Twilight doesn’t know how long she was trapped in there but she eventually found the bag being overturned and she was dumped onto the ground.

“Mmmh!” Twilight grunted, she looked up and saw she was in the Cave of Harmony.

“Ok, we’re far enough,” He then drew a line on his mouth and Twilight could speak again.

“GAH! O-ok…. Who are you?... And why do I feel like I know you?...” Twilight said getting right to it.

“I’m surprised you remember so little… but then again, you’re not whole, your memories are still fragmented,” He said trotting over to the tree.

“Whole?” Twilight asked.

“Look this will all be hard to explain, so take a seat,” He said.

“I’m not doing anything until you tell me everything,” Twilight said.

“...Very well, I should start with my name… I am Gol,” Gol said.

“That’s… an interesting name,” Twilight said before she realized… she’s heard that name before… from her dreams!

“These days uncommon…” He sighed “I’ll get right to it then, your not who you think you are,” Gol said.

“What? What do you mean?” Twilight still guardedly said.

“Celestia isn’t who you and the others think she is either… it’s been lie after lie for countless years, and now she rules what should have been your birthright,” Gol said.

“Your confusing me, birthright? Celestia isn’t the pony I thought she was?... I don’t believe you,” Twilight said.

“You must believe me, she’s a tyrant that craves power masking as a harmonious leader, both her and her sister,” Gol said.

“Shut up! Only a fool would believe that! Celestia is my teacher and Luna’s my friend! She’s been by my side since the beginning,” Twilight said.

“And yet, she’ll cast you aside the moment you turn on her, its happened before, ever heard of Sunset Shimmer?” Gol said.

“No she wouldn’t! She wouldn’t betray me!” Twilight fired a magic bolt at Gol who used his hoof to catch it.

“Huh?” Twilight exclaimed.

He snuffed it out “Back in the day I would have been at your mercy in a sparring match, but these days you’re not strong enough, If I were your enemy I would have gotten rid of you immediately!” Gol said clearly irritated.

“T-true, but I am not going to believe that Celestia would betray me, you have no proof,” Twilight said.

“...I didn’t want to do this… but I have no choice,” Gol said and faster than it should be possible for the old pony he closed the distance and put his hoof on her shoulder.

And the flashbacks began.

“The tree looks fine, why did you bring me here… Celestia? What are you doing here?” Twilight’s view through the eyes of this mysterious pony saw… two monsters made of light and darkness.

Nothing was said back but Twilight knew what they said.

“What do you mean?” A male voice to her left said and suddenly the monsters fired blasts of magic at her and the male figure to her left and they both tumbled on the ground.

“Sister! What is the meaning of this?!” Twilight uncontrollably said.

“Stop!” suddenly a dragon charged at the two but they double blasted him with their magic beams and sent him flying onto his back.

“Ooogh!…” the dragon grunted.

“How could you sister!?” Twilight demanded.

Again nothing was said back from the creatures but they responded by activating the circle and Twilight screamed.

“You monsters! I will return and I’ll- GYAAAAH!” The dragon roared and they were both consumed in light.

“NOOOO!” Twilight shouted stumbling back, shaking.

“Do you see now?” The stallion said.

“No… NO! Those weren’t Celestia and Luna, those were just creatures-”

“Made of light and darkness… it seems your lack of belief still persists if that’s how your memory copes,” Gol said sadly.

“Who-...Who are you?!” Twilight said, sounding as though she was hyperventilating.

“Calm yourself, I am Gol… your only student left,” Gol said.

“...No… none of this is real… I’m dreaming… I’m not… i’m not-”

“You must retrieve your friends and come back here, it is the only way to-” Suddenly Gol was blasted with a powerful white beam “AAAAGH!” Gol grunted as he tumbled and hit a nearby wall.

“Huh?!” Twilight turned and saw Celestia, and she looked deeply concerned.

“Twilight!” Celestia approached, but after what Twilight was exposed to she backed away.

Celestia paused “Twilight? Why do you look at me like that?” Celestia asked.

“....He showed me things… Please Celestia… tell me none of it’s true,” Twilight sobbed.

“....What did he show you?” Celestia said.

“He said you were a tyrant, that I am not a whole pony… and that-” Twilight said before Celestia hugged her.

“Twilight, I need you to listen to me, Gol is a trickster who was trying to swindle you, you know me,” Celestia said.

“I…I…” Twilight said.

“Twilight…” Gol said and Twilight turned to see Gol struggling to his hooves “You cannot trust her! She’s evil incarnate!” Gol said.

“Twilight, please,” Celestia said.

“I know everything I said and showed you seems fake, but it’s the truth! You let her sway you and Equestria will remain in her thrall until the day she inacts her cruel grand plan,” Gol said.

“Grand plan?” Twilight asked.

“There is none!” Celestia got in front of Twilight.

“Yes there is… you plan to-” Gol was blasted again and rendered immobile.

“Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed not expecting her teacher to be so violent with somepony so old.

“Twilight, you must choose, do you believe me, or him?” Celestia asked.

“I-I…” Twilight was a jumbled mess right now and she saw Gol looking at her pleadingly.

“Choose,” Celestia pleaded.

“I-i…I…”Twilight shut her eyes and let out a long exhale… before hugging Celestia.

“No…” Gol choked out.

“Thank you Twilight… thank you,” Celestia said happily hugging her back.

“I… trust you, Celestia,” Twilight said.

“You fool…” Gol said.

“Guards, take this deceiver away! Have him detained in town hall for now until we can bring him to Canterlot.” Celestia said and the guards ran past them.

They scooped up the limp Gol and dragged him off.

Gol looked Twilight in the eye and for a moment she saw a great sorrow.

“Let’s go home Twilight,” Celestia said and they went back.

Twilight felt as though her heart weighed a ton, she made her way back into town and saw her friends waiting for her.

Twilight watched Gol being taken away back towards Town Hall and ponies everywhere looking concerned or confused.

Celestia approached and announced the situation.

“Worry not my little ponies, a long time criminal has been apprehended trying to kidnap Princess Twilight and turn her against me, but she stuck to her harmony and didn’t fall for it,” Celestia said.

The ponies cheered hearing that.

The other members of the mane six approached Twilight.

“Twilight, we were so worried when we heard you had vanished,” Fluttershy said.

“Ah nearly followed Celestia right into the forest,” AJ said.

“Me too… hey Twilight, you ok?” Spike asked.

“Spike… if something were to happen and you were made to doubt me… would you-.. Never mind… let’s go home,” Twilight said leaving.

“Huh? Twilight?” Spike said and he followed her, the others looked at eachother and decided to follow her too.

As Celestia saw them leaving she looked to Luna and nodded and Luna left as well.

The group had gathered in the same bedroom as Twilight, all laying in sleeping bags except Twilight.

“Twilight… what happened there… what did he do to you?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know… but… I’m having doubts, I don't want these doubts….” Twilight said.

“What are they?” Rarity asked.

“.... Have you guys ever thought you knew somepony your whole life and then when somepony gives you some evidence suddenly you can't look at them the same way anymore…?” Twilight said.

“Sure! There was this time that-” Pinkie began but Twilight cut her off.

“No Pinkie, I mean it seriously… what if the pony you held closest… was using you?...” Twilight said.

“Well… I don't know,” Pinkie said.

“Who is it you’re doubting?” Rarity asked.

“I don't want to say right now, let’s just sleep,” Twilight said rolling over and going back to sleep.

The others went back to sleep as well.

Six ponies were walking through the cave once more, and after lowering the secret cave they approached the door.

After opening it they expected the monsters to attack again, instead, there sat in the center of the room, was a glowing pony.

“Who are you?” Six voices said at once.

“Time is of the essence, you must free Gol and escape… before the power of harmony is used for evil,” The being said before she spread her wings, and they woke up.

“Huh?!” the group woke with a start at the same time.

“Whoa… weird…” Rainbow said.

“Another dream…” AJ said getting up before looking at Twilight “Was it the same?” AJ asked.

“No…” Twilight said looking like she’s contemplating it.

“Girls… I need to return to Sweetie Belle, we can discuss it later,” Rarity said taking her leave.

“Yeah! And I… gotta help with preparations for the announcement later today,” Pinkie said.

“Good luck girls… I think I need to take a walk,” Twilight said.

“Ok!” They all waved her off as they left.

Twilight and Spike trotted through town with no certain destination in mind.

“Where are we going Twilight?” Spike asked with a yawn.

“I don’t know, I just need to walk for now,” Twilight said, the two walked on, moving through town and stopping for a quiet lunch and then more walking.

As Twilight trotted on she saw Celestia exiting the town hall.

“Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“Hello my student,” Celestia said before nodding at a guard who resumed his watch.

“Why is the town hall under such heavy surveillance?” Twilight asked.

“Because there is a dangerous criminal inside, I am holding him there until after the press conference held here after the Summer Sun Celebration,” Celestia said.

“What will happen to him?” Twilight asked.

“Life in prison… you seem oddly concerned for the stallion who kidnapped you,” Celestia said.

“No… just… maybe we can teach him harmony and-”

“Trust me Twilight, I tried, but it seems he’s set in his ways,” Celestia said dismissively.

“What?...” Twilight said.

“You should keep your distance from him,” Celestia warned before leaving.

“That was odd…” Spike said.

“I know…” Twilight said looking at the Town Hall.

“Free Gol,”

“Let’s… go…” Twilight said trotting on.

“Rarity? Are you alright?” Sweetie Belle asked as Rarity was making a dress.

“Sweetie Belle… I am having a slight crisis today…” Rarity said setting down her material with a sigh.

“Did you chip a hoof again?” Sweetie said expecting it to be that.

‘No… much much worse… I… don’t even know how to put it,” Rarity said.

“What is it?” Sweetie asked.

“I fear that things in Equestria may not be as harmonious as we thought… forget it… I don’t want to drag you into it,” Rarity said.

“I’m here if you need me sis,” Sweetie said before she trotted away.

“Save Gol,”

“Oh…” Rarity sighed as the voice spoke again.

Rainbow was helping the weather ponies clear the sky, but she seemed distracted.

“Hey Dash!” Thunderlane called.

“Huh?” Rainbow looked and she crashed into a cloud.

“Hahaha!” They laughed.

“Har har guys,” Rainbow chuckled before a voice came to her.

“Save Gol,”

“Huh? You say something? Rainbow asked.

“Nope,” Another weather pony said.

“Who’s Gol…?” Rainbow said feeling that odd feeling.

Applejack bucked a tree and collected the apples.

“Ya’ll okay Applejack?” Big Mac asked.

“Yeah!... Yeah…” Applejack said.

“Ya seem distracted,” Big Mac said.

“Eenope… Ah’m just fightin mah lack of sleep,” AJ said.

“Don’t push yerself too hard,” Mac said walking off.

“...” Applejack paused and looked out at the sky.

“Save Gol,”

“Ah don’t know who that is… so why does he sound familiar?...” Applejack didn’t have an answer so she continued bucking.

Fluttershy fed a few squirrels some acorns.

“Here you go darlings,” Fluttershy said before turning to see Harry the bear passing out feed to the rabbits.

“Thank you for your help-” Fluttershy said.

“Save Gol…”

“-Gol… wait… who?...” Fluttershy wondered who that was and why she said it instead of Harry… some clucking got her attention and she saw some chickens wanting feed as well.

“Oh, sorry, I’ll get you some right away,” Fluttershy said as she hurried off to find more feed.

Pinkie was helping to set up the buffet tables and she bounced to each area setting up the hay fries and cupcakes.

“Woot! We’re doin great today-”

“Save Gol,”

“Gol? Hey brain, Do I know a Gol?” Pinkie asked before reaching into her mane and pulling out a list of everypony in Ponyville.

“Hmm…. no…Then whose-”

“Ahem!” A canterlotian coughed.

“Oops! Sorry!” Pinkie bounced over to him.

Spike laid on Twilight’s back, having needed a short nap he dreamed… it was odd, he used to dream of Rarity, of gems and of Power Ponies… and recently he’s been having weird dreams of… stuff… now a new dream comes to mind.

He sees Gol, laying in the Town Hall, chained to a wall, he’s been beaten and bloodied, his eyes were glowing and he seemed to be speaking to him using some kind of magic.

“Emerald… if your getting this… it all comes down to you, save your beloved… before it’s too late…” Gol said before looking up and his eyes flashed.

“Huh?!” Spike jumped up on Twilight’s back.

“Huh? Spike? Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“I am… I had another dream… Hey Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Yeah?” Twilight asked.

“Who’s Emerald?” Spike asked, and suddenly Twilight froze…. That name again, and hearing it from Spike triggered something.

“Many don’t approve of us milady, I fear ruining your reputation… perhaps I should-” A deep male voice asked before a soft and kind voice spoke.

“I care not for their complaints, I love you, Emerald, I’d take a noble heart like yours over any stallion,” A female voice said.

“And I love you too, may our hearts bond beyond the grave,” The deep voice spoke again.

“Twilight? Twilight speak to me!” Spike asked.

“Huh? Wha?” Twilight jumped.

“Thank goodness, I thought you were having another episode,” Spike said.

“Spike… we need to talk with the girls again…” Twilight said quietly.

“Why?” Spike asked.

“We just need too… something isn’t right anymore,” Twilight said and she trotted back to the castle.

“What’s going on?” Spike asked.

“I need to talk to Gol again,” Twilight said.

“Twilight… your not thinking anything that would upset Celestia are you? She made it clear she didn’t want us near him,” Spike said.

“Spike… please, I need this closure,” Twilight said.

“Ok, if you're really sure, I’ll help, but if Celestia goes nuclear over this….” Spike said nervously.

“I’ll take the brunt,” Twilight assured him.

“I’ll… help where I can,” Spike said.

Twilight had just finished the notes and prepared to send them when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

“Huh?” Twilight turned and deciding to give Spike a break she trotted over to the door.

And saw the ponies she was looking for.

“Girls?” Twilight said with surprise.

“Twi… we need to talk,” AJ said.

“O-ok,” Twilight said and they went inside.

As they sat down in the living room Twilight broke the silence.

“Your here for the same reason I was going to call you, aren’t you?” Twilight asked.

“Yes… Twilight, I have this feeling that something very bad is happening… and we are at the center of it,” Rarity said.

“I agree… I keep hearing this voice in my head pleading with me to save this Gol pony… who the heck is Gol?” Rainbow asked.

“The rest of you as well?” Twilight asked and they nodded.

“...I know…” Twilight said.

“You do?” Pinkie asked.

“He is the stallion that is currently locked up in Town Hall… he’s… somepony that knows us… and the reasons we’re all experiencing this stuff, he has the answers” Twilight said before standing tall. “I made a mistake, we need to go back for him,” Twilight said.

“What?!” everypony in the room including Spike exclaimed.

“I know, it’s risky, but I mulled it over, I thought hard about it, and I realize he knows the truth,” Twilight said.

“Twi… yer sayin we go against Celestia? That crazy talk,” AJ said.

“I am willing to follow you anywhere Twi… but against Celestia… I don’t know…” Rainbow said unsurely.

“I know girls, but I feel it… you all feel it… there’s something about us he knows, and I cannot rest until we find it out, please,” Twilight said.

They glanced at eachother and then… Pinkie stood up.

“I never dreamed of the day I’d oppose Celestia… but Twilight has a point, these dreams… these voices… the feelings… they’re telling us something, we need to find out,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie?...” Twilight said with a smile.

“Well shucks… can’t deny that…” Applejack said.

“I won’t let my friends endure without me,” Rainbow said.

“I…I trust you Twilight,” Fluttershy nervously said.

“I would be remiss if I was the only one to stand down, I will come with you,” Rarity said.

“Then we’re in agreement, and if things go south, then I’ll take the blame,” Twilight said.

“What!?” Rainbow was about to debate that but Twilight stopped her with a look that forbade argument.

“Um... Twilight?” Spike asked quietly but his face was determined..

“Huh?” Twilight turned to him.

“I want to come too,” Spike said with determination.

“No Spike, it’s too-” Twilight tried to say but Spike stamped his foot.

“NO! No more saying it’s too dangerous, I feel it too Twilight, the idea that I’m somehow mixed up in this, and I refuse to sit idly by while you face this alone, I’m going and that’s final,” Spike said resolutely.

“...Ok,” Twilight said with a smile and she hugged him and he hugged back.

“Well… then what’s the plan?” Rarity asked.

“We wait for nighttime, Celestia will be distracted, then we sneak in,” Twilight said.

“But it’s heavily guarded,” Fluttershy said.

“Then we’ll have to be careful,” Twilight said before spotting Owlicous… and got an idea.

Nighttime

Celestia and Luna exited the town hall, looking displeased.

“Well, we are finished intterrogating the criminal,” Celestia said.

“What did he say?” A guard captain said.

“Nothing, he’s a stubborn old one,” Luna said.

“Shall we-”

“No… wait until we get back to Canterlot, too many possible witnesses,” Celestia said before taking her leave.

“We will be at the press conference, not a single pony enters or exits,” Luna said.

“Yes Princess!” The captain said and he went back to patrol.

Meanwhile a bird flew over the town hall and landed.

It was Owlicious, with a few discontented ‘hoos’ he flew down to ground level and landed in front of the guards.

“Huh? Is that an owl?” A guard asked.

“Well, I got nothin else to do,” A guard said as he approached it.

“Careful I heard they have big talons,” The other guard said.

“Go on, get!” The guard tried to shoo the owl away but Owlicious dodged and flew around the guards.

“Hey! Don’t poop on me or I swear!” The guard poked the back of his spear at the owl.

Meanwhile the six snuck in through a window.

“I hope he will be ok,” Twilight muttered.

“I’m sure he will, he’s capable,” Spike said.

As they made their way inside they saw at least five guards patrolling and a beaten-up Gol looking at the ground solemnly.

“Wow… they really did a number on him…” Spike said nervously.

“I didn’t think torture was a thing these days,” Rarity nervously said.

“Alright, how do we get past the other guards?” Spike asked.

“Leave it to me and Twi,” Pinkie said.

“Huh?” the others glanced at Pinkie.

“Ugh, so bored…” The guard sighed.

“Your not paid to complain,” Another guard said.

“I know I know-” Suddenly a ninja with a familiar mane jumped down in front of the guards..

“Huh?” The guards said.

“Huh?” Gol said seeing a familiar pink mane.

“What are you doing here? This is an unauthorized zone,” A guard said as he approached.

“Hyaah!” Pinkie began doing a variety of moves… none of them hitting the guards.

“Uh… mam we need you to leave, or you’ll be arrested,” The guard said as she continued doing pointless ninja moves.

Meanwhile, the other guards were being hit one by one with a sleep spell.

“Mam, final warning, leave or-” The last guard got hit and he fell asleep and Pinkie took off the ninja garb.

“Whoo hoo! Guard distraction number five was a success!” Pinkie cheered.

“Shh!” RD said.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie said and they approached Gol.

“Twilight? You and your friends came for me?” Gol asked with hope in his eyes.

“Yes… I’m sorry Gol, but… I hope you realize this, what me and my friends just did and are going to do can be considered treason… so we’re taking a big risk in trusting you,” Twilight said to him.

“...I know… but I promise you with all my heart, my words are not hot air, we must hurry, to the cave of harmony!” He said.

“Ok,” Twilight said as she used be magic to free him.

Gol got up and stumbled, coughing blood.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked.

“I am, give me a moment,” Gol then uttered some words and he glowed and his injuries healed.

“Whoa… your an earth pony, how are you doing that?” Rainbow asked.

“I am the last student of Harmony… I have many capabilities,” Gol said as they approached the window.

“Why didn’t you just use your magic to escape?” Applejack asked.

“I needed to conserve it, but there’s no time, follow me,” Gol said and he led them back through the window.

Thankfully Owlicious was still distracting the guards, he looked at Twilight and she nodded and he flew off.

“Let’s move!” Gol said and they fled.

The six made their way towards the edge of town and into the Everfree forest.

“Girls, I’m nervous,” Fluttershy said.

“No worries Fluttershy, I have been in more dangerous places than this,” Gol said.

“How do you know her name? Did she tell you?” Rainbow asked.

“I know all your names, Rainbow Dash, I’ve heard much about the elements of harmony saving the land from many disasters, you are all the pieces of the puzzle” Gol said.

“What puzzle?” Twilight asked.

“I will explain, later, keep quiet, we can’t afford to be heard,” Gol said.

The others looked at eachother nervously… somehow they get the feeling whatever happens here, will change their lives forever…

“And I will never hold him responsible,” Celestia laughed with the crowd.

“Next question?...” Luna boredly said.

“What is your opinion on letting more ponies visit Canterlot?” A stallion asked.

“As much as possible, we need to spread word of the capitals many-” Celestia said before the door slammed open and everypony turned to see a guard there.

“What is the meaning of this?” Celestia demanded.

“He escaped!” The guard said.

“...WHAT?!” Celestia shouted and most of the ponies had to cover their ears.

“No…” Luna said looking shocked.

“Where is my student?!” Celestia teleported up to the scared guard.

“I don’t know, but all of the guards were hit with a low grade sleep spell, when we woke them they mentioned a pony who looked like the mare Pinkie Pie,” He said.

“...Assemble the guards, we need to get to the cave of harmony…” Celestia said, when the guard hesitated she shouted “NOW!”

“Yes Princess!” The stallion said before running off.

“Princess, is everything-” Mayor Mare approached but Celestia interrupted.

“Yes, remain here, I will be back,” Celestia said before leaving with Luna at her side.

“This isn’t good sister… what if… they remember?” Luna asked, whispering the last part.

“Then we’ll make them forget,” Celestia said flaring her horn.

Author's Note

The big reveal is in the next chapter, and I bet it'll knock your socks off.

Is Gol a deceiver? Or is Celestia the deceiver?

And what fate awaits The Six and Spike?