Friendship is Failure #27- Love is a Danger Zone

by DakariKingMykan

Chapters

Act 2: Love and Friendship
Act 3: Private Counseling
Act 4: Love and Danger
Act 5: Lockdown
Act 7: Wrath Song
Act 8: How? Why? Who?
Act 9: Romantic, so-called, Plans
Act 10: Act of Date
Act 11: Truth behind Love
Act 12: Love Tricks
Act Thirteen: What's Right is Wrong
Closing Act: Dangers of Love
Alternate Ending
Act 1: Love is in the Song
Act 6: Growing Frustrations

Act 2: Love and Friendship

ACT TWO

At Rainbow Castle, the friends all gathered in the living room where Cadance told the story of Strings…

*Cadance’s POV*

I was more than just Twilight’s Foal-Sitter…

When I was teaching about love in my youth at Canterlot Palace, I showed the many ways it could be expressed…

-Drawing pictures…

-Cooking fancy meals…

-Or just by being there to help someone when they needed it.

…But my favorite and most wonderful way was through music. There’s nothing more romantic, or heart-felt than singing or songwriting.

I taught my students how to sing, how to play music, and how to write verses to come up with their own songs.

…Strings was one of my older, and more advanced students, and he was phenomenal.

He took my every lesson seriously and buried him into practicing for endless hours until he was able to sing so beautifully and make up so many lovely songs, you’d think he was a god.

And the very first he sang to us all was “Mystery of your Gift.”

*POV Pause*

Rarity sniffed and dabbed her eyes weeping, “Unbelievably moving!”

“That is so sweet!” squeaked Pinkie. Even Applejack and Rainbow were enamored by the beauty of that story.

“So that’s why he sang it.” said Twilight. “He saw you in the audience, and he did it as a sort of “thank you.”

Cadance figured that as well, and she was impressed by it all. “Do you remember what he said before he sang it?”

“We all have our own special gifts; like magic that helps us become what we are today. How or why, we have it is a mystery, but when harnessed and used in the right way… it can lead to wonders beyond wonder.”

“You taught him that?” asked Spike.

Cadance nodded, “I taught all my students that, so they would never feel that they were never important, special, and to show them that they all had meanings, and reasons to live.”

Fluttershy could barely hold her tears back. “That’s the sweetest thing I ever heard.” And then she asked. “What happened after?”

Cadance continued with her story…

*POV Continues*

Strings became my star pupil, and the best graduate I ever had.

I was no longer his teacher, but we were good friends.

We saw each other from time to time, and I walked in on him writing new songs, and he would ask me to audience for him for opinions,

And his songs were lovelier than ever, especially one he sang for me.

“Music of the Night.”

[

“Oh, Strings… that was so lovely!”

“I… I’m glad you liked it… Cadance.” replied Strings.

*Pause*

The way Cadance kept describing Strings’ songs, and the way they sounded-- romantic, loving, and light—

…Twilight began to sense something deep down.

*Resume*

As the years went by, Strings received offers to perform all over Canterlot.

-He would perform concerts
-Musical theater
-Even at Canterlot Symphony Hall.

I wouldn’t be seeing much of him soon; I had become princess, but I did ask him to perform at my coronation ball.

After that, I was busy with my duties, and he was busy with his own concerts, but we wrote to each other here and then like good friends would.

Then when I became engaged to Shining Armor, I really wanted Strings to come to the Royal Wedding and even perform “Mystery of your Gift” at the reception again…

…Only, he wrote to me saying that he had another performance, outside of Canterlot that he couldn’t miss, and he sent his regrets.

*POV Ends*

Both Twilight and Applejack, again, began to sense a strange feeling-- that of dishonesty on Strings’ part.

“What happened after that?” asked Spike.

Cadance looked a little strange-- disheartened even. “It’s been two years now. We sort of lost touch. I tried writing to him, but he left his home in Canterlot to tour Equestria. He hasn’t been back to Canterlot ever since, at least not permanently.

He came to perform a few concerts, but each time I was unable to attend-- I was too busy with Shining Armor running the Crystal Empire.

Whenever I found where he was performing, I tried to write a letter to him, only to receive a response from management-- every time-- that he had just left and didn’t receive my letter.”

Now all the ponies were beginning to have some sort of suspicion.

“Anyway, that’s why I came here.” said Cadance. “It was wonderful to see him again.”

“Yeah…” remarked Rainbow, “And then he goes around and turns down an invitation to come here and catch up with his old friend?

That sounds strange to me.”

Cadance just brushed it off, “I’m sure he’s busy. He is a star after all. Besides, I’m still proud of him anyway. He’s the best student and one of the best friends I ever had.”

The ponies all sighed, but Twilight thought silently back to the concert…

The way Strings spotted Cadance, and then gave a half smile, and nearly gasped in pain, and then when she brought Cadance to see him, he nearly looked shocked enough to have a heart attack and seemed desperate to get everyone out and refuse her invitation.

Just then, there was a knock at the castle’s big doors.

“Who could that be at this hour?” wondered Twilight.

“How dare they interrupt such a comfortable moment.” grumbled Rarity.

Everyone gave her a strange look as if she had said something naughty?

“What?”

Nevertheless, Twilight teleported herself to the door, and there stood Sun Rae.

“Oh, good evening.” Twilight said politely. “Do I know you?”

“No, but I know of you, Princess Twilight, and I need your help with something very desperate.”

Twilight could sense in the sadness of her voice, and the look in her eyes, this pony was not kidding and had a serious problem, and despite having company over, as Princess of Friendship, Twilight was obligated to answer this.

Sun only wanted to speak with Twilight, so rather than head back up to the living room, Twilight spoke with her privately in the Friendship Map room.

Little did she know, her friends couldn’t help but snoop on her-- listening through the walls.

“I don’t think this is very nice.” whispered Fluttershy.

“Shh…!” said Pinkie. “I want to know what’s up.”

Rarity snuffed, “Spying is so improper.” but she bit her hoof, unable to resist juicy gossip.

Even Cadance couldn’t resist, she even recognized the voice of the other pony.

“That’s Sun Rae, she’s another student of mine.” but she didn’t bother going into another detailed story, preferring to hear the problem.

Twilight noticed the map was not glowing, meaning there was no Friendship Problem in need of attention, but she was still willing to hear Sun out.

“What the problem you have?”

Sun’s cheeks went red, and she was almost too shy, but she admitted, “…I’m in love.”

Pinkie almost gasped loudly and would have shouted out behind the walls had Rainbow and Applejack-- anticipating she would-- jumped on her and held her mouth shut.

“A love problem?” Cadance whispered. Whenever there were problems of love, she couldn’t help but want to be involved, but she remained silent and continued to listen in with the others.

As for Twilight, while her department was Friendship; Love itself was deathly on the same level.

“Tell me your problem. Sun. Maybe I can help.” she said to Sun.

Sun hesitated, but then she finally blurted out. “I’m in love with Strings.”

Twilight was surprised to hear this.

Rarity nearly gasped and would have fainted had she not held herself back.

Cadance was surprised herself, “Strings never told me he had a sweetheart.”

Sun, however confirmed that she and Strings were not an item.

“I’ve always loved him since we were students of Princess Cadance, but nothing ever worked out, because… he’s in love with some-pony else.”

Twilight began to see the picture on this problem. “So, he never returned your feelings at all?”

Sun tearfully shook her head. “But that’s not the half of it.

The pony he’s in love with… she’s out of bounds to him. She’s already married and very happy. Strings knows he can never be with her, and yet he won’t ever let go and move on.”

Twilight, and all her friends were now concerned, especially Cadance. There was nothing more serious or hurtful than unrequited love.

The more they listened to the story, the more concerned they became, and yet Sun refused to reveal the mystery pony’s identity-- Twilight didn’t even bother to ask who she was.

“I tried to show Strings my feelings…” Sun explained “I praised his music, I gave him nice gifts-- friendship bracelets, nice cards, and even shared my food with him when he hadn’t eaten.

…But he just wouldn’t show any love for me.”

Twilight’s friends were a mixture of emotions.

“Oh, that poor dear.” sniffled Fluttershy.

Rarity held back her sobs, not wanting to sound too loud. “How can some pony not notice another… reaching out… to him?”

Rainbow didn’t know what to feel more disgusted by, “All the romance is mushy enough, but this is kind of the border of way mean.”

Cadance had heard enough herself, and she magically melted herself through the wall, just as Sun was asking.

“Why? Why can’t Strings see how much he means to me? Why can’t Strings just forget about “Her” and love me?”

“…Love doesn’t work that way.” Cadance said as she appeared.

Twilight and Sun were surprised when she just popped in.

“We’re you listening the whole time?” Twilight asked. Cadance admitted it, “We all couldn’t help, and she motioned at the wall.

Twilight sighed and called to her friends, “All right, come on in.”

The friends came into the room and took their seats with embarrassed and shameful expressions, but Twilight didn’t bother be annoyed with them.

No one seemed to notice Sun staring at Cadance with a rather stern expression, but she quickly changed features to avoid a problem.

Cadance then cleared her throat so she could continue speaking.

“As I was saying… Love is a mysterious force. It’s always unpredictable. That’s one of the first things I taught you, remember?”

Sun did remember some of the lectures from years ago, but she was obviously trying to deny them. “I can’t believe you. There must be a way to make it work. How can I get Strings to return my love-- like put him under a spell or force him to forget that pony?”

“No!” said Twilight “That’s not possible. There is no magic that can really make any pony fall for another.”

Sun was starting to lose her temper. “You’re just saying that!”

“No, it’s true.” replied Cadance. “Love isn’t some magical force you can just summon or control, or even make happen.”

Still in disbelief, Sun nearly balked at her, “But you make ponies fall in love all the time.”

Candance shook her head, “That’s not how it works.

I don’t make ponies fall in love. I just ignite the love and the good feelings deep within to help quell their hatred for a while. If they fall in love, it isn’t magic, it’s their genuine feelings.”

“Trust us, Kiddo.” said Applejack. “There’s a big difference between “Magic” and “The Real Thing.

It’s almost like… an apple pie.”

You can buy one at a bakeshop, or you can try making it with your own hooves. A homemade pie can taste mighty fine compared to other recipes, but that’s because you made it yourself.

But when you try to pass someone else’s pie as your own, that’s just a big old lie.”

“Of Course…” Pinkie agreed, but then she whispered to the others, “I haven’t the slightest idea what she means.”

Cadance explained, “What she means is… There is no magic that can make you, Strings, or any pony fall in or out of love.”

Twilight agreed, “Let’s put it to you this way. Say you put Strings under a love spell, and he falls head over hooves with you. What then? It’s just the magic making him act this way, it’s not his true feelings.”

Rarity then placed her hoof over Sun’s back. “Darling, take it from some pony with experience in these fields.” she implied herself. “Chasing after someone who simply will not return your feelings will lead only to disaster… and make you do… rather crazy, and unethical things.”

She blushed in embarrassment, remembering all the times she humiliated herself with unrequited crushes.

“But that’s another thing…” said Sun. “It’s not just Strings not loving me. I’m worried he’s going to do something nutty.”

She told the group how Strings was at the bar, drowning himself, and how she confronted him.

Now there was cause for concern.

“Whoa!” said Spike. “Sounds like this guy has one heck of an unhealthy obsession. Glad I’m not someone who acts like that.”

The others glared at him, especially Rarity, which made him blush, “…Well, not a whole lot.”

While Cadance and Twilight knew they couldn’t help with Sun’s love problem, they were awfully concerned about Strings.

“We can at least him try to control his obsession.” said Twilight.

Cadance agreed, but she had serious doubts, “If his problems are stemming from Love, it won’t be so easy. Heartbreak can have all kinds of negative effects.”

She then turned to Sun and asked, “Can you at least tell me the pony he’s obsessed with? Maybe it would help to talk to her about this too.”

Sun knew exactly who it was, but she refused to reveal her. “I can’t tell you.”

“Ah, come on. Yes, you can.” Insisted Pinkie. “Come on, who is it? Who? Who? Who? Who…?”

“I CAN’T!” shouted Sun. “…I made a promise not to. Strings never wants the pony to know he has feelings for her… ever!”

“Oh, we understand.” said Fluttershy. “You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to.”

The friends all agreed to it, especially Cadance.

Author's Note

In relation to my lessons...

Strings DOES see that Sun is hopelessly in love with him, but he is in love with (You know who) In Spite of the facts he knows he can never have her, he has made it perfectly clear he wishes no other.

-He can't change his feelings just because Sun wants him to

It's HIS choice of whether or not to Let Go, and his answer is "No."

Act 3: Private Counseling

ACT THREE

Cadance wrote a letter to Shining Armor saying her trip home would be delayed due to being needed for a mission. Her husband wrote showing his support and understanding.

“Just don’t stay away too long… I’ll miss you more than I want to.” the writing teased.

Cadance and Twilight laughed at the response.

The very first thing they decided to do was mix up a potion.

They mixed all the different ingredients together in the castle lab, while every pony else had gone to sleep, and Sun had gone home.

Spike stayed up to help, but he was starting to grow weary. “I thought you said a Love Potion was out of the question?” he asked.

Twilight corrected him, “This isn’t a Love Potion, it’s a Soothing Fragrance.”

Cadance then added, “I use this on my subjects all the time when they come to me with love problems.

Talking about love, or heartbreak can be very stressful on the subject. It can lead to emotion outbursts, arguing, or maybe even worse things depending on the severity of their sanity.”

Spike let out a yawn, having only half understood them. “Could you run that by me again.”

Twilight sighed and was blunt. “This potion will help keep Strings cool, calm, and collected when we talk to him about this; he won’t fly off into any emotional outbursts, or shout, or things like that.”

“The problem with this potion is it needs eight to ten hours to set so all the ingredients mix properly.” said Cadance. “That’s we’re going to let it set overnight.”

The potion was nearly ready, and it already had a sweet fragrance to it.

“Just one last ingredient, a pinch of Deodorizer Liquid, to help reduce the strength of the scent. We don’t want it to smell too strongly now.”

She went over to the shelf of mixtures but found no red rose fragrance in stock.

“Spike, didn’t you restock the shelves?”

Spike let out a yawn, “Well excuse me for getting sidetracked with helping you organize the concert and this friendship problem at the same time.”

Twilight didn’t bother to argue. She knew there was more in the big stock closet, at the back of the room where all the extra supplies were kept.

As soon as she opened the door and looked at the shelf on her right, she immediately found a large jar of colorless, odorless liquid she needed and clearly labeled with a No-Nose marking on it.

Twilight levitated the Deodorizer up and turned to exit, only to accidentally step on a stick from a toppled over broom, causing her to slip and crash into the shelf.

Many jars fell from the higher shelves and hit her in the head, causing her to drop the jar of deodorizer, and its stopper popped out.

As Twilight scrambled to get a hold of herself, she didn’t notice that from the top shelf, a tiny vial of dark liquid had broken loose from the crash. It toppled to the edge, its stopper had popped out, causing black liquid to pour from it-- of all the places-- right through the jar of Deodorizer where it and its odor dissolved into it.

“Twilight! Are you alright?” asked Cadance.

“I’m fine! I’m okay.” Twilight groaned as she rubbed her aching head.

Thankfully, none of the jars had broken, much to Spike’s relief. “Good thing I told you to change to plastic.” he chuckled, but Twilight was not amused.

She levitated all the other jars back to their places on the shelf, took the jar of Deodorizer-- unaware of what just happened-- and with just a simple spoonful of the formula, Cadance declared, “That should do it.”

Twilight agreed, “We just have to let it set.”

“Great,” yawned Spike as he headed for the door, “We can go to bed now.”

The princesses chuckled and headed off themselves.

The next morning, Strings woke up in his hotel suite at the Ponvyville Arms.

He felt calm and well-rested despite his depression last night. It was amazing what a good night’s sleep could do.

He got out of bed and made his way to the window. He pulled the curtains open letting the warm rays of the sunlight shine on his face, like the music of a beautiful sonata ringing in his head.

Suddenly, his mood was soured as he looked down into the streets. He could see many ponies walking off to work; some of which were happy and romantic couples. The females walked with their heads resting against the male flattering the guy.

Strings saw another stallion giving flowers to his lady love…

He even saw another stallion proposing marriage, to which the mare jumped for joy.

Seeing all this made him think of his dream pony even more and nearly gave him a migraine.

He sat down on his bed, clutching his head and took several slow and deep breaths, calming himself.

“I’ve got to live with this.” he said sadly to himself.

He ordered room service to bring him breakfast-- sending a letter through a mail tube in his room, so he wouldn’t have to run the risk of going out in public and getting rushed by crowds when he needed some alone time.

With time to spare, he closed the curtains, darkening the room, placed pillows from his bed on the floor, sat on them and quietly began to meditate, which helped him to relax his mind.

He felt his misery seeping away again.

Soon, there was a knock at his door. “Room Service.” called a female voice.

Strings politely opened the door and let the housekeeper pony wheel the cart in.

“Thank you,” Strings said offer the pony a few bits.

The pony bowed graciously and left.

Strings sat down on the bed and prepared to lift the tray to his food. His breakfast sure looked tasty, but as he prepared to take a bite.

“Hello, Strings.” called a voice frightening him, and making him knock the tray cover to the floor.

“Ow!”

“Ouch!” two voices bellowed.

Strings then recognized the voices, and he looked down inside the lid. There were two unusual carvings on the side of the inside of the steel representing Twilight and Cadance.

“Have I gone crazy?” he wondered, and then to his horror, the carvings came to life as the moved around, and in a bright glow, the two princesses appeared before him.

“Oh, no!” he groaned, especially at the sight of Cadance.

“Hello, Strings.” Cadance said, but with a stricter tone than a friendly one.

Strings kept his voice down, and demanded to know, “What are you two doing here? I gave orders at this hotel that I was not to have visitors!”

“We know.” replied Twilight. “When the front desk wouldn’t let us see you, I just used my spell to sneak us both in here.”

Royalty or not, Strings would not tolerate this harassment, and reached for an emergency red button that would sound an alarm to security, but Twilight used her magic to jam it, much to his outrage.

“We need to talk.” Twilight said to him, and she then cast a barrier on the door and the windows of the room.

Strings saw he was totally trapped, and he was about ready to really give the ladies a piece of his mind, but he struggled and cringed-- suppressing the rage down deep in him.

“Calm! Calm! Calm…!” he kept muttering to himself, and then he let out a deep sigh.

Cadance then levitated the Calming Potion up, with a sprayer attached to it. “Here… I want you to inhale this first.”

Recognizing a harmless calming potion, and wanting not to blow his top, Strings agreed, and he let Cadance spray him and he inhaled the fumes.

The potion took almost no time at all to take effect in him. “Wow. I’ve never felt so calm and quiet before.”

He barely spoke in more than a neutral tone, and he looked and felt as calm as a lamb, as if nothing around him mattered.

“Strings…” Twilight said. “Sun Rae came to me last night, and she told us of your love problems.”

Were it not for the potion, Strings would have leapt up in a fit. “She told you?! She promised she wouldn’t tell any pony!”

Cadance quickly told him, “She didn’t tell us who.”

Inside, Strings felt such relief, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable with his present-- talking to the princesses about his problems. The potion kept him easy.

Twilight also pulled up a long list of Strings’ gigs which she had gotten from town hall. “It says here your next gig isn’t for another two weeks.”

Strings looked down, and Cadance was disappointed in him. “Why did you lie to us?” not that she nor Twilight didn’t figure already.

Strings came clean. “I just wanted to be alone-- really alone. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You could have told us you were having troubles.” suggested Twilight. “We would have been happy to try and help you.”

Cadance nodded, but Strings shook his head. “I’m afraid no one can help, especially not the two of you.”

He felt like bursting out in anger and sadness, but the potion held him down, and even if it didn’t, he wasn’t sure if he would. “Sun Rae had no right to go to you two about this.”

“Oh, yes she did.” protested Cadance. “She’s very worried about you, and so am I.”

Hearing her say that almost made his insides feel like glowing, but the potion…!

They all talked about Sun, and it hurt Strings, inside, to speak his words. “I know Sun has feelings for me, I always have known.”

The ladies were surprised.

“…But it’s no use. I don’t share her feelings. She was a wonderful friend to me, but I cannot return her feelings for I don’t feel the same way, not even deep down.”

He looked up at Cadance, “You taught us yourself; “Love is not something that you can just try and make happen. If the feelings do not exist, that’s it. You can’t just force them.”

Cadance nodded almost shamefully, but she could not deny a truth she had known for years.

There was no way to make Strings fall in love with someone he had no feelings for.

Twilight then cleared her throat, “We understand all that, but we’re still concerned about you, Strings. From what we’ve heard, you don’t seem very happy, and you’ve been drowning yourself over some pony whom you can’t be with.”

It was a good thing the potion was still holding, or Strings would have seriously collapsed in a fit of grief, but he stayed calm and quiet.

Cadance then asked him, “Can you tell us who she is?”

Strings refused, stating, “I wish for no one to know who she is. She, herself, must never know. It will cause too much scrutiny, embarrassment, and discomfort.

I don’t want that for her. She is happily married, and leads a good life, I wish her no harm or any sense of displeasure.”

The ladies thought that was very noble of him, wanting to protect whoever she was, but they could not approve of how Strings was handling things.

“And don’t tell me to let go…” Strings said to them. “I’ve tried, but I can’t.

I even sought therapy-- I saw three different psychologists. Each of them only came to the same conclusion.”

“I cannot help you if you’re not willing to help yourself. I’m afraid you have no other choice but to live with your struggles-- roll with them as they come and go.

I can only suggest that you try and distract yourself with activities and other safe methods to maintain yourself.”

He further explained how sometimes he hung out at bars and drank cider, but not to the point of intoxication, and he would meditate or spend time thinking up new songs.

“I am not suicidal, I assure you that, but this is my problem. It is a decision that only I can make, and no one else will make for me.”

The ladies couldn’t argue with this. Their concerns were now running deeper than ever, but at this stage, and given what they were told, they no longer could push themselves on him like this.

Twilight uncast the spells in the room, and she and Cadance showed themselves out, via magically teleporting out of the room and onto the roof to avoid being seen by the hotel staff.

“We’re going to have to keep a close eye on him.” suggested Cadance.

Twilight agreed, “He claims that he can control his emotions his own way, but it’s not always wise to self-medicate.

It’s just a way of avoiding facing reality, and it can still lead to trouble.”

Cadance felt her stomach give a small turn. She still considered Strings a friend, despite his recent attitude and revelations, and she wished nothing bad to ever happen to him.

Down below in Strings room, he finally managed to sit down for his breakfast.

…But he was starting to feel a little strange.

He felt rather weary and tired. At first, he figured maybe it was due to his waiting so long to eat. Then again, the calming effects of the potion had worn off on him, and he was beginning to feel all his sadness and misery returning to him from just seeing Twilight and Cadance, as well as facing his woes.

“What’s happening?!” he groaned. He could suddenly feel the room spinning, and his vision was fading.

Inside of him, his heart was beating rapidly as it was shrouded in a black essence-- due to the unseen extra ingredient that was added to the Calming Potion!

Finally, Strings collapsed flat on the floor, and he blacked out.

Author's Note

In relation to my lessons...

Cadance and Twilight have TRIED to help Strings, but it doesn't seem like they've gotten anywhere.

Strings has made it clear he has no desire or intention to let go. Therefore, they cannot help him (Seeing as he is unable and unwilling to help himself) He does not wish to change.

-You can only *TRY* to help someone with their issues, but in the end, your efforts may not work.

True, he is being self-destructive, but I'm afraid there is nothing they can do about that. They tried to help him, and they've failed.

It's not as if they should never have tried to help him in the first place, but rather be prepared for their efforts to flop.

Act 4: Love and Danger

ACT FOUR

A housekeeping pony knocked at Strings’ door.

“Mr. Strings?” she called “I’ve come to collect your tray. We need it, you know.”

There was no response, and this housekeeper would not dare skip a single cart, no matter who the guest was.

“Mr. Strings?” she called in again.

In a quick instant, the door opened slightly, only there was nobody there, as if it was opened by magic, and Strings, being a Pegasus, couldn’t do magic.

The pony entered the room to find no one was there at all. There was the tray, the bed was unmade, but no Strings. He wasn’t anywhere, even the bathroom door was wide open revealing no one to be there.

“What’s going on here?” the pony wondered. She figured Strings had probably stepped out, but then she looked over at the door wondering how it opened with no one in the room.

Meanwhile, Cadance and Twilight were walking through town rather than flying. It was nice to walk on such a pretty day and amongst all the happy ponies.

“Hey, Twilight!” called Pinkie as she came bouncing her way.

“So, how did it go?”

Twilight was about to answer, when Pinkie cut her off, “Wait, you should come to Sugar Cube Corners, and we’ll talk there with Sun Rae. She just stepped in for a muffin and cocoa, and asked me about you two and Strings, and well… come on… let’s go.”

Unable to take much more of her fast talking, the princesses agreed to go with her.

Cupcake and Carrot Cake were always delighted when Twilight came to the café, but even more honored when higher royalty like Princess Cadance graced them with their presence.

Mr. Cake poured Cadance a second helping of tea, even when she didn’t ask for any, and Mrs. Cake gave her another muffin, also without being asked.

“Uh… thank you very much.”

The Cake’s acted humble and bowed while backing away.

“It’s our service to pleasure you, your majesty.” said Mr. Cake.

“If you need anything else, just holler.” added Mrs. Cake.

Cadance chuckled nervously, and then felt relieved they were gone. It was nice of them to offer her seconds, but she didn’t like being spoiled.

“Gee, Twilight, how come no pony treats you like that?” asked Pinkie, which made Twilight sulk for a moment.

It was Sun Rae who got everyone to focus on the important matter at hoof.

“Are you saying you won’t help Strings?” she complained.

Twilight shook her head, “No, that’s not what we said. We said we’re going to keep tabs on him, but for the moment there’s not much else we can do.”

Sun could not believe this. “No! He must move on. He must let go.”

Cadance calmed her before she would raise her voice loud enough to cause a scene.

“I’ve told you this before, Sun… it’s his choice, not yours. No one can make him forget or move on. It’s his decision to make.”

Sun’s hoof began to tremble with stress and disbelief. “No, I can’t believe that!” she thought. “There’s got to be a way… There’s got be a way to make him mine!”

Pinkie waved her hoof in front of Sun’s face. “Helloooo… Are you in there?” she called softly.

Twilight and Cadance didn’t like this, and they could practically sense Sun’s stress, and it was obviously becoming unhealthier than Strings’, which worried them both.

Suddenly, a mare burst into the café crying out, “Help! Some pony, please help me! Ponies have been attacked! They’re lying in the streets!”

Twilight and Co raised their heads in shock. The two princesses and Pinkie Pie dashed for the door, cautioning all the patrons to stay where they were.

They arrived on the scene in almost a flash, even Pinkie did with her own specialty of being in any place.

The guards had arrived on the scene ready to control the crowds and keep them all back, and for good reason…!

The trio could not believe what they were seeing-- so many pony couples were lying in the streets, pale, shivering with chills, their faces were all expressionless, and their eyes were glossy and faded.

“What in the world of Equestria…!” cried Twilight.

She moved in closer, when one of the guards was about to usher her back, only to just recognize her, “Oh, Princess Twilight…” and then he saw Cadance too and bowed to her. “Forgive me, I’m glad you’re both here.”

“We’re like to examine these ponies.” requested Twilight.

“We were hoping you would.” replied the guard.

Pinkie then appeared, dressed as a doctor, declaring, “Have no fear! Pinkie’s here. I’m not really a doctor, but I can help.”

Cadance and Twilight were both flabbergasted, and Twilight told Pinkie, “You can help us better by keeping the crowds under control.

Pinkie let out a disappointed sigh, but then she zipped out, and back in again-- this time dressed as a police officer.

She then hollered to the crowds, “Alright, every pony back, back… and stay back. Give the ladies some room here.”

The princesses rolled their eyes, and then proceeded to examine one of the fallen bodies.

The stallion was very much alive, but far too sickly to speak.

“They look like they’ve been drained of their life force.” said Twilight.

“No, it’s worse,” said Cadance. “They’ve had their love and light energy stolen. I’ve read about this, but it’s the first time I’ve seen it.”

She went on explaining, “Your body has a balance of emotions, feelings, as well as both positive and negative energy that help make up your life force.

If balance is, somehow, disrupted, it can lead to serious effects on your body.”

Twilight couldn’t stand the sight of these sick ponies. The way they all seemed so cold, pale, bitter-looking, and sickly.

“Someone or something did this to them.” said Cadance. “They’re so cold and miserable.”

“Are they going to be alright?” Twilight asked. “They won’t… they won’t…?” she couldn’t blurt out what she wanted to say, and she didn’t have to.

“I don’t know…” replied Cadance. “Let me try something.”

She closed her eyes, and her horn glowed brightly as she began to cast a small flow of sparkles onto the stallion.

It seemed to work a little-- he regained a tiny bit of his colors back, his eyes became clearer, and his temperature went down a little.

The positive energy from Cadance’s love magic seemed to restore him, meaning his energy and body would return to normal after a while, as would all the other victims.

The stallion still had hardly much of a voice in his, still, weakened state.

“Hey,” Twilight said very softly. “Can you speak?

What happened? Who or what did this to do?”

The poor pony’s voice could barely be heard, especially over the chattering crowds, forcing Twilight to put her head to his mouth.

“…Mon…ster.”

“What?”

“…Mon… ster… took… en…ergy… dan… ger… ous…!”

Twilight looked up at Cadance with a deep, concerned look.

Just as the paramedic wagons arrived on the scene to help treat the invalids, Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense began to go crazy-- her entire body was shaking. “Oo-oo-hoo-ooh! Something big is coming! Something bad!!”

Before anyone could question her, the sound of a shrill scream could be heard from far down the street.

“That’s Rarity!” cried Twilight.

Both she and Cadance teleported off.

“Hey! Wait for me!!” Pinkie shouted, ditching her costume, and galloping towards Rarity’s store.

At Rarity’s store, three mares were shopping for wedding attire, when suddenly, the doors to the shop were blown wide open by strong magic, in came a dark and monstrous looking pony-like creature.

He had a dark navy-blue coat, and a black mane, evil demon-like wings, and his horn was curved in a zigzag, much like a lightning bolt. He was about the same size as Princess Cadance, and he was dressed most unusually-- a black leather jacket with spiked shoulders and cuffs. Strong armored plantings around his hind leg, and a stomach guard.

His cutiemark was a picture of a burning, flaming black heart zooming like a comet.

He had Rarity and her three customers trapped in a corner glaring at them while snickering, as if to do something very nasty.

“Who are you?!” Rarity asked fearfully.

The evil pony snickered and hissed, “…Give me your love energy!”

The mares all trembled fearfully as the stranger approached them!

Suddenly, he was shrouded in a magical field, binding him in place.

“What?!” he growled.

Rarity looked up and saw at the door, “Twilight! Princess Cadance!”

The two mares had combined their powers together to hold the stranger in place.

The stranger only laughed, and his dark horn gave off a huge burst of energy, shattering the barrier, releasing him from its lockdown, much to everyone’s shock.

“How did he break free?” wondered Cadance.

The stranger glared at her especially, and he let out a mighty roar, making the whole place shake, the force of which made all the ponies fall to the ground, while Twilight and Cadance were forced out the door by a strong shockwave of power.

They barely managed to straighten themselves out by hovering off the ground.

“That’s strong magic!” cried Twilight.

The stranger stood out the door looking furiously at the two, but more so at Cadance herself.

“You…!” he thundered.

The ladies already could sense the kind of trouble about to happen.

The stranger spread his wings out and charged straight at Cadance to tackle her.

Twilight and her sister-in-law soared up high into the air.

The stranger soared up after them just as Rarity poked her head through the broken doorway, and just as Pinkie came along, out of breath.

“What’s… happening?” she panted.

Rarity was still far too shaking to give a direct response, but Pinkie looked up and could see things for herself.

The stranger glared the princesses down, and crunched his front hooves together, looking ready for a fight.

“Who are you, and what do you want?!” Twilight demanded.

The stranger did not answer, instead he fired a powerful blast at the duo, forcing them to split off in opposite directions.

“Okay! We tried to be peaceful…!” snapped Twilight. She powered up her horn and fired a massive blast, which the stranger dodged easily.

Twilight and Cadance both zapped about, but the stranger kept swerving and dodging their every shot.

“My turn…!” The Stranger laughed, and he powered up his own magic, and unleashed burst of dark energy stronger than the two ponies combined, making a big explosion in the sky that blew them both about hard.

Twilight fell into a cloud, while Cadance tumbled around and around in midair, until she was stopped when the stranger grabbed her from behind, choking her by the neck.

He looked her dead, furious in the eyes and hissed, “…If I cannot have the love I desire, then there will be no love left for anyone!”

Cadance couldn’t scream or try to escape as she felt herself losing consciousness from the chokehold.

“Give me your love energy!” the stranger demanded “Feed my power!”

“No!!” Twilight thundered as she charged forth and kicked the stranger hard, sending him crashing to the ground.

Cadance coughed and hacked while trying to catch her breath.

“Are you okay?” cried Twilight.

Her sister-in-law nodded weakly.

All the ponies in the streets ran in panic at the sight of wicked creature as he got back up onto his hooves.

“I’ll show you!” he thundered.

“Freeze!” shouted a voice.

The stranger turned around and saw an army of guards standing ready with their lances and glowing horns.

The stranger merely snuffed, and gave a huge flap of his wings, sending a billowing gust that blew all the guards down like falling trees.

“Now try this!” he shouted as the spikes on his jacket cuffs launched like tiny missiles, striking all around the guards making sparks and explosions fly everywhere.

The spikes magically reappeared on the cuffs-- in a limitless quantity.

Suddenly, the stranger was pelted from behind by rocks by Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, you big bully…” she bellowed “You get out of here and leave my friends alone! You hear me!”

“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” shrieked Rarity.

Pinkie foolishly threw another big rock straight for the stranger’s face, which he easily avoided by speeding forth and catching Pinkie by her neck.

“Pinkie!!” Rarity screamed.

“Oh, no!” shouted Twilight. She left Cadance where she was and rushed over with her horn glowing.

“No!” the stranger bellowed as he spun round and held Pinkie in front of him like a huge shield “You wouldn’t want to hurt your friend now, would you?”

Twilight stopped dead where she was.

“That’s what I thought-- always succumbing to submission to protect those you love.

How sickening!”

While he was laughing, he suddenly heard shouting…!

“What?!” he bellowed as he turned around just in time…

WHAMM! Rarity, unable to bear seeing her friend suffer, let out a huge roar as she charged forth like a mad pony and headbutt him hard in the side, making him yowl and drop Pinkie down.

Rarity suddenly felt dizzy from bonking her head so hard.

The stranger quickly got up, and he was mad!

He ensnared Rarity in a magical stream. “You’ll pay for that!”

“RARITY!!” Pinkie and Twilight shouted, and they watched in horror as he began to drain her love energy and life force-- rendering her sickly and pale as the other invalids.

The two friends rushed over to try and help, but the stranger blasted them away hard, injuring them both. “Wait for your turns!” he bellowed.

Rarity was getting worse as her energy was absorbed from her body and into the stranger’s horn.

“Yes!” the creature bellowed, but suddenly he gasped, and clutched his head feeling very strange. “Oh, no!” he groaned. “This can’t be…! Not now…!”

He dropped Rarity hard on the ground, but Pinkie and Twilight kept gazing at the struggling creature.

“What’s happening to him?” wondered Twilight.

Pinkie had no idea, but saw this as the perfect chance, “Let’s get him while he’s down!”

Cadance, having already recovered enough of her strength, stood tall and firm in front of them. “I’ll take him!”

The stranger glared at her.

Cadance charged forth to tackle him, but he dodged-- exactly as Cadacne wanted-- and she buck-kicked him hard in the gut sending him high up into the air.

She quickly soared up after him.

“Take this!” the stranger yelled and unleased a barrage of magical blasts.

Cadance cast a small wall of magic in front of her, plowing through most of the shots…

…the rest headed for the ground like meteors, forcing Twilight to cast walls on the rooftops to avoid collateral damages.

POW!!

Cadance rammed the evil creature again, and then ensnared him in her own magical bind.
“Got’cha now!” she boasted.

Even with his struggle worsening and his strength decreasing, the stranger still managed to break free, and he shot Cadance with a strong blast sending her crashing down!

“Hang on, Princess!” Pinkie hollered as she leapt, miraculously, high up, and caught the falling pony in her limbs.

The stranger flew off shouting, “WE’LL MEET AGAIN, PRINCESS CADANCE…!!

…YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF DANGER ZONE!”

Then he vanished in a dark wave and was gone, leaving Cadance furious.

“Yeah, that’s right! Run away, you chicken!!” Pinkie screamed, forgetting that Cadance was right next to her.

Cadance picked her ear with her hoof, “I don’t think he heard you.” she grumbled.

Pinkie felt sheepish.

“Rarity!” cried Twilight.

The friends turned and saw her clutching Rarity’s pale, shivering body in her limbs. She needed medical attention and fast!

Meanwhile, Danger Zone felt himself limping and struggling through endless blackness as he felt his strength fading away.

Finally, he just collapsed.

Strings opened his eyes to find himself on the floor of his hotel room with his bed covers draped over him.

His head was spinning, and he couldn’t understand it in the least.

“What am I doing here?” he wondered softly as he rubbed his head.

“What happened to me?”

Act 5: Lockdown

ACT FIVE

Rarity was taken immediately to the Ponyville General Hospital where she was rushed into emergency and revitalized.

She groaned so softly as she awakened.

“Where… am I…?”

“Shh, it’s okay, Rarity. You’re going to be okay.” said Twilight.

Rarity sat upright to see she was in a hospital bed in a long ward, surrounded by all her friends.

“We heard what happened to you.” said Fluttershy.

“And wouldn’t you know it…” added Applejack “We arrived just in time to be too late.”

“Are you okay?” Spike asked with deep sincerity.

All this made Rarity remember, “That stranger!” and she clutched her neck, “…He did this to me!”

She also noticed Twilight had a bandage over her face covering a bruise she had suffered, while Cadance had a smaller one on her upper front right leg.

Pinkie hadn’t a scratch, but she was seething with rage. “That creep! Just let me find him! I’ll make him pay! I’ll… I’ll!”

“Shh…!” she was hushed by Nurse Redheart, and she motioned to others in the ward.

There were many other ponies brought in-- the invalids from down the street who were hit as badly as Rarity was. The doctors and nurses were working hard to nurse them back to full, which wasn’t too hard…

…The hospital had a good supply of special medication which had the same properties as Cadance’s love energy for healing, thus restoring the invalids to normal, but no pony was too thrilled with it, knowing that “creature” was still out there, and likely to strike again.

“Who is this creep anyway?” asked Rainbow.

Cadance explained, “He calls himself “Danger Zone.” and she told the others what Danger Zone hissed to her.

“…If I cannot have the love I desire, then there will be no love left for anyone!”

“…Sounds like this guy has it in for love.” said Spike.

“It all makes sense.” added Twilight, “He steals love and life energy from his victims to increase his strength and power, leaving the victims in a cold and deathly state.”

Fluttershy felt a shiver run down her back, “That’s not fair-- trying to destroy all love and hurt innocent ponies in the process. We can’t let him do this.”

“…You’re so right we won’t!” hollered Pinkie, acting like a brave soldier. “We’ll search high and low, and every rock and haystack until we find this monster and bring him… to justice!!”

She was once again hushed by Nurse Redheart, who gave her an angry stare, warning her not to do it again or she’d be thrown out, making Pinkie feel so embarrassed.

Since Rarity had already recovered her full strength, she was already dismissed and permitted to return home, so the friends all left the hospital.

“I’ve got to write to Celestia, she must know about this!” insisted Twilight.

“…I already know.” said a familiar voice.

There, surprisingly stood Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Respectably, everyone bowed to the sisters.

“When did you two get her?” Twilight asked.

“Just moments ago.” replied Celestia. “Princess Luna and I sensed an evil presence lurking about.”

Luna nodded and added, “I was hoping with all my might that we were mistaken, but that obviously is not the case.”

“Can you help us at all?” asked Twilight.

Celestia shook her head shamefully, “I’m afraid we only know as much as any of you do now. This Danger Zone, whomever he is, is not like anything we have ever seen, but he is dangerous, and there is no telling where he has gone or when and how he will strike again…

…We only can rest assured that he will!”

Luna then levitated up law decrees that she and Celestia were posting all over town, and all Equestria declaring a state of emergency.

The decree read, that in view of Danger Zone’s threat, and until the threat was neutralized…

“Citizens are advised to minimize time outdoors and any activity of importance are to be escorted by royal guards.

All major events and celebrations, as well as recreational or traditional are postponed until further notice.

All long-distance travels by train are cancelled to reduce the chance of an attack on the go.”

“What?!” cried Fluttershy. “But that means Princess Cadance can’t go home to the Crystal Empire!”

“Uh, remind me again why you take the train when you can fly?” Rainbow asked Cadance.

The sisters didn’t give her a chance to answer that.

“I’m sorry, Cadance.” said Celestia. “I realize this is difficult, but we cannot take any risks. I have already notified your husband back home.”

Cadance looked rather grim about not being able to go home, but she fully accepted it, and she reminded everyone, “Danger Zone seems more interested in me than any others, and I think I know why…”

Twilight also had the same idea, “…It’s because you have more love-energy within you than any other. If he were to tap your strength, he may gain untold power!”

Everyone felt their blood run cold at such a thought.

“That’s not even funny!” wailed Spike.

“Indeed, it is not.” agreed Luna. Both she and her sister were shocked to hear of this revelation.

Cadance didn’t like the look in her aunts’ eyes, and she could tell what was about to happen.

Before long, Cadance was at the Rainbow Castle, or rather deep within the castle cellar far below the ground.

Twilight had often feared that someday, certain citizens or creatures would require extra protection or a safe place to hide. So, she and her friends built a special bunker deep within the castle’s cellar. Here, a pony, or several could hide from whomever was perusing them without much fear of being hunted down, or even sensed due to being underground.

It was always kept ready, but never really used… until now.

No one outside the group knew of this place-- seeing as no one else had ever stayed there before. Making it and ideal place to hide.

The entrance was hidden behind a sliding wall of concrete, and this could only be opened from outside.

The secret switch was a fake stone slab in the wall-- when pressed, the wall would slide open revealing the entrance into the bunker.

The bunker itself was about twice the size of Twilight’s Bedroom, with a dozen cots lining the back of the room, with pillows, covers and all.

The floor was carpeted, and the walls were padded to keep the place nice and warm.

Two large chandeliers with magic candles, and lanterns along the walls to give the room light.

Other than all this, the room was practically empty, without much to do. It was practically like a jail cell, but the friends were not about to just leave Cadance alone in this place with nothing to do.

Twilight brought her lots of books to read. Pinkie and Applejack brought loads of food and goodies. Fluttershy brought fresh pails of drinking water, and Rarity brought Cadance fancy pillows and bedsheets she had made.

“This is all so nice of you all.” said Cadance.

“We just want you to be as comfy as you can be.” Fluttershy said, trying to hide her sadness.

“This isn’t fair!” wailed Pinkie. “Why should Cadance be punished for all this?”

Cadance corrected her, “It’s not a punishment, Pinkie, it’s protection. I can’t let Danger Zone find me. I’m more than willing to do this.”

Still, nobody liked this one bit.

“You think you have it bad?” said Rainbow. “Just think of how all Equestria is feeling. I was going to be in a show with the Wonderbolts, and now it’s canceled.”

Applejack wanted to scold Rainbow, but she, herself, couldn’t help but add, “The annual Apple Picking contest ain’t going to be happening now. Applebloom and I were looking forward to it.”

Rarity sighed miserably, “I was going to show off my latest fashion designs in an expose at my Canterlot Store, and now I.. I…” she couldn’t’ bring herself to finish that sentence. “Oh, Why-ha-ha-hyyy!”

Her whining voice echoed throughout the bunker, making everyone cover their ears.

Twilight stomped her hoof and declared, “This only means we need to stop Danger Zone all the faster.”

The friends all agreed. They had a lot of work to do… upstairs… and back at their own homes to help prepare for the lockdown, knowing other ponies were bound to not take it well.

The other ponies hugged Cadance goodbye and wished her “Good Luck” before leaving.

Twilight and Spike were the only ones left, still hesitant to leave her all alone in this place, but Cadance again assured them, “I’ll be alright. You two go ahead.”

With a heavy heart Twilight agreed, “Fine, but we’re going to check on you every so-and-so.”

Spike even handed Cadance a special magic pad with a pen. “You can use this to write to us in case you need anything.”

Then he held up a second pad, which could receive messages written on the first one-- like instant magical messages.

Cadance smiled thankfully, and finally Twilight and Spike left her… all alone.

The poor princess could only sigh and began pacing around the room.

Spike sniffled as he and Twilight walked up the flight of stairs to the castle above ground. “Gee, Twilight… I don’t think I can get over this.”

“I know how you feel.” replied Twilight. “But we’ve got keep our heads. There’s a mad pony out there, and we’ve got to stop him.

The first thing we must do is find him.”

“I don’t think that’ll be too easy.” said Spike. “He could be anywhere in all of Equestria.”

This made Twilight only more eager to get started with her research and experiments-- anything for a clue.

Meanwhile, Celestia and Luna had posted as many decree documents as they could, and every place in Equestria they went, they made announcements using their Royal Canterlot Voices for all to hear, stating that the lockdown was officially in effect.

You can bet, ponies and creatures were very upset and shocked to hear of this, and while most creatures were understanding of it all, others weren’t taking it so well. Some were looking forward to events and celebrations that were now cancelled, while others weren’t too keen on the idea of being cooped up indoors more often. Others, that were on vacation from out of their respective towns, were now unable to return home, to their families, to their work, to their normal lives.

The hotels where they stayed were nice enough to extend their stays for no extra charges, and this included the Ponyville Arms where Strings was staying.

He, among all the patrons of the hotel were gathered in the lobby, hearing the announcement from the desk clerk, as well as gathering around to read the document.

Groans and complaints were chattered among the disappointed ponies…

“I promised my kids I’d be home.”

“I’ve got a business deal waiting.”

“I just want to go home.”

“I’m sorry, every pony,” replied the desk clerk, “But the Princesses have spoken, and it’s for our everyone’s safety.

We’ll do our best to help make your stays as comfortable as possible, but you must cooperate with us.”

Disheartened and upset, most of the ponies slumped sadly back to their rooms, while Strings remained behind looking at the document.

He was particularly taken in by the evil pony’s name inscribed.

“…Danger Zone?” for some strange reason, that name rang through his head like a bell, but he couldn’t figure out why.

He hadn’t been feeling too good since awakening on the floor in his suite. He felt weary and confused, still not remembering anything that happened upon his audience with Twilight and Cadance that morning.

“Maybe I was just overly upset.” he said to himself, and he felt a little of his sadness starting to build up again. “I’ve got to do something to take my mind off of all this.”

Then he got an idea. “Maybe I should write up a new song. After all, I got lots of free time now, but what should I sing about?”

All he could think about now was the name. “Danger Zone”

“Hmmm…” he wondered, and he headed off for his room.

Meanwhile, he wasn’t the only pony with a lot on his mind…

Several blocks away from the hotel, Sun Rae lived in a quaint little house, and she could see the hotel from her bedroom window.

She knew that Strings was staying there-- pretty much every pony in town knew, and her frustrations of not having him love her was still getting to her.

She slumped down on her bed. Then she opened a drawer on her nightstand, and she pulled out a tiny heart-shaped frame, with a little picture of Strings in it.

“There’s got to be a way.” she said to herself. Then she broke out into a song called “Can’t Give Up.”

All the while, singing and dancing around her room, twirling the picture in her hoof, and also revealing she had a small shrine to Strings in the back of closet, revealing her highly unhealthy obsession-- worse than Strings’.

She even had a fantasy of Strings finally accepting her, dipping her back in his limbs, and about to kiss her deeply…

…Only for her fantasy to abruptly end as she fell off her bed. Thus, snapping her back into reality.

She burst upright growling in frustration. “A’RGH!! How?!” she yelled softly. “Even Princess Twilight and Cadance couldn’t snap him out of it.”

Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck her mind, and her eyes lit up like the stars. “Yes! That’s it!!”

She leapt up onto her feet declaring, “I know how to become the Pony of Strings’ heart now.”

Act 7: Wrath Song

ACT SEVEN

A couple of guards nearby heard the screams, and they arrived just in time in the alley to see the couple laying on the ground in cold status, and Danger Zone laughing.

“Who’s next?” the evil pony hissed.

The guards looked ready to take him on, and since they were both unicorns, they each fired a magical flare blast up into the sky.

Meanwhile, Spike and Twilight enjoyed their tea and company with Rarity.

“It’s so nice of you both to come here.” said Rarity, and then she began to have a dramatic fit. “I don’t know how much longer I bear all this-- being cooped up, with hardly anyone to interact with or sell my fabulous fashion wonders!!

Oh, when will it end! WHE-HE-HE-HEN!!”

Twilight and Spike rolled their eyes at her drama.

“It’s only been one day, Rarity.” said Twilight.

Rarity got up and spoke normally, “For a pony such as me, even a mere moment is agony to the last bit.”

Spike then whispered to Twilight. “Maybe she could use that calming potion you made.”

Twilight chuckled, and then remembered the potion was back at the castle… which made her snap in shock. “Oh, no! Cadance! We’ve forgot to check on her!”

Spike realized he had left the magic pad at home too and he couldn’t send a message. “We better get back.”

Rarity gasped in horrors. “Oh, Poor Princess Cadance!”

Just as Spike and Twilight were about to leave, the Ponyville air-raid alarm sounded, warning all citizens that there was extreme danger afoot.

The friends turned to look outside the window, and they immediately saw flares lightning up the sky far away, showing where the danger was, and loads of guards were charging that way while others stayed to maintain protection of the citizens.

“…Danger Zone!” deduced Twilight, and right away, forgetting her plans about her own sister-in-law, she teleported off.

“Twilight!” cried Spike.

“Oh, dear! This cannot be good!” cried Rarity, and she levitated Spike up onto her back, “Come along, we’re going after her.”

“But wait…!” Spike protested, but Rarity already burst through the doors of her shop, galloping off through town.

“Halt!” some of the guards shouted, but she just sped past them, and the guards could not desert their posts unless ordered to.

“Charge!” the captain of the guards shouted, and he and all his men rushed forth with their lances ready.

Danger Zone wasn’t the least bit concerned, and he leapt up high into the air, and fired a huge blast from his horn making a big explosion that scattered the guards about and knocking half of them unconscious.

“Attack!” the captain yelled.

Danger Zone laughed as he descended, and despite being vastly outnumbered, he proved to be a real contender…

Showing off mad martial arts moves and combining these with his powers and his spike darts. He dodged the guards’ every attack and they all wound up flat on their backs and bellies. A few were even strung up in trees or stuck in garbage cans.

Danger Zone snuffed, “You’re all hopelessly pathetic, but at least I now have loads of energy to steal.”

The helpless guards lay wounded on the grounds, unable to move or defend themselves.

Danger Zone was about to make his first attack… when he was shot at from behind by a strong magic wave.

“Hold it right there!” Twilight shouted.

Danger Zone snuffed, “Oh, it’s just you, Princess Twit-Light.”

Her head throbbed with rage, “The name is “Twilight!” she bellowed.

“Whatever, I’m busy here. I can’t destroy all love without enough power you know.”

Twilight only glared at him furiously snuffing like the equine she was and giving her hoof a few threatening scrapes, and he glared back at her, changing his mind, deciding to deal with her now. “Then again, you can tell me where Princess Cadance is. Then I can steal her energy and reach my full potential instantly!”

“I won’t let you!” Twilight shouted, and she let out a huge roar, charging forth, and fired several pulse blasts from her horn, which Danger Zone dodged by backflipping and then soaring up high.

“You just don’t learn, do you?” he sneered, and he charged up his horn ready to fire, when suddenly,

“HA!!” Rainbow Dash came soaring in at full throttle, and crashed right into him, headfirst, resulting in a massive rainbow explosion, which sent him crashing hard to the ground.

“Rainbow?” cried Twilight.

Rainbow nodded, but then gasped and rubbed her sore head. “Man, what a head bump!”

Twilight was glad to see her friend.

Danger Zone got back on his feet almost instantly, he was more angry than hurt. “Pretty cheap shot, but I can take you both on as easy as did your weak army of guards.”

“Might want to check again!” called another voice.

The rest of the gang had appeared, and Spike hopped down from Rarity’s back.

“But how?” Twilight asked.

“What’choo talking about?” teased Applejack.

“We heard the alarms, and we saw the flares.” added Fluttershy.

“And here we are, all in this together now.” said Pinkie.

“After all, we’re all friends here.” said Rarity.

Spike nodded.

Twilight smiled at all her friends, and together they all stood, while Spike could only hide out of sight.

Danger Zone stood tall and strong, “Even together, you’re all no match for me. Why not make it easier and tell me where Princess Cadance is?”

“We ain’t tellin’ you nothing!” sneered Applejack

Pike then balked, “Yeah, we’ll never tell you that she’s at the--” but that was as far as she got when Rarity and Rainbow hushed her by holding her mouth shut.

Twilight only glared at Danger Zone and had to ask him, “Why do you want to destroy love in Equestria?”

Danger Zone snickered, “I already told you; it’s to even out things between myself and the world.

I was denied the love and passion that I craved so dearly, and since I cannot fix my own love life, I’ll do the next best thing and fix the life of love!”

The friends were outraged to hear this, and Spike muttered to himself, “Talk about a case of heartbreak.”

Danger Zone raised his hooves as if he were clenching fists. “With each victim I drain, my power grows stronger. Once I reach my full potential, I will have power enough I can infect all Equestria, and every pony-- every creature-- will feel the same way I do-- dark, cold, and spite will rule all.”

Rarity felt sick to her stomach, but she held it in.

“You can’t do this!” said Twilight. “You don’t have to do this. Just because your love life didn’t work out is no reason to take it away from others.

Let us help you! We can find some way to work this out peacefully.”

Danger Zone only laughed, “Fool! Even if you could me-- which you so can’t-- I don’t think I’d let you anyway. I’ve set my goal and intend to see it become a reality!”

Fluttershy didn’t know whether to feel sorry for him, or more outraged. “Well, we gave him a chance.”

Rarity snuffed, “We shall never let you destroy love.”

Twilight nodded and stood tall with her friends. “For Equestria! For Love! We are one!”

“WE ARE ONE!!” The friends all hollered.

Danger Zone, fed up with all this chanting, roared, and rushed forth, and the ponies rushed in as well.

“Remember, watch out for his energy streams!” Twilight warned the others.

A fierce song broke out over the battle.

Feelin’ all the power
ragin’ it up makes it grow
risin’ of the hatred,
squashin’ all the love you know.

Danger Zone unleashed a wave of his streams, but the ponies all split up and scattered around.

“You missed!” teased Rainbow.

“…Did I?!” Danger Zone shouted with a smirk.

He had struck many of the downed guards and began to sap them of any love and life energy they had, thus making himself stronger-- his muscles bulged and his horn glowed brightly.

“This ain’t good!” cried Applejack.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Danger Zone leapt up high and prepared to blast the surrounding area.

“Look out!!” screamed Fluttershy.

Twilight charged up with all her might and fired a huge burst at Danger Zone, forcing him to fire back at her own power and send it back to her with little effort, and forcing Twilight to teleport out of the way.

The blast hit the ground, making another huge explosion.

The ground shook, and rattled the nearby homes and buildings, frightening all the ponies inside.

Powers of the heart they,
will not get you very far
it’s the essence of the hatred,
Power that will get you far.

“He’s gotten stronger!” cried Rainbow. “We can’t let him absorb more power.”

“We’ve got to get the guards out of here!” hollered Pinkie.

Luckily, reinforcements were on the way, as more guards came running into action to help lift their fallen comrades to safety and get those who had been drained to the hospital quickly.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Danger Zone growled, and he unleashed his spike darts.

Rainbow quickly rushed like a comet, wiping out the spikes before they could reach.

Twilight and Rarity fired a barrage of blasts, forcing him to shield himself with a frontal barrier of magic.

This gave Applejack the chance to lasso his left hind leg with her rope, and she gave the rope a huge yank, pulling him down, slamming him onto the ground.

You'll never get a moment’s peace
until the love is kicked out of town
You'll see how strong that you can be
when the hate is up and love is down!

“All right! Whoo-Hoo!” Spike cheered from the sidelines.

“Let’s get him!” shouted Pinkie, and she and all the ponies came rushing forth. Their cutie marks began to glow brightly as they powered up their friendship forces.

Danger Zone already bolted upright and was ready for them!

Makin’ all the breaches,
hittin’ love for all to see
The winder the breach is,
The stronger all the hate will be

Applejack and Pinkie both reached up to punch and kick him, but he skillfully caught their limbs, and flipped them both up and over.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Rainbow and Fluttershy soared in, but he swerved causing them both to slam into each other.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Rarity and Twilight powered up their magic for a super strong blast, but Spike shouted to them, “Don’t do it! You’ll blow up the whole neighborhood!!”

Twilight realized this, but it was too late to power down. So, she and Rarity had no choice but to point their blast up, sending it high into the sky where it exploded with very bright light.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

“Aw, too bad!” Danger Zone mocked, and he proceeded to blast the two ponies hard.

Twilight quickly shielded herself and Rarity in a dome barrier, but the blast was so massive that the barrier hardly held up.

“Stop him!” shouted Rainbow, and she and the other ponies charged in at different angles, forcing him to leap up into the air, causing them all to crash into each other.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

The song faded out, and while the last of the guards had been cleared away, the ponies were looking exhausted, while Danger Zone hardly suffered maybe a few bruises.

“He’s… real tough!” panted Rainbow.

“We mustn’t… give… up!” added Rarity.

“We won’t!” declared Twilight.

Danger Zone glared the gang down, more at Twilight. “Where is Princess Cadance?”

“You’ll never find her!” sneered Twilight.

“I will… even if I have to beat it out of you all!”

He rushed forth, shouting like a monster, when suddenly he was ensnared by two strong magical streams; one light, and one dark.

“That’s enough out of you!” shouted a familiar voice, and Danger Zone was lift up into the air.

The group looked up and saw Celestia and Luna, and their smiles lit up.

The sisters received an alert from their sources in Ponyville and teleported straight over.

“Consider yourself under arrest!” said Luna, but Danger Zone still would not give up, and he chuckled at them, “…You must take me for an amateur!”

He concentrated hard with all his might, and his horn and body were shrouded in a dark aura.

“No!!” cried Celestia.

“We must not let him go!” shouted Luna, but it was too late…! Danger Zone had cursed their magical streams with his energy absorption spell striking the princesses hard.

“Celestia!! Luna!!” Twilight screamed as the sisters began to turn pale.

Rainbow and Twilight quickly soared up high to stop him-- Fluttershy was too scared, and the others couldn’t fly or leap high enough to help, especially with their strengths weakened.

…But Danger Zone, having absorbed energy, broke free from bondage and launched his spike darts, Rainbow dodged, and Twilight teleported out of the way.

“Coming!!” shouted Rainbow as she soared on.

Twilight appeared behind, powering herself up to attack.

“Ha! Take this!!” Danger Zone shouted, and he shot two more beams, striking them both.

“No!!” Spike shouted.

The other ponies all gasped.

Danger Zone laughed.

“Some pony, do something!!” shouted Rarity, but there were no reinforcements, and no way to reach and stop Danger Zone.

His victims screamed in anguish as they felt themselves growing paler and weaker.

“Drain them! Drain them dry!!” Danger Zone chuckled to himself…

…But suddenly, he just let them go!

The four victims plunged towards the ground.

“Catch them!” cried Applejack.

Fluttershy flew up and caught Twilight, while Pinkie leapt up and caught Rainbow. Rarity managed enough strength to catch Celestia in her levitation magic, while Applejack caught Luna.

“Thank goodness!” Spike sighed in relief, and he dashed over to join his friends, but stopped when he heard Danger Zone roaring and wailing up above while clutching his head and his chest.

“What’s with him?” wondered Applejack.

The others hadn’t the slightest idea.

“…Stop… holding… me back!!” Danger Zone bellowed at seemingly no one. He continued to struggle and wail, and then he just vanished.

“…He’s gone!” cried Spike.

“Oh, my!” peeped Fluttershy.

“We’ll see him again.” said Pinkie.

“No!” cried Fluttershy, and she motioned at their drained friends and how they all didn’t look very well, even sicker than Rarity looked from before when she was drained.

“We must get them all to get them to the hospital, quickly!” wailed Rarity.

Pinkie and Applejack carried the royal sisters on their backs, while Rarity and Fluttershy took Twilight and Rainbow.

“Please hang on…!” Spike said to Twilight.

The friends pressed on as hard as they could despite their weariness, but they were in for a horrible surprise…

…They finally reached the hospital, only to find it was absolutely loaded while trying to heal the army of injured guards who were crushed.

Dr. Horse and his nurses were also rushing about with the healing love energy remedy for not only the guards Danger Zone had drained, but two other victims that were found behind the Ponyville Arms.

“We’ll never get them in through all that!” cried Fluttershy.

“We have to! We must!” wailed Rarity.

The victims were looking worse, and Applejack could feel the chills of Celestia’s body on her back. “If we don’t help them soon…!” she couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

“What’ll we do?! WHAT’LL WE DO?!” panicked Pinkie.

Then suddenly, Spike remembered, “Let’s take them to Rainbow Castle! Hurry!”

Heeding his advice, the ponies galloped off, leaving him behind.

“Hey, wait up!”

As for Danger Zone…

Once again, he was struggling and stumbling about in darkness, growing weaker and weaker.

“Not again!” he groaned. “I nearly had them!”

His voice trailed off as the darkness came crashing in all around him…

Inside the hotel, all the staff and patrons were frightened and trembling, when the alarms sounded, and it was reported that Danger Zone had been out in the back alley where he hit two staff ponies.

A few guards remained inside the building to guard all the entrances in case he dared to infiltrate.

Sun was incredibly worried, not just for herself, but for Strings. She hadn’t seen him since he went to the restroom.

“What if Danger Zone got him?!” she said to herself, but her worries were suddenly silenced when one of the guards came in from the back alley walking an exhausted and weary String’s over to the bar.

“Strings!” cried Sun, and she rushed over to him, nearly colliding into him.

“Easy! Easy!” Strings begged in a shaky voice.

Sun helped him back over to the bar and sat him down and got him some cool water to drink.

“I found him outside in the alley.” explained the guard. “He was collapsed behind a dumpster, I don’t how he got there, and neither does he.”

Sun found that very odd. “I thought you went to the restrooms. What were you doing in the alley?”

Through his groggy voice, Strings responded, “I don’t know… I don’t know how I got there.”

Sun was just relieved he was safe. “You’re lucky Danger Zone didn’t see you out there.”

“Danger Zone?” Strings peeped softly, and then, very strangely, the song was roaming through his mind.

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

Feel the wrath of Danger Zone
Gotta heel to the wrath of Danger Zone

He was so lost in the feel of the song, that he had nearly fallen off his bar stool had Sun not caught him in her limbs.

How she longed to hold him like this, but in a different way. Her heart was racing, and she could barely control herself from just doing anything with him right there.

…But she only helped him back up.

The guard recommended, “I think you should go to your room and have a good rest.”

“Okay.” Strings agreed and found some of his strength returning to him to make it to the elevator on his own. “Thank you, Sun.” he said very kindly to her and gave her a smile, which made her cheeks turn bright pink. She felt like she was floating on air.

Still, she couldn’t let herself be deceived. “I will make you love me, Strings.” she thought, “I’m already close to you. Now I just have to put the rest of my plan into action.”

Author's Note

The Song "Danger Zone"

That was one of my big inspirations to make this fic. I've been wanting to make this for over a year now, but I had so many other projects to prioritize.

This sure feels great!

Act 8: How? Why? Who?

ACT EIGHT

Once back at the castle, the invalids were taking to the bunker, where there was plenty of room for Cadance to privately heal them with her natural love magic.

The invalids lay on four of the beds while Cadance stood behind them, casting her magic to slowly heal them all back to normal.

“It’s working!” cried Fluttershy as she noticed their colors were returning.

“Oh, thank goodness!” sighed Rarity.

Twilight began to awaken, and the first thing she saw was her sister-in-law looking down at her.

“Hi, welcome back to the land of the living.”

“What happened?” Twilight groaned.

“Danger Zone!” Rainbow yelped as she stirred about. Applejack and Pinkie held her down.

“Take it easy. He’s gone.” Applejack said.

Rainbow suddenly remembered in the battle. “You mean he got away?”

“It would seem so.” said Celestia. She sat upright flexing her long neck. “That was good thinking, to bring us all here.” she said to Spike.

Spike blushed, and just the same, he approached Twilight and said, “I’m glad you’re okay. I though you were a goner out there.”

Flattered, Twilight wrapped her limb around him in embrace.

“Uh, hate to break this up,” said Rainbow. “But what are we supposed to do now? Danger Zone is still out there.”

“I’m afraid it is far worse,” said Luna “It seems that Danger Zone can come and go wherever is least expected.

Who knows where could be lurking from now.”

Fluttershy squawked with worry, while Rarity nibbled on her hoof.

“He could be anywhere!” shuddered Pinkie. “He could be watching us right now! He could be…!”

Applejack gave her a look, telling her to “Calm down, and cool it!”

“What?” said Pinkie, “Our friends were nearly killed tonight, and the Royal Sisters.”

Cadance confirmed this by adding, “…If he had sapped you enough energy, he very well would have killed you all.”

Rainbow gulped while clutching her throat, finally realizing the danger she was in.

Twilight was more confused than concerned, “Well then, why didn’t he just do it? He could have finished any of us off any time he wanted to, but he didn’t.”

The others thought back to when Danger Zone was struggling and wailing. If hadn’t been for, whatever that was about, the friends would have been done for.

Then again, there were all the guards, and the victims before.

“…He only drained them enough to weaken them, but not kill them.” Twilight muttered to herself.

“I’m more concerned with his strength.” said Rarity. “It’s bad enough that our Friendship Power barely stood up to him, but even Celestia and Luna proved to be hardly a match.”

Celestia sighed, “This confirms our deepest fears.”

Everyone turned to face her and Luna, and Celestia continued to explain.

“Danger Zone is obviously empowered by a force that is stronger than friendship. We have thought of this ever since his appearance.”

Luna nodded and added, “His resentment of love and his wish to do battle with it proves that he is empowered by the forces of Love and Hate.

He steals the energy of love from the life force of his victims and converts it into energy to feed his own strength and power.”

Everyone agreed with this theory, especially Cadance. “When it comes to Love and Hate, there really aren’t many other forces to match them.”

She recalled how the Changelings nearly ruined her wedding with Shining Armor by feeding on their love, but the combined power of her love and her husband’s sent the evil creatures far, far away.

Twilight’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Maybe that’s the answer. That’s what we need to take Danger Zone down. More love energy!”

Everyone pondered the idea.

“It just may… in theory, mind you.” said Celestia.

Luna agreed, “This is no Changeling we are dealing with. The effects may not be as effective as the last time.”

“We could still try.” suggested Fluttershy, and she recalled what Danger Zone had said; that he was denied the love he desired.

“Are you actually feeling sorry for him?” asked Spike.

Fluttershy couldn’t figure it out herself, but she couldn’t ignore, “He’s obviously a very heart-broken pony, which is why he hates love so much and wants to get rid of it.”

“Whether this be true or not,” said Rarity “He is in no right to do what he does-- torturing innocent ponies due to one failed relationship.”

Many of the others agreed.

Twilight felt frustrated, “If only there were someway of finding Danger Zone before he strikes. We could keep one step ahead of him.”

Spike then realized, “…You just may be able to.” and he dashed out of the bunker, and he came back with a small jar containing a few threads of glowing black hairs from a pony’s mane.

Twilight’s eyes lit up, “Is that what I think it is?”

It was Danger Zone’s hairs, covered in bits of magical residue from him. Spike explained, “While we were taking you back to the castle, I notice these threads clinging onto your wing, and I remember why you and I were out at night in the first place.”

Twilight took the sample, and hugged Spike so hard she practically choked him.

“Yes!! YES!! This is perfect!!”

She let Spike down, and he gasped for air.

Twilight gawked at the sample in the jar, “With this, I can analyze more of Danger Zone’s power, and we just might be able to track him down.”

She teleported away before anyone could say a thing to her.

“Um… I think we should all come up with something else.” suggested Applejack.

“Indeed…” agreed Celestia.

Strings was stirring in bed in his hotel room as an evil song kept playing through his mind, the Danger Zone song.

He also kept seeing horrible images-- Twilight and her pony friends being thrashed about before from his very perspective, as if he, personally, was doing the attacking!

The ponies screaming, the music blaring, and the sounds of evil laughter in the shadows…!

He woke up in a frightful gasp.

He sat up in bed, hot, sweaty, and panting heavily. “I’ve got to get some air!”

He hopped out of bed and made his way to the sliding doors to the balcony, but as he gazed at his reflection in the transparent glass, he thought he saw something that wasn’t his reflection.

“Whoa!” he yelped as he fell on his tail in shock. He got up and looked again; his reflection seemed normal, which was a relief, but he still couldn’t get the song out of his head.

He had never heard it before, and yet it felt so familiar to him as well.

“What’s happening to me?” he wondered miserably. “On top of all this, I keep blacking out.

And my dreams… they just feel so real.”

He began to have more flashes of the ponies being attacked from his viewpoint…

Followed by the sound of a sinister laugh softly echoing in the air of his room. “Who do you think you’re kidding? You can’t run from the truth any longer.”

Strings, now shaking with fear, gazed around his big empty suite. “Who’s there?” he whimpered, and the voice called to him. “Look harder. You know where I am.”

Nervously grabbing a candlestick holder to use as a weapon, Strings nervously moved around the room, until he saw his reflection in a mirror on the wall causing him to drop the stick in horror.

He moved in closer shaking his head. “No! It’s not possible! It can’t be…!”

Then, like magic, his reflection changed into Danger Zone. “Yes, it could.”

Strings was at a loss for words and felt faint.

“Oh, don’t look so confused.” hissed Danger Zone. “I’ve always been a part of you, and you’ve always felt me… every time you felt anguish, misery, or feelings of jealousy and rage… all because of your pathetic heartbreak.”

Strings couldn’t deny the feelings, but he still refused to believe this creep. “I would never do anything like that. I’m not like you, you hear me?!”

Danger Zone snickered, “Don’t flatter yourself. You may have been able to suppress me, but nothing is forever.”

“You mean… all those attacks, all the chaos happening-- that was you.”

Danger Zone said nothing; his evil expression was more than enough.

“You can’t do this! All those innocent ponies…!”

“No pony is innocent. They’re all the same-- always lucky in love and with that special some-pony, while I had nothing!

Well, I’ll show them all what it’s like to be out of love soon enough.”

“You won’t!” snapped Strings. “I won’t let you!”

Danger Zone laughed, “You can’t be serious? How can you possibly stop me.”

Strings began to head for the door, “I’ll tell everyone. I’ll turn myself in, I’ll… I--” but he was suddenly held back by some magical force. “You’ll do no such thing.”

Strings struggled all he could, but he couldn’t seem to move or say anything.

“Remember, I’m deep within your subconscious. I’m also growing stronger. I may not have complete control of you yet, but… well, I think you can figure it out.

You can try all you will, but you’ll never be able to confess a thing, while I continue to gain power.

Now do you understand your fate?”

Strings felt tears coming to his eyes. “No…!!” he peeped softly, for Danger Zone prevented him from screaming or alerting anyone.

“Rest well…” hissed Danger Zone “We’ll have lots of work to do the next time I come round.”

He said no more, and Strings just passed out on the floor.

Meanwhile, he wasn’t the only one having a hard night…

Sun had been sitting up in her home. She looked really beat, having stayed up well after her usual bedtime, but she was busy with the next part of her plan to make Strings become hers.

She had ordered ingredients and supplies from different drugstores around Equestria to mix a very special potion she remembered.

“Good thing I remembered my magic studies from Canterlot.” she said to herself as she poured, mixed, and cooked the liquid.

The potion was a bright pink, fizzy liquid, and nearly complete… but it was missing one final ingredient that Sun didn’t have, nor could she just order from any store. The potion wouldn’t work without it.

“I’ve got to get it.” Sun said to herself. “It’s my only ticket into Strings’ heart.

But how!”

Suddenly, she remembered something, and she dashed to her closet where she pulled out a box of old papers and accomplishments from her school days in Canterlot, including her diploma from Princess Cadance’s class.

The diploma had all the usual things-- congratulatory message, ribbon, dates. It also had a lipstick smear on it where someone had personally kissed the paper.

The smear was old and dark from age, but Sun’s eyes lit up like a maniac. “Yes!!” she cried. “YES!! This is great!”

She got straight to work, mixing teensy bits of the lip-gloss into her potion, causing the liquid to ignite.

“That’s it! It’s all done!” she cried. “Now I can become the pony Strings will love and want to have.”

She went to her closet, and took out a box marked, “Nightmare Night Accessories.”

She then looked out the window, at the hotel in the distance. “Soon, Strings… Soon it’ll be just you and me. Together… forever…”

Meanwhile, Twilight was fuming in the Map Room! “I can’t believe it! How is this possible?!”

She angrily pounded the table with her hooves and then slumped into her chair.

“Um… Twilight?” Spike called.

Twilight turned and saw everyone, except for Cadance, standing in the doorway.

“How long have you all been standing there?” she asked with red cheeks.

“Are you kidding?” replied Rainbow “You were louder than Rarity when she has a tantrum.”

“Ah!” scoffed Rarity. She felt most insulted.

Twilight explained what she had been up to.

“I tried a new spell I’ve been working on.” she motioned at the map. “The map is able to locate ponies anywhere in Equestria, so I cast a spell to feed the sample of Danger Zone.”

The map remained silent and still.

“Nothing’s happening.” said Pinkie.

“Exactly!” groaned Twilight. “I don’t get it. It should show us exactly where Danger Zone is hiding!”

Celestia and Luna observed the map themselves and exchanged head shakes of dismay.

“There can be only one explanation,” said Celestia. “Either Danger Zone is able from shielding himself from the map’s locating powers, or he is simply not anywhere in Equestria.”

Luna sighed, “Danger Zone is unlike anything we have ever seen.”

“Ugh!!” Twilight growled.

“Easy now, Twilight. It ain’t over yet.” said Applejack. “We thought of another way.”

The group explained to Twilight their idea.

“…Lure him out?” Twilight asked.

“It just may work.” said Fluttershy. “We know that Danger Zone is after Cadance, and he knows he’ll only get the information from any of us.”

“So, we feel we can set up a trap to make him come to us.” added Rarity.

The plan was simple: To lure Danger Zone out into the open fields, away from the open town so that no buildings or other civilians would be in the way.

“We can set up a little romantic scene.” said Spike “And when Danger Zone appears, we’ll all be ready for him-- or… uh… rather all of you will.”

He was feeling a bit down that he could really partake in the battle himself, but Rarity comforted him. “Oh, Spike… don’t take it so hard. There is a way that you’re going to be helpful.”

The other ponies began to chuckle and snicker.

“What?” Spike asked.

Rarity fluttered her eyes at him in a teasing way.

“What?!” Spike repeated.

“Ooh-Ooh… I wanna tell! I wanna tell!” chirped Pinkie. “Please, let me tell! Please!”

Seeing how hyper she was, the others let her say it.

“Well…” she took in a huge breath and began to go off on one of her fast-paced explanations. “We thought that you and Rarity could pose as a potential couple out on a date in the open fields, so that we could lure Danger Zone out because he’ll think you two are in love and he won’t be able to resist, and then we’ll be able to catch him.”

Spike barely hung in to all that, but he swore he heard something that made his temperature rise. “I have to what?”

Rarity giggled, “Oh, Spike, it will be the perfect plan. Just imagine it… the two of us, pretending to be madly in love, under the moonlit sky, gazing into each other’s eyes.

Oh, it almost sounds romantic, even though it won’t really be.”

Spike’s mind was going in spinning circles with hearts all around at the very idea, and he fell over backwards leaving a trail of hearts behind him.

“Oh, Spike!” cried Rarity. “Are you alright, dear?”

Spike only giggled in a daze showing he was going to be just fine.

“But wait…” said Twilight “We need to be ready to battle Danger Zone. We’re going to need vast amounts of love energy.”

“We have already thought of that.” said Celestia.

“In the meantime, you all best get some rest.” suggested Luna. “You have all had a long and hard night, and it will be best if we all rested up for tomorrow to put our plan into effect.”

Twilight protested, “We can’t rest now. What if Danger Zone attacks again?”

Rainbow motioned outside, “Those alarms alerted us from miles away. If they can wake up the whole town, they can wake up us if there’s any more trouble.”

Twilight still felt restless, like she wouldn’t be able to get any sleep at all.

Spike felt a little restless himself; excited at the idea of posing on a date with Rarity.

“Why don’t you try some of the calming potion you made?” suggested Fluttershy.

“I’ll get it.” said Pinkie, and she zipped off and came back with the flask of spray-- unaware of the extra evil ingredient inside of it.

She was about to give it a spray when Applejack stopped her. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary, sugar-cube.”

“Besides, it only calms you, not make you sleepy.” added Twilight.

Defeated, Pinkie simply set the potion down on the map table.

Everyone then adjourned off to bed.

Act 9: Romantic, so-called, Plans

ACT NINE

Far away in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor stretched out over his big royal bed, which he used to share with his wife.

It had been nearly three days, but to him the nights were growing longer and restless as he continued to miss her being next to him.

Oh, he was told she was fine, and everyone was taking good care of her. Still, that didn’t change how he felt, especially with worry of this “Danger Zone” creep being out there.

He decided to get up and walk out onto the terrace where he looked up at the stars in the night sky. “Good night, Cadance…” he whispered softly. “Please come home to me soon.”

As Cadance nestled into bed in the bunker, she kept thinking of her husband, missing him as much.

She even sketched a picture of him on a piece of blank paper, crude, but effective enough to put next to her on her pillow.

She even gave it a soft kiss. “It’s just not the same.” she sighed, and then she softly drifted off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow Danger Zone would be stopped for good.

The next morning, the Ponyville Arms dining hall was packed full of all their overstayed guests to have breakfast, but no one felt like eating…

After last night’s sighting of Danger Zone, everyone was all frightened and worried.

“Do you think he’s near?”

“What if he comes back?”

“This lockdown isn’t working!”

Sun had come to work early to help with the servings, but there was one pony she didn’t see at all.

Strings had not shown for breakfast, nor did he order any room service like he usually did. “I wonder if he’s okay.”

She thought of going up to his room to check on him…

…And… ready to put her big plan into action…

…But she was ordered by her boss, “Come on, Sunny, get back to work. We got a whole room to feed here.”

She had no idea how well-founded her concern would have been!

Up in his suite, Strings was desperate to keep Danger Zone from spawning again, but it was no use. Anything he tried; Danger Zone put a stop to.

-He tried writing letters to the front desk-- Danger Zone disintegrated the paper.

-He still couldn’t even say “I’m Danger Zone! Please help me!” Danger Zone made him stop each time.

Now Strings was getting desperate enough to take the harsh way out and commit suicide. “If I go down, he goes down with me!” he said to himself. “Besides, what do I have to live for anyway?

I have no family, just fans.

I’d be doing them all a favor-- sparing them from a great disaster.”

Then he began to trail off, thinking of his dream pony again, and how it would be best for her especially. She’d never have to know how he felt at all, and he wouldn’t have to suffer with this endless misery anymore either.

Unfortunately, Danger Zone couldn’t and wouldn’t allow this to happen either and he stopped him at his every attempt.

“It’s no use…” he taunted “The stronger I grow, the more of you I control. But please, keep resisting, it only makes it better… for me!”

Strings curled up into a corner, feeling cold, alone, and frightened. He had no idea what to do, and worse than that, he had no idea what was about to happen, remembering that Danger Zone had something very huge and nasty in mind for his next plan.

If only he could warn someone!

Suddenly, he got a letter through his mail tube.

He was almost too afraid to go over and pick it up.

It was a message from the front desk asking him to attend a small meeting immediately.

Strings was very worried. “What if I turn into Danger Zone while I’m down there?” he wondered, “But then again, maybe I can warn someone.”

He saw no other way but to head down to the lobby, and there he was surprised to see Princess Twilight, along with the royal sisters, for they had a very special request.

“You wish me to what?” he asked in surprise.

“That’s right,” confirmed Twilight. “We want you to help us catch Danger Zone. We have everything all set up, and we’d like you to provide us with romantic music from your own songs.”

“It would mean much to us if you would.” added Ceelstia.

Strings felt flattered, but he had to ask, “Why would you ask me?”

Luna chuckled, “Oh, come now. No need to be modest. Your music is the finest in all of Equestria… that and you are the closest, being here in Ponyville.”

Strings felt nervous.

“Is something wrong?” asked Twilight.

Strings tried and tried to warn them of the danger, but the evil inside just would not let him do it.

“…I… I…” he stammered “…I’d be honored.”

“Wonderful.” said Celestia. “We can’t thank you enough, Strings. You’re doing your country and your fellow ponies a great deed.”

“I second that…” agreed Twilight. “Now we can try and trap Danger Zone, and all of Equestria will be freed from his evil for good.”

The royal trio headed off, satisfied that their plans were sure to work…

Strings’ nerves were at an all-time high. “Wait!” he called to the trio.

The three looked back at him, and he tried, and he tried to warn them again that they were in great danger, but he couldn’t say it.

“…Never mind.”

Celestia sensed the worry coming from his voice.

Twilight had an inkling of what was bothering him. “Strings, if you don’t want to help, you don’t have to.”

“No, no… I will help you.”

Celestia and Luna were still baffled by his behavior, until Twilight led them away, and she quietly explained things to them-- about his heartbreak.

“Oh, my…” said Celestia.

“That seems very sad.” added Luna.

Twilight sighed, “He seems to be okay, but I can’t help but worry about him.”

Celestia assured her, “That is understandable, but as you have already tried to help him, there is not much else you can do.

You know you can’t change the way a pony feels, or how they wish to feel.”

“I know,” admitted Twilight “But that’s not what worries me. What if he tries to do something… well…”

“…Unpleasant?” finished Luna. “That… is a cause for concern, but unless he starts showing more signs and symptoms, there is little we can do for it.”

Twilight still hated the very thoughts. “If we could have some-pony stay with him… to keep an eye on him…” then she turned down her own idea. “Then that would be an invasion of privacy.”

Celestia still noted, “He doesn’t seem to want to end his life, and we cannot act on mere suspicions alone.”

For now, the three ponies let it go and concentrated on putting their plan into action.

Sun Rae, who hadn’t heard of the plan, was also planning to put her own plan into action too.

She came to work that day with her saddlebag, which she kept in her locker in the employee’s changing room.

“I’ll come back for you.” she whispered at the bag. “…Tonight’s the night. I’m going to make Strings mine once and for all.”

Meanwhile, after the three royals had returned to the castle, Cadance had something special to give to all the ponies in the bunker.

“Origami Hearts?” Applejack asked with confusion.

Pinkie looked up, down, and all over at her own heart, and even licked the corners of hers. “Yuck!” she groaned.

“As beautiful as these are…” Rarity said, “What exactly are they for?

Candance smirked, “Just watch…” and then she shut her eyes, her horn glowed, and she cast a bright and beautiful spell in the form of sparkling, heart-shaped auras.

The spell then floated over to each of the paper hearts, and magically transformed them all into multi-colored, heart-shaped amulets for the ponies to wear around their necks.

“Wow!” cried Fluttershy.

“Cool.” added Rainbow, but then she asked, “Um… what’s this for again.”

“I bet I know…” Twilight said as she admired her amulet, and her sister-in-law confirmed. “These amulets are enchanted with a small portion of my strong love magic.

With these, you’ll be able to use some of my power when you confront Danger Zone, and we’ll know for sure if attacking him with Pure Love will help conquer him.”

Celestia smiled proudly at her niece, “I’m glad to see you’ve kept up with all that I’ve taught you.”

Cadance bowed to her, but then she cautioned everyone, “Be warned: These amulets only have so much power. Once it’s all used up, the spell will be broken, and they’ll all revert back into paper and will be useless.”

Rainbow cockily brushed it all off saying, “No problem. We’ll have the creep beaten before they run out.”

“I wouldn’t be so cocky,” scolded Luna. “Remember, we are still uncertain if we are taking the correct approach.”

Even Twilight had this thought in mind, but for now she instructed everyone, “We need to start getting ready for tonight.”

Everyone agreed, but then they all noticed Spike wasn’t there.

“Where is he?” asked Twilight.

Spike was having a bath-- his third one that day.

He washed himself while softly humming romantic music, only for it all to be interrupted by a knock at the door and Twilight calling to him.

“Spike?” she called, and before she even got a response, she let herself in through the door, making Spike panic, “Hey!” he shouted as he pulled a towel over himself, still in the tub, “…A little privacy here!”

Twilight knew of his multi baths and wasn’t going to have it any longer. She levitated him out of the water and dried him off.

“I’m just trying to get ready for tonight.” said Spike. “Which reminds me, did those flowers I ordered come yet?”

Twilight, again, reminded him. “Spike, this isn’t a real date. There’s no need to get all fixed up about this.”

Spike couldn’t help it. “I know all that, but it almost feels like it’s real. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I want to make the most of it all.”

He was starting to fall into a panic, forcing Twilight to shake him, “Spike! Get a hold of yourself!”

“Thanks. I needed that.”

Spike calmed down.

As he and Twilight passed by the lab, he saw the calming potion on the table and felt, “Maybe a whiff of that will calm me.”

He was about to go for it, still unaware of the danger it contained…!

Twilight held him back. “You don’t need that; you just need to sit down and relax a bit. I’m counting on you tonight, Spike.”

That night, Sun Rae waited until her shift was finished. She saw Strings nervously finishing his meal in the dining hall. She hadn’t bothered to talk to him or go near him all night.

She felt that he would eventually head back for his room, and she figured, “…It’s time.”

Rather than check out and head for home. She took her bag from her locker, and while no one was looking, she managed to sneak behind the front desk while the clerks were busy chatting in the lobby, and she stole a spare key… which would let her into String’s private suite.

She made her way to the elevator and rode it to the top floor. No one was with her nor in the hallways.

She used the key she took to enter Strings’ unoccupied room. It was dark inside with all the lights off, only illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight coming through the window.

Her heart was beating so nervously, she had been breaking a lot of laws already, but nothing compared to the one she was about to violate…!

“I have to do this.” She said as she levitated the potion out of her bag. “I’m doing this for Strings.”

She uncorked the bottle and gulped the liquid down her throat.

All at once, she gagged, and dropped the bottle on the floor-- it didn’t break-- and she fell down groaning and gaging, eventually falling behind the side of the bed.

A bright flash of light emitted from the bedside, and then… all was quiet.

Sun panted to catch her breath, and her voice sounded different.

Off-screen, she got up and managed to make her way to the mirror on the wall.

“Wow!” she exclaimed softly in her new voice.

Then, she used her magic to levitate the costume props out of her bag-- a familiar looking crown, and golden necklace.

The items floated towards her, and she fit them on her head and around her neck. Finally, she was revealed, not as herself, but as… Princess Cadance!

She looked exactly like her, and even had her voice.

“I’ve done it!” she exclaimed. “I’ve finally become the pony of Strings’ dreams.”

Now all she had to do was wait for Strings to come back to his room, and she would surprise him by waiting for him to become hers.

Unfortunately, Strings didn’t come back to his room…

…He was leaving the hotel, under escort of guards to the meadows outside of town where Twilight had her little setup.

He seemed very uneasy and was practically shaking.

“Are you alight, sir.” asked a guard.

“Not ill I hope?” asked the other.

Strings was still unable to warn them that they were leading him right into the path of danger and despair, and answered, “I’m fine.”

Act 10: Act of Date

ACT TEN

Everything was set up in meadows outside of town.

The moon was full and bright, and the stars were twinkling. The weather was warm, and the fields looked positively dazzling.

A table was set with a lovely white cloth, and all the trimmings-- candles, dishes, cutlery, and a bottle of sparkling apple cider.

Spike, all dressed up in a cute tuxedo, stood by the table waiting for his date.

Pinkie stood by dressed in a waiter’s suit and announced, “Your date awaits, Mon-soo-ee-er.”

Spike then saw Rarity approaching, escorted in a carriage pulled by Applejack, and she looked every inch of breathtaking to Spike.

She wore the same red dress she wore to the Grand Galloping Gala, without her golden tiara. Her lower mane was lovely curled and slick. Her eyelashes seemed longer than usual, and she smelled of sweet rosebuds thanks to the perfume she was wearing.

Spike did all he could to stop his tongue dropping from his mouth. “Wow!” he muttered his breath.

He had nearly forgotten his role, and he softly approached her. “Um… good evening.” he said, trying to sound professional.

“Hello…” Rarity said while fluttering her lashes at him.

Spike held up the flowers he had ordered. “I got you these.”

Rarity, acting right on character, accepted them. “Oh, how ever so kind.”

Spike then nervously but properly escorted his “date” to the table.

Fluttershy, also dressed as a waitress, welcomed them both. “Um… dinner is served?” she said shyly as she lifted the lids off the dishes revealing two salads-- Spike’s was laced with jewels.

Spike then tenderly led Rarity over to her chair and gestured for her to sit.

Rarity giggled at how cute he looked.

As the two continued with their little play, the rest of the ponies were all hiding about, behind a large tree, or in the tall grass near the set.

“So far, so good…” Twilight said. “No sign of Danger Zone anywhere. Maybe, we need to crank it up.”

She signaled for someone’s que.

As Spike and Rarity clinked their cider glasses, Spike barely found the courage to ask Rarity, “Would you care to dance?”

“Dance?” Rarity said, but just acting, “Well, I would love to, but we haven’t any romantic music playing.”

“Ah, but we do…” Spike said, and gestured behind him.

The moonlight lit up revealing Strings at a piano, and he already began playing and singing a beautiful and romantic song-- “Moonlight Becomes You.”

(0:13)

With romantic music, and that it was all part of the act… Spike and Rarity softly danced under the stary skies.

It all just seemed so loving and romantic, Spike felt his temperature rising. It was almost starting to feel like a real date again.

Rarity smiled lovingly at him and whispered, “Try to control yourself, dear.”

Spike nodded softly as they continued to dance.

The other ponies watching couldn’t help but feel it all was just so lovely, especially Strings, which really hurt him deep down thinking of his sadness again.

Still, there was no sign of Danger Zone.

“Maybe we should try heating things up.” Rarity suggested.

“How?” asked Spike.

Rarity blinked her eyes while smiling once at him, which made Spike’s entire face blush red, and steam shot from his ears.

Rainbow could see from where she spied up in a cloud. “No way! They wouldn’t!”

Pinkie’s eyes lit up with hearts. “Oh, my, goodness!”

Even Twilight and the royal sisters were astounded.

Rarity softly lowered her face towards Spike, and she whispered, “Just do it, remember it’s all for the act.”

Spike gulped hard, still unable to believe this, but he slowly moved forth, his eyes shut, his and Rarity’s lips were just about to brush…

Pinkie looked as if she was going to explode…

Fluttershy and Applejack gawked with their eyes wide open…

…and Strings… Screamed… frightening everyone, even Spike and Rarity causing them to bonk heads hard.

Their pain was slight, but Strings was clutching his head, wailing, and shouting as if he was in a lot more pain.

“Strings!” Twilight cried as she jumped out from hiding.

“Stay back!” Strings shouted at her. “I’ve… gotta… get out of here!”

He tried to make a run for it, but his pain worsened, and he felt himself slipping away as he collapsed. “No! I can’t… I mustn’t!”

Now, all the friends were worried and rushed over to him.

“What’s happening?” cried Fluttershy.

“Strings, what is it?” asked Twilight.

Through his struggling and groaning, Strings managed to wail, “… Danger Zone!”

Everyone gasped, and they all looked high and low, but they still couldn’t see him anywhere.

“…It’s Danger Zone!” Strings shouted.

“What are you talking about?” asked Rainbow.

“I don’t see him anywhere.” said Pinkie.

“Strings, what it is?” Twilight demanded to know. “What’s wrong? Do you feel Danger Zone near?”

“… I… don’t… feel… Danger Zone!” groaned Strings, and that’s when his body was shrouded in a dark yet bright aura, making everyone back away, and they all watched in horror as Strings magically transformed before their eyes.

“…I… AM Danger Zone!”

Rarity felt faint, while the others, especially Twilight, were all wide-eyed with their mouths hanging open.

“So, now you know!” hissed Danger Zone. “And you should also know that I have a plan that will finally bring Equestria, and all the love that’s in it to its knees.”

With that, he vanished while laughing wickedly.

“No!!” cried Twilight, and she was still in total disbelief. “Strings is Danger Zone? I can’t believe it!”

“I can’t believe he was right under our muzzles all the time.” said Applejack.

“I can’t believe we didn’t get to battle him!” complained Rainbow.

“Oh…! We were shocked and distracted, we let him get away.” cried Fluttershy.

“Calmness, everyone!” Celestia said. “Panicking about this will not help one bit.”

“But this whole thing was all for nothing.” said Spike.

“On the contrary,” said Luna. “We now know who Danger Zone is-- despite the devastation shocks. This gives us a slight consolation, and now we must use it to our advantage.”

Celestia agreed, and suggested, “We must return to the castle, now.”

While the mane group returned to the castle, Celestia and Luna immediately soared around making the announcement to all the citizens of Equestria.

“Strings is the notorious Danger Zone!”

“If you spot Strings anywhere, notify the nearest authorities!”

“Do not attempt to approach the suspect!”

“Repeat: Strings is Danger Zone!”

Upon hearing this announcement, you can bet all Equestria was heart-struck to hear of it, that they’re beloved singer and music pony was the very evil threatening the land.

Fan-fillies were crying in devastation, while other fans didn’t know what to believe.

“He wouldn’t!”

“But he’s so gentle and sweet!”

“I knew there was something strange about him.”

The guests and staff at Ponyville arms were positively terrified, knowing that Strings was staying at the hotel, although neither he nor Danger Zone returned, and weren’t likely to now that their identity was known, that didn’t stop them from falling into a panic and running about or hiding under beds and tables, or wishing to just pack up and head for home-- they were stopped by the guards, whom were now tripled around the premises.

Sun, still in her Cadance disguise, could not believe her ears. “Strings…? Danger Zone…? It can’t be!”

Her heart ached and burned with grief upon this realization, but even worse so when there was a knock at the door to the suite.

Was it Strings, or rather Danger Zone returning?!

Poor Sun was totally cornered. Even though she looked like Princess Cadance, her magic was not nearly as powerful as hers.

Either way, she was about to be busted!

“I can’t believe it!” Cadance said when the gang told her what they had learned.

“It’s true.” repeated Twilight “We saw him transform right before our eyes. Strings is Danger Zone.”

Cadance slumped onto her bed in total shock, and at a complete loss for words. She had known Strings for many, many years, and he never once seemed the type to do such horrible things.

“He had the purest of hearts I knew of all my students. How could he do this?”

Applejack suddenly had a theory, “I think he’s the one doing it. Y’all saw how he was behaving-- it’s like he was trying to fight it, stop the evil from breaking out.”

Twilight also realized, “That’s why my magic tracing spell couldn’t find Danger Zone before. He was still Strings.”

“This still does not make any sense!” wailed Rarity “Why would Strings let this happen to him? How did it all start?”

No one had a direct answer to that, except for Cadance, “I remember what Danger Zone told me, that he demands to destroy all love in Equestria because his own romance failed him.

Strings had a failed romance.”

Everyone began to grip what she was saying, but it still made hardly any sense, “That doesn’t explain Danger Zone at all.” said Fluttershy.

Pinkie went off asking a huge barrage of quick questions…

“Who is he?
What is he?
How did he get here?
What makes him what he is?
Why didn’t he appear before?”

All those questions gave everyone else rattling headaches, forcing Twilight to clear her throat loudly to hush Pinkie. “We’ve got to figure this out.”

A long moment of silence followed as everyone thought and thought.

“Maybe something happened to him?” suggested Spike. “Something that he didn’t know of, or couldn’t control? Like maybe a magic spell, or a potion or…”

“Potion?” said Cadance, and a strange thought struck her.

“What is it?” asked Twilight.

Everyone left the bunker and headed upstairs.

Cadance got the bottle of the Calming Potion she and Twilight had made. “We gave this to Strings when we tried to talk to him.”

Twilight was confused, “But it’s a Calming Potion. How could this have affected Strings?”

The others were not too quick to dismiss the possibility.

“Maybe we should test it?” suggested Fluttershy.

Pinkie grabbed the bottle and was about to spray and whiff the fumes when Rarity stopped her by levitating the bottle. “Not that way! We must approach this in a more scientific method.”

Twilight agreed and ran the bottle of potion through the lab’s readout machine, which scanned and isolated every ingredient of the potion and printing it all out on paper.

Twilight levitated the list up and read it aloud.

“Just as I thought…

-Carbonated Water
-Lavender Powder
-Rose Petal Liquid
-Ground Up Cotton roots
-Essence of Demon Aura
-The Deodorizer

See, it’s all there, it’s--” she stopped and gawked in shock. “…Essence of Demon Aura?!”

“What?!” cried Cadance. “How did that get in there?”

The others were all shocked.

“So, it is the potion that did all this!” cried Fluttershy.

“Why in the hayfields would you mix Demon Aura into the Calming Potion?!” scolded Applejack.

“We didn’t.” protested Cadance. “I know we didn’t add it.”

Suddenly, “Wait…!” gasped Twilight, and she rushed to the closet of potions, remembering how she tripped and caused things to fall.

She found the “Essence of Demon Aura” vial on the top shelf, still missing its stopper and its mouth hanging over the edge.

The vial was completely empty.

She placed her hoof by the vials mouth and moved in a straight line down the shelf where the liquid would have fallen... right on the floor… where the open jar of the Deodorizer liquid was.

(0:41-0:45)

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUN…!!!

Twilight fell on her tail in absolute terror. The thud caused the vial to finally roll off the shelf, hit her in the head and land right by her.

“Twilight?” Spike called as he and the others came rushing over.

Twilight slowly turned her head to gawk at Cadance, and her sister-in-law put it all together. “We did this!”

The friends were completely aghast.

Meanwhile, far away in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor sat up in bed. He was awoken when Celestia and Luna had passed over the kingdom delivering their announcement.

“I can’t believe it.” he said to himself. “Strings was Cadance’s best student. How could he do such a thing?”

He wondered how Cadance was taking this news herself, and it made him worry about and miss his wife even more.

Suddenly, one of the windows burst wide open, letting the winds into the room, and nearly making him jump in fright.

He caught hold of himself and used his magic to shut the latches tight.

Just when all seemed well again, a sinister voice called to him,

“…Hello, Shining Armor.”

Shinign Armor freaked to see Danger Zone standing in his room. “You! How did you get in here?”

Danger Zone snickered, “You work your guards too hard, so I gave them all a little break.”

By “Break” he referred to how outside, all the guards were lying unconscious; having easily been overcome by his might and having their love energy drained.

“And now… it’s time for me to do what I should have done a long time ago!”

Shining Armor foolishly tried to blast the evil creature with everything he had, but it was no use; Danger Zone’s eyes glowed along with his horn, dispelling the magic before it even reached him.

Shining Armor was helpless and trembling fearfully now as the evil creature moved in closer towards him… before everything went black.

Act 11: Truth behind Love

ACT ELEVEN

The bottle of calming potion sat on the map table. Next to it sat the bottle of Deodorizer, which Twilight had run through the magic scanner; it was indeed tainted with the Demon Aura.

Celestia and Luna had returned from their flight, and they were told of the discovery.

“The calming potion is responsible for Strings being Danger Zone?” Celestia asked.

Twilight and Cadance both nodded shamefully.

“We didn’t know the aura was in it.” Twilight explained.

The others all shuddered in fear and worry, especially Pinkie, “If Rarity hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve turned evil too!”

Luna agreed, “These tainted potions are too dangerous…” and with that, she used her magic to vanquish both jars.

“So much for that.” said Spike. “But what do we do now?”

“We go after Danger Zone, that’s what.” insisted Applejack.

“But how can we?” asked Rarity “He is Strings after all.”

“That doesn’t change things.” insisted Twilight. She took a moment to gather strength for what she was about to say, which pained her, “Strings or not, we can’t let Danger Zone run free and terrorizing Equestria.”

Cadance was forced to set aside her personal feelings, “I’m still hoping that we can save him, but if we can’t… if we have to…” she didn’t finish that sentence, and didn’t have to, because everyone could already tell.

Just then, there was a knock at the castle doors.

Twilight looked out the window, and she could not believe her eyes; there stood the royal guards and with them was, “…Cadance?”

She looked back at her sister-in-law, and then back at what was surely an imposter.

“We better let them in.” said Celestia.

The guards explained how the imposter Cadance was found in Strings suite at the hotel.

“She insisted on being brought here, claiming she had important information for Princess Twilight.”

The guards then left to get back on patrol.

Celestia used her magic to counteract the spell on the imposter.

“Sun Rae?” exclaimed Twilight.

Sun looked in disgrace and hung her head in shame.

“You used a Likeness Potion to disguise yourself as Princess Cadance?” asked Rainbow. “Okay, as cool as that almost looked, that’s not good.”

The royal sisters agreed.

“Misuse of magic or potions and Impersonating another pony are bad enough felonies.” scolded Celestia. “But to impersonate royalty… I am deeply shocked and confused.”

“I know!” cried Sun, “I’m sorry. I know it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. I was just so desperate. I just wanted to be the pony of Strings’ dreams!”

Cadance was boggled, “What do you mean? How can disguising yourself as me make you--” she stopped there, and suddenly, after all this time, the truth was finally revealing itself. “What?”

Twilight’s mouth slowly dropped open. She looked at Cadance, and then asked Sun, “You mean… that…”

Sun confessed, “It’s true,” and she looked at Cadance. “It’s you, Princess-- you are the one Strings has feelings for.”

All the other friends were overwhelmed at this revelation.

“No… it can’t be.” Cadance said. “Strings is in love with… Me?”

She thought back to when Strings was her student… all those songs he played were loving and romantic, as if they weren’t just inspired by her, but directed at her.

Sun confirmed this, “Every song Strings ever wrote was inspired by his feelings for you.

I was the only one to ever figure it out, which really made me feel insecure. It was bad enough the guy I loved wasn’t the least bit into me… but the Princess! How could I ever compete with that?

When you became engaged to Shining Armor, I thought there was hope for me…

…But Strings was crushed beyond words. It was if a part of him had died that day.

He knew that you were now and forever beyond his reach, and he would have to let go of you and let you be happy.

He never wished any harm on you, or your husband, but his feelings for you always remained, no matter how hard the facts hit him.

Even I tried to tell him.”

“She’s going to be married. She loves him, you must respect that.”

“I do respect it Sun, and that’s why I’m planning to leave. I’ve already refused her invitation to sing at the wedding because I don’t think I can bear it. She thinks I have another gig and am going on a tour.”

“You’re being a fool, Strings! It doesn’t have to be like this.” protested Sun. She calmed down, her voice got tearful. “Why? Why can’t you just forget about Princess Cadance?”

Strings didn’t know how to really answer. “It’s too difficult to explain. I don’t understand it myself. I just know that she has my heart, even though I can never have her.”

“But why… why can’t you just forget about it? Why can’t you look elsewhere?” she then said it bluntly “…Why can’t you just love me? Why can’t you just try?”

“I’m sorry, Sun… I really am…” String paused. He hated to have to hurt her like this “You’ve been a wonderful friend to me, but I’m afraid I just don’t have feelings for you, not even deep down, and there is no magic in this or any world that just put it there.

I cannot change the way I feel simply because you want me to.

No…

Princess Cadance has my heart, and if I cannot have her, then I would rather be alone.”

It was at that moment that Sun’s heart was broken in half that day, even more so when Strings sang a song relating to his own issues.

“If I can’t Love her.”

Back to the present, several of the friends felt tears coming to their eyes by such a moving yet tearful song.

Sun wiped her eyes and said, “He said he’d rather die alone than give love another chance. He never got over his feelings, just as I never got over him.”

She didn’t need to say much else, the entire picture was clear now, and Cadance still could not believe this.

“He was trying to avoid me. That’s why he didn’t contact me or respond to my letters, and he didn’t tell me about his feelings because he didn’t want me to feel disturbed or worried.”

Twilight shook her head, “That’s why he said no one could help him, and that’s why he feels it’s hopeless too.”

Fluttershy sniffled, “Oh, Poor Strings…”

Pinkie was sobbing miserably. “Anyone got a cupcake?”

Rarity raised a hankie to her eyes, “I can’t stand such crushing stories.”

Applejack and Rainbow shook their heads in dismay, agreeing that Strings certainly was a sick pony, but at least not in a very bad way.

Sun concluded by saying that, “I’m sorry I had to reveal all this to you, but I just couldn’t keep it in anymore.”

Celestia took some pity on Sun, “I understand your loyalty to the promise you made, but Sun, don’t you realize what you’ve done to yourself?”

Sun looked up.

“Your plan would never have worked.” said Luna. “True, you would have looked like Princess Cadance, but that would not have made Strings change his mind and develop feelings for you.

He knew that Cadance was beyond his reach, and he would never have made any such attempt to go near her.”

Cadance hated to, but she agreed. “It’s like I taught you long ago, Sun… Love isn’t something you can make happen or just control.”

Sun held her head low, burying her face in her hooves. “I’m never going to have Strings… am I?” she sobbed.

Everyone felt just hurt for her.

Twilight then remembered about Danger Zone, and how he drained energy from his victims, but he never killed them even though he had every chance to.

“It’s Strings’ good nature holding him back.” she muttered to herself. “Strings may have violent or nasty thoughts like everyone else does, but he would never succumb to actually pull them off.

Danger Zone doesn’t kill because Strings won’t kill.”

“Uh, hate to break it to you…” said Rainbow, “But when he transformed, he didn’t look like he was able to hold the creep back.”

“That isn’t a good sign.” said Celestia. “It means that the evil is growing stronger.”

“I understand you, sister,” agreed Luna. “Sooner or later, the evil may take complete control of Strings, and he will be lost to his own dark side.”

Everyone gasped at such a horrible thought.

“We must help him!” cried Rarity.

“Yeah, but how?” asked Applejack. “We know he’s Strings, we know what he wants too.”

“We’ll just have to stick to our original plans.” suggested Cadance, and she referred to the heart amulets she had given the gang.

“No…” said Twilight “I have an even better idea.”

She looked at Princess Luna, “I think we can do for Strings what we did for you.”

“For me?” Luna asked, and she suddenly caught on-- back to when she was Nightmare Moon, and the ponies used the Elements of Harmony.

“Uh… what are you getting at?” asked Spike.

“Don’t you see?” explained Twilight. “Danger Zone is like an outgrowth of Strings; it’s his anger, misery, or darkness gone while.

Strings always managed to suppress his hurt feelings, and he didn’t bother to take out his frustrations or envy on anyone.

When Cadance and I gave him the Calming Potion, the Demon Aura obviously affected him-- it gave life to his years of holding it down. Thus: You have Strings, and you have Danger Zone. Two ponies-- one body.”

“Ah! I get it…” Pinkie boasted. Then she whispered, “…I don’t really get it.”

Twilight continued to explain, “The Elements of Harmony. We can use them the way we did to help Princess Luna beat the evil controlling her.”

Luna and Celestia thought it over, knowing that this situation was slightly different than Luna’s former problem.

“It just may work...” said Celestia.

She and her sister then agreed to fetch the Elements from the Tree of Harmony.

“They should be fully energized,” said Luna. “And if all goes smoothly, we will have the elements returned.”

Suddenly, there was a loud sinister laugh heard from outside.

“Danger Zone!” cried Twilight “I’d know that voice anywhere.”

Everyone rushed to the windows and looked outside, and a very large image of Danger Zone appeared in the sky. He was about the size of all Ponyville.

“Now hear this, Twilight Sparkle…” he hissed, “Princess Cadance, wherever you’re hiding her will have to surrender to me.”

The ponies were all confused.

“Come down and say that… you big bully!” Pinkie roared.

Rarity hushed and reminded her, “He can’t hear you, remember. He’s just an image.”

Danger Zone issued his ultimatum. “Princess Cadance will meet me in Ponyville Meadows at dawn! If you don’t…” he paused and revealed his prisoner.

“Shining Armor!” cried Cadance.

Twilight gawked at the sight of her brother all bound and gagged by magical streams. “My brother!”

Danger Zone then declared, “As you can see, I’m holding all the cards now. If you don’t show up, your precious hubby will get it, and you’ll never see him again.

Sunrise! That’s how long you have, Princess!”

His evil laugh echoed all over as the images in the sky faded away.

“No!” Cadance cried as tears fell down her face.

Twilight stood where she was shaking stiffly. “Bro!”

Luna and Celestia were furious.

“We must get the elements, now!” said Celestia. Her sister agreed, and they both vanished.

Meanwhile, Danger Zone was holding Shining Armor prisoner in an abandoned cave. Somewhere out there…

Sunrise was long way off, seeing as it wasn’t even close to midnight yet.

Danger Zone gazed at his helpless prisoner and chuckled, “Seeing you struggle like that amuses me.”

Shining Armor couldn’t speak due to the magic over his mouth, and his magic was already less than a match for his captor’s, heavily increased power.

“Oh, don’t worry. You’ll soon see your precious wife again… and then you’ll be together forever when I take over Equestria and rid it of all the love there is!”

Through his gag, Shining Armor mumbled, “Why are you doing this?”

Danger Zone gave him a stern stare, “Let’s just say that I’m evening things out.”

Shining Armor didn’t like the sound of it.

Back at the castle, Twilight and Cadance were stressed out of their minds.

“He’s got Shining Armor!” cried Cadance. “I can’t let him hurt him. I have to meet with Danger Zone.”

“You can’t!” cried Fluttershy. “You know Danger Zone only wants you to come so he can tap your powers.”

“And if he does that…” added Pinkie, and then she gasped deeply and hard, “…All of Equestria will be doomed!”

“But my brother!” cried Twilight “We just can’t forget about him. You heard the threat.”

Despite it being one life against many, Cadance and Twilight just couldn’t ignore any of this. Shining Armor meant too much to them both to just sacrifice him.

“Wait!” cried Sun, “Maybe you won’t have to risk it.”

Everyone looked her way. “I think I may know a way for you to trick Danger Zone.”

Act 12: Love Tricks

ACT TWELVE

To some, the night was long and seemingly endless. Now that Danger Zone’s identity was known, ponies were too afraid to fall asleep, for fear of being attacked.

Eventually, sunrise came round, and the sky began to light up, even without Celestia raising the sun the way she did.

Danger Zone had already appeared in the meadows, with his prisoner still bound and gagged, waiting for the expected arrival of his enemy.

The fact that he had not changed back to Strings by this time heavily evidenced that the evil was indeed getting stronger.

“This is it,” he hissed softly while admitting the soft light coming from the horizon. “This is the morning of my ultimate triumph, and the end of all Love in Equestria.”

Shining Armor glared angrily at him and mumbled, “You get won’t away with this, you’ll see.”

Danger Zone ignored him, and suddenly he felt the presence of someone approaching.

Twilight softly walked up the hill and with her was Princess Cadance.

Shining Armor’s eyes lit up and he called to them, Twilight gawked at her brother, while Cadance didn’t seem to look the way of her husband.

“We’re here!” Twilight called out, “Now, free my brother.”

Danger Zone said nothing at first. Then an evil grin appeared on his face, and quick as lightning, he cast a stream of magic, ensnaring Cadance, and pulling her towards him.

“Hey!” shouted Twilight.

“Thanks for the gift.” Danger Zone mocked.

Shining Armor gave a huge wail, but then Danger Zone noticed, “Wait! This isn’t Princess Cadance!”

Indeed not, it was a fake-- a puppet clone with a Likness Potion to make it look like Cadance.

While Danger Zone was distracted and outraged, Twilight teleported over him, buck kicking the evil creep hard, and then she teleported back to where she was with her brother still in bondage.

“You okay, bro?” she asked.

Her brother nodded while smiling through his gag.

It was revealed that, earlier, Sun Rae had suggested…

“What if you make a fake Princess Cadance, like I did. Maybe Danger Zone won’t know the difference and it’ll distract him long enough.”

Twilight was relieved that Sun’s idea had worked.

“You!!” bellowed Danger Zone. “How dare you deceive me like this! Now you will both pay… with your lives!”

“I don’t think so!” shouted Twilight, and that was the signal for all her friends to come out from hiding, surrounding Danger Zone, and all wearing their respective Element of Harmony, and Twilight donned her old crown.

The royal sisters arrived, and took Shining Armor aside, freeing him from bondage.

“This is the End of the line for you, Danger Zone!” Twilight said, with her eyes, horn, and crown glowing brightly.

All the Elements gave a glow as the ponies powered up.

“Feel the power of Harmony!” shouted Twilight, and she and all her friends, combining their powers and elements together, unleashed the bright and powerful force straight at Danger Zone.

The evil pony roared and wailed as he was consumed in the light.

The ponies poured on all the magic they could, and the brightness lit up the meadows.

Finally, all had ceased, and the ponies all felt drained, and were exhausted.

“Did we… do it…?” panted Pinkie.

“I… hope so.” said Applejack.

Suddenly, Twilight looked on, and she gasped, “…No!”

The others all looked up, and they were horrified to see Danger Zone standing there, laughing wickedly.

“How?!” cried Rarity. “The Elements should have purified him!”

“Are they broken?” wondered Pinkie as she tapped on the jewel of her Element.

Danger Zone laughed again, “You didn’t think you were only ones who prepared a little surprise before coming here.

While in the Crystal Empire, I not only captured Shining Armor, but I also had a little fun and absorbed the energies of as many victims as I could find to vastly improve my strength.”

He showed how strong he was by pounding his chest hard with his hoof while snickering. He was far too strong, and the evil within him too great for the Elements, alone, to work on him.

“He’s telling the truth!” Shining Armor confirmed. “I saw him really do it.”

“Now… you tell us?!” groaned Rainbow.

Danger Zone charged up-- his horn, eyes, and even his body were pulsating with vast amounts of power as a result from his recent energy absorption.

Twilight was all tapped out from using the elements and hardly had enough power to teleport a pebble, let alone put up a shield or anything.

Luckily, Celestia and Luna were strong, and teleported the friends out of the way just as Danger Zone unleashed a blast so strong, that it created a massive explosion that burned up the grass and wild plants, leaving charred grounds in a wide circle.

The ponies were all in total horror at the damage done.

“That could’ve been us!” whimpered Fluttershy.

“Still could be!” Applejack fret and she pointed on that Danger Zone looked ready for more.

“You ponies have stood in my way for the last time.” he bellowed. “The sooner I dispose of you all, the easier it will be for me to conquest!”

Twilight tried to reason with him. “Strings, listen to me. I know you’re in there. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can try and help you.”

“Silence”! Danger Zone bellowed, and he fired his spike darts at her, forcing her to hit the ground hard, dodging them.

“Strings is no more. A worthless pony like him has no business existing.”

“Don’t you ever call Strings worthless again!” thundered Rarity. “He is a far greater pony than you ever would be.”

“Ha! He was beyond worthless for allowing things to happen to him. For many years I was restrained by his foolish morality, but thank to Princess Twilight and Cadance, I now have will and a life of my own, while Strings will soon be nothing but a faded memory… just like all Love will.”

He fired another blast of energy, forcing the sisters to teleport everyone off again—to the far side of the meadow, away from Danger Zone.

“These close ones are getting closer all the time.” said Rainbow.

Celestia agreed, “We must not let him escape us this time, or who knows what damage he’ll create all over Equestria.”

“Yeah, but how?” cried Pinkie. “The Elements didn’t even faze him.”

“Then we’ll battle him anyway.” said Twilight. “We’ll make him get tired and use up his energy and then try and zap him again.”

Fluttershy tried to protest, “Or… maybe, we could… but… but! Oh!” She couldn’t’ think of another way that was less risky or frightening.

Luna then said, “Allow us to restore some of your strengths.”

She and Celestia then stood together and gave all the ponies a good boost of magic to strengthen them as much as they could spare.

“Yee-Haw!” cheered Applejack “That’s the stuff. I feel good now!”

Rainbow flexed her muscles, which didn’t show. “Let’s get busy!”

“I’m with you, girls!” said Shining Armor. “Strings or not, I owe this creep for capturing me.”

Twilight smiled proudly at her brother.

A loud roar erupted, and Danger Zone appeared. “You won’t get away from this time!”

“We don’t intend to run.” said Twilight, and she and all the others stood in a line, looking pumped up and ready to go.

Twilight glared deeply into Danger Zone’s evil eyes, “Strings, we’re sorry to do this, but I promise, we will try and help you.”

It seemed as if her words fell on deaf ears as Danger Zone rushed forth roaring like a battling soldier.

“Attack!” Twilight shouted, and she and her group rushed forth.

Twilight and the sisters then used their powers to teleport and scatter everyone around.

Pinkie and Applejack charged forth, but Danger Zone easily dodged them, Rainbow and Fluttershy soared from up above, only for him to fly up, up, up, and out of the way.

In the sky he found Twilight and the sisters waiting for him. “Come on!” he shouted at them.

The three princesses opened fire upon him with magical rays released from their horns.

Danger Zone swerved, dodged, and repelled their attacks while returning fire with his magic and spikes.

The ponies dodged his attacks, but just barely, for his increased strength and agility were hard to match.

“Any more tricks!” he bellowed, but he got his answer when he was shot at from the ground below.

“What?!” He looked down and saw Shining Armor and Rarity firing more shots at him, forcing him to put up a shield as he came soaring down like a missile and he extended his energy streams to take their powers.

“Not this time!” snapped Rarity. “Now, Applejack!”

“Huh?” Danger Zone looked back just in time as his tail was lassoed by a strong rope, and with one huge pull, Applejack and Pinkie-- combining their physical strengths-- gave the rope a huge yank, slamming the evil pony hard on the ground with a huge crash.

“Rainbow!!” Applejack hollered.

“COMING!!” Rainbow shouted as she dived like a missile, her body enveloped in rainbow-colored lights. “Taste the Sonic Rainboom!”

She slammed the ground hard, right near him…

KAPOW!!! A massive, but colorful explosion blew the evil pony clear across the fields.

The Earth ponies gave each other a high hoof, but the moment was silenced when Danger Zone leapt back up onto his feet.

“Yeah!” Rainbow cheered.

The team all regrouped, but their moment of success was interrupted when Danger Zone was seen back on his feet and shrouded in dark aura.

“Um… he doesn’t look tried.” whimpered Pinkie.

“He’s a lot stronger than we thought!” cried Twilight.

“Correct!” snickered Danger Zone, “Don’t you realize by now that your pitiful acts of Friendship can never overpower my hate?”

He powered up, ready to attack when…

“Stop!” called a voice.

He turned round and could not believe who was there.

“Cadance!” cried Shining Armor.

“What are you doing here?” scolded Celestia.

“Why did you leave the bunker?” added Twilight, but Cadance would not answer, and kept her focus on the evil pony.

“I’m here to save Strings. I know now…” she paused “…I know how he really feels about me.”

Danger Zone winced in anger.

“What?” remarked Shining Armor “…How he feels?” He didn’t know the truth yet.

Danger Zone glared at Cadance and scoffed, “What you know now, and how you feel about it is of difference to me.

I am not Strings!”

Cadance refused to let him get to her. “You are Strings, deep down, and you know it. Otherwise, you’d destroy me right now as I stand before you.”

“Don’t tempt me!” growled Danger Zone, and he looked ready for a huge fight.

“Candace, No!” Twilight cried, and she and her army rushed forth, only for Danger Zone to put up a powerful barrier dome over himself and Cadance, keeping the others trapped outside.

“I’ll deal with you all in a moment.” hissed Danger Zone.

“Cadance!” Shining Armor shouted. He tried blasting at the barrier, with Twilight and the royal sisters’ help, but it was too strong even with the four of them combined.

Danger Zone stepped closer towards Cadance, who still made no attempt to put up any defenses or move from where she was.

“I’ve waited for this, for a long, long time…” sneered Danger Zone “Your power… IS MINE!!” and he shot her with his energy streams, and she screamed as her energy was siphoned!

Twilight and her brother both screamed, “NOOOOOOO!!!” while all the others gasped in horror.

Cadance’s screams faded off as she grew paler and weaker, and finally she was dropped on the ground while Danger Zone’s body began to pulsate with vast amounts of power.

“Yes!!” he shouted “I can feel it! The absolute power growing within me!!”

Suddenly the power gave a huge burst, shattering the barrier and knocking all the other ponies away, including Cadance’s unconscious, frail body.

As the ponies got back up, they could hardly believe their eyes.

Danger Zone had taken on a form more demonic than before. He hardly looked much like a pony anymore, but a large monster with evil dragon-like wings, sharp fangs, strong claws, and loads of spikes coming out from his shoulders.

He was also now five times the size of the ponies, making them all seem the size of soccer balls to him.

“Oh, my…!!” Fluttershy squeaked.

Rarity was so shocked and frightened she forgot how to blink or shut her mouth.

“No!!!” Twilight shouted.

Danger Zone’s evil voice was deeper and wickeder than ever as he hovered in the air admiring his new form. He laughed loud and maniacally, “At last! I am at my full and complete power! Now I can rid the world of all love there is!”

Act Thirteen: What's Right is Wrong

ACT THIRTEEN

Cadance’s body lay unconscious, pale, and frail, having been hit the worst of any of Danger Zone’s victims, while great and powerful evil being continued to laugh at beginning of his triumph.

“Finally, all Love will be erased, and everyone will understand what it’s like to be like me-- dark, cold, and frightening.”

He stopped and them glared down at the ponies, “But first… I’m going to rid of you pests once and for all, and you’ll never interfere in my plans again!”

He raised his huge claws up in the air, powering up by casting dark energy up high like lightning, darkening the skies, and Danger Zone himself was pulsating with power.

“What can we do?!” wailed Pinkie.

“I don’t think we can do much… not against that much power!” cried Applejack.

Even Twilight and the royal sisters felt that all their powers combined would likely not be enough to stop the great force coming their way.

“We’ve got to try!” said Twilight. “Everyone, put all the strength you can into the elements.”

Everyone did just that, until the elements were glowing brightly.

“You think I’m scared of those toys?” bellowed Danger Zone. “Farewell!!”

He unleashed an incredible huge burst of dark power straight at the group.

“NOW!!” shouted Twilight, and she and her friends combined the elements together to produce a powerful wall of sparkling light in front of them, which the sisters and Shining Armor helped reinforce with their own magic.

The darkness smashed against the wall which proved to be quite strong.

“It’s working!” shouted Rainbow.

“But not for long!” cried Luna “Look!” As Danger Zone continued to pour on the power, the magic wall began to weaken and fade.

“We need more power!” cried Celestia.

Twilight hadn’t the slightest idea of where to get any.

“Twilight!” called a voice.

“Spike?”

She turned her head and saw him waving at her from nearby and he called to her, “…Use the amulets!”

“The amulets?” Twilight realized, in all the stress and excitement, she had completely forgotten about the heart-shaped amulets, which everyone still had on them.

“Alright! Come on…!” Twilight said.

Her friends agreed, and all six ponies focused hard, causing the hearts to glow and channel more power into the wall.

“What’s this?!” shouted Danger Zone as he noticed the wall getting brighter and stronger, and repelled his blast, sending it up through the darkness where it exploded harmlessly in the sky.

“Wow!!” exclaimed Spike as he remained out of sight.

The barrier was gone after that, and the ponies were feeling beat! Some had fallen over off their hooves from using so much power like that, and they didn’t think they had enough to do it again.

Rather than be outraged, Danger Zone snickered, “You never cease to surprise me, all of you-- putting all this faith of yours into all this foolish Love and Friendship.”

“They aren’t foolish!” balked Twilight. “And deep down you know this-- the real you!”

Danger Zone shook his head in disappointment. “Still on that kick? When are you going to realize that I AM the real me, and the one you want me to be is gone!

But if you won’t listen to my words, then fine… perhaps you’ll listen to my might!

Unlike you wimps I have plenty of power left in me, and it’s all coming… for you!!”

He began to charge up again for another strike.

“Let’s combine our powers again!” hollered Pinkie.

“It won’t be enough. We wasted too much energy!” replied Twilight.

Just when it looked as if things were about to come crashing down, Danger Zone gasped, and he froze in midair unable to unleash his attack. “What now?!” he groaned as he felt strange inside. “What’s happening to me?”

The ponies gawked up at him wondering what was going on too, but it was Spike who had had the only inkling.

Deep within Danger Zone’s monstrous body-- within his subconscious-- Strings floated in a seemingly endless, stark dark realm of blackness and despair like a prisoner.

His spirit and his good nature had been badly weakened by the evil that had him, as well as his years of depression and despair, and he couldn’t seem to muster up any strength or power to hold him at bay…

…Until a soft light shone ahead of him.

“What’s that?” he wondered.

The light grew brighter, and closer, and there, right in the center of it was Cadance, in a sparkling ethereal form.

“Strings,” she said softly to him. “Don’t be fooled, I’m not here. It’s just the magic of my love aura and my life force. I’m here to help you.”

Strings didn’t know what to say. He felt awful now that he knew Danger Zone had gotten her.

Cadance approached him making him look up at her.

“Strings, listen to me, I know how you feel… about me.”

Strings felt struck to hear of this.

“Strings, I’m sorry that you’re hurting. I’m sorry that I hurt you.”

“You didn’t hurt me; I’ve been hurting myself wallowing in my despair over my feelings for you. I couldn’t let go, but I didn’t want to put you through any of this.”

Cadance refused to accept his words, still willing to take the blame herself. “It was my fault this is happening anyway. You managed to keep the evil under control. You kept it detained, but thanks to me and Twilight… it was unleashed.

I now need you to help me and my friends to vanquish it once and for all.”

Strings tearfully looked up, “How? How?!” he wailed. “I can’t fight it! I can’t stop hurting! I’m too weak to fight the evil off now. I’ve caused you all the pain and suffering I never wanted to!”

He bowed his head letting his tears cascade down his face.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Cadance!”

Though she was only a spirit, Cadance felt her heart breaking for him, and even worse that she was the main cause of it.

She moved in closer, and tilted his head up, her face was now very close to his.

“I can’t give you the love you want, Strings, but I can give you what you need to help us all, and you do deserve just a little of this.”

“What are you doing?” he asked, and next thing he knew, she had placed her lips over his.

Strings was totally frozen with shock beyond words. Her lips felt so real… soft… cool and moist.

This was so wrong to him! She was his dream pony, but she was happily married to another. It just felt so wrong to him, and yet…

Something strange happened to him. He didn’t close his eyes or kiss her back… but he still felt something he hadn’t in so many years-- warmth, passion, lightness flowing through him.

Cadance broke off him, and saw his body was glowing in the same color as her magical aura.

She then proceeded behind him and wrapped her limbs around him. Then she just relaxed letting the magic radiate from her and from Strings.

Strings was so frozen in this warmth and shock, that his inner voice actually broke out into a dark and haunting song.

Ailing from the pains of loneliness
Seeing all the pieces of his heart
Know the light is gone from the inside, inside!

It is just a big lost cause, there’s no way out again
Through good times or through bad, it’s heartbreaking no mistaking
What lies ahead? There is only one answer,
Makes him realize, he’s died!

Danger Zone growled and wailed as the power of Cadance began to weaken his strength from within, causing him to reduce in size a little.

“I will not let this happen!” Danger Zone bellowed while struggling to regain control.

“Twilight…!” Spike called out. “Now’s your chance. He’s losing strength! Get him now while you can!”

Twilight agreed. “Let’s go!”

Her friends followed her straight into battle, while Shining Armor excused himself, rushing over to the other side of the field and levitating his unconscious wife onto his back, and he brought her over to where Spike was.

While the battle waged on…

Fighting the feelings within
“I won’t let you rule me,” he thinks, blinded by his hope
Alas he knows the darkness is climbing high.

Where’s the way out of this nightmare, he can’t find anywhere
Death has come for you, it’s heartbreaking no mistaking
Love will not win, it’s hate that has the power
Makes him realize, he’s died!

Danger Zone unleashed a barrage of dark lightning bolts, which the ponies dodged by cantering and flying off in different directions.

“Take this!” shouted Twilight, and she fired a magical shot from her horn. Danger Zone batted it away-- he was still strong and large enough, and he dove straight at the little princess, only to run straight into the royal sisters who swiftly lifted her out of the way.

“Conserve as much power you have.” hollered Celestia.

The team acknowledged.

You shall not open up the way
(It’s no use, It’s no use, It’s no use)
The Darkness has risen, and he has no will anymore
Try to fight it off but fails
(It’s no use, It’s no use, It’s no use)
See now what has become of him.
Darkness!

“Coming at ya!” Rainbow shouted as she came soaring in fast to head-bash him, but Danger Zone swerved, and in the motion, he swatted her hard with his monster tail, sending her soaring across the field.

Applejack lassoed his tail.

“Not this time!” he sneered, and he gave his tail a huge swish, pulling on the rope and sent Applejack catapulting up and over, but Fluttershy caught her.

“Thanks for the save.”

Fluttershy smiled, but she quickly yelped, “Thank me later!” as she was forced to dodge Danger Zone’s magic blast.

Falling straight down the hole
Blackness, pain, it’s all his role
You can’t even try,
“You know that your fate is sealed and tight…”

“How dare you!” Rarity shouted, and she shot a few small blasts at the evil creature, which was no different than shooting small pellets against an oncoming train.

“Uh, oh!” cried Rarity when she saw how angry Danger Zone was glaring at her.

“Rarity!” cried Spike, and he wanted to rush in and help, but Shining Armor stopped him. “No, Spike! It’s too dangerous for you!”

In the dusk of the nighttime, he hasn’t much of a chance
Many, all will try, he won’t let you
Look deep inside, and see of what is in sight
The dream will not come true…

Just as Danger Zone moved in closer to give Rarity a string smackdown, Pinkie dropped in from above. “Guess who?” and she covered the creature’s huge eyes with her hooves.

“Get off, you miserable… runt…!” he bellowed, and he began go wild and crazy, trying to throw Pinkie off, but she managed to hang on tightly but fretfully.

“Pinkie!!” shouted Twilight.

The song entered a long instrumental piece…

Finally, Danger Zone charged up his aura furiously, blowing Pinkie clean off his face and sending her clear up into the sky.

Rainbow swooped in and caught her.

That’s when the two sisters came swooping in and cast magical streaming trails, which they used to wrap around Danger Zone in a tight bind, and then quickly proceeded to shock him with magical currents, making him roar and wail in pain.

As the instrumental continued…

Inside of Danger Zone, Cadance began to feel the darkness dissolving.

“It’s working!” she said to herself.

Strings did not hear her as he was lost in the darkness of the song.

Cadance saw this as the chance to alert her friends outside. “I hope they get the message.”

She concentrated hard, finally letting her aura shine brightly, radiating it from Strings-- using his feelings of her to strength the power.

“ARGH!!” Danger Zone wailed as he felt his insides turning and weakening. “This can’t be happening!”

His entire body was shrouded in the magical aura, which Twilight recognized at once. “…Cadance!”

Her magic was now draining much of Danger Zone’s strength and reducing his size.

Twilight took this as a sign and message. “This is our chance. Let’s do it!”

Her friends agreed, and they all banded together with the royal sisters behind them for support.

“Combine both the elements with the amulets.” suggested Celestia.

Twilight agreed, and she and her friends powered up the relics with all they could, combining the white light of Friendship with the pink aura of Love.

“NOOOOOOO!!!!” Danger Zone shouted.

“FIRE!!” Twilight hollered, and POW!!! The most magical force was unleashed, with the sisters backing it up, and it collided into Danger Zone-- right at his heart!

As Danger Zone wailed and roared, he felt the evil aura within him being vanquished, causing his evil form to dissolve into the lights…

While inside, Cadance and Strings both felt themselves fading out from imprisonment.

A massive wave of light erupted from the meadows, that could be seen for miles around. The light shot up into the sky and vanquished the darkness revealing the sun rising into the sky

Spike and Shining Armor had hit the dirt, covering their eyes from the brightness, and waited until the light had gone out.

“Is it safe to look now?” asked Spike.

Shining Armor looked on, “Look! He cried.

You shall not open up the way

Two strong auras soared towards the ground. One of which flew towards Cadance, restoring her body to normal, and she awoke softly.

“Cadance!” her husband cried.

His wife smiled weakly at him, but then she and the boys were worried for the others.

(It’s no use, It’s no use, It’s no use)

Twilight and friends lay on the ground, exhausted from having used so much power.

The heart amulets had been used up, and they reverted from crystal to paper-- useless.

The Darkness has risen, and he has no will anymore

Slowly everyone struggled to get back up.

“Did we win?” asked Pinkie.

“I hope so.” remarked Applejack.

The second force of light hit the ground reverting back into Strings. He was old self again.

“We did it!” cried Twilight. “The evil…! It’s all gone!”

The team smiled with glee and triumph, which didn’t last…

See now what has become of him.

...Strings keeled over and lay flat on the ground to the final chord of the music. He didn’t move, and he didn’t make a sound!

Closing Act: Dangers of Love

CLOSING ACT

Strings was in very bad shape. He looked pale and dehydrated, as if he had just been through a roughhouse-- which was rather true.

Cadance tried to heal him with her positive love energy, but it didn’t do a thing.

“We’ve got to him help, now!” cried Twilight.

Soon, Strings was at Ponyville General Hospital, and rushed immediately into emergency.

Dr. Horse made everyone else wait outside, and meanwhile, Celestia and Luna had gone out to officially welcome the day and announce that the lockdown was over, and all creatures could return to their normal lives.

Meanwhile, while Strings was being cared for, Twilight filled her brother in on everything.

“Let me get this straight…” said Shining Armor “Strings is in love with Cadance-- My wife, Cadance!”

Everyone nodded.

“He suppressed his feelings deep down inside, hurting himself for all these years?”

Everyone nodded.

“And Twilight and Cadance accidently turned him into Danger Zone with a tainted potion?”

Twilight and Cadance looked most ashamed.

Nothing else had to be said, it was clear now.

Shining Armor sat down with a perplexed look on his face as he held his head with his hoof.

“Are you alright?” asked Cadance.

Her husband shook her head, “I don’t know what to feel right now. I’m a complete mix. I get that he felt crushed, and I’m sorry he was, but that’s no excuse for all the trouble he caused.”

Twilight reassured him. “He didn’t do any of this. All this was Danger Zone’s doing, Strings had no control over him. That’s why he’s not going to be pressed with any charges.”

Shining Armor realized this, and he understood. “But still… poor guy. I can’t believe all this happened to him.”

“Well, I’ll tell you what I can’t believe…” said Pinkie “That Princess Cadance did all this and saved us.”

Twilight looked at her sister-in-law. “I think you owe us an explanation too.” She also looked at Spike, not very pleased that he let her out of the bunker.

Cadance explained it all…

“I had a deep fear…

We knew that Strings was like Nightmare Moon, but I also felt he wasn’t like Nightmare Moon.

Strings never asked to become Danger Zone, nor did he ever succumb to his long-suppressed feelings. It happened because of the demon aura he was accidentally given, which made him transform back and forth between forms.

As the evil was growing stronger, and that it was feeding off love and empowered by hate, I feared that The Elements of Harmony, alone, wouldn’t be enough to help, even with the Heart Amulets.”

In a flashback, she recalled and explained how she desperately asked Spike, by the message parchment, to let her out of the bunker.

“No way!” Spike replied. “I promised Twilight I wouldn’t let you out.”

“You don’t understand. I must confront Danger Zone myself. It may concern everyone’s lives.”

“I explained to Spike as best I could and persuaded him to let me out.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “So, you deliberately let Danger Zone get you?”

Cadance nodded, “It was the only hope I felt that would work.

You see, Love cannot be conquered-- no matter how strong you are or how hard you may try--Love may conquer you, but you cannot conquer Love.

I felt that our best chance was for me to connect with Strings from within and help him gain the strength he needed to fight off the evil that was holding him.

So, I did what I had to do.”

Everyone’s eyes widened and their jaws dropped open.

“You… kissed him?” Spike exclaimed softly.

Shining Armor felt a little faint, but Cadance assured everyone, “It was only to make the spell work; to help the love radiate from Strings to combine it with my power.

That’s all it was. I wasn’t cheating or being sleazy. It just had to be done.”

Shining Armor blinked twice. “Okay, I believe you.”

“I think we’re all just glad that it all worked out in the end.” said Rarity.

“Not quite everything.” Fluttershy peeped. “What about Strings? What will happen to him?”

Everyone fell silent with worry.

“He’s still got the hots for you.” Applejack said to Cadance. “This can only end badly for him.”

Cadance felt a little guilty. Now that she knew the root of Strings’ woes, she hadn’t the slightest idea what to do. “I do love him, but only as a friend, and that’s just not enough for him.

I can’t stand that he’s suffering like this, even if he is bringing a lot of it on himself. It’s just not healthy for him, even with the evil gone.”

Twilight feared for Strings as well, worrying that he was still liable to do something nutty. “We’ve got to keep trying to help him, even if he won’t accept it.”

The others all agreed, and even Shining Armor offered to help. “I’m sorry he’s hurting, but he doesn’t deserve to suffer like this, or make himself suffer.”

His wife smiled lovingly at him and pecked him deeply on the cheek. “Thank you for being so understanding.”

Her husband nodded at her.

“…I’m afraid none of you will have that chance.” said Dr. Horse. He had just come from Emergency with a sad look on his face.

“What do mean?” asked Spike.

The doctor didn’t answer right away, and just gazed at everyone with his, still sad expression.

“No…!” Cadance peeped.

“…You mean?!” cried Twilight.

The Doctor confirmed, “We tried our very best, but it was no use. His body had suffered severe internal damage from having the evil inside of him for so long, that and coupled with the years of stress, and his weakened immune system…”

He stopped and shook his head, “…I’m so sorry.”

Cadance felt part of her heart starting to weigh in hard, and the pain worsened when the nurses came out wheeling a stretcher, with body completely covered in blankets, on the way to the morgue.

“Oh, my!” sobbed Rarity.

“It can’t be!” cried Pinkie.

The nurses said nothing as they sadly wheeled the body away.

The one who felt the most hurt was Twilight. “Strings…” she peeped so softly she could barely be heard.

Because Strings was a big singing star, news of his death was heard all over Equestria. So many felt crushed and saddened by this news.

“He was my favorite singer!”

“I had tickets to his next concert!”

“This is all that Danger Zone guy’s fault!”

No one was told about Cadance and Twilight’s involvement with the potion. Twilight and Cadance were already feeling glum enough and didn’t need the Kingdom turning on them with blame and scorn.

Cadance also ordered everyone who was involved with her on this never to reveal the secret of Strings’ feelings for her.

“I want Strings to be remembered, not depressed, not as an evil creep, but as the gentle pony he was for his gifts, and with a heart bigger than any magic I could conjure.”

The friends all agreed.

A worldwide memorial was dedicated to Strings, with many sad hearts attending on site or just listening from the comforts of their homes-- listening in silence.

Finally, as per Princess Cadance’s request, since Strings was her star student, and close friend, Strings was buried in the Crystal Empire memorial site.

One quiet day, Cadance visited Strings’ grave, with Twilight.

They each put a flower on the stone, which had a carved picture of Strings’ cutiemark.

They held each other softly trying not to break out sobbing, Shining Armor and all the others stood in the background behind them, all feeling somber and upset.

They could even hear a sad song playing in the air and could feel as if Strings’ spirit was singing to it. “Look My Way.”

Eventually, the pain would subside enough for everyone, all over the kingdom, to find strength to get on with their lives.

But these were scars and hurt feelings that would never heal and would hurt once in a while…

Especially for Sun, who was given a light sentencing by the royal sisters for all the laws she had broken-- stealing, misuse of magic, impersonating royalty-- but for her ideas and helpfulness against Danger Zone, she was merely given one hundred hours of community service as probation.

She was also planning to get psychiatric treatment to deal with her emotional misery and her feelings for Strings.

“I know it’s going to be hard…” she said to herself “And it may not work in the end, but I’m going to try.

…Goodbye, Strings.”

As for Cadance and Twilight…

It was just an accident that they caused all the trouble, and they couldn’t control what happened in the end, and they still helped to save the land.

…Knowing all those things did not stop them from feeling a little guilty, and it also brought on an important lesson about Love…

Love is a powerful force, and while it is capable of brining joy and happiness to some, to others… it can also bring the greatest of sorrow and pain… just like a Danger Zone.

“I’m so sorry, Strings.” Cadance sobbed softly.

“Me too…” added Twilight “Please be at peace… Friend.”

Two tears fell, one from each of their eyes, and landed on the mark on the stone as the song ended.

Alternate Ending

ALTERNATE ENDING

Doctor Horse came out from emergency with a grim look on his face.

“How is he?” asked Cadance.

The doc immediately answered, “He had a rough go, but he will live.”

Pinkie almost burst with joy and glee, but she managed to keep quiet in the hospital.

“Oh, that’s so wonderful!” cried Rarity.

“It’s a miracle!” wept Fluttershy.

Cadance and Twilight felt like crying for joy, but they noticed the doctor was not smiling.

“Is something wrong?” asked Twilight.

The doc nodded. “That’s the only good news there is. He will live, but I’m afraid he may never be the same ever again.”

“What do you mean?” asked Spike.

Doctor Horse led them to a window viewing through to the Emergency Room. There, they could see Strings in a bed, hooked up to life-support, and he was strapped down too. He just stared blankly at the ceiling almost like a Zombie.

“Oh, Strings!” cried Cadance.

“I don’t get it. He doesn’t look too bad.” said Rainbow.

Doctor Horse explained, “He is suffering from severe traumatic amnesia.”

“You mean he’s lost his memories?” asked Applejack.

“Far worse…” replied the doc. “The mind is a very delicate instrument; it can only take so much shock and trauma.

All the things Strings had gone through-- the evil inside of him, his years of self-destructive suppression of his emotions, all coupled with whatever it was that happened to him…

…It was just so much, so frightening. The conscious mind doesn’t want to think of things like that and it just shuts the brain down-- blanks things out.”

He paused and looked through the window at Strings. “He’s lost more than just a few memories; he’s lost his experience, his understanding.

He can’t remember his own name. He can’t pronounce words or even recognize them or other things.

It’s as if all the experiences and knowledge from his life have been blanked out.”

The friends all felt horrible.

“Will his memories ever come back?” asked Twilight.

“Maybe they will, maybe they will not,” replied the doc. “We don’t dare use any magic on him, in his condition it would probably make things worse, and he’s already in a state that makes him a complete vegetable-- unable to live and survive in our world as he used to.

We saved his life… but not him.”

The friends, especially Twilight and Cadance, bowed their heads in misery.

Due to Strings’ condition, he was going to be sent to a psychiatric hospital for special treatment in hopes that his memories would be restored.

“Poor Strings.” cried Fluttershy “He didn’t deserve all this.”

“Nope, he didn’t.” agreed Applejack.

“What if they can’t restore his memories?” asked Spike.

Everyone hated such a thought but kept well in mind what the doctor had said, and Twilight suggested, “I guess the best can hope for is to be retrained, reeducated, maybe into a whole new pony, but he’ll never be the same again.”

“Even if his memories do return,” added Cadance “Then he’d just go all sad again because he’ll remember his feelings. That wouldn’t be such a treat either.”

Her lips quivered as tears came to her eyes.

“Oh, honey!” Shining Armor said as he embraced his wife. “Try not to beat yourself up over this. It wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, you and Twilight didn’t mean to turn him into Danger Zone.” added Rainbow Dash.

“And besides,” added Pinkie “You heard the doctor, it couldn’t be helped, and we all did whatever we could.”

Cadance and Twilight looked at each other and shook heads grimly. Twilight said sadly, “Knowing all those things doesn’t make us feel any different.”

Author's Note

Blog in relation to this fic...

https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/1031326/moving-on-and-letting-go

Act 1: Love is in the Song

ACT ONE

His name was Strings, a red Pegasus pony with a short yellow mane, and a cutie mark representing musical notes on a staff.

His most interesting feature was a white scarf he wore, that could sometimes flutter without any means of a breeze or support-- like Celestia’s mane.

He was repped to be the finest music artist in all Equestria, especially for his wonderful singing voice.

For years he traveled the land, performing concerts and shows, sometimes for his fans, other times for charity.

This week, he was in Ponyville, as he was invited by Princess Twilight Sparkle. She had organized a concert to raise money for charity to help feed the poor and the homeless ponies.

The concert went off without a hitch, and so many ponies in all of town were ever so excited, especially Twilight’s friends.

“Oh, isn’t he handsome!” Rarity swooned.

“I especially love his soft songs.” said Fluttershy.

“Nah, his rock songs are what I dig.”

Pinkie Pie didn’t mind any kind of song, as she was shown waving a Strings flag and wearing a Strings cap. “Encore! Encore!” she kept calling.

Applejack was selling popcorn and other snacks in the crowds. This way, she could hear the concert for free, but she made sure to give a little donation to the charity as well. “Never get something for nothing. That’s what Granny Smith always says.”

Twilight, being the organizer, was permitted to watch the concert from backstage, and Spike was with her.

Twilight was more distracted looking out into the crowd than paying attention to the concert or the donations.

“Come on, Twilight,” said Spike. “You know she’s out there.”

Twilight kept on looking. “I just wish I could’ve been there to meet her at the train-station, but I had to oversee the concert.”

Suddenly, she saw whom she was looking for-- Princess Cadance, her sister-in-law.

Twilight couldn’t wave to her though as she had to remain offstage, but she felt relieved now.

Strings took a soft bow, but Twilight seemed to notice a half smile.

Then Strings looked up over the crowds, and he spotted Cadance in the crowd, which made him nearly gasp!

His eyes met with hers, and she gave him a friendly wave and smile.

Strings cringed softly, which Twilight noticed, but no pony else did.

String stood up tall and proud and thanked the crowd. “Your support is most appreciated, and now to collude this concert…” he paused and looked out the corner of his eye at Cadnace, “…I’d like to perform a very special song that was inspired to me a very long time ago, but a special pony in the audience.

…I will not disclose who that is.”

The crowds began to wonder who that pony could possibly be.

Twilight grabbed Spike’s clipboard so suddenly. “That’s not in the schedule. He was supposed to sing a different song.”

Spike leapt up and covered her mouth to stop her from shouting too loud.

Strings went on explaining. “We all have our own special gifts; like magic that helps us become what we are today. How or why, we have it is a mystery, but when harnessed and used in the right way… it can lead to wonders beyond wonder.”

Cadance’s eyes widened.

The song started: “The Mystery of your Gift.”

[

It started out soft, but very moving, and Strings sang it so beautifully, he moved some ponies to tears. The crowds really got shouting and cheering as he really let his voice ring out further in.

Mares went wild like giddy school-ponies. Even Twilight’s friends were cheering excitedly, and Rarity felt faint from the wonders.

Some even called out to Strings shouting, “We love you!” or “Please go out with me!”

Strings took no notice, he seemed more lost in the magic of his own singing himself, but none as magically as Cadance, or even Twilight.

“Wow! What a song?” muttered Spike. Twilight nodded in agreement.

The song went soft at the end again, and Strings’s voice was still so moving and captivating, that when the song finally ended, the audience cheered the loudest they had ever cheered all night.

Pinkie even blew a Strings novelty horn that shot confetti out of it.

The confetti landed on a pony in the crowd-- a bright yellow Unicorn mare. She had a long and curly brown mane, and her Cutie Mark was that of a daisy with a shining sun above it. She took no notice, as she was staring at Strings more deeply than any pony in the audience. She even let out a soft and heavenly sigh.

Strings took one final bow, while trying to hide the cringing he was doing as pain seemed to strike through him.

Only Twilight seemed to notice, and so did the Unicorn in the crowd, which made her loving smile fade into an annoyed expression.

Strings then bid the audience good night and headed off stage, going past Twilight on the way.

As he passed her, Twilight could almost feel something negative in the air-- like a kind of dark, despairing force.

“Twilight!” Spike called to her, and then he motioned to the stage. She was supposed to address the crowds herself now!

Twilight snapped herself to and took the stage.

“Thank you, every pony for coming out here tonight. We have raised a lot of money for the charity, which also shows how strong the power of friendship and sharing can be.

Perhaps there will be another concert in future, and don’t forget to visit the gift stands on the way out, which also feature…” she paused to tease the crowds a bit, and then she magically levitated up, “…Pictures of Strings, and personally autographed by him.”

While the crowd did cheer to hear such a thing, many of them felt a little disappointed and confused.

“Why doesn’t he sign them in person?”

“I wanted to meet him face-to-face.”

“He’s probably tired. I’d be after a performance like that.”

Rainbow felt disappointed. “I was hoping Strings would sign my cap so I could show it to the Wonderbolts.”

Rarity was especially disappointed; her T-shirt, records, figurines, and all kinds of unusual Strings Merchandise would remain unsigned.

“I wouldn’t worry about it none.” said Fluttershy. “Remember, Twilight’s letting us have a special meeting with Strings backstage. We’re VIPs here.”

Pinkie chuckled. “Helps when you’re the best and closest friends of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Applejack quickly hushed her. “Pinkie! If every pony here got special treatment, then they’ll all want it. Twilight can’t handle all that pressure.”

Pinke smiled sheepishly.

As the group headed off, the Unicorn mare didn’t bother going to the stands for any souvenirs or autographs, and merely walked off into the night, still looking disappointed-- even a little crushed.

“This is my last chance.” she said to herself. “If tonight’s plan doesn’t work, I’m going to try something drastic.”

Before long, all the ponies were gathered backstage, in Strings personal dressing room. He had just signed the last of Rarity’s merchandise, which made her feel like she was glowing, and she was-- she quite literally was floating in the air without any means of magic or levitation.

“Thank you so much, Strings.” Fluttershy said politely.

Strings gave her a smile. “It’s my pleasure.”

Twilight then whispered something to Spike. He nodded and headed outside.

Twilight cleared her throat, “Pardon me, Strings, but I actually invited one more special fan backstage, as a special surprise for you.”

“Huh?” said Strings.

The friends all giggled too, and then, she entered through the door, much to Strings shock.

“P-P-Princess Cadance?”

“Hello, Strings…” she said sweetly to him. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, old friend.”

Strings’ insides were shaking with nervousness, and pain, and he did his best to suppress them as he approached her.

“Yes… it has been.”

He reached tenderly to kiss her hoof, but Cadance had other ideas. “You don’t have to be formal with me. Come here, you…” and she hugged him warmly.

Strings felt like he was going to explode, and he barely managed to keep this from surfacing where everyone could see it, but he managed to hug her back.

“So warm…!” he thought painfully. “So amazingly, horribly warm!”

“Aww…!” the friends all cooed, but Cadance could sense a little tension in her friend.

“Are you okay?” she asked as she let go of him.

Strings found himself stuttering a little, trying to find words. “…I’m just… well, I… I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Cadance explained, “When Twilight told me of the concert, I hopped on the first train to Ponyville. I haven’t seen you in so long.”

Strings didn’t know what to say about that.

“I still can’t believe it.” said Rarity. “You and Strings were really friends?”

“Well, sort of…” replied Cadance. “I used to tutor at Canterlot Palace while studying to be a Princess, and one of my favorite subjects was the art of Love and how it can be expressed.”

She decided to stop there, not wanting to share too much personal information with Strings present. “Sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s okay.” String peeped in a soft tone.

Yet as he looked up at her, he began to hallucinate, seeing her glowing amidst a heavenly sky with golden rays illuminating her, and her mane flowing in the wind.

“Stop it!” his inner voice said, making the fantasy cease immediately. “You’ve got to snap out of it!”

“Strings?” Cadance asked. “Are you okay?”

Strings realized where he was and then he faked a yawn to cover. “I’m just feeling a little tired from after the show. You know how it is.”

“I see…” replied Cadance. “Well, it was great to see you again, and… I’m in town for the weekend. Maybe you and I could catch up?”

“Yeah,” agreed Twilight. “You could stay at the Rainbow Castle. It’d be great to get to know you better.”

“Uh… No…!” he very nearly yelled in panic, shocking everyone with his sudden attitude. “I mean… No, that’s very kind, but I’m afraid I have lots to do tomorrow. I’m leaving for another gig.”

Applejack began to sense a little dishonesty or desperation in his voice.

Twilight sensed it as well.

“Um… okay, we understand.” she replied. “We’ll just be going now.”

Everyone said their goodbyes, and Cadance gave Strings another hug. “It was great to see you again.”

“Yeah… um… you too.”

“Just so you know.” she said leaning in. “I’m very proud of you. You’re one of the greatest and sweetest ponies I know with a real gift. You should continue to share it.”

She gave him a small peck on his cheek, which made him go stiff as a board, but she didn’t notice as she left, closing the door behind her, and leaving him alone in his dressing room.

Strings suddenly fell over backwards, landing on the floor with a thud.

He clasped his hoof to his cheek where Cadance had kissed it, and tears began to seep from his eyes, but he held in his sobs very painfully so no one would hear him.

Before long, he was at an all-night bar in Ponyville, and because of his celebrity status, he was able to request a private booth where he could sit by himself and have no one disturb him.

The house respected his wishes.

Strings was really feeling depressed, and deeply wished to drown his obvious sorrows… on apple cider-- alcohol was forbidden in all Equestria, by order of Celestia.

He spent a long time rubbing his cheek where Cadance had pecked him while miserably contemplating. “Why did she have to show up?”

He was served another cider by the waitress. She practically slammed it down in front of him, surprising him.

“Hey!” he snapped, but then he looked up and saw who it was-- the same Unicorn Mare from the concert.

“…Sun Rae. What are you doing here?”

Sun pointed at her uniform and nametag. “…I just thought I’d travel. You know, settle down someplace, work in a job…” she paused a moment, not trying to sound emotional, “…All because some pony broke my heart a couple of years ago.”

Strings sighed. “I know where this is going, Sun, and we’ve been over this…”

Sun shook her head in disbelief, “Why, Strings? Why can’t you just let go of her? Why can’t you just move on?”

Strings looked up at her with a very disappointed look. “…Go on and say it. “Why can’t I love you?”

He took the words right out of her mouth.

He shook his head at her. “I’m sorry, Sun…” was all could say to her, and nothing else.

Sun resisted every urge to slap him across the face, or scream in frustration, and she left him to go back to her duties, serving more drinks.

All the while, she thought to herself, “You need professional help, Strings, and I know just the pony to give it to you.

I will make you love you me, and I will make you forget about her.”

As for Strings, all he could do was sing a heartbreaking song in his mind: “Haunt You Every Day.”

Act 6: Growing Frustrations

ACT SIX

The next day, it had been a full twenty-four hours since Danger Zone appeared, and there hadn’t been a sighting of him since.

Meanwhile, the streets of Ponyville were not as active as normal.

With the lockdown in effect, school was cancelled. Restaurants and cafés were shut too so as not to make big crowds for Danger Zone to target.

Work still carried for some ponies-- the Food Market, the Postal Service, regular businesses, and even the taxi coaches.

This made traffic on the roads lighter, and the town quieter with most people staying indoors.

In addition to being escorted by guards to do business outdoors or travel, markets and active services were only allowed to let so many ponies in at once, while others would have to wait, or make a reservation. They were also only allowed a limited amount of time to shop or do their business.

“This is awful.”

“I hate this lockdown.”

“I hope it’s lifted soon.”

The guards hoped this too, for they had been standing vigil round the clock and patrolling the streets to watch for any signs of Danger Zone.

Even the children weren’t taking it too well. Since there was no school, they couldn’t see or play with their friends, and were forced to go no further than their own yards to play, for it was advised not to go to playgrounds either.

Spike looked out the window of the castle and sighed miserably at the sorry sight of the town, before picking up a breakfast tray he intended to take down to Cadance in the bunker.

He passed by the library’s open doors and stopped for a moment to look in shock…!

Shelves were empty as the books lay scattered and piled up on the floor due to Twilight’s excessive all-night research, and she had obviously failed to turn up anything regarding clues to Danger Zone’s powers, origins, or even his whereabouts.

“Not in the Dark Ages of Equestria! Not in the Chronicles of Love and Hate! Not even in Table of Dark Elements.”

She furiously tossed each book aside, deeming it useless.

“I don’t get it, Spike. Apparently, there’s nothing in any book about Danger Zone. It’s as if this is the very first time an evil such as his has ever existed.”

Spike blinked once. “Um… pretty sure that’s what was implied yesterday.”

Twilight sulked as she slumped onto the sofa. “I hate it when I can’t find any answers!”

Spike approached her, still clutching the tray of food. “You’re trying too hard again. Maybe you ought to try and iron out the pieces a little.”

This gave Twilight the idea. “Pieces! Spike, that’s it!” and she hurried off to the lab, but not before taking the breakfast tray with her, since she hadn’t eaten.

Spike groaned, not just at Twilight’s paranoia, but now he had to go and make Cadance another try of food.

He wrote to her on the magic pad saying “Got delayed. Will be down soon.”

Cadance immediately replied with “That’s okay, Spike. I have plenty of food down here anyway. How’s the research going?”

Spike responded, “She’s at it again…!”

Cadance knew this would happen with Twilight, and she wrote, “Poor thing. You best watch out for her.”

Spike agreed, but he couldn’t help but ask her, “How are you holding out down there? I could come down and keep you company for a bit.”

“I’m okay, really. It’s Twilight who needs you more right now.”

Spike couldn’t tell if she meant it or not, but she was right about Twilight. So, he went off to help her in the lab.

Meanwhile, Rarity was sewing miserably in her room with hardly any enthusiasm. Her shop was closed, and so she had no customers to show off her designs to.

She fell asleep while still sewing on her machine, and accidentally sewed her mane into the fabric.

Rainbow Dash sat boringly on her sofa. The Wonderbolt’s show was canceled, training was canceled, she couldn’t even go out to the training fields just cut loose and have fun. She was even too bored to fall asleep.

“…This stinks!” she groaned.

Fluttershy had it a little easier. She had lots of her animal friends to keep her company, and she and Angel played loads of games together, and Fluttershy still managed to tend to all their needs, provided they came to her.

Easily, it was Applejack and Pinkie Pie who had it the easiest.

Sugar Cube Corners had to close the café, but Pinkie and the Cakes were busier than ever baking sweets and goodies for all the businesses and homes that ordered them.

“Come on, let’s shake a hoof.” said Carrot Cake.

“Oh, I’m shaking all four of mine.” Pinkie said by showing off that she was able to do several things at once-- ice a cake, mix the batter, crack the eggs, and roll the dough…

Except, Cup Cake stopped her, “Um, Pinkie… I think you’re a little mixed up here.”

Pinkie realized she had been doing so much, that she mixed the cake, iced the batter, cracked the dough, and rolled the eggs.

Pinkie was so embarrassed!

And Applejack…

Farm life couldn’t be halted for anything, not even a major threat. Crops had to be picked, fields plowed and weeded, and livestock fed. So, all the farmers could still do their chores and basic routines.

Applejack and her family were out harvesting apples.

“I still wish the festival wasn’t canceled.” said Applebloom.

“I know…” her sister responded, “But that don’t mean we can’t have our own little fun and contest.”

“Eeyup!” agreed Big Mac, and he began to race with his cart full of apples singing, “Catch me if you can!”

His sisters raced to catch up with him.

Strings had been thinking and thinking trying to put a tune in his head for the words “Danger Zone.” but he was unable to think of much, especially because this sort of thing was outside of his own zone.

Ideas would never come out of thin air, you always had to be inspired, and he usually wrote and sang songs that were loving and moving, and the main muse for his thoughts were… of that pony whose identity he still refused to reveal.

Thinking of her again brought on his sadness, which he managed to suppress…

…Especially when a letter came to him through his in-room mail slot.

“What’s this?” he wondered as he examined it.

It was a request from the front desk, on behalf of a married couple on their honeymoon at the hotel.

“They were due to return home and are saddened to be stuck here at the hotel.

They heard that you were also staying with us and have requested you to come down and play a special one of your songs as entertainment in the dinner hall at dinner.

If you wish to refuse, the house and the couple understand, and sadly, we cannot afford to pay you due to our low budget now because of the lock down.

Please respond-- Front Desk.”

Strings felt flattered and sad at the same time, but being the kind-hearted pony, he was when it came to his fans, and given the present situation, he was more than pleased to write his agreement.

After he sent the letter back down through the tube, he began to feel a bit strange again, as if he was blacking out again.

He managed to shrug it off. “What’s happening to me?” he wondered. “Am I getting sick or something?”

He looked himself in the mirror-- pulled down his eye lids, stuck out his tongue…

“I don’t look ill.”

Suddenly, in less than a second, he thought he saw his eyes change in a flash.

“What was that?”

He looked hard but could only see his ordinary eyes gazing right back at him.

He was starting to feel a little afraid.

With special permission, and escorted by two guards, Twilight and Spike returned to the scenes where Twilight had battled Danger Zone; right near Rarity’s place, where they hoped to find clues to examine back at the castle lab, but other than a few hoofprints in the dirt, they were unable to find a thing.

She spent the whole afternoon searching, and by the time the sun was getting ready to set, she had made at least ten circles

“Nothing at all!” groaned Twilight. “Not even a thread of hair from his mane, or a piece of skin from his coat, or even magical residue!”

“Can’t we just use the hoofprints?” Spike asked, but Twilight shook her head, “…They won’t, help, Spike. We need something that can link directly to him.

A single hair from his mane, or magical residue would do it.”

One of the guards then informed her. “I’m afraid that your allowed time is nearly up. We should escort you home now.”

Twilight angrily stomped her hoof but had to comply with orders.

“Where are you, Danger Zone?” she grumbled “Why don’t you show yourself again?”

Spike hung his head low in defeat.

“Twilight, Spike?” Rarity called as she came from round the yard with a basket of clean laundry on her back.

“Hi, Rarity…” Spike said glumly.

Twilight only raised her head with a defeated expression on her face.

Rarity hated the sight of long faces, and promptly invited them into her place for some tea, and for some company to kill her own boredom.

Twilight felt she needed some stress relief and felt “…Maybe a few minutes won’t hurt.”

She confirmed with the guards who approved. “We must prepare to leave anyway.” said one of them “It’s about time for shifts to change.”

Twilight thanked them politely. “You needn’t watch us any longer. I can teleport us back to the castle any time.”

The guards left, and the friends all headed for the door.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, Strings was at the piano playing a song he wrote, which was a very sweet and passionate love song.

“This is dedicated to the two of you…” he said while addressing the new married couple who requested him.

He began playing the piano-- which was odd for a pony to do without opposable digits.

“It Might Be you.”

The song was so lovely, and the dining hall wide with enough space, the newlyweds got up and danced romantically.

They looked so heavenly, a mare or two had tears in their eyes watching them dance.

A few members of the staff couldn’t help but dance with fellow co-workers on the sidelines.

When the song was over, the husband pecked his wife tenderly on her lips making her swoon, and the crowds applauded towards them, and to Strings.

Strings bowed to everyone, and the couple came up to shake hooves with him, thanking him for the song.

“I’m happy to have helped you.” said Strings, but really, all through the song and dance his depression was really starting to engulf him again. All the time he was thinking of his dream pony, while at the same time, envying the newlyweds and how happy they looked.

He clutched his chest softly as the pain struck through him.

“Are you alright?” asked the bride.

“Yes… I’m okay, I’m just a little tired.”

The groom then offered, “Allow us to buy you a drink, as payment.”

“That’s quite alright I can pay for my own.” Strings said, and he excused himself to head to the bar for some much-needed cider.

He was in for quite a surprise when he found out who was serving him.

“Sun Rae?”

She nodded at him, “Hello, Strings. Great performance.”

Before Strings could ask why she was there, she already answered, “The town bar is closed due to lack of patrons. I needed a job, and the hotel needed more staff. It’s just a temporary thing.”

She served him his cider and noted his sadness. She could tell, “You’re thinking about her again, right?”

Strings could only sigh miserably while rubbing his aching head, confirming Sun’s theory.

He suddenly felt himself feeling strange again-- woozy, fading vision, aching head.

“What’s the matter?” cried Sun.

“I… I’ll be right back!” groaned Strings, and he dashed off for the washrooms in back of the dining hall.

The men’s room was empty, and he immediately ran to the sink and began to splash cool water on his face, but he felt himself getting worse-- blacking out again.

In his stumbling as he exited the washroom and headed back down the empty corridor to the dining hall, he accidently leaned up against a door leading into the back alley behind the hotel…

…And he finally collapsed behind one of the dumpsters.

A few moments later, two staff ponies, a male and female were bringing out large garbage bags to toss into the dumpster.

The two were also lovers, and they couldn’t resist a quick romantic in the alley where no pony could see them.

“Come here, you.” the mare cooed to the stallion.

They embraced deeply up against the brick wall, when suddenly there was a loud crash that made them jump in fright, followed by a stray cat meowing and running out from behind a tipped over trashcan.

The two lovers sighed in relief.

“Now, where were we…?” the male seductively asked his lady.

Just as they were about to make out again, an evil voice called to them, “You… were about to become my next victims!”

It was Danger Zone!

The couple had just enough to let out a scream as he moved in to attack!