasps. Another sound catches her attention, and she can feel a shadow hovering over her. Slowly, she turns over her shoulder silently begging for nothing dangerous. But when she gets a full look, her face turns wide, and she screams…

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!”

<>

Harry, Ron, and the others were about to enter a hollow ribboned with shadow. The enormous trees towered over them, strewn with strands of white webbing. They stopped when they heard the high shrill of someone screaming, turning their heads trying to uncover the source. But it’s so dark where they were, they couldn’t see anything.

“This place gets creepier and creepier…” Sonata noted.

“Do we really have to go in there?” Gallus frowned, feeling claustrophobic.

“Can we go back now?” Ron asked.

“Come on,” Harry gestured.

Harry continues to lead the way, deep into the tunnel. Ron steps over a strand, kicking it off queasily. The whole tunnel is crawling with swarms of spiders along the floors, the walls, and even the ceiling. Peering ahead, at the far end of the hollow, they saw the spiders stream toward a dark opening.

“Yona not like spiders,” Yona cringed.

Unbeknownst to the yak, an even bigger spider dropped from the ceiling and perched itself onto her head. Sandbar is the first to take notice.

“Yona…” He began.

“Yes?” Yona asked, slowly turning around.

She notices Sandbar moving slowly towards her, one hoof extended out cautiously.

“What Sandbar doing?”

“Just… hold… still…” Sandbar whispered cautiously.

“Why—”

As if answering her own question, the big spider looks down toward Yona. It’s big eyes stare straight into hers, making its presence known before the hyperventilating yak.

“BIG SPIDER!!!”

The Yak screamed, jumping up and down, completely losing her mind. Yona even uprooted a whole tree, swinging and smacking her face into it. But try as she might to shake the spider off, she accidentally charges straight toward her own friends who desperately leaps out of the way.

“Yona! No!” The group calls out. “Yona! Calm down! Yona! Stop! STOP! STOP!”

As the group work to calm Yona down, Sunset peers into the forest to ensure nothing else is about. Suddenly, an eerier sound pierces her ears.

“Sunset…”

Sunset Shimmer quickly turns to where the voice came from. For some strange reason, it sounded as though it was Twilight Sparkle calling her. Suddenly, more voices of those closest to her called out…

“Sunset…”

“Sunset…”

“Where are you…”

“Help us…”

Hearing the voices, all at once Sunset Shimmer felt as though she’s in a trance. The voices drew her toward them, the pony felt powerless to do anything about it. Slowly she makes her way toward the voices, leaving the kids and Sonata behind. Sonata herself was the only figure who turned back, noticing Sunset walking off.

“Sunset?” Sonata spoke.

<>

In another part of the forest, Sunset Shimmer continue to follow the voices deep in the dark. All of a sudden, they stopped. It was then Sunset finally regained control of her senses, waking up from her trance and finding herself in an unfamiliar part of the woods.

“What… where am I?” Sunset asked, confused. “Harry! Ron! Sonata! Kids! Anyone!”

Suddenly, a new sound drew Sunset’s attention. Only this is a more terrifying sound, a series of vicious growls. Drawn to the growling, Sunset turns and spies a whole bunch of terrifying creatures surrounding her. But not just any creatures, these… were Wendigos.

But a majority of these Wendigos paled in comparison to its alpha. One with the face of either a deer or a ram, whichever Sunset deems most terrifying.

“Oh no…” Sunset moaned, recognizing the beast. “Not you again…”

The Wendigo released a spine-chilling howl, with several howls answering back. Before Sunset had time to act, several black flames erupted into the air. Soon millions of red eyes reveal themselves, as shadowy beasts emerge from the fires of hell. Shadow beasts assuming the shape of wolves, panthers, snakes, bears, eagles, an assortment of animals beyond imagination.

And to complete the line up is the ghost of a beastly bear. A bear revered from the realm of WrestleMania. A vicious predator, only this time… the real deal.

Oh, and if that’s not enough, the ghost of a familiar saber-toothed together emerged.

Sunset looks on, her eyes growing wide, shocked by the dark beasts surrounding her. They seem to close in on her, stalking toward her slowly. Quickly, she unsheathes her lightsaber, ignites the blade, and aims to defend herself. But before they could reach her, however, a horse whinny and clopping of hooves against the ground sends the beasts slithering back almost in reverence. Sunset turns toward where their attention was diverted, noticing a figure riding upon a white horse. A figure which returned from its grave to enact vengeance not only on the Equestrians, but ALL of mankind…

The Soul Chase demon…

The demon slowly slipped off the white horse and grabbed the giant scythe he carried upon his back. He grinned wickedly as he slowly approached Sunset Shimmer, who clutched her lightsaber tightly.

“Who are you?” She asked defensively.

But the Soul Chaser could smell fear within Sunset, which merely made him chuckle sinisterly.

“Your little friends know better than any,” He replied lowly. “They laid me in a grave as my final resting place, filing with the earth’s rotting soil. They tried to destroy me, wishing I’d go away. But what’s this? What have they really done?”

Between the Soul Chaser’s speech, the monsters surrounding them slowly drifted further in.

“The simple minds of mortals sent me back to my place of origin,” The Soul Chaser continued. “They think they could destroy me, but I grew more powerful. Now I have risen from my grave and will slay the ones I once saved.

“I am the reaper of men, chaser of souls, the weaver of nightmares, the heart of darkness, and now and ever will be… the purity of evil!”

“… Is that all?” Sunset Shimmer asked defiantly.

“… Hear me, little pony!” The demon warned. “The hell that threatened you as a child is no longer an option but reality. Living, breathing, and you stand in the middle of it. Tonight, Hell has relocated… to Earth!”

The Soul Chaser released a sinister laugh, taking a step back with his scythe aimed toward Sunset. A silent signal that sends the monsters toward her. But before they could pounce on her, a ball of fire hurtled through the air and exploded upon a nearby tree. All eyes turned and spotted the Legion of Light racing toward them with weapons drawn. The Legion leapt between Sunset and the monsters, the former greatly confused.

“We won’t let you touch her!” Quill yelled.

“Not on our watch!” Curtain added.

“Who are you guys?” Sunset asked confused.

“Don’t worry about that now,” Quill replied quickly. “Now we fight!”

The monsters leapt toward the group, and everyone sprang into action. Draxus brandished his two curved knives and slashed away the numerous beasts in his path. Mirai threw several fireballs amidst the other spells. Curtain and Quill shot spells after spells through the wands they carried. Sunset also slashed and hacked her way against everything in her path with her lightsaber, occasionally she hurled force lightning as a long-range attack to the beasts in the distance. Along the way, her eyes widened in shock when she saw Storm Shield blasting any and everything in sight through the magic from his horn.

“Storm Shield?!” Sunset gasped. “I thought—"

“You need to run Sunset!” Storm yelled.

“I can hold my own just fine!” Sunset replied. “But you—”

“The kids need you more than we do; go now!”

Sunset held the urge to question everything, including how Storm knows about the students when supposedly he’s been petrified. But Quill Cast quickly shoved something into her hands which resembled a small device with a single button.

“Take this and we’ll be in touch!” Quill yelled. “Push that when you’re back in Equestria with the kids, safe and sound! We’ll explain later! Now go!”

Without argument, Sunset quickly ran through the forest to reunite with the students and Sonata. All while her supposed new ‘allies’ were left to deal with the monsters. Nothing that the legion couldn’t handle, more than willing to keep fighting. Even despite the fact the monsters’ numbers kept growing, and more powerful by the mile.

“It’s no use!” Mirai yelled. “There’s too many; we need reinforcements!”

“Don’t worry about it!” Quill yelled. “Help’s on the way!”

“When the hell are they getting here?!” Curtain yelled.

Just then, rumbling could be felt. Faint at first but growing louder every second. The monsters and the legion stopped, staring into the distance. Quill and Curtain both smiled, knowing what was coming.

“3… 2… 1…” Quill counted down.

In a split second, a bright light engulfed the area as a black 1967 Chevrolet Impala soared through the air landing upon a large gathering of monsters. Upon impact, the two doors burst open, and two men stepped out wielding pistols. Two men who knew more about hunting the paranormal and monsters of large variety, more than the others. And their names…

Sam and Dean Winchester…

“Too late for the party?” Dean asked sarcastically.

“Less talk, more shooting!” Curtain yelled.

No need for convincing, Sam and Dean fired at every monster that thought to take them on. Quill and Curtain eyed each other, knowing this fight could use some extra juice.

“Ready?” Quill asked his friend.

“Always…” Curtain cracked his knuckles.

Under the light of the full moon, the two reached deep within themselves and channeled their inner power to unleash an unspeakable power. Quill Cast grew exponentially taller, and muscles expanded over his body. His features became more canine, with huge amounts of fur sprouting over his body.

“Just to clear the air beasts…” Quill spoke deeply. “I don’t need the moon to transform; it just makes me stronger…”

And by the time the transformation was complete, he stood before the beasts in the form of a huge, lumbering, snarling werewolf…

As for Curtain Call, he too grew to incredible heights. His muscles grew larger, any ounce of fat upon his body immediately shrunk. Dark wings sprouted through his back, his ears larger and pointed. His canine teeth grew sharper, and soon he took the form… of a monstrous vampire.

The newly formed monsters soon shredded any monster in their path, some of the beasts actually began to run away. The Winchesters, Mirai, Draxus, and Storm kept fighting the rest with their own weapons. Between the fighting, the Soul Chaser stood watch eyeing the battle before him. It didn’t take long to notice his monstrous army slowly decimated.

“ENOUGH!!!”

With a bang of the scythe’s hilt against the ground, the remaining beasts scurried away deep into the forest. As they fled into the night, the Soul Chaser gazed upon the members of the Legion below him.

“This is not over!” The Soul Chaser warned furiously. “Hell is coming!”

One blast of fire and the Soul Chaser disappeared with the rest of his monsters in the darkness. The Legion of Light sheathed their weapons while recovering from the fight. Quill and Curtain slowly changed from their monstrous forms to their regular selves. Once completely back to normal, the group looked amongst each other.

“So… now what?” Sam Winchester asked.

<>

Sometime earlier, Harry, Ron, and the remainder of the Equestrians approached the opening, a clicking sound emanated from within, echoing in the branches of the tall trees. The echoes grew louder and louder the closer they approached.

“Who is it?” A loud voice boomed.

Ron faltered, glancing about nervously. The poor boy looked as though he were about to have a panic attack. As something crept along the cracking branches, Sonata found herself shaking in her boots. Course the Siren wasn’t entirely defenseless, as she held her lightsaber from her days in the galaxy.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this –” Sonata whimpered.

“Don’t panic,” Harry whispered to everyone.

“Hagrid? Is that you?”

As Harry stepped into the mouth of the cavern, with the others following behind, the air suddenly cracked with movement. Amidst the snapping twigs, a huge shadow emerges. It burst from the webs and logs, pulling itself from the shadow and into the moonlight. It slowly engulfs the group, who peer up and see…

An ancient spider (Aragog), approximately the size of a small elephant and standing fifteen feet in length. As it emerged from its den, the group backed away slowly. Its blind eyes catch the light, and it stopped as though… listening. If Ron hadn’t already looked to faint on the spot, he was certainly as pale as a sheet.

“G-G-G-Giant spider!” Yona screamed.

“Easy does it, Yona,” Sandbar shushed.

“You do not come from the forest,” The spider spoke. “Your hearts beat like… men.”

“Yes, we’re friends of Hagrid’s,” Harry breathed deeply.

“For realsies!” Sonata added.

“And you… you’re… Aragog, aren’t you?” Harry gasped.

Hearing this, Aragog’s head turned slightly.

“Yes…” The spider confirmed. “Hagrid has never sent humans, nor creatures, into our hollow before…”

“He’s in trouble,” Harry explained. “Up at school, there’ve been attacks. They think it’s Hagrid. They think he’s opened the Chamber of Secrets. Like before.”

“And… he told us to come meet you,” Apple Bloom added.

“He did?” Sonata asked.

“Why else would we ‘follow the spiders’?” Smolder asked rhetorically.

As the group spoke, Ron’s eyes dart warily about, then… a pair of long legs – spider’s legs – curl slowly around the trunk of the tree to his left. Terrified, Ron nudges Harry, but Harry ignores him.

“That’s a lie!” Aragog bellowed. “Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets!”

“See?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed triumphantly. “I knew it!”

“But if Hagrid never… that means… you’re not the monster?” Harry asked.

“No. The monster was born in the castle. I came to Hagrid from a distant land, in the pocket of a traveler.”

Ron turns, spotting two crawling silhouettes an inch forward. They are just waiting, watching the weary travelers.

“Harry…” Ron tugged Harry’s arm.

“Shh!” Harry shushed Ron, then faced Aragog. “But if you’re not the monster, what did kill that girl fifty years ago?”

“We do not speak of it!” Aragog replied. “It is an ancient creature we spiders fear above all others.”

“There’s a scarier monster even spiders fear to speak of?” Gallus wondered.

“Well, there are bigger and worse things than spiders,” Ocellus stated matter-of-factly.

“There’s always a bigger fish,” Silverstream added.

“But have you seen it?” Harry asked.

A scrabbling sound echoes above Ron. He glances up as a spider crouches on a branch above.

“I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me,” Aragog replied. “The girl was discovered in a bathroom. When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here.”

“I know I’d do the same for Norberta if someone framed her,” Smolder said.

The scrabbling continues making Ron look up. Spiders, amidst the high and low branches, drop downward like paratroopers. Ron tugs Harry’s arm.

“Harry…” Ron whimpered.

“What?!” Harry asked, annoyed.

Ron points, and Harry finally turns… pale. All eyes look upward, and once seeing what Ron’s telling them, the fear they shared was the same. Numerous spiders descending from numerous web-covered branches, high above the heroes. The team sound themselves surrounded by swarms of spiders staring hungrily at them.

“Well things just got a little crowded,” Apple Bloom whimpered.

“Everyone! GET BACK!”

Sunset Shimmer suddenly appeared, waving away her ignited lightsaber and sending a few spiders scattering about. She held her guard over the stunned heroes.

“Sunset, where’ve you been?!” Sonata asked.

“Long story!” Sunset replied.

As the remaining spiders hovered over, Harry turned slowly back toward Aragog.

“Well… thank you,” Harry bowed politely. “We’ll just go…”

“Go?”

“Yeah! Been nice knowing ya,” Gallus said frantically. “But… it’s past our curfew, we have to be going now.”

Unfortunately, it is clear the giant spider has other plans in mind as swarms of smaller and larger spiders emerged around him.

“I think not,” Aragog spoke. “My sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid, on my command. But I cannot deny them fresh meat when it wanders so willingly into our midst.”

“Wait… now WE’RE THE MAIN COURSE?!?!” Sonata exclaimed.

“You can’t do this to us!” Ocellus exclaimed in shock. “We have to save our friends! We must save Hagrid!”

But the poor changeling’s words fell on deaf ears…

“Goodbye, friends of Hagrid.”

Aragog turns, then disappears into the shadows of his cavernous home.

“Can we panic now?” Ron asked.

“Yeah! Time to panic!” Gallus answered.

Just then, a giant spider jumped down and advanced upon our frightened heroes.

“SAVE ME, SANDBAR!!!” Yona screamed.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! Harry and Ron spin about. A gang of five-foot spiders bar the path ahead. They begin to move forward, as the remaining spiders close in from everywhere. Desperately, Harry swings the lantern in his hand. The spiders falter, then creep forward again as the arc of the light chases itself away. The lantern spins round and round… till the lantern goes out. Harry pitches it aside. As one, he and Ron draw their wands, with Fang barking.

Sunset Shimmer slashes her lightsaber, hacking one of the giant tarantulas.

“STAY BACK!” Sunset Shimmer shouted. “BACK! Stupefy!”

With one spell fired from her lightsaber, which contained her wand, it stunned one of the spiders. Then Sunset fired with some force lightning from her free hand. Still the spiders kept charging. Sunset Shimmer and Sonata both held their ground, back-to-back as they slashed their lightsabers against the onslaught of charging spiders.

Spike and Smolder quickly shot fire from their lungs, repelling as many spiders as possible. Temporarily they generated a wall of fire for some added protection. But these spiders had no plans to stop. Their numbers sent everyone back into each other. The growing swarm seemed overpowering, even with all the lightsabers, spells, and lightning bolts combined.

“There’s too many!” Sunset frowned.

“Any ideas?” Sandbar asked.

“Know any spells?” Ron asked.

“One,” Harry answered somberly. “But it’s not powerful enough for all of them!”

“Where’s Hermione when you need her?” Ron asked tearfully.

Friends soon came together, hugging each other and preparing for the worst. Several of whom sobbed hysterically.

“Nice knowing you guys!” Apple Bloom cried.

“Sunset, if this is the end, I want you to know one thing,” Spike began. “You were never a bad friend.”

“Thanks buddy,” Sunset Shimmer replied. “For what it’s worth, you’re a one in a million friend!”

“For realsies!” Sonata sobbed hysterically. “I haven’t known a true family until I met you guys!”

It seemed that our heroes were done for. Fang whimpers as the spiders draw closer, clicking feverishly. Suddenly, as the spiders lunged for the kill, a long, loud horn bleat interrupted the horror. Seconds later, a blaze of light ignites the hollow and the Ford Anglia thunders over the rim and down the slope, knocking spiders out of its path. As it screeches to a halt, the doors fling open.

Not only that, but a familiar limousine appeared as well. Poking their heads from the window of the limo are none other than Discord, Whisper Dream… and a very confused Fluttershy.

“Somebody call a cab?” Discord asked, with a cockney accent.

“Discord?!” Sunset and Sonata gasped.

“Whisper!” The CMC cheered.

“Professor Fluttershy?” Silverstream called out. “How’d you find us?”

“It’s a long… long story,” Fluttershy whimpered. “Now come on, let’s go!”

“You heard her, get going!” Sunset called out. “Sonata, take the CMC with the boys. I’ll take the others in the limo!”

“Okie-dokie, no problem!” Sonata saluted.

Sonata Dusk, along with the CMC, Harry, Ron, and Fang, leapt inside the Ford Anglia. The Student Six, along with Sunset Shimmer and Spike, dove head-over-heels into the limo. Ron shifted frantically when a spider appeared at Harry’s open window.

“THE WINDOWS!” Sunset shouted. “ROLL UP THE WINDOWS!”

“I CAN’T! IT’S STUCK!” Ron struggled.

Just then, a hairy leg reaches through Ron’s window. Instantly, Ron hits the gas, hurling the car into reverse. As the limo follows the car, the spiders scatter about (Save for the two clinging to the side windows tightly). As one car zooms backward out the hollow and the other speeding ahead, Harry rolls his window tight, snapping off his spider’s legs.

“For once Discord, we’re so glad to see you!” Silverstream thanked.

“I’d never let anything hurt you crazy kids!” Discord smirked. “… And bacon-head.”

Sunset Shimmer merely glared, but otherwise just shrugged as she looked out her window. Next thing they knew, both vehicles jetted out of the hollow and landed with a thud. When it seems the cost was clear, Sandbar lowered his window.

“Are you guys, okay?!” Sandbar called out to the Ford Anglia.

“Glad to be out of there,” Ron replied.

Suddenly, as Harry turned, a spider broke through the window and grabbed Ron’s neck trying to eat him. Inside, the CMC screamed and squirmed back into Sonata who tried to protect them.

“ROOOONNNNN!!!” The friends shouted to the screaming boy.

Ron fought the giant spider with all his might, as the beast tried to pull Ron from the car. Sunset leaned out of the limo’s window and immediately whipped out her lightsaber-wand, aiming toward the spider. Harry whipped out his own wand, pointing at the spider from his passenger seat. Together, the two spellcasters worked their magic in unison.

“Arania Exumai!” They shouted.

Uttering the spell, a blinding flash of white light from the two wands blasted toward the spider and into the distant shadows. Sunset ignited her lightsaber and hurled it like a boomerang, hacking the spider in half for good measure, and the lightsaber flew back to her hand.

“Thanks for that!” Ron sighed, breathing heavily.

“Don’t mention it,” Harry replied.

“Glad that’s over,” Sunset sighed.

“Uh… guys!” Spike pointed feverishly. “Look!”

They all hear it… a distant clicking. As the cars flew over a ridge, they could just see them. A sea of spiders heading straight for them like a herd of raging wildebeest. Realization hit them when they realized the nightmare was far from over.

“Sweet Celestia!” Ocellus whimpered. “There’s thousands of them!”

Discord turned to his left and his eyes widened greatly at the sight of something far more terrifying.

“They’re not the only ones to worry about,” Discord moaned.

Facing the side, the friends watched in horror when the wendigos started joining the spiders.

“What’re those things?!” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Predators!” Discord answered. “That’s what they are!”

“But… are they… ghosts?!” Whisper Dream guessed.

“Never mind that!” Sunset shouted. “Discord, get us out of here now!”

“Step on the gas, Ronny boy!” Sonata cried out.

Ron slammed his foot to the floor, spinning the wheel and sent the car sliding away. Discord punched his limousine with a boxing glove, sending the limo into high gear and they raced out of the forest with spiders and wendigos stampeding after. The cars slalom through the forest, skimming past trees with the beasts coming closer.

“C’mon!” Harry shouted. “Move faster!”

“What’s the plan now chief?!” Spike asked Sunset.

“We get out of here!” Sunset shouted. “Discord, drive faster!”

“Best idea Jedi said all day!” Yona exclaimed.

“Well, at least coming to the forest was worth it,” Spike reminded. “We’ve learned a few things.”

“Like what?” Smolder asked skeptically. “That there are giant spiders that can eat a grown person?”

“And yaks?” Gallus asked, earning him a shot to the ribs.

“No! That Hagrid was innocent!” Spike brought up. “And the monster from the Chamber of Secrets… is not a spider!”

“It means Twilight was right!” Fluttershy realized. “Wasn’t she Sunset Shimmer?”

All eyes, especially those on the back of Discord’s head, look toward Sunset Shimmer who flushed with embarrassment.

“For the record,” Sunset clarified. “I only agreed with what the students saw first!”

“But there was more to the story than what we saw!” Sandbar shouted. “We realize that now! Haven’t you?”

“Should we be talking about this in the middle of a chase?!” Sunset argued.

“One more smart mouth oughtta you missy, and that’s fifty points from Gryffindor!” Discord warned.

“Discord…” Fluttershy scolded.

“Okay fine!” Sunset finally relented. “Twilight was right; I was wrong. And when this is over, I’ll apologize to Twilight and admit that I’m an idiot because you were right about me Discord! You’re always right about me!”

“Well, I’m flattered but—” Discord started.

“I’m the biggest idiot in the Galaxy! THE MULTIVERSE!” Sunset admitted. “Are you happy now, Discord?! Is that what you want!”

“Hey, this is not how it works!” Discord argued. “I’m the one who insults you, and you’re supposed to be mad at me! Now, I don’t want to say I told you so, but—”

Suddenly, a wolf leapt through the window and nearly sank it’s teeth into Discord’s neck. The draconequus struggled as he turned the wheel violently, sending the limo turning side to side and the passengers screamed.

“Get out!” Sunset shouted,

She slammed one foot against the phantom wolf, sending it hurling and whimpering into the darkness. Discord took hold of his nose and breathed in, quickly filling out the holes. One look toward a smirking Sunset and a sigh escaped his lips.

“Fine… we’re even!” Discord pouted.

“Guys, I can see the exit!” Ocellus called out.

Sure enough, the gang peered ahead toward an area riddled with fallen trees. There lies an opening, their one narrow escape route.

“That way! It’s the only way out!” Harry shouted.

“Hurry guys!” Sweetie Belle cried out. “They’re catching up!”

Ron jammed the accelerator… just as a giant tarantula dropped in front of the escape route. Our heroes appeared to be as good as dead.

“Can you get us in the air?” Harry asked.

“Flying gear’s jammed!” Ron jostled the gear stick.

“Come on Ron, pull!” Scootaloo shouted.

“I’m trying!”

The spiders and wendigos behind were getting closer. The tarantula waits just up ahead. Harry claps his hand over Ron’s on the gear shift, pushing. The tarantula’s pincers open, ready to kill, when… a tiny Discord appears beside their gear shift and hip bumps the shift. The Anglia’s wheels lift and the car flies over, the limp sprouting wings and helicopter blades following behind. The furious beasts watch from the ground below, as the cars barely avoid the rearing tarantula and sail over the trees.

<>

Finally, after a brief flight, both cars land safely outside of Hagrid’s hut. Once on the ground, Fang bolts free and reenters Hagrid’s house. Harry, Ron, and the equestrians burst from their separate cars wearily. They watch as the Ford Anglia turns and rumbles back into the forest.

“Carry onward wayward soul…” Discord salutes, then breaks face. “Well, that’s my evening shenanigans. See you at class!”

And one snap of the fingers, Discord immediately vanishes from sight, along with the limo. Thus leaving the Equestrians stunned by tonight’s evening.

“I’ll never understand that Draconequus,” Sunset Shimmer sighed.

“True…” Fluttershy nodded. “But if he hadn’t have found me earlier, and brought Whisper along beforehand, we wouldn’t have been able to save you!”

“One moment I’m carried around like a scolded dog, and next thing I know… I was in a limo,” Whisper stammered.

“’Follow the spiders’! Follow the spiders’!” Ron rambled furiously. “If he ever gets out of Azkaban, I’ll kill Hagrid.”

“If we don’t clear Hagrid’s name, Azkaban will kill him!” Sunset Shimmer sighed.

“And if we don’t restore the princesses reputation, Twilight Sparkle will be furious!” Spike added. “As if she hasn’t had enough after what happened to Storm Shield.”

“Yeah… about that…”

“What was even the point of sending us in there?” Ron argued. “What have we found out?”

“We know one thing,” Harry answered. “Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets; he was innocent.”

“Hagrid no open Chamber,” Yona pondered. “So, who did?”