It showed Zap Apple performing punches and kicks to shake the trees, as she closed in and threw another punch her ears caught a gasp and she spun to look but didn’t see anything, so she resumed.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo meanwhile were looking a little spooked.

“She’s definitely stronger than Big Mac, I’v’e never seen a pony do a bucks worth with their fists,” Scootaloo said.

“That’s apple family strength fer ya,” AB said feeling proud.

“More like magical fusion strength, makes sense though, Rainbow and AJ were pretty buff, how are we going to get a DNA sample off of her?” Sweetie asked.

“Jest use yer magic,” AB said.

“Magic isn’t a solution to everything,” Sweetie gruffly said.

“Well it has to be here,” Scootaloo said.

“And be careful, ah don’t want ta know how hard she can spank if she decides to punish us,” AB said shuddering at the vision.

“You guys are asking quite a bit,” Sweetie said sneaking to the edge of their cover and focusing her magic, it was difficult from this distance but she managed to latch onto a blue hair on her tail.

“C’mon,” Scoots said.

“Stop breathing down my neck,” Sweetie said as she yanked the hair out quickly.

“Hm?” Zap didn’t jump in pain but the feeling of a hair being pricked out made her jump and she turned.

“Who’s there?” Zap demanded.

“Eeek!” the group hid again and Zap went over there and looked to see nothing.

“Hmm….” Zap grunted, looking around before returning to work.

“Whew…” Scootaloo sighed as they hopped down from the tree they were hiding in.

“Good thinking guys,” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, now let’s take off before she finds us,” Sweetie Belle said before levitating the hair to her palm and the group ran off ready to begin the next phase of their plan to get their sisters back and catch this crook.

The group ran until they ended up running across Big Mac who looked sad.

“Big Mac?” Apple Bloom said concerned with his mood.

“Hey,” Mac said as he walked past.

“What’s wrong big guy?” Scootaloo asked looking concerned.

“Ah’m lookin fer Charity, ah need to talk to her bout us,” Big Mac said.

“What about?” AB asked.

“Ah’m afraid that’s mah business,” Mac said before walking on.

The three looked at eachother before moving on.

Big Mac walked into the barn and saw Zap Apple carrying two whole haybales by herself.

Big Mac sighed and sat down.

“Hmm? What’s eatin ya bother?” Zap said setting the haybales down,

“Ah’m gonna break up with Charity,” Big Mac said.

“What?! Why in Equus would ya do that?” Zap demanded.

“Ah can’t look at her, not without seein the mare ah loved, and knowing she isn’t that mare no more, at this point we’re just hurtin ourselves,” Big Mac said.

“Mac, you know this’ll break her heart right, ya really want to? You understand what she’s goin through right now, this’ll be too much for the poor gal,” Zap scolded.

“Ah get that, but ah’m makin it worse fer her by goin on like this, best ta end it before she get’s anymore hurt by me,” Mac said.

“That makes about as much sense as a frog with five heads, ya gotta at least see it from her perspective and hash it out with her, ya do this and she’ll be a wreck,” Zap said.

“What do ya suppose ah do then?” Mac demanded.

“Stop bein an idjit and set up a date with her, cuz the only one hurtin the both of ya is you,” Zap said before picking up the hay bales again and walking away.

Big Mac looked sad again and he laid back on his hay bale to think.

Spike walked out of the castle, ignoring Trixie's pleas to take her with him so she can escape another lesson.

“Alright, I need to head to the market for dinner supplies,” Spike said as he walked through the town and towards the market.

“I’m thinking tomato soup and gemstones for tonight,” Spike said looking happy at the thought.

He had entered the Market area when he saw Charity heading back to the Boutique, clearly upset.

Wanting to help her out he ran over to her.

“Charity!” Spike called to get her attention.

“Hmm? Oh hello Spike,” Charity paused.

“What’s going on, you seem upset,” Spike said venturing into Boutique with Charity.

“I am… Big Mac is looking for me and I fear the reason,” Charity said.

“Why?” Spike said sitting on a stool.

“Because I am not Fluttershy, not anymore, I wonder if he simply feels I am not the pony he loved,” Charity said.

“I get that, but that doesn’t mean he should be thinking of something bad like breaking up,” Spike assured.

“I am afraid he will, I don’t know if I can handle rejection,” Charity said.

“Well, I mean-” Spike blushed “You have someone who is more than willing to keep you company through a trying time,” Spike said.

“Oh bless your heart Spike, Charity stepped into a changing room to change outfits since her last one was dirty from the animals.

Spike blushed thinking what could be behind a simple curtain as he saw clothes being tossed over the railing.

“S-so, has Big Mac talked about breaking up yet?” Spike asked.

“As I said he was looking for me so I am not sure, but he probably is thinking it, and I don’t want that to be the case,” Charity said emerging from behind the curtain wearing a simple mix of a dress and a casual outfit.

Spike’s blush deepened as he saw her “Wow, your really beautiful Charity,” Spike blurted out.

Charity went rosy in the cheeks “Thank you Spike, I am heading towards Sweet Apple Acres, do you wish to come?” Charity asked.

“Why are you going over there?” Spike asked.

“I am visiting some fashion store connections that Rarity had and setting things anew with them, It involves reestablishing connections with various retailers and I wish to have Zap Apple come with me, so I am going over there to ask,” Charity said.

“Why?” Spike asked.

“Why not? She’s my friend, you may come too if you like,” Charity said.

“I’d love to,” Spike said without thinking.

“Wonderful, I will be heading at 8:00 AM sharp,” Charity said before grabbing an umbrella and leaving.

“Ok,” Spike said taking his leave as well.

As Spike left the boutique he decided to resume his usual chores and he went off to the market.

Charity carefully stepped around the trail that led to Sweet Apple Acres, as to avoid getting any dirt on her lovely dress.

“Oh dear,” Charity said when she saw mud on her new shoes “If only I had a means to get there quicker without getting dirty…. Wait,” Charity remembered her power and she shut her eyes and focused, she then manifested transparent butterfly wings and fluttered off the ground.

“Better,” Charity said before flying over the trees and searching around for Zap Apple.

Who she found hitting two trees with simultaneous punches like she was boxing a pair of foes the apples have already fallen.

“Zap!” Charity flew down to her.

“Huh?” Zap paused and turned to her pale yellow friend “Ah howdy there Chares,” Zap said.

“Hello, why were you assaulting those trees like that?” Charity asked.

“Jest lettin off steam, mah brothers bein a big idjit,” Zap said.

“Why?... What did he say?” Charity nervously asked.

“...Best ya take it up with him, but let him know if he does anythin ta make you cry, ah’ll kick his flank,” Zap said.

“He plans to break up with me doesn’t he?” Charity said.

“....He said somethin like that, but ah told him to take it up with you first, don’t leave Chares, this is something that has to happen,” Zap told her.

“I understand,” Charity said.

“So what were you comin in about?” Zap asked.

“I was planning on going down to Manehatten to reset some deals and I was thinking of bringing you with me,” Charity said.

“Why would ah need to come?” Zap said.

“I could see the workload is putting stress on you, have you been working nonstop save for the trip to the human world?” Charity asked.

“Course ah have been, got lots ta do and now that RD and AJ are no longer two ponies ah gotta pick up their slack,” Zap said.

“Zap Apple even you can’t manage two physically demanding jobs like this, perhaps you should quit weather duty,” Charity suggested.

“Ah don’t quit! It ain’t in my genes,” Zap said sounding cocky, “ah’ve bucked more trees than either of mah halves to prove it,” Zap said.

“Zap you’re super strong but your still only pony, please at least take a break,” Charity said before heading off towards the barn.

“...Oh fine, ah suppose ah’m gettin hungry now anyways,” Zap said before walking away.

Charity entered the barn and saw Big Mac lying on a hay bale.

She politely cleared her throat and Mac jumped a little and looked up to see her.

“H-hi,” Charity said.

“Flutter…Charity? What are you doin here?” Big Mac asked getting up.

“I came to talk to Zap Apple… and find you,” Charity said walking up to him.

“Chares… ah suppose nows better than any other time,” Big Mac said.

“I agree.” Charity said walking up to him and they spoke at the same time.

“Let’s go on a date to figure things out/We need time apart Mac,” Both paused in shock at what the other said.

“Y-you want to go on a date?” Charity asked.

“Y-yes, AJ an I had a talk, and she told me to stop bein an idjit, so, ah need ta stop avoidin ya, are ya willin?” Big Mac asked.

“I-I, I am, but…” Charity paused “I need a little time,” Charity said.

“Ah get it,” Big Mac said.

“What I meant is I have a trip and I am bringing Zap and Spike,” Charity said.

“Why Zap?” Mac asked.

“She has been overworking herself a tad and I wish to bring her into the city for a jaunt and perhaps expand her outfit line,” Charity said already thinking of the fashions she could have Zap wear.

“Heh, yer just like Rarity in that way, an thinking of Zap’s safety just like Fluttershy,” Mac said with a smile.

“Just how I am I suppose,” Charity said with a giggle.

“Then ah guess ah should go inside fer now, take care Chares,” Mac said.

“May you as well,” Charity said before walking away and leaving the barn… only to see Zap back at the trees, hitting them.

“I swear she’s persistent… in a good way,” Charity said before summoning her wings and fluttering away.

Bulk Biceps was pumping iron at the gym as usual, but he seemed distracted.

He was thinking of his latest poems and how they mostly consisted of Zap Apple, the mare he’s pining for.

Problem is she’s a workaholic and doesn’t take breaks… so how is he going to get her attention?

Bulk continued in his thought process until he felt someone tap on his shoulder.

“Huh?” Bulk said looking and seeing another buff stallion he knew, named iron gut or something…

“Uh, Bulk, I think you’ve pumped enough iron for one day,” Iron said.

“Why?” Bulk said setting the barbell on the hanger overhead and only then did he feel how tired his arms were.

“You’ve been lifting that barbell for hours, even you got limits dude, why not head home,” Iron said.

“No way! I gotta get buffer! Maybe… a certain mare will like me if I were buffer…” Bulk said sheepishly.

“Heh, trust me man I’ve been there but your not going to attract Zap Apple that way,” Iron said.

“How’d you know who?” Bulk said.

‘You’ve been muttering her name under your breath for the last hour,” Iron said “Just ask her out,” Iron said.

“You think she’d say yes?” Bulk asked.

“Not sure, but standing here thinking about it isn’t getting you anywhere with her, so give it a whirl, ask her tomorrow,” Iron said before taking his leave.

“Wish I was that smart about what girls want,” Bulk said sadly before smacking his face.

“Alright! Tomorrow, march up to her and ask her out! YEAH!” Bulk said before taking his leave for the showers.

Spike walked home in a bit of a daze.

Charity, the mare on his mind, the most generous and kind mare in the world not to mention she’s a real beauty.

“Glad I turned eighteen last month or I wouldn’t be able to date her,” Spike said dreamily.

Spike finally approached Twinkle’s castle and entered, and was immediately handed a list by Twinkle.

“Huh?” Spike said snapping out of his daze.

“Quick Spikey! Let’s get prepared!” Twinkle said before running off.

“Ready for what?!” Spike called after her.

“We’re going to Manehatten!” Twinkle said.

“Why?” Spike asked.

“Because that’s where you, Charity and Zap are going,” Twinkle said.

“How… How did you know?” Spike asked.

“My Twinkle sense duh,” Twinkle said.

“I see,” Spike said still getting used to her unpredictable nature.

“So come on, we’ll have to be up early to take Chares by surprise!” Twinkle said.

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to interrupt their plans,” Spike said.

“Friends stick together, and besides don’t you want to hang out with Charity?” Twinkle added with a raised suggestive brow.

Spike turned red at this “C-COME ON! Can’t I have any privacy!” Spike complained and he ran off as Twinkle snickered.

“What fun,” Twinkle said before resuming her darting around.

Manehatten-

Several ponies in guard uniforms were brought into a warehouse that was filled with fused ponies working on constructing the warehouse into a base.

“LET US GO!” The pegasus guard demanded.

“You’ll all be thrown in prison for this!” Another less brave guard attempted.

“We follow orders…” The lanky earth pony said with their eyes glowing,

“What the heck is going on?!” The head guard demanded.

“I can answer that,” The hooded pony said as he approached and he pulled back his hood revealing the grey pony under it.

“You're the one behind the kidnappings aren’t you? Where are the ponies?!” The guard demanded.

“Look around,” The grey unicorn gestured around the warehouse.

“None of these ponies match the descriptions! Besides we got sixty-four lost ponies, there’s only…” The guard counted the ones he could see “Thirty two,” The guard said.

“Your very smart and attentive, good materials indeed, I had heard the guard had seriously declined these days, why back in my day a single guard could take at least twenty of today’s guards,” The grey pony chuckled to himself.

“Answer me!” The guard demanded before he was hit by the pony who was holding him down.

“Silence!” The pony scolded before he was smacked by the grey pony.

“Only hit him when I say so,” He said.

“Sorry master,” The pony said.

“Don’t hurt us please,” The coward guard said.

“Hmm… good form, but cowardly, not good components,” He said before examining the pegasus guard next.

‘Slimmer, but pegasi wings work well enough for my plans,” The grey pony shrugged.

“What are you talking about?” The head guard demanded.

“It’ll be quicker if I show you,” The grey pony said stepping back and then summoning his magic.

“Wh-what are you doing?!” The head guard said expecting to be toast any second.

“You’ll see,” He said before sending tendrils of magic and the ponies holding the guards down stood back, the lead guard was snared before he could escape and the pegasus guard immediately shot to the right avoiding the tendril.

“Your quick,” The grey pony said before sending another tendril after the guard who tried to avoid it but was snagged by the tendril before he could fly away.

“NO!” The guard cried as he was pulled back and he and his superior were raised above him and slammed together.

A glow overtook the warehouse and a new pony dropped at The grey pony's feet.

“Well? Like your new stronger self?” The grey pony asked.

“What the hay?!” The scared guard said as he was still held down.

“What… did you do to me?!” The new pony looked disoriented.

“I made you better than the sum of your parts, it’s funny how you guards all look alike, even merged,” He then held the lantern out and flashed the guard with its light “Now kneel,” He said.

The guard did so “I obey you,” The guard said.

“This is sick, very sick,” The scared guard whimpered.

“Honestly the only reason I haven’t merged you with anypony is because I don’t want to pass on those cowardly traits to a new soldier, but maybe you can serve me another way,” The grey pony said before flashing the scared guard.

“Who do you serve?” He asked.

‘I serve the wielder of the lantern of subjugation… please tell me your name,” The guard stood.

“Just call me, Storm,” Storm said with a laugh as he turned to the fused guard.

“I want you to go to your unit as a newcomer named Blue Spear and tell them that you found nothing in this area, he will come to authenticate your identity, lay low and keep me posted on Celestia and Luna’s strategies,” Storm said gesturing to the other guard.

“I will do it,” The fused guard said.

“By the time Celestia and Luna find out you're a mole it’ll be too late anyways, the time is approaching,” Storm said approaching a map that had a circle around Ponyville.

“The time when my wishes will come true,” Storm said with a smile.

Author's Note

Now that I've finished Friendship is Chaos I can resume focus on this story, things will start picking up soon.

Looking at the finally revealed Storm what is the best guess about his plans you got?

I really look forward to continuing this story.