“G-girls?!” Charity cried in shock.

“Look Charity I think I know what happened! Just please calm down,” The alicorn got up and approached.

“I-I… ok…” Charity took a deep breath and looked at the new pony cautiously.

“I think I materialized when the CMC slept so close to each other, it must have triggered the fusion magic still inside them,” She said.

“B-but what about Sweetie Belle? And Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?” Charity asked.

“They’re still in my head… I think I can hear them, something must still be wrong, but regardless my consciousness must have developed when the magic was drawn from the CMC as they were forcibly separated,” She said.

“How do you know?” Charity asked.

“I don’t know… it seems that I may be a product of the fusion magic, a fourth personality,” She said.

“How do you turn back?” Charity asked.

“Gee, tired of me already?” She snarked but she quickly looked guilty when Charity looked upset to hear that.

“Sorry sorry, the Scootaloo side of my personality seems to like mouthing off…” She said.

“It’s fine,” Charity said.

“We should visit Twinkle, she may know how to separate me, if there’s a way,” She said.

“Not to say that I don’t like you but I really want my sister back,” Charity sniffled.

“Hey hey,” She hugged Charity “We’ll figure this out,” She said.

“Ok… so… do you have a name?” Charity asked.

“I… don’t… wait… their talking…” The alicorn seemed distracted.

“What are they saying?” Charity asked.

“Their suggesting names… hmm… I like that one…” She mumbled.

“What did they suggest?” Charity asked.

“Audacia, the spirit of taking bold risks, it defines them well,” Audacia chuckled.

“Yes, well, I suppose we should get moving,” Charity suggested.

“Not tonight, I need time to think these strange thoughts over, I’ll be more mentally stable tomorrow,” Audacia said.

“Ok…” Charity didn’t want to admit it out loud but she really wanted Sweetie Belle back.

“Goodnight,” Audacia said and she walked back into the room.

“Ok…” Charity said walking back downstairs.

Twinkle didn’t know how long she stayed in Flash’s embrace but they eventually parted and made their way to where Sunset and Starlight were.

“As they entered they saw the two looking through books and they already had set up a good few stacks.

“Oh hey lovebirds, finally done cuddling?” Sunset remarked.

“We were just happy to see eachother, but now we can focus on the problem at hand.” Twinkle said.

“I’m afraid I won’t be much help here,” Flash said disappointedly.

“It’s fine,” Twinkle said before making her way over to Starlight.

“Ok, here’s what we found so far, on old Equestria history,” Starlight said.

“There are multiple mentions of manuscripts that was mentioned, but the most troubling one is this,” Starlight said showing a picture of a few sheets of paper depicted on the page.

“What is it?” Flash asked.

“It’s called the Manuscript of Celtus,” Starlight said.

“Tell us about it,” Twinkle said.

“Take a seat this will take a while,” Starlight said and the two did.

“The Manuscripts aren’t just a paper, they're a prison…” Starlight began “A prison for an ancient deity-like creature named Celtus, long ago when these lands were first populated by the settlers that would label this place Equestria there was a creature that everypony feared, a giant monster named Celtus, it could take the appearance of different animals and had no definite form. It laid waste to the pony settlements and caused mass destruction, nothing could stop it, nothing except an unlikely hero…” Starlight said.

“Go on,” Sunset said.

“...Grogar,” Starlight said.

“The ancient necromancer? He stopped Celtus?” Twinkle said sounding surprised.

“It wasn’t out of any goodwill, he did it so he could take over the pony tribes, so he created the manuscripts to seal the monster away forever and cast the papers away, Celestia and Luna must have somehow stumbled across them and decided to seal them away in the magic box known as the Box of Celtus along with other dangerous objects that could threaten the balance and safety of Equestria, if the manuscript was ever read aloud, Celtus would be free to lay waste to Equestria again.” Starlight finished.

“That… is bad, no wonder Celestia was so scared…” Twinkle said.

“So this guy can just cut Celtus loose anytime he wants?” Flash asked.

“Anytime… makes sense why Celestia wanted to handle this alone, he basically holds Equestria on a string, and he can snip it anytime he wants,” Starlight said.

“What if even he’s hesitant to do so?” Flash asked.

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.

“If what I heard is true this guy is trying to help Equestria, in some twisted way, but why would he risk destroying it? Sounds counterintuitive,” Flash said.

“You believe he’s bluffing?” Sunset said.

“I don’t know the guy so I can’t say for sure, but it’s something to consider,” Flash offered.

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense, but still approaching him is too dangerous, if he’s serious we could inadvertently be the reason many lose their lives,” Sunset said.

“Then we gotta think of a way to get those manuscripts away from him,” Twinkle said.

“Without ending up fused or a puppet,” Starlight added.

“We gotta do our best to learn about the Box of Celtus and what it contains,” Sunset said.

“Then we pull an allnighter,” Twinkle cheered.

“No, we’ll start tomorrow,” Sunset said.

“What? Why?” Twinkle said.

“Because we want to be awake and alert in case a situation comes on, according to the others, lots of things have been going on lately, we start first thing in the morning,” Sunset said.

“But-”

“No buts, come on, the sooner we get to bed the better,” Starlight said.

“Ok…” Twinkle said as they walked out into the castle.

“Is it ok if I crash here for the night?” Sunset asked.

“Sure,” Twinkle said.

“Thanks, I know where the bedrooms are, g'night,” Sunset said looking at Flash and smiling before leaving.

“And I will be off as well,” Starlight waved them off and walked away as well.

“Well… I guess I’m crashing here tonight as well if that’s alright?” Flash said blushing a little.

“Yeah, that’s… fine,” Twinkle said blushing as well.

“Do… you know where the bedrooms are? I don’t know this place like Sunset does,” Flash asked.

“R-right this way,” Twinkle awkwardly said leading him to a room, they took some turns and made their way to one of the many bedrooms, as they went Flash could see Twinkle was struggling to say something.

“Are you ok Twinkle?” Flash asked.

“Y-yeah!” Twinkle just wanted to say it but she was too nervous, too shy… before Flash hugged her surprising her.

“You… want to sleep in the same room?” Flash asked.

“...Yes…” She said.

“Alright, lead the way,” Flash said, and with That Twinkle led the way to her bedroom.

No explicit things… just cuddling… maybe…

Elsewhere a high-five occurred between Sunset and Starlight.

They entered the bedroom and Twinkle walked over to the bed.

“Well, here we are, mi casa es Centelleo,” Twinkle said nervously.

“Glad to be here… mind if I use the restroom real quick before I go to bed?” Flash asked.

“Ok, over there,” Twinkle said pointing to the bathroom and Flash nodded before heading in there.

“He… just wants to sleepover… that’s all,” Twinkle said.

Flash splashed water on his face.

“What was I thinking…?... She probably thinks I want to… do that…” Flash said before shaking his head before looking at himself in the mirror.

He still wasn’t used to being in a pony body, especially the snout, he felt it and then extended his wings, it was odd… like having a second pair of arms.

And the hooves, and having fur, it was still all so new to him.

If he’s going to be of any help to the others however, he’s going to have to learn how to use them.

He eventually decided to exit the bathroom and saw Twinkle still staring at a wall.

“Twinkle?” Flash asked.

“Huh? Oh hey,” Twinkle said before scooting on the bed and sitting on the other side, and patting the bedside.

Flash nodded and sat down before getting under the covers as well and the two laid there, more or less contemplating.

“Flash?” Twinkle eventually asked.

“Yeah?” Flash asked.

“Can you sleep?” Twinkle asked.

“No…” Flash said.

“Well, I can’t either… m-maybe if we cuddle we’ll get comfortable enough?” She asked.

“S-sure,” Flash stuttered and he rolled over and hugged her close.

She hummed as she felt his warmth envelop her.

“Is that better?” He asked.

“Yeah…” She said with a smile.

They lay like that for at least several minutes before Twinkle spoke again.

“Flash? Still awake?” Twinkle asked.

“Mhmm…” He said.

“....We’re beating around the bush aren’t we?...” Twinkle sighed.

“Yes…” Flash replied and Twinkle sat up and faced him.

“Flash… I love you, I really do… but…” Twinkle said hesitantly.

“But?” Flash responded worriedly.

“I feel like… I want more, of you, I want you Flash, and we can’t… because you have a life back on Earth and I’m a princess, I have two lives I’m trying to fill… but… is that what I want?...” Twinkle said looking down, Flash seeing this sits up as well and hugged her.

“I feel the same, and it’s true, I have a life back home on Earth, but I don’t want to lose you either… maybe… just one night however…” Flash said.

“Y-yeah?” Twinkle said.

“We can forget all that, and share what we can,” Flash said looking her in the eye.

“Oh Flash…. Nothing would make me happier,” She said before wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

The two hugged eachother and fell back onto the bed.

Cheese was cleaning some dishes when his mane bounced a few times and he looked through a window at the castle and smiled.

“It’s about time,” Cheese said with a grin before resuming.

Flash was on top of Twinkle kissing her with a passion, they felt in that moment, complete.

Twinkle ran her hands along his muscles and found the bottom of his shirt.

Flash paused.

“Are you sure?” Flash asked.

“I want this Flash, please,” She asked.

“How far?” Flash asked.

“I don’t care,” Twinkle whimpered.

They resumed kissing to their hearts content.

Zap woke up with a yawn, worktime was approaching and she had no intention of slacking.

As Zap did her daily early morning routine she exited the bathroom and walked up to a terrarium containing her second pet besides Winona.

“Tank, wakey wakey!” Zap called and Tank sluggishly exited his cave, honestly Rainbow Dash was an early bird but this mare was a much earlier bird…

Zap proceeded to deposit the food into his terrarium and he ate it.

“Alright, t’days the day, ah’m a mare of mah word, and after this silly little date, ah can get back to workin!” Zap said confidently.

Tank rolled his eyes and went back into his cave.

Zap went downstairs and said good morning to Big Mac.

“Howdy Mac,” Zap said.

“G’mornin,” Mac said and he finished the hay pancakes and brought them over to the table.

“Ah more than that, this gal has an appetite,” Zap chuckled.

“Ya get what ya get,” Mac said.

“Alright, guess ah’m gettin ta eat out after this anyways,” She shrugged.

“Yer gonna give him a chance right? Not just half flanking the date and go right back ta work?” Big Mac asked.

“Ah don’t half flank anything, and yes ah plan to get back ta work afterwards, ah got two full-time jobs,” Zap said.

“Zap, ya need ta-”

“Oh no, not gettin this speech no more, ah’m doin what ah do best and that’s crush what ponies can’t normally do,” Zap said firmly.

“One of these days you’ll be humbled, ah hope,” Mac said before walking away.

“Ah am humble, just in mah own way!” Zap yelled after him before sighing and walking out of the house and approaching some trees “Didn’t say ah couldn’t warm up,” Zap said before resuming her punchout with the trees.

Sunset walked up to Twinkle's room with Starlight and Starlight had an expression of mild amusement while Sunset looked troubled.

“I will admit, it all happened like I had hoped,” Starlight said.

“Yeah…” Sunset said.

“What’s wrong?” Starlight asked.

“I… back at Camp Everfree, in my world Flash had promised to move on from Twilight, but now I can see that was more to convince me than himself…” Sunset said.

“You liked him too didn’t you?” Starlight asked.

“Yeah… but I can see now his heart will always belong with Princess Twilight… or Twinkle now,” Sunset said.

“Don’t let it ruin your mood, let’s go check on them,” Starlight said.

“Ok,” Sunset said.

They cracked open the door to Twinkle's room and saw the two laying in bed, cuddled and sleeping peacefully.

Sunset sighed and turned around.

Starlight closed the door and turned to Sunset “Don’t worry, as the humans say, there’s plenty of birds in the sky,” Starlight said.

“It’s fish in the sea,” Sunset said walking away.

“Erm… yeah that, look, I’m sure Flash understands what was said back at your camp but… we can’t help who we fall for,” Starlight said.

“I know, come on,” Sunset said walking on but suddenly a loud knocking occurred and they looked at eachother.

“Were we expecting somepony?” Starlight asked.

“No,” Sunset said and the two walked down to the main lobby and approached the doorway.

They opened the door and saw a hooded pony standing there.

“Huh?!” They both lit their horns in defense, having been warned of a hooded pony.

The pony immediately held up his hands.

“Look out!” Starlight said.

“Wait wait! It’s me!” The figure pulled down his hood revealing he was Shining Armor.

“Huh? Prince Shining Armor?... What are you doing here?” Starlight asked.

“Yeah, and what do you need?” Sunset asked rather hotly.

“Sunset, calm down, I know you are upset with him but nothing can be gained from getting in a fight,” Starlight said.

“I know… just, what Twinkle told me he said to her…” Sunset took a deep breath but still looked at him disapprovingly.

“What are you here for?” Sunset asked.

“I am here to see Twinkle,” Shining Armor said.

“To what?” Sunset said.

“Do I need a reason to see family?” Shining asked getting a little miffed by her attitude.

“Now you consider her family-” Sunset was about to shout at him but Starlight got in her way.

“Sunset, go cool off, I got this,” Starlight said firmly.

“...Fine…” Sunset said taking her leave.

“Thanks,” Shining said.

“I’m no happier to see you but if your reasons of visiting are to mend fences then fine,” Starlight said.

“I know, I was out of line when I last saw her, I see that now, so please, can I have alone time with her? To talk,” Shining asked.

“...Ok, but don’t hurt her again please,” Starlight said and she walked away with Shining following her, after a while she continued “I’ll just have to wake her and Flash up-”

“Flash? Is his last name Sentry?” Shining asked.

“Yeah, um… you can wait in a room and I’ll go… fetch them… from their separate rooms,” Starlight lied.

“...Something isn’t right,” Shining marched past Starlight.

“Wait! It’s not what you think!” Starlight said and Shining ignored her and reached Twinkle's room and opened the door.

“Twinkle we need to…talk?” Shining saw Flash and Twinkle in the bed and they both woke with a start.

“Huh?” Flash said groggily.

“Shining?!” Twinkle covered up a little, Shining looked to see a couple of shirts and a bra on the ground nearby and he looked at Flash with growing frustration.

“Lieutenant Flash Sentry, explanation, now,” Shining demanded.

“Lieutenant?” Flash questioned.

“Shining I can explain-” Twinkle began but Shining glared at her before calming down.

“Nevermind, I’ll expect a written report why you bedded with a princess and the pony who’s one-half my sister without my knowledge or permission when you get back to the empire,” Shining said before turning to Twinkle.

“And you, I want a private chat ASAP, we… need to clear some things up,” Shining said before closing the door.

“...What just happened?” Flash asked.

“I forgot to mention my brother is the prince of the Crystal Empire and you're one of his guards here, oopsie,” Twinkle chuckled.

“Ah…” Flash said knowing his pony counterpart could be in deep doodoo right now.

Zap had just finished punching two apple trees with her powerful fists when she heard tiny wings flapping and she turned to see Bulk Biceps landing.

“Hmm?” Zap turned to see the muscular pegasus standing there.

“Hey! Ready for our date?” Bulk asked.

“In a bit there’s a few more-” Zap paused and saw Granny staring at her from a window tapping her walking stick into her hand.

“...minutes until we get moving, let me just get ready,” Zap said before hurrying into the farmhouse.

Honestly despite being a supermare Granny still knew how to instill fear and respect….

After a while Zap exited with a gym bag.

“Alright YEAH! Let’s hit the gym,” Bulk said.

“Right away?” Zap asked as they walked.

“Yeah! We’re gonna lift until we pass out!” Bulk said.

“Ah’d rather try an get this date movin,” Zap said.

“I know you got a bunch of chores but when you get the chance to have fun, take it don’t shirk it! Just like Uncle Twenty-four Tons always said… or was it Aunt Twenty Tons?... these quotes always get a little mixed up,” Bulk admitted.

Zap chuckled a little “Whatever ya need, but ah got lots ta do, we’re supposed to get a storm tonight, so ah can’t stick around all day,” Zap said.

“You don’t stop overworking your gonna work yourself into the ground, live life a little,” Bulk said.

“Even yer givin me this spiel?” Zap sighed.

“Ah forget about it, let’s race there as a warm-up!” Bulk said taking to the air.

“Now we’re talkin!” Zap said taking to the air as well.

“Ready set GO!” Bulk flew forward at a decent speed… before Zap blazed past him and was already there waiting for him, when he got there he was surprised.

“Wow! Your even faster than Rainbow!” Bulk said.

“Hah! No sweat!” Zap said.

“YEAH! Your awesome!” Bulk said.

“Yeah, thanks fer bein a good sport about it,” Zap said.

“No prob, alright, let’s go in and work out like crazy!” Bulk said and he walked in there with Zap following.

They approached the pony manning the counter a surprisingly skinny-looking stallion.

“Huh? Oh hey! Our best customer! And I see you brought a plus one,” He said.
.
“YEAH! She’s my girlfriend, isn’t she hot?” Bulk said.

“Uhm… we havn’t gotten that far yet,” Zap clarified.

“Well I heard what happened, Rainbow and Applejack occasionally visited, so I guess I can ring you up under Rainbow’s card for now,” the skinny stallion said and Zap thanked him before they moved on to the dressing rooms.

“Ah’ll go get mah workout outfit on,” Zap said and she entered the mare's dressing room.

“I’ll wait out here I suppose,” Bulk said.

Zap took off her clothes and set them in a locker, she was about to put on her sports bra and shorts, when she saw herself in the mirror and she paused.

Zap honestly hasn’t looked in a mirror that often since her birth from the merging of Applejack and Rainbow, probably because she felt guilt about them.

She had to admit, her muscles made her a force to be reckoned with and her green coat did complement her a bit…

This brought up another part of her she didn’t want to admit, to be seen as something other than a she-brute, she wanted to be… wanted, seen as a mare by somepony not just a musclebound pony.

She wanted love…

But she had too much work to pursue love… she did…

“Best ah just keep our relationship professional,” Zap said before getting her outfit on and walking out to Bulk who wolf-whistled.

“Wow, and I thought you were pretty before,” Bulk said.

Zap found herself blushing a little “Stop making a scene,” She murmured.

“You like it,” Bulk chuckled as he walked away.

“No ah don’t,” Zap said and he did and soon they were in the workout area, after doing their stretches they approached the barbells and dumbbells.

“Alright! Let’s get pumpin!” Bulk said and he walked over to the dumbbells and grabbed two fifty-pound ones and began lifting them.

“Ya’ll only lift fifty?” Zap asked.

“No, their my warm-up set, I lift much more,” Bulk said as he threw punches at the air with the dumbbells still in hand.

“Ah see, how about this?” Zap walked over and grabbed a barbell and loaded it with several dozen pounds on both sides and began lifting it over her head with one hand.

“Oh it’s on!” Bulk said liking a challenge and he picked up a bigger set and lifted it.

Zap found herself giggling and she lifted a bigger set then him.

Ponies from around the gym were gathering to see the two having a lift-off.

Soon they had the Barbell’s completely stacked and were seeing who could lift it over their heads longer.

“G-gettin real hard now ain’t it?” Zap asked.

“N-no!” Bulk said.

Eventually, they both had to set it down, mainly because the other wasn’t giving up and they wanted to conserve their stamina.

“What next?” Zap asked honestly having a bit of fun.

“What isn’t?” Bulk asked

“Ain't that the truth,” Zap said.

Next, they went on the treadmill and ran for an hour or two.

“Ah gotta admit, working out this hard is fun,” Zap said, the sweat matting her sports bra.

“Stick with me and we’ll be pumping iron till we pass out,” Bulk said equally sweaty.

“Ya seem ta be quite determined ta work yerself into the ground like this,” Zap pointed out.

“Could say the same for you,” Bulk said.

“What does that mean?” Zap asked.

“You work two long and hard jobs, why not enjoy life?” Bulk asked.

“Ah swear-” Zap sighed but Bulk interrupted.

“I’m just saying,” Bulk said before they got off the treadmills, they went over to several machines and had a fun workout session overall.

At the end of it they went and took showers before exiting the gym.

“Have fun you two!” The skinny stallion waved as they exited.

“Same to you Bulky Triceps!” Bulk said.

“...Wait… his name is Bulky Triceps?” Zap questioned.

“Yeah, he’s my cousin, didn’t I mention that?” Bulk asked.

“But… he’s… skinny,” Zap said not sure whether or not she should laugh at the irony.

“Don’t make fun of him please, he’s self-conscious about being the second wimpiest pony in the family,” Bulk whispered to her.

“...He’s only second?” Zap chuckled.

“...Yes, right behind my grandma, who has an eating disorder,” Bulk said looking a little offended.

“...Ah…sorry…” Zap said feeling ashamed.

“It’s fine, you didn’t know,” Bulk said.

“Well, ah admit this was fun Bulk, we should do it again, soon, but now ah gotta get home to start mah chores,” Zap said.

“What? We aren't done,” Bulk pointed out.

“What? We’re not?” Zap asked.

“Yeah, now that we’re wall worked out, it’s time to replenish!” Bulk cheered “Follow me,” Bulk said walking away.

Zap sighed “Ah’m a mare of mah word…” Zap said following him.

Zap and Bulk made their way and paused by Sugarcube Corner, ignoring a hooded pony talking to Cheese Sandwich.

“Alright we’re here!” Bulk said sitting down.

“Ah’m not a diet expert but ain’t havin sugar after working out a bad idea?” Zap asked.

“Yeah, which is why we’re getting my special!” Bulk said before waving over Mr Cake.

“Hey Bulk, your usual?” Mr Cake asked.

“Make that two! One for me and one for her?” Bulk said.

“Ok,” Mr Cake said jotting down the order and walking away.

“What’s the usual?...” Zap asked.

“A special concoction that helps keep your bulk bulky and your energy high!” Bulk said.

“So… A protein shake?” Zap asked.

“Not just any, I call it, The Fuel!” Bulk said proudly.

Zap chuckled “Ah can try that,” She said and not long after they got the drink.

It was green as Zap was with fizz and fruit chunks in it.

“Alright! Down the hatch!” Bulk said downing the drink.

“Ah’ll take a sip,” Zap said before taking a sip.

It was a weird concoction, it tasted like soda, but it had a creamy texture and the fruit added flavor where it was needed.

She rather liked it!

“Ahh, not bad,” Zap said.

“You bet! Take a swig, then you really feel it,” Bulk said.

“Mk, but ah better not get any kind of addiction to this stuff,” Zap joked.

“No worries,” Bulk waved it off.

Zap swung her head back and drank a bunch.

It felt like her tired body was shot back to full strength!

“Whoa! What is this?” Zap asked.

“It’s a secret recipe between me and Mr Cake,” Bulk winked.

“Ah see,” Zap chuckled.

“And now that we’re back to full strength, let’s arm wrestle!” Bulk said.

“What? Why?” Zap said confusedly.

“Because I’ve always wanted to arm wrestle somepony who I know can wrestle right back,” Bulk said setting up.

“Uhm, and if ah don’t want to?” Zap asked.

“Scared?” Bulk asked.

Zap snorted “Ah don’t do fear, but ah’ll kick the flank of whoever calls me a coward,” Zap said.

“Then kick my flank!” Bulk said.

“Yer on,” Zap smiled competitively and she set up her arm too and she readied herself.

“Don’t break the table like last time Bulk, you too Zap!” Mrs Cake pleaded.

“Ok!” They both said and they looked eachother in the eye.

“Three… two…. One…. GO!” Bulk said and they both immediately tried to pin the other's arm.

They both grunted and sweated with the effort.

Bulk was unsurprisingly tough but Zap was tougher!

Zap was slowly moving his arm back towards the table.

“Oh… no… you… don’t!” Bulk said putting more effort into it and he managed to move his hand back into place.

“Yer good!” Zap grunted.

“Thanks!” Bulk gritted his teeth.

Ponies everywhere in the building gathered and eagerly waited to see who would triumph.

“Now that I have you here, it’s time I asked you a question!” Bulk said.

“Really the time right now?!” Zap said as she moved his hand back a few inches.

“Yeah! Why do you work yourself so hard?” Bulk asked.

“This again? Ah thought ah said-”

“Nope! I want it straight because I refuse to let you work yourself into the ground!” Bulk said as he moved her hand back a few inches.

“Fine, ah’m a workaholic! Is that what ya wanted ta hear!?” Zap barked.

“No, what’s the real reason? You're an honest pony so tell me,” Bulk asked.

Zap looked conflicted before just saying it “Because ah owe it ta Rainbow an Applejack to keep their memories alive,” Zap said.

“Why do you owe your whole life to working their jobs? You are your own pony!” Bulk said as the metal table bent a little under their strength.

“Not again…” Mrs Cake sighed.

“It’s because ah exist that they don’t! They need ta be remembered!” Zap said.

“Then keep ponies reminded! But don’t work yourself to death trying!” Bulk said as he gave it all he’s got to pin her hand.

“Ah’m doin the best ah can! Ah’m a strong pony! Ah can handle anythin!” Zap strained as his efforts nearly pinned her.

“But what about you? What about your story? Are you going to let yourself fade into the background because of them? Honor them by honoring yourself! That’s what cousin three hundred tons always said!” Bulk yelled.

“AH AM! AH will not… let them go… I…” Zap looked conflicted at his words and she gave a few more inches to Bulk.

“Your your own mare, who are you Zap? Who are you?!” Bulk said.

“AH’M ZAP APPLE! NOPONY ELSE!” Zap yelled and in a burst of inner strength Zap reversed the arm position and pinned Bulk's hand to the table hard enough to dent the table.

Bulk winced but smiled knowing he got through to her. Both panted heavily, sitting in pools of their own sweat, the ponies cheered but that was all distant in Zap’s ears.

“Ah’m… Zap Apple…” She said as if coming to a realization by what Bulk was doing all along… He let their muscles do the talking instead of trying to talk her out of her own head…

He truly is… a superstallion…

“Well? You won, how’s it feel?” Bulk said standing and extending his non-hurting hand to her.

“Feels nice to win…” Zap said.

“I wasn’t talking about the arm wrestle,” Bulk said with a smile.

“...I did win didn’t ah?...” Zap began laughing a little and she took his hand and stood before hugging him.

“Everypony who thinks yer not bright clearly hasn’t heard your pep talks… that was… eye-opening,” Zap said.

“I come from a family of weightlifters, pep talks would be my cutie mark if weightlifting wasn’t.

“Yeah, ah feel like ah just got outta mah own head… yer right, ah need to forge mah own path,” Zap said with a smile.

“That you do, so… I guess our dates over now. But I can visit you after work tomorrow right?” Bulk asked.

“...Maybe a longer break wouldn’t hurt,” Zap said before kissing him on the lips with a quick peck.

Bulk blushed a little and chuckled.

“What was that for?” He asked.

Zap just shrugged and gestured for him to follow “Let’s get going,” Zap said.

“Alright! Yeah!” Bulk said as he took her hand and they left Sugarcube Corner.

…

Meanwhile in the back Mr and Mrs Cake were staring as they left.

“How romantic,” Mrs Cake said.

‘Yeah… so… what are we going to do about the wrecked table?” Mr Cake asked.

“Don’t spoil the moment dear,” Mrs Cake said.

“Yeah, ok,” Mr Cake said.

Shining paced back and forth in the study and waited for Twinkle to show up.

“Please work…” Shining mumbled before the door opened and he turned to see Twinkle entering with a nervous expression.

"Hey Shiny," Twinkle said.

"Hello Twilight… Twinkle I mean," Shining said.

"Y-You wanted to see me brother?" Twinkle asked.

Shining Armor winced as she said brother but he maintained his neutral expression.

"Indeed… so you and Flash Sentry…" Shining said.

"Let me explain he's a different Flash Sentry from another world and we genuinely love each other, also we didn't go farther than topless I promise," Twinkle said.

"...I find that other world explanation a little hard to believe but I'll accept it for now," Shining said.

"Thanks… is there another reason you wanted to speak with me?" Twinkle asked.

"Yes, as you know things between us didn't end amicably, I was hoping to repair that," Shining Armor said.

Twinkle's face lit up a little "Y-You mean that? You are ready to be siblings again?" Twinkle said.

To Twinkle's confusion though Shining Armor just shook his head.

"I am sorry Twinkle but I am unable to forget Twilight. I know it's not your fault but I can't give up on Twilight," Shining Armor said.

"Oh… ok… then what did you come over for?" Twinkle asked bowing her head in disappointment.

At that question Shining Armor's face brightened a little "I found a solution, a way to get Twilight and Pinkie back," Shining Armor said.

Twinkle looked up at him in surprise and an amount of trepidation.

"You did?" She asked.

"Yes! I obtained an object capable of undoing any enchantment and that includes the Merge Mirror," Shining Armor said.

"How? Celestia said that the Merge Mirror couldn't be undone by any known object," Twinkle said.

"Then she clearly never heard of this," Shining said producing a blue stone.

"What is that?" Twinkle asked.

"It's called a Disenchantment Stone, it can break any curse I saw it happen," Shining said.

"How did you find such a thing?" Twinkle asked.

"....Not important how, what matters is that it is the solution to our problems not only can it fix what's going on in equestria right now it can fix you, don't you see, we can bring back Twilight with this," Shining said eagerly.

"Um… great…" Twinkle said a little nervously.

"What's wrong you seem unsure if you want to do that," Shining said.

"No no I just… can we do it later?" Twinkle said.

"No, if there's a chance to get my sister back I have to try it now," Shining said "I thought you wanted to bring back Pinkie and Twilight," Shining said.

"I do I do, but…" Twinkle said nervously.

"But…?" Shining Armor repeated.

Twinkle thought about it on one hand she was giving up her life so that Twilight and Pinkie Pie could have theirs back and she decided she wanted to say yes, even if it meant… she ceased to exist in return.

"Ok… just please let Flash know I did this for them," Twinkle said.

"Sure, now hold still," Shining Armor said as he pulled out an instruction paper.

"Wait, huh?" Twinkle's Twinkle Sense tingled and she felt something was off… she approached a little while Shining was reading the paper.

And staring carefully she saw the red ink visible through the other side of the paper she looked under sincerely…

And saw a familiar pen name…

"Storm… no…" immediately her Twinkle Sense sent out danger signals.

"Alright sounds simple enough, now hold still," Shining Armor said before Twinkle put up a barrier instinctively.

"What are you doing?" Shining demanded.

"Shining be honest, where did you get that?" Twinkle said.

"I said it doesn't matter now put down the barrier please," Shining said.

"No you don't get it, I know that pen name," Twinkle said.

"What?" Shining said looking at the paper and seeing Storm's name "Okay fine I got this from a pony named Storm but he demonstrated to me how this could fix the problem I saw two ponies get merged and then separated," Shining said.

"Wait… you saw it happen? Shiny don't tell me that you've been working together with Dusk Heart have you?" Twinkle demanded.

"I don't know who that is but this could help you and every pony being merged," Shining said.

"You were never told about that, Shining Armor you were lied to, my Twinkle Sense is telling me that that stone is dangerous," Twinkle said.

"What? No… your the liar I was given proof!" Shining said firmly.

"Then it must have been an illusion you have to believe me, Shiny," Twinkle said.

"No! My sister needs me! I promised her… that I'd always look out for her…" Shining Armor said before aiming the stone "Your not Twilight! So give her back!" Shining shouted before using the gem and it let out a bright light that hit Twinkle through the barrier.

Immediately pain struck her.

"AAAAH!" Twinkle yelled as she fell down and the barrier fell, she began to glow.

"I'm sorry Twinkle that It had to be this way, but I….huh? I-i can't move!" Shining said realizing that he's frozen in place.

Twinkle continued screaming as the light shone on her and she glowed brighter.

"TWILIGHT!" Shining exclaimed and struggled to stop the stone but he couldn't move.

Suddenly in the door was kicked open, Flash Starlight and Sunset came in.

"What's going on, I heard screaming," Sunset said before gasping as they saw Twinkle writhing on the ground crying out in pain as Shining held a glowing stone.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Flash shouted as he tried to run over but Starlight stopped him.

"Don't! That's a Soul Render Stone, it'll attack you too if you go near it!" Starlight said.

"Twinkle needs help!" Flash said.

"Shining Armor stop!" Sunset called

"I can't!" Shining cried.

"Stand back guys" Starlight said before charging and aiming a concentrated beam and firing it at the crystal destroying it.

It released a shockwave that sent Shining flying back but otherwise the light ended and Twinkle laid there panting and whimpering.

"TWINKLE!" The group ran over to her and checked on her.

"I-i'm fine…" Twinkle sat up with the help of her friends, meanwhile Flash saw Shining getting up and he angrily walked over and shoved him down.

"Hey!" Shining said.

"What were you thinking? Are you trying to kill her?!" Flash said

"I knew letting him in was a bad idea," Sunset said angrily

"I swear, It wasn't supposed to do that! It was supposed to de-fuse her, it was a Disenchantment Stone," Shining said.

"That was a Soul Render Stone you idiot! It exudes a light that literally destroys the soul of another, it's a cursed item. If we hadn't been here to help, it would have succeeded!" Starlight said going over to him.

"That's impossible he defused two ponies with it," Shining defended.

"Then he must have used illusions point is Shining Armor you almost killed her just because you can't let go, I have half a mind to-" Starlight began to threaten before Twinkle cut her off.

"Enough…" she coughed.

"Huh?" They turned to her as Twinkle approached.

"Twinkle i-"

SMACK

Shining Armor stumbled back a little bit holding his cheek and Twinkle look at it him not with rage but with sadness.

"I'm not even mad about what just happened it's the fact that you went so far because you can't accept me that I'm upset, if you can't accept me than I'm afraid we should stop talking to each other…" Twinkle said before leaving.

"Twinkle wait!" Shining called after her but Flash got in front of him.

"Flash I order you to move," Shining said firmly.

"I'm not your Flash," Flash said, shoving him towards the other door.

"Get out… NOW!" Sunset said angrily lighting her horn

"..." Shining could see this was a no-win scenario, so he turned and left with his head bowed in shame.

"Go to Twinkle, I'll make sure he leaves," Sunset said.

"Ok," Flash said before leaving.

Flash entered Twinkle's room and saw Twinkle curled up on the bed crying.

“Twinkle!” Flash ran over to her and rubbed her back.

“Shiny hates me… and I don’t blame him, it’s because of Pinkie he lost his sister,” Twinkle said.

“Don’t say that, that jerk doesn’t deserve pity after what he did,” Flash said.

“He didn’t know that the stone would do that, but it’s not that, it’s Twilight and Pinkie… even if the stone was the solution… I would have resisted….” Twinkle said.

“What?” Flash questioned.

“I…I…I don’t want to disappear… But I don’t want Pinkie and Twilight to remain gone… but in that moment, I didn’t think of them, I was thinking of myself first and foremost…. And that’s not nice,” Twinkle said sadly.

“No no no, Twinkle, you can’t be blamed for fearing death, we all do… we can’t help that, if anything, Pinkie and Twilight would of wanted you to go on,” Flash said.

“You don’t know that, maybe they want to return to being separate ponies… not even I’m sure anymore, but… I don’t want to disappear!” She sobbed.

“...” Flash hugged her close “I don’t blame you, Twinkle, Cheese wouldn’t either,” Flash said as he held the sobbing Twinkle.

“Never come back!” Sunset yelled slamming the door in Shining’s face.

Shining stood there looking almost dead in the eyes before turning to leave, as he made his way over to Sugarcube Corner and sat down and laid his head down.

A few moments passed before he heard something getting set down in front of him and he looked up and saw a sundae and he looked around it and saw Cheese eating his own while staring at him calmly.

“What do you want?...” Shining asked.

“I know what happened in that castle,” Cheese said.

“How?” Shining asked.

“Cheesie sense, so, you betrayed her trust yet again, have you?” Cheese said.

“If your going to yell, curse or insult me just do it and get it over with… when Cady hears what happened, i’ll likely be cast out anyways…” Shining said laying his head back down.

“I’m not…” Cheese said.

“Why?” Shining asked.

“Because there’s no point in yelling at an idiot who’s realized what they’ve done, better to help them see a solution, now tell me everything from your end,” Cheese said.

“...I am an idiot…” Shining said.

“Yeah,” Cheese said.

“I took an offer from a criminal and took him at his word just because I was desperate to get my sister back…” Shining said.

“Yep,” Cheese said.

“I…I hurt her, and not just Twilight, I hurt another pony, and why? Because she exists? She wanted her brother but I gave her suffering… maybe I should be punished…” Shining said.

“Maybe you should,” Cheese said.

“I…I want to apologize to her, but her friends would rather kill me than let me have a chance,” Shining said.

“Don’t blame ‘em,” Cheese said.

“I saw her eyes… they weren’t angry, they were hurt…. I’m… horrible…” Shining wept.

“You are… but I don’t see why you can’t try again,” Cheese said.

“Why? Haven’t I done enough damage? I sold Luna out!” Shining shouted.

“...You did… but is wallowing in pity going to fix that? There’s a saying I like, buck up or screw up, so?... Stop being pitiful and do something about it,” Cheese said and Shining looked at him in surprise “Twinkle doesn’t hate you, even though she has every right to, she doesn’t hate you, so stop crying and get to work,” Cheese said before slapping a few bits on the table “On the house,” Cheese said before getting up and leaving.

Shining looked down and thought for a few seconds before he hardened his expression “I can’t undo what I did… but I can’t give up on fixing it,” Shining said before grabbing the sundae and walking away.

“Thank you, Cheese…” Twinkle said as she sobbed into Flash’s chest.

“What?” Flash asked.

“Nothing…” Twinkle smiled.

Author's Note

WHEW!

This was a big chapter to make, I had a creative surge after all.

This is a fun story to make, and I hope you all enjoyed.