Marking the Generations – Part One

by Glimbursts

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery, Misty, My Little Pony: A New Generation, Starlight Glimmer, Sunny Starscout, Adventure, Mane 5, Sunset Shimmer, Crossover, Alternate Universe
Length: 37348

A reimagining of the later stages of the Make your Mark series. Follow the adventures of Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Zipp, Pipp and Misty as they meet two ponies from the past, Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer. Then try to find the Elements of Unity.

Marking the Generations is a reimagining of the later stages of the Make your Mark series. Follow the adventures of Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Zipp and Pipp as they make a new friend in Misty and meet two ponies from a past generation.

Twilight Sparkle has always done her best for Equestria. As her reign finally ends, she realises her final decision to safeguard Equestria will have consequences. However, let it not be said that Twilight Sparkle ever left Equestria to its own devices.
Calling on Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer. She transports them through time to assist the new generation to identify the Elements of Unity and defeat the evil she was unable to alone.

In part one of four, Misty is sent on missions to obtain items of great importance to Opaline’s plans. However, she finds herself questioning her place as Opaline’s protégé more and more. Meanwhile, Sunset and Starlight are called to the cutie map, only to find themselves abducted by it and being deposited in the future.

Published 2024-01-22 21:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-02-19 08:27:07 UTC

Chapter One – Grounding Side Up

“Well, Misty? What excuse do you have this time?”

Opaline Arcana stood looking into the inky black waters of her cauldron pool. Situated in the middle of the vast throne room in her castle, she had her back to the large ornate doorway. She’d heard the door creak closed behind her, which could only mean one thing. The return of her young protégé, Misty, empty hoofed as usual.

Misty's eyes widened in surprise as she let out a squeak and stopped in her tracks. She’d been hoping to sneak in before Opaline could spot her. However, she'd clearly failed as she watched the large purple Alicorn turn around. As Opaline's disapproving gaze burrowed into Misty, she slunk back and cowered.

"Well?"!" Opaline growled in anger.

“I…I didn’t get the chance,” Misty spluttered. “The dragon is with at least one of the ponies all the time. They’d know if I grabbed him.”

“Really, and why should we care if they know?” Opaline growled, glaring in anger. “Is it because you actually like them?”

Opaline raised a hoof, and there was a flash of purple fire as a photo appeared in it. Misty's eyes widened, gasping in dismay as she recognised it instantly. It depicted her friends, the five ponies that lived in the Brighthouse, along with her, all smiling and having a good time.

“You know, Misty, this photo actually pointed something out to me,” Opaline continued smoothly.

“It…It did?” Misty asked worriedly.

“Their cutie marks; you said before that they glowed, and I admit I didn’t believe you,” Opaline smirked as she walked closer. “However, in this photo, you can see it actually happening.”

She held the photo closer to Misty so she could see. The visible cutie marks of the ponies were indeed glowing. “However, what it also shows me is you are slipping Misty.”

Misty gulped. “Sl…Slipping?”

“Yes, you’re letting yourself be drawn in by their lies. They are not your true friends, Misty. I think it’s time you remembered who was really important in your life.” Opaline turned, walking back towards the caldron pool.

“It’s you,” Misty blurted out. “You are the most important pony in my life.”

“Exactly,” Opaline smirked as she turned back to look Misty in the eye. “But your actions aren’t backing that up, are they? Look at your grin in this photo; that’s not acting, Misty. I know you too well for that. You’ve failed me far too many times recently, so I want you actually to think why that is. Consider yourself grounded.”

Opaline’s horn flared, and Misty gasped as whisps of magic appeared around her hoofs. Before she could say or do anything, Misty found herself skidding backwards. She slid through multiple doors until she finally stopped in her room. Panting, she tried to move but found she couldn’t; her hoofs were still trapped by the whisps of magic rotating around them.

“What will I do with you, Misty?” Opaline sighed before letting out a groan in realisation. “Now I’ll need to find that spell book myself, won’t I?”
With that, she walked off towards the castle’s library, muttering to herself.

A short time later, Opaline groaned for what felt like the umpteenth time. The library was a mess, books strewn all over the place, and she’d long given up trying to use the shelf labels or catalogue system as guidance.

“Why is finding one simple spell book taking so long,” she growled to herself. “Maybe I shouldn’t have been so hasty in grounding Misty.”

She pulled another book from the shelf and coughed as it kicked up a layer of dust.

“Why is it so dirty in here?” she moaned. “I cannot wait for my full powers to be returned to me. Then, instead of messing around like this, I’d be able to use my magic. If I use it now, then I’ll have to wait to recharge before casting my spell. Stupid Twilight Sparkle and her stupid banishment spell, I can’t wait to break it!”

She groaned as the book was yet another dud and threw it into a large pile in the middle of the floor, which was slowly growing ever larger.

“I hope Misty is learning her lesson not to underestimate me,” she continued rambling as she pulled out the next book. “I need her to do all these silly little tasks.”

She looked at the book in her hoofs and looked surprised as she read the cover. “Oh, I didn’t realise I had this one,” she smiled. I’ll keep that safe for later; it could prove useful if Misty continues to defy me.”

She placed the book under her wing and pulled out another.

Meanwhile, Misty grunted and groaned as she continued trying to free herself. However, she wasn’t making much headway and stopped with a sigh.

“This is the worst punishment yet,” she grumbled. “Why can’t Opaline see that getting Sparky is hard? It’s not as easy as she thinks.”

She started pulling and tugging again, her bottom making circular motions as she struggled.

“This is nothing; I’ll get out of this,” she said confidently.

However, after a few more minutes of effort, she stopped struggling again and sighed dejectedly. Spotting her phone, she wondered if she could reach it and looked around for something to use. However, she sighed again.

“What would I do with it?” she wondered aloud. “It’s not like I could call my friends to come rescue me.”

She looked down at the swirling magic and frowned. “If I had my cutie mark, I bet I could use unicorn magic to escape. I’d close my eyes and think really hard, like this.”

She closed her eyes and focused. Without realising it, her horn fizzled and popped into life, and the magic around one of her hoofs suddenly fizzled as it was disrupted and eventually disappeared.

Misty’s eyes snapped open as she felt her hoof come free of the ground. Gasping, she looked at it in astonishment. “D…did I just…” she stammered. “No, I couldn’t have. I don’t have magic yet. You need a cutie mark from your family first, right?”

She lifted her liberated hoof and studied it for a moment.

“Maybe I’ll try that again anyway,” she reasoned to herself. “Can’t hurt, can it?”

She closed her eyes and focused again on freeing herself. However, nothing seemed to happen. She focused harder, this time also pushing at the magic with her free hoof. Grunting with effort, her horn fizzled again, and the magic holding her other hoofs was disrupted and disappeared with a poof.

“I did it! I really did it!” Misty grinned as she grabbed her phone. “Opaline thinks she’s so powerful, but she’s no match for my hoofs.”

However, there was a sudden clatter, and Misty jumped high in the air with a squeak, landing on her bed behind her. She looked worriedly towards the closed door, listening hard. The muffled sounds of Opaline shouting came from the room below.

“Ha, I bet she’s having fun without me then,” Misty grinned before blinking in realisation. “Ah, that means I’ll have more fun later. Oh well, nothing I can do about that right now.”

She looked at her phone and smiled. “I wonder what my friends are up to?”

With that, she lay down on her bed, unlocked her phone and started scrolling her social media feeds.

Meanwhile, Opaline was indeed in a foul mood as she walked back into the throne room. The spell book she had been looking for hovered in front of her as she read the spell she needed.

“Excellent; with this, I’ll be able to locate the Dragon Stone, and then Misty can prove her loyalty by fetching it,” she schemed to herself.

She placed the book down and started dropping items into the cauldron pool. However, as she rechecked the book, she realised something was missing.

“Aaah, where’s the poppy grass,” she moaned. “I thought I had plenty of that right here.”

She looked around and spotted some small bits of grass in a trail heading to the corner of the room. “Blasted rodents,” she exclaimed. “Just wait until I’m free of this infernal castle. Then I’ll deal with them. I’ll deal with all of them.”

She let out a cackling laugh before sighing. “I’m going to have to go to the storeroom now, aren’t I?”

She walked out into the corridor, finding a small door. She opened it, revealing a spiral staircase. She grimaced as she started heading downwards, ducking as she avoided one spider web only to have a second impact her in the face.

“Why is this so filthy as well?” she spluttered. “Misty is going in and out of here so often. She's going to have to clean the whole castle right through. It'll be her punishment when she fails again.”

She finally reached the bottom and looked around the storeroom. Thankfully, it looked cleaner, but she quickly realised she had no idea where to start looking.

“Okay, maybe you were a little hasty in punishing Misty,” she said to herself with a sigh. “She always finds things so quickly. She just pops down here and comes back with whatever I need almost immediately.”

She sighed again as she started looking in boxes and bottles for the poppy grass.

In the meantime, Misty was lying on her bed, watching her phone with a massive grin on her face. She’d found a cooking show, ‘Sunny Side Up’, which was being presented by Sunny and Hitch.

“That’s it, Hitch, get her,” she laughed as she watched Hitch throw another hoof full of fruit at Sunny.

“This is brilliant,” Misty giggled. “Who knew cooking could be so much fun.”

She suddenly gasped as Sunny slid across the stage and into a wall. As the camera pans, it shows Pipp and Izzy laughing at their friends’ antics.

“If Pipp and Izzy are there, then Zipp is likely aiming the camera,” Misty smiled. “That will mean Sparky isn’t being watched, and I can get more Dragon Fire! If I can get lots and lots, then maybe I won’t have to take him.”

She jumped off her bed and ran to the door. “If I’m quick, maybe Opaline won’t realise I’ve gone anywhere.”

She opened the door with no problem, but suddenly, she slammed into an invisible forcefield face-first. Groaning, she stepped back and closed the door, rubbing her nose. “Of course, nothing's that easy, is it?”

“This was supposed to be easy!” Opaline shouted.

She’d found the poppy grass and had continued her mixture. However, when she tried to activate the location spell, it didn’t work. She’d drained the caldron pool out at least two times and retried, but it still didn’t work.

Annoyed, she reread the instructions again and again. Then, she carefully measured out the ingredients and added them to the pool. “I do hate it when they say a ‘pinch’ or a ‘dash’; this isn’t some silly cooking recipe,” she grumbled. It’s a serious magical mixture.”

Finally, she came to the last instruction; she read and re-read the incantation before turning to the pool. Focusing hard, she shot a magical blast at it. Finally, the pool activated, and she smiled broadly as a map of Equestria appeared. A network of faint lines appeared, crisscrossing it in all directions but with a few large holes.

“At last,” she giggled. “Now I just need to wait whilst it does its thing. Oh, I always knew that the full series of Glimbursts anthologies would come in handy!”

Misty, meanwhile, was sat on her bed again. She watched her phone excitedly as ‘Sunny Side Up’ started again after another break. “Why do these things have so many adverts,” she muttered.

Watching the screen, Misty listened as Sunny started talking.

“Welcome back to Sunny Side Up,” Sunny smiled. “My co-chef Hitch will be making Cinnamon-Rasin Fruity Cookies blindly whilst I instruct him.”

Misty giggled as Hitch stumbled around with a blindfold over his eyes. He was already knocking things off the worktop. However, Sunny looked downhearted.

“You know what, I can’t,” Sunny sighed as she moved the mixer away before Hitch could knock it off.

“Sunny? What are you doing?” Hitch asked, taking off the blindfold.

“I’ll tell you what we’re not doing: a cooking show,” Sunny replied. “Look at this place and us; it’s all become such a mess since we started trying to follow likes. We’ve totally lost track of what’s important here,” she sighed. “You want to know what I love about cooking? What I thought this show was about? It’s a way to let loose and break free of expectations! Cooking is fun, and it’s brilliant for getting you out of a rut, especially if you’re in that rut because somepony keeps telling you to do things you don’t want to do. Maybe even things you don’t think are right!”

Sunny pauses, looking straight into the camera. Misty gasps as she watches her friend pour her heart into what she was saying.

“Cooking is a great way to pick yourself up when you’re feeling down,” Sunny continued. “There are no rules...”

“Yeah, there are,” Hitch cut in. “They’re called Recipes.”

“Yes, but you don’t have to follow them,” Sunny smiled. “You can do it by the book, or you can experiment and try your own thing. It may work, or it may not, but you’ll have at least tried. With a little bit of hope, you’ll find the way that works, so believe in yourself.”

Misty looked deeply at the screen, letting the words sink in and whispered, “Believe in yourself.” Even as Sunny kept talking.

“She’s right,” Misty sighed as she put her phone down. “I’ve been failing Opaline because I don’t believe in what she wants to do. I don’t want to take all the ponies’ power or help Opaline rule Equestria. I wanted to please her so much that I never thought about what I wanted. I never truly believed in myself. I never even gave it a thought!”

She hopped off her bed and began pacing as she thought everything through. “All the others have done is treated me with kindness. Everything Opaline told me about them hasn’t been true. They’ve never tried to do anything bad to me at all. They are my friends, no matter what Opaline tries to say.”

She pulled out a box and tipped the contents out. Then, she grabbed a saddle bag and began packing it. However, after picking up a photograph of her with Sunny and the others, she stopped. Looking at it profoundly and sighing. “Is this really what I should do though? Opaline has been like family, the only family I’ve ever known. Will they fully accept me if they know the truth about me?”

She rested a hoof next to her image; she looked so happy in the photo. She knew in her heart that she wanted to feel that happiness more often. However, leaving Opaline suddenly felt like such an enormous thing to do.

Chapter Two - What we Truly Believe in?

Seashell, Glory, and Peach Fizz were bored. Hitch was busy giving his speech to open Canterlove Studios, and they were stood amongst the crowd.

“Is it really the same speech every time?” Glory sighed.

“Pretty much,” Seashell replied. “Let’s sneak off to the beach. No pony will miss us.”

“I can’t, Poppa’s watching me,” Peach Fizz sighed.

Seashell and Glory looked around and, sure enough, stood right at the back with a good view of them was Peach Fizz’s father, Peach Stone. He was a big-looking stallion with the same orange-coloured coat as his daughter. However, his mane and tail were a reddish-brown colour, and his cutie mark was half a peach with the stone flying out.

“Why’s he watching you?” Glory asked. “Did you do something wrong?”

“You remember I dropped my phone the other day,” Peach Fizz sighed. “He took it away.”

“But it still works. The screen was just cracked a little,” Seashell frowned. “It wasn’t your fault anyway. Toots wasn’t looking where he was going.”

“I know,” Peach Fizz sighed. “Poppa says I spend too much time on it, and it’s not the Unicorn way. He put it somewhere on top of the kitchen cupboards.”

“That’s not fair,” Seashell moaned. “We need to rescue it. Glory can reach it.”

“There’s no need,” Peach Fizz replied.

“Hold on, Sheriff Hitch is finally finishing,” Glory smiled.

“…welcome to CanterLove Studios,” Hitch smiled before turning and cutting the ribbon.

The three young ponies cheered along with the crowd before they and everypony else dispersed in all directions. Much to Hitch's confusion, none entered the Studios.

After making their way across town, Seashell, Glory, and Peach Fizz walked up the path to Peach Fizz’s house. Carrying a roll of paper along with some drawing materials picked up on their way from Glory’s mum.

“I’m not sure about this Seashell,” Peach Fizz sighed.

“It will be fine,” Seashell smiled. “We need to work on the poster anyway, so it’s not like we’re lying. If we do it in your kitchen, then Glory can look for your phone.”

They all entered the house and headed towards the kitchen. They found Peach Stone was just putting the last plates away after washing up. “Oh, hey, girls,” he smiled. “What are you up to? I thought you’d be outside playing on a day like today?”

“We’d like to, but we need to finish this poster for school,” Seashell smiled.

“Can we please use the kitchen, Poppa?” Peach Fizz asked. “We won’t make a mess.”

“Or if we do, we’ll clean it up,” Glory added.

“I guess it’s okay if it’s for school,” Peach Stone smiled. “Is it a project or something?”

“Yeah, we need to make a poster about what we really believe in,” Seashell grinned.

“We’ve nearly finished it,” Glory added. “Mom just needed our kitchen to do some baking.”

“Well, that’s fine then. Your mother makes some very nice cakes, Glory,” Peach Stone grinned. “I’m off to the store, so don’t make a mess.”

“We won’t,” all three chorused as Peach Stone left the room.

Peach Fizz grinned as she spread out their poster on the table. Glory smiled as she placed the drawing materials next to it and got out a crayon. Seashell meanwhile hung back and waited to hear the front door.

When she heard it close with a bang, she hurried over. “So, do you have any idea where your phone is, Peach Fizz?” she asked.

Peach Fizz blinked with confusion before remembering. “Oh, Poppa normally puts things he doesn’t want me to have on the top of the cupboards, where I can’t reach. It really doesn’t matter though.”

“Sure, it does,” Seashell smiled. “Glory can reach; that’s what wings are for.”

“In a minute,” Glory giggled. “I want to finish colouring in this unicorn’s horn first.”

Seashell grumbled to herself before starting to supervise the drawing and colouring.

“This was supposed to be easy,” Seashell moaned sometime later.

“I’m trying,” Glory whimpered. “These boxes are heavy.”

Gory was fumbling with the boxes on top of the kitchen cupboards. Her little wings flapped hard to keep her hovering in the same position as she searched for Peach Fizz’s phone.

“Keep looking,” Seashell replied. “I’ll keep an eye out.”

“I told you it didn’t matter,” Peach Fizz moaned. “Can’t we just finish the poster?”

“You are finishing the poster,” Seashell replied. “I’ll let you know if your dad comes.”

With that, Seashell looked out the window where she had a view of the street. Meanwhile, Glory had finally gained access to one of the bigger boxes. She removed the lid, and her eyes widened. A phone sat snugly within the box, but it wasn’t Peach Fizz’s old phone with a cracked screen. It was a brand new one with a small bow tied around it. She realised it was the very latest top-of-the-line model.

“Any luck?” Seashell asked. “You’ve stopped looking.”

“Sorry, I thought I’d found it, but it’s something else,” Glory replied quickly.

Seashell scowled with annoyance before looking back through the window. She gasped as she spotted Peach Stone heading towards the house, two large bags of shopping floating beside him.

“He’s here!” Seashell exclaimed. “Quick, put everything back, Glory!”

“Ahaa,” Glory squeaked as she started moving everything back to where it had been.

“I’m back,” Peach Stone shouted as he walked through the door. “I hope you three haven’t made a mess.”

Just then, he heard a clatter in the kitchen. Frowning, he walked in and gasped. A jar of coffee lay smashed on the floor. “What have you been doing in here?”

“I’m sorry,” Glory said quickly. “I knocked it off with my wing.”

“Your wing?” Peach Stone frowned. “I thought you were working on a project?”

“We are,” Seashell said quickly, “Glory wanted something from the other side of the table and flew over it.”

Glory blinked with confusion before cottoning on. “Y…Yeah, I caught the jar as I landed. Mom keeps telling me off for doing things like that. I’m still getting used to when I should and shouldn’t fly.”

“Okay,” Peach Stone said unsurely. “So, what’s your poster about?”

“What we truly believe in, Poppa,” Peach Fizz grinned.

Excitedly, she levitated the poster up so her father could see. “It’s celebrating all three pony kinds reuniting and continuing to share their knowledge with each other.”

“Like the Pegasi sharing their phone technology,” Gory smiled.

“And the Earth Ponies sharing their knowledge of plants,” Seashell added.

“And the Unicorns helping everypony learn more about magic,” Peach Fizz grinned.

Peach Stone laughed. “Well, we Unicorns have to learn more about magic ourselves before we can share it. Maybe we should share our crystal knowledge.”

He sighed, placing the bags down before opening the box on top of the cupboard Glory had found the phone in.

“When you came home with your phone broken, I was so upset,” he explained. “I thought I’d been silly getting you one in the first place, that maybe you were too young. It's not the unicorn way, after all. However, I spoke to Sweets in the shop yesterday, and she told me she’d seen everything. That Toots tripped over and knocked it out of your hoof. She told me you were more worried about him than your phone.”

From the box, he levitated out the new phone. Peach Fizz gasped as he presented it to her.

“I needed your old one because Sweets said she could transfer everything. I have no idea how these things work to set them up,” Peach Stone explained. “We did that this morning before the opening of that CanterLove thing. She told me it was all ready to make sure you’d be safe online."

“Oh, Poppa, you’re the best,” Peach Fizz giggled as she turned the phone on.

“That’s completely fine; now you take care of this one, yeah?”

“I will,” Peach Fizz grinned.

As Seashell watched, she heard Glory whispering to her. “Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t find it.”

Author's Note

Having only watched Make your Mark, the threesome of Peach Fizz, Glory and Seashell get so little development. These are therefore my interpretations of their characters.

I'm not sure if there's more development in Tell your Tale, I've barely watched that series.

Chapter Three – Seeking the Stone

Opaline felt like she’d been staring at the map for hours. Growling, she spread her wings in fury. “Why is this taking so long? I thought the roots of these trees spread all over Equestria.”

Suddenly, the map flashed, and Opaline frowned in puzzlement. However, she gasped as a dot appeared on an island just off the coast. “It’s there? That’s so close,” she grinned. “I’ll be there and back in moments.”

She absently started heading towards the doors and thrust them open. However, no sooner had she stepped hoof on the doorstep than she felt a familiar fizzle of magic in front of her, one she’d felt many times. The look of elation drained from her features as she saw the rippling forcefield appear before her. Closing her eyes, she bowed her head to the floor in annoyance.

After taking a few deep breaths, she let out a scream of anguish. Thrusting her head to the sky above and bellowing into the blackness. She finally stopped once her lungs were emptied. Opening her eyes and panting for breath, she looked out across the drawbridge with anguish. It was a bridge she couldn’t cross.

“Of course, silly me,” Opaline said sarcastically with a fake smile. “Fancy forgetting the spell that’s keeping me trapped here.”

The fake smile faded and turned into a scowl as she turned around. She flicked the forcefield with her tail and then slammed the doors as she went back inside. “Looks like Misty has a chance to prove her loyalty after all.”

Opaline headed upstairs, turning toward the bedrooms at the top of the ramp. She was careful not to make a sound as she neared Misty’s bedroom. Listening carefully, she could hear Misty’s hoofs pacing up and down. Her voice was muffled; however, Opaline could just make out what Misty was saying. She frowned as her protégé talked to herself about leaving.

Taking a deep breath, Opaline let out a loud, cackling laugh. Instantly, she heard Misty banging and clattering inside, clearly trying to tidy up whatever she had been doing. Amused, Opaline removed the magical barrier in front of the door and flung it open, stepping into the doorway. She found Misty standing right where she had supposedly been stuck the whole time, wearing a slightly goofy grin on her face.

“Yay, am I being freed now?” Misty asked awkwardly.

Opaline sniffed, playing the game. She could clearly see the magic that had been wisping around Misty’s hoofs wasn’t there.

“That depends now, doesn’t it,” Opaline said smoothly as she walked in. “Have you been thinking, Misty? Have you been thinking about how much we’ve been through together?”

Misty blinked, watching as Opaline walked past her towards the small window and looked out.

“You do so much for me, Misty, and I know it’s not easy,” Opaline continued. “I want you to know how much I depend on you and how much I believe in you. I send you to do things for me because I know you can do them.”

Opaline turned and walked back towards the door. Misty watched, barely able to make a sound; she had never heard Opaline talk to her like this before.

Walking in front of Misty, Opaline placed a hoof on Misty’s cheek. She raised Misty's head so she could look directly into her green eyes.

“Soon, Misty, I will be free of this castle at last, and it will all be thanks to you. Then, we will both get what we want and deserve. I’ll rule Equestria, and you will be at my side.”

“With my cutie mark?” Misty asked.

“With your cutie mark,” Opaline replied.

Opaline gave a flick of her horn, and there was a ‘poof’ of magic around Misty’s hoofs. Misty gasped and started trying to act like she’d still been stuck the whole time. Making exaggerated movements and stretches.

“Thank you, Opaline. Thank you for freeing me,” Misty said goofily. “I can’t believe I am now free.”

Opaline turned, rolling her eyes once Misty couldn’t see them. “Come, Misty, I have a task.”

Misty froze; she knew there’d be a catch. “It'll be tidying some mess, won't it,” she muttered.

Misty followed Opaline down into the throne room. She gasped as she saw the map being projected from the cauldron pool.

“Where’s that silly new phoney thing of yours?” Opaline asked. “The thing you take notes on? You’ll need to take note of this.”

“Take note of what?” Misty asked, getting her phone out.

“This map, of course,” Opaline explained. “It shows the location of an item we need, the Dragon Stone.”

“Dragon Stone?” Misty echoed as she took a photo of the map.

“Yes, this is the Dragon Stone,” Opaline said as she changed the image to one of the stone.

“Wow, it’s beautiful,” Misty gasped overdramatically.

“It’s not that beautiful,” Opaline sighed. “However, take note of what it looks like because you are going to retrieve it for me.”

Misty quickly took a photo of the image.

“You’re trusting me to find this, err, Dragon Stone when I can’t get the Dragon fire?” Misty said unsurely.

“Yes, because I realised that just getting something isn’t always as simple as I expect,” Opaline replied. “The difference here is this won’t try to run away.”

“Or spit fire at me,” Misty added. “Or have ponies watching it. Ponies which would run after me and try to stop me if they saw me taking it.”

“You know you could have said all that sooner,” Opaline pointed out.

Misty squeaked and recoiled, thinking she'd spoken out of turn. However, Opaline turned and placed a hoof on Misty's cheek again. Drawing her head up to meet her gaze.

“You are special to me, Misty,” Opaline smiled. “You are my right hoof pony, and I want you to be at my side when I rule Equestria. You will become powerful and respected, just as I will.”

Misty gulped, conflicting feelings rushing through her. Opaline had never given her this much encouragement.

“W…what do we…erm, you.” Misty corrected. “Need the stone for?”

“To accelerate our acquisition of the Dragon’s fire,” Opaline smiled. “This way, we’ll be done with the little dragon in a fraction of the time.”

“Really?” Misty asked. “So, once I get the Dragon Fi…”

“It charges the stone,” Opaline explained.

“And that won’t take long,” Misty concluded. “So, then we’ll be done with the Dragon?”

“We’ll be done with the Dragon,” Opaline affirmed with a smirk.

She changed the image again, this time showing an island with a small causeway leading to it.

“This is where the stone is located, somewhere on this Island,” Opaline clarified. “Well, as close as my spell can determine. Exactly where will be up to you.”

Misty snapped another photo and grinned. “Okay, I’ll do my best.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will, Misty,” Opaline smiled. “Now, go.”

With that, Misty put her phone away and ran out the castle door.

“I wish I could just run out like that,” Opaline sighed.

It took Misty a long time to find the island despite how close it looked on the map. The terrain had been far from easy to navigate, and she had struggled. Finally, it came into view between the trees, and she trotted out onto the beach expectedly. Gasping, she suddenly realised something was missing. “Where…Where’s the causeway?”

She pulled out her phone and checked the image of the island. It was undoubtedly the correct one. However, the causeway to reach it was nowhere to be seen. The sea looked rough and unforgiving, white-topped waves crashing onto the beach, spilling white froth all around before retreating before the next wave arrived.

Misty sat dejectedly on the sand. Looking at her phone again, she suddenly remembered something. “Tides! The sea, it goes in and out. I think, maybe?”

She grinned as she saw her phone had a signal, a weak one, but hopefully enough for a simple search. After tapping in the search terms, she held her phone higher as she waited for the results to come up.

Once they did, she read the entry at the top and grinned widely. “I can’t wait to tell Opaline how clever I was.”

Then she looked again and groaned as she realised it wasn’t even high tide yet. She’d have to wait hours for it to go down and the causeway to uncover. Frowning, she looked at the map again.

“Maretime Bay isn’t that far away,” Misty mused. “I could go and see what my friends are up to. Maybe even get some Dragon Fire and then come back for the stone in time for the tide,” her stomach suddenly growled loudly. “Oh. And get something to eat. That would be good.”

With that, Misty headed off towards Maretime Bay.

By the time she was walking up towards the Brighthouse, Misty looked a mess. The route to Maretime Bay had not been straightforward either; the mud, thorns and leaves attached to her coat and stuck in her mane and tail told the story.

Tired and hungry, Misty felt her heart sink as she saw Sunny and the others. They were all dressed up and looked like they were getting ready to go somewhere.

“…in the secret section.” Zipp was saying.

“But that’s off limits,” Pipp gasped.

“That sounds interesting,” Misty smiled, hoping to fit in.

Upon hearing her voice, Izzy turned around. “Misty!” she cried with joy.

Izzy launched herself at a surprised-looking Misty. Having no regard for how filthy Misty was and how she was ready to go out. Multi-coloured legs, hoof polish, manicured mane, and tail. Izzy had clearly spent a lot of time on it.

Misty squeaked as Izzy’s hoofs wrapped around her in a tight embrace.

“Where have you been, Misty?” Sunny smiled, sporting a similar pampered look to Izzy. We’ve not seen you in forever; we missed you.”

“Never mind that,” Pipp gasped, looking concerned. “What’s happened to you? You look awful!”

Misty gasped and looked at their faces, all expecting an explanation.

“Oh, I…erm. I haven’t been around because I was grounded,” Misty replied. “I hadn’t done something, Op… I mean, my Aunt Opel. Asked me to do. I, err, look like this because. I…erm... tried to take a shortcut that turned out to be a long cut, a really long cut. I won’t be going that way again.”

She spotted the mask that Zipp had in her hoof, and her eyes widened.

“Ooh, what’s that?” she asked to change the subject. “Are you getting ready to go to a place?”

“Not just any place,” Sunny giggled. “We’re going to the Manesquerade Ball!”

“The most glam night in Zephyr Heights,” Pipp added with a grin.

“Oh, that sounds like a big deal,” Misty replied in awe.

“Wait, wait, I have an idea!” Izzy exclaimed. “Misty can come with us.”

“Yass!” Pipp smiled. “That’ll sort out the plus-one problem. Misty, you will love it; it’s like a total thing.”

“What, really?” Misty gasped. “You want me to come to a thing? I’ve never been invited to a thing before. Wait, what’s a plus one?”

“It’s the tickets,” Hitch replied. “We’ve got three: one for Sunny, one for Zipp and one for Pipp. But each ticket allows them to bring a friend, and that friend is their ‘plus one’.”

“So, we had an extra and couldn’t work out who else to bring.” Izzy grinned. “But not anymore because you can use it! You are our friend after all.”

“Wow, really?” Misty gasped before looking worried. “But it will be full of ponies. Ponies who don’t know me.”

“Nopony will know who anypony is,” Pipp exclaimed. “We’ll all be wearing masks.”

She popped her mask on and gave Misty a big smile.

“But what about Sparky?” Misty asked. “And you all look so fancy, and I look…”

“Terrible,” Zipp chuckled. “But nothing my sis and Izzy can't sort out.”

“And Sparky is spending the night at Grandmare Figgy’s,” Hitch grinned. “Tonight is no night for a baby dragon; we'd be back well past his bedtime.”

“Come on, Misty!” Izzy grinned. “Leave everything to us.”

Misty blinked as Izzy and Pipp put their hoofs around her and led her inside the Brighthouse.

Meanwhile, Zipp and Hitch turned to Sunny.

“So, Sunny,” Hitch started.

“About Misty,” Zipp continued. “Don’t you think it’s odd how much correcting she does?”

“Yeah, she starts to say something, then stops only to say something else,” Hitch continued.

“She’s just nervous around others,” Sunny smiled. “I think taking her is an excellent idea. We’ll have three of each kind of pony for the unity dance.”

“We weren’t saying she shouldn’t go,” Hitch corrected.

“Just that she never seems to have a straight answer,” Zipp added. “It’s super suspicious.”

“Like I said, she’s nervous,” Sunny replied. “You saw how she went from excited to nervous when she realised there’d be other ponies there. I think she’s shy, is all; we should help her.”

“We need to keep a close eye on her, though,” Zipp countered. “My instincts say we should be cautious.”

“Duly noted. Detective,” Sunny giggled. “Wait, that means we’ve got even less time to practice the unity dance. Aaah, and now I’ve got to work out how Misty will fit in before I can even go through it all with you!”

With that, Sunny disappeared inside the Brighthouse, muttering, leaving a bewildered Hitch and Zipp behind.

It was much later, and they had arrived at Zephyr Heights. The lift carrying them up to the red carpet stopped, and they stepped out to see the crowd of expectant media. Pipp and Izzy had done wonders on Misty. She looked every bit as fancy as the rest of them, and the whole group looked like they belonged together.

They found themselves behind Queen Haven as she spoke to the media. Sunny looked confused as she acted as though she was somepony else.

“What is she doing?” she asked Pipp and Zipp.

“She does this every year,” Pipp sighed. “She thinks that the mask hides who she is.”

“I thought that was the idea?” Misty said, looking worried.

“Kind of hard when you’re also wearing a crown,” Zipp smirked. “Don’t worry, nopony will have any idea who you are, Misty.”

“Come on, everypony,” Pipp grinned. “Time to rock this red carpet.”

They started forward, Pipp posing for every camera she came across and trying to give each one a different pose.

Sunny and Izzy, meanwhile, just stuck together, looking like a pair of friends ready for the party, stopping now and then to pose together. Hitch, meanwhile, did something similar but on his own, looking every bit like the Sheriff of the town.

Misty meanwhile hung back, squeaking as the first cameras snapped in her direction. She quickly joined Zipp.

“Could I maybe trot back here with you?” Misty asked. “I don’t want to be in any pictures.”

“Why not?” Zipp asked suspiciously. “Why don't you want to be in pictures?”

Misty gasped. “Err, same reason as you?”

“Can’t argue with that,” Zipp smiled as they trotted past the waiting media.

Chapter Five – Summons

Sometime after the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle as ruler of Equestria.

There was a hive of activity as creatures of all kinds filed into the large central hall of the School of Friendship. Starlight Glimmer stood watching from the wings of the main stage as more and more creatures arrived. Her heart was pounding faster and faster. She breathed deeply and exhaled slowly a few times, trying to keep calm.

“Nervous?” a familiar voice said from behind her.

“What do you think, Trix?” Starlight sighed, turning to look at Trixie Lulamoon, her friend and the school's Guidance Counsellor. “It’s my first time welcoming back all the students as Headmare, and there are more students than ever before.”

“It's not our fault that this is the greatest school in Equestria, and everycreature wants to study here,” Trixie smiled. “You’ve got this Starlight. You’ve already proven to be an excellent Headmare, and both Trixie and Sunburst have your back.”

Sunburst, the Vice Headstallion, smiled. “Exactly. It’s not like you haven’t stood in front of the whole school before. Just do as you have always done.”

Starlight smiled at her two friends. She didn’t know what she’d do without them. She double-checked the time and looked back at them gratefully before taking a deep breath. “Well, here goes nothing.”

The room filled with applause as she walked out to the lectern in the middle of the stage. Once there, she waited for the crowd to settle before starting.

“Good morning, everycreature. For all you new students, I’m your Headmare Starlight Glimmer, and I’m excited to welcome you all to the School of Friendship. It’s the start of a new school year, and I hope all of you are excited to learn all there is to know about friendship.”

She paused as a ripple of applause and hoof stomping went through the gathered students.

“Why thank you,” she smiled gratefully. “Again, for all you newcomers, I'd like to introduce you to your Vice Headstallion, Sunburst, and your Guidance Councillor, Trixie Lulamoon.”

Another round of applause erupted as Trixie and Sunburst walked out onto the stage.

“Now, I know some of you have been asking about Professor Twilight and if she will still be teaching here. I am sorry to say to those who enjoyed her classes that she will not, at least not full-time. I’m sure you will understand she has her hoofs full now she’s ruling Equestria. However, I am pleased to say that she will be coming here for special lectures and talks whenever her time permits.”

There was a collective sigh from some of the older students. “Don’t worry, everycreature,” Sunburst added. “We’ll be making sure that as many of you as possible can attend any events involving Professor Twilight.”

“I’m also pleased to say that your other professors, including Professor Fluttershy, are still here taking classes,” Starlight continued. “Speaking of classes, they are starting shortly, so please start making your way there. Enjoy your time learning here at the School of Friendship.”

There was loud applause before the students started filing out of the hall and heading to their first lessons of the year. Once they were all gone, Starlight turned to Sunburst and Trixie and took a deep breath.

“There you go, you did that excellently,” Sunburst grinned.

“Nothing at all to worry about,” Trixie added. “Now, are you three still interested in seeing Trixie's latest magic act this evening?”

“I wouldn’t miss that for anything,” Starlight grinned.

However, Trixie and Sunburst suddenly looked concerned. “I think you might need to reconsider that,” Sunburst sighed, pointing his hoof at Starlight's flank.

Starlight frowned and looked to her flank. Her cutie mark was glowing, with smaller versions radiating outwards. “What? Really? The map can still call us?”

Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer and her friends were sat around one of the tables in the cafeteria at Canterlot High School. Each was consuming various breakfast items and drinks before their first lessons were due to start.

“I cannot believe this is our last year together, darlings,” Rarity moaned as she sipped a cappuccino.

“Yeah, I don’t want it to end,” Pinkie Pie moaned before devouring a breakfast cupcake.

“Any y’all worked out what you’re doing after this year yet?” Applejack asked. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ll be helping out on the farm full-time.”

“I got some pretty sweet results from the Soccer Academy over the summer,” Rainbow Dash smiled. “I’ve already got some try-outs lined up, which means I should hopefully start playing full-time next year.”

“That sounds exciting,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Yeah, that’s brilliant, Rainbow,” Sunset agreed.

“What about you, Sunset? Fluttershy asked. “I’m going to College to study zoology.”

“I’m unsure. The trouble is I don’t really know what I want,” Sunset admitted. “That is, I’m mostly worried about the equestrian magic that’s here. So, I suppose what I really want is to be able to keep finding and resolving that. However, nothing I find fits. Then there’s still the option of returning to Equestria and studying magic there.”

“You sure they’d have you back?” Twilight asked.

“Princess Twilight said so herself,” Sunset replied. “She’s taken over Princess Celestia’s School of Magic and said I could become her personal student, much like Starlight Glimmer was. But I don’t want to give up my life here and all of you.”

“Well, looks like Equestria is calling you anyway,” Pinkie Pie smiled, pointing to Sunset’s bag. "They must be spying!"

Sunset gasped as she spotted a familiar glow in her open bag. Reaching in, she opened the book while it was still glowing.

“Looks like a long message,” Applejack commented. “What does it say?”

“I think it’s some sort of summons,” Sunset said, looking confused.

She waited for the glowing to stop before rereading it, holding up a finger as she spotted her friends leaning in. They waited in suspense as her eyes ran back and forth.

“Well, what does it say?” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“It’s not Princess Twilight’s normal horn writing,” Sunset replied. “It’s some fancy script that I’ve never seen before, and it’s difficult to read. I...I think it’s telling me I need to go to Princess Twilight’s Castle in Ponyville immediately for a vitally important matter.”

“That sounds serious,” Pinkie Pie blinked. “Maybe world ending, or earth-shattering, or pony patting.”

“Pinkie Pie darling, I doubt patting ponies would be an issue,” Rarity sighed. “Nevertheless, it sounds serious.”

“I’m going,” Sunset responded determinedly as she packed her bag.

Twilight jumped to her feet, pointing to the clock. “But the bell,” she exclaimed. “Lessons will...”

“…have to wait,” Sunset replied, getting up and heading to the door. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. This could be really important, possibly for both worlds. Why else would they want me?”

“Then we’ll come with you,” Rainbow Dash smiled, getting up too.

Sunset stopped, one hand on the door before looking back at her friends, sorrow filling her eyes.

“No, Rainbow, the summons is just for me,” Sunset replied sadly. “Besides, I don’t want you getting in trouble for skipping class as well. Hopefully, it won’t take long, say I got sick or something. I’ll see you all as soon as I can.”

With that, Sunset hurried out the door. She felt worried, not just about what the summons could be but also about how she’d just run out on her friends. She hoped they’d understand.

She reached the portal under the old statue outside the school just as the bell for the first lesson rang out. She sighed before entering it and feeling the normal disorientation.

In Equestria, Spike was pacing back and forth next to the mirror that contained the portal. His claws pulled behind his back, and he was muttering to himself. Suddenly, he jumped as the mirror portal activated.

He watched as Sunset appeared, now transformed into her pony form. She balanced on her hind legs precariously until one slipped down one of the steps in front of the mirror. Sunset gasped as she tottered backwards, forelegs flailing. Managing to arrest the backward movement, she fell forward and finally landed on all four hooves.

“Few, I never get used to that,” she admitted. “Maybe a ramp here would be safer.”

“You’re here?” Spike gasped. “We thought we’d have to come and get you. Twilight’s coming. She’s just got to deal with something first.”

“Well, she is the ruler of Equestria now,” Sunset smiled. “Wait, where are we?”

Sunset looked around the room. It wasn’t the usual study that she’d appeared in previously. It was still filled with books, but the walls were white.

“Oh, we’re in the Castle in Canterlot,” Spike replied. “Twilight had the mirror moved when we did.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Sunset smiled before she noticed a glow coming from behind her.

She looked around and was surprised to see her cutie mark glowing, with smaller versions radiating outwards from the centre. “What’s this? What's happening?” she asked.

The door suddenly opened, and Princess Twilight walked in. Looking down at her saddlebag as she tried to fit something in with her magic. “I hope we find her quickly, Spike,” she said absently. “Starlight’s scroll sounded ominously vague.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Spike replied. “She’s already here.”

“What?” Twilight replied.

She looked up and saw Sunset standing before the mirror and smiled.

“Oh, that’s excellent,” Twilight grinned. “Wait, how did you know to come?”

“A message in my journal,” Sunset replied. “It was written in some strange script and told me to come to your castle immediately. Has this got something to do with it?”

Sunset turned so Twilight could see her cutie mark flashing, and Twilight nodded.

“We need to get to the map immediately,” Twilight replied, walking over. “The fastest way will be a teleport.”

Sunset blinked with surprise as Twilight’s horn glowed and teleported all three of them away.

Meanwhile, Starlight paced back and forth in the throne room at Twilight’s old castle in Ponyville. Her cutie mark was still glowing as it had been previously. The door to the room opened, and Twilight walked in, followed closely by Sunset and Spike.

“…so those called come to the map to see where they need to go to fix the friendship problem,” Spike smiled. “When the problem is fixed, your cutie mark will start glowing again.”

“So that’s what the summons I got is about then?” Sunset asked. “But why would it want me?”

“That’s all part of the fun,” Spike grinned. “You don’t know why until you get there.”

“The problem is working out where we’re going,” Starlight responded, pointing at the map. “That’s not normal.”

They all looked at the map. There were two cutie marks—Starlight's and Sunset's—but they were not circling one specific place. They were running around the very edge of the map, directly opposite each other. They completed several full revolutions before spiralling into the centre. Once there, they intersected and spiralled outwards again before continuing around the outside.

“Any idea what it means?” Starlight asked, looking at Twilight.

“No clue,” Twilight admitted. “When your scroll said it was acting strangely. I thought it was because Sunset was in the human world. I hoped it would go back to normal when she arrived in Equestria.”

“But she’s here, and it hasn’t,” Starlight sighed. “Good theory, though.”

Sunset walked forward to the map, fascinated to see it fully active for the first time, even if it wasn’t working correctly. She reached the edge and blinked, thinking she saw it flicker.

“So, what do we do?” Starlight asked. “We can’t exactly go around with our cutie marks flashing. Normally, it stops when you depart for the place where the problem is.”

“Kind of hard when that appears to be everywhere in Equestria,” Spike agreed.

“Starlight, maybe we could try the spell that fixed it last time?” Twilight suggested. “You know, after you, ahem, broke it.”

“We could,” Starlight pondered. “But I’m not sure if that would work. It was dormant last time. This time, it’s trying to work but isn’t working correctly.”

“Right, but didn’t you say there was a way to reverse the spell as well?” Twilight remembered. “You said if it didn’t work, we could undo it. Maybe we do that first and then cast the spell the same way as we did before.”

“Like turning it off and on again?” Sunset smiled. “Classic way to fix broken technology.”

“That could work. Problem is, we’d need the others for that, and they’re teaching right now,” Starlight pointed out, walking closer to the map. “But maybe we could…”

As Starlight approached the map, a sudden flash took them all by surprise. A gust of air erupted outwards from the map, flinging dust and debris away. Then, two tendrils of white magical energy sprouted from the centre, wiggling around in the airflow.

“What’s it doing?” Sunset gasped. “Is that normal?”

“No, it’s not. Get away from it,” Twilight replied.

Before anypony could react, the two tendrils whipped around towards Sunset and Starlight, looping around their necks. They both screamed and shouted as the tendrils tightened and began pulling them towards the map.

“Starlight! Sunset!” Twilight shouted as she fired magic from her horn at one of the tendrils. However, it had no effect, and the billowing wind suddenly intensified, forcing both Twilight and Spike backwards and impacting the wall.

Both Starlight and Sunset tried blasting the tendrils with their magic. However, the tendrils wrapped around their bodies further before lifting them from the ground. They soon found themselves held above the map in mid-air.

“What’s happening!” Sunset cried.

“Twilight!” Starlight shouted. “Help!”

Suddenly, white magical energy erupted from the edge of the map table, rushing straight upwards and seemingly through the roof of the castle, although it had no effect on the roof itself. Twilight and Spike gasped as they realised Sunset and Starlight were trapped within it. They could hear them screaming for help but were powerless to do anything.
Inscriptions of clock faces and gears appeared within the magical energy, spiralling upwards with the flow. Then, there was another blinding flash of considerable intensity that forced Twilight and Spike to shield their eyes. Then they heard Starlight’s and Sunset’s shouts growing distant before the light dissipated. Rubbing their eyes, they both look at the map with astonishment, there being no sign of their two friends.

Starlight and Sunset cried for help as they found themselves travelling upwards in a tube of white magic. The same inscriptions Twilight and Spike had seen on the outside appeared and rotated around them. They failed their legs wildly as an invisible force pushed them upwards. Instinctively, Sunset started zapping at the energy, but it had no impact.

“Maybe we shouldn’t upset whatever spell this is,” Starlight suggested.

“Good point,” Sunset gasped. “This isn’t how it’s supposed to work, is it?”

“Nope, this has never happened before,” Starlight grumbled. “Nothing about this has happened before, so stop asking if it’s supposed to do these things.”

“Sorry, I’m just new to being summoned to save the world,” Sunset replied. "Normally, things like that find me."

“It's not...” Starlight sighed. “Doesn't matter. Let's hope we get through whatever this is and come out the other side together.”

Suddenly, the tube disappeared, and they found themselves floating in an endless void. They looked around and saw images of clocks, gears, and their cutie marks floating around randomly.

“I can see a light,” Starlight pointed out.

“It’s getting closer. Maybe it’s where we’re headed,” Sunset replied hopefully. “At least it’s not as disorientating as the trip between CHS and Equestria, I suppose.”

“I remember the first time I met you,” Starlight chuckled. “You came flying out of that portal so fast.”

“Yeah, that was the roughest I’ve experienced,” Sunset replied. “I just wish we knew what was happening.”

Slowly, there was a flicker in front of them, like a projection trying to materialise. Suddenly, a pony appeared, one that looked familiar but different at the same time. Sunset narrowed her eyes before gasping. “Princess Twilight?”

It certainly looked like Twilight, but it was not the Twilight they were both familiar with and had left behind. She was a lot older; her body looked more like Princess Celestia’s in size and stature. Her mane and tail even featured the same long, wispy nature that moved in the breeze. However, her facial features were much older, with deep and pronounced lines of wrinkles. She had a knowledgeable look to her, like somepony who’d lived for many, many years.

“Yes, Sunset Shimmer, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. However, I am not the freshly crowned one you have just left behind. For me, that event was many, many moons ago. In fact, I am coming to the end of my time and need both your and Starlight Glimmer’s help. I’ve had to make a hard decision, one I hoped to avoid making.”

“What decision?” Starlight asked.

“That is not important right now,” Twilight continued. “Just know that what I have done is the best I could to safeguard Equestria in the short term. However, it is the long-term future of Equestria that I want you to help, far from my own time. I need you both to help the ponies of that future to rediscover friendship, rediscover harmony and exist in unity.”

“Unity,” Sunset echoed.

“Indeed,” Twilight continued. “You must help them identify the Elements of Unity and ensure they come together to save Equestria from a threat that I have been unable to defeat alone completely. Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer, I know that you both can do this. Know your path home will become available when all is done.”

They gasped as the image of Twilight vanished. Still floating, hoofs flailing, they looked at each other with confusion as they were engulfed in a blinding white light.

Chapter Six – Finding the Same Page

The Unity Crystals shone brightly as the prisbeam rocketed skywards from the Brighthouse. Stood before them, looking bewildered, were Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer. Sunny was also standing nearby with a massive grin on her face. She’d just finished explaining how all of Ponykind had been reunited, and magic returned to Equestria.

“Eee he he! I cannot believe this,” Sunny beamed, stomping the ground with excitement. “Two students of Twilight Sparkle are actually here, in the flesh.”

“So, how much do you know about our time?” Sunset asked.

“Honestly, not as much as I’d like,” Sunny replied. “My dad researched your time, but with all of Ponykind separated, it wasn’t easy.”

“Oh, I’m sure we can give you a few pointers,” Sunset winked. “One thing though, you mentioned being an alicorn, but I don’t…”

“See wings or a horn,” Sunny guessed. “They sort of come and go based on how I’m feeling. I’ve found I need to be my truest self, full of hope and optimism, then they appear.”

She stood back and closed her eyes, but nothing happened. After a few moments, Sunny opened her eyes and looked around with confusion and frustration. “Wait, why isn’t it working? Aaah!”

“Oh, don’t worry. It doesn’t matter, I believe you,” Sunset smiled. “I’m sure Starlight does too.”

Starlight blinked with confusion upon hearing her name. She’d been staring at the Unity Crystals and not paying attention. “Oh, sorry. Errr, run this past me again,” she frowned. “All the magic in Equestria is in those three crystals?”

“Sure is,” Sunny replied, suddenly forgetting her powers. “The prisbeam distributes it to everypony. As long as we’re united, we have magic, he he.”

“But why wouldn’t there be magic in Equestria?” Starlight blinked. “I can’t get my head around it.”

“Plenty have tried to take it or banish it from what I heard,” Sunset answered before placing a hoof under her chin in thought. “That must have been the decision the Princess Twilight told us about.”

“We know Twilight Sparkle made the crystals,” Sunny explained. “But the message we received was incomplete. I was hoping you’d know why.”

“She didn’t go into details,” Sunset sighed. “Just that she’d had to make a hard decision.”

“Okay, can we do one thing?” Starlight asked. “She’s ‘Twilight’, okay? Hearing all these different versions of her name is not helping right now. I’m just really struggling to get my head around the fact I’m in the future; magic has just returned, and it’s coming out of three tiny crystals.”

“I thought you’ve travelled in time before?” Sunset replied, cocking her head.

“Yes, but this is different,” Starlight explained. “One moment, I was being called to the friendship map. Next, I’m being abducted by it and sent through time. I’ve got a whole school of creatures who are just starting their first day back, and now I’m here instead of doing my job.”

Sunset suppressed a laugh, which received a scowl of annoyance from Starlight. Sunny, meanwhile, stood back, completely starstruck and grinned widely.

“Sorry,” Sunset smiled. “It’s just you sound so similar to Twilight right now. It’s like she’s rubbed off on you.”

“Oh no, this is me processing what’s happened to us; this is not Twilighting,” Starlight scowled. “If I were Twilighting, there’d already be scrolls of checklists and checklists of those checklists. Books would be flying in all directions as I was trying to research twenty things all at the same time. How are you taking all this so well?”

“Maybe because I’m used to stepping through a portal and finding myself in another world entirely. Honestly, it does feel a bit like that,” Sunset shrugged. “Plus, taking in information from sitting in lectures and lessons. Twilight said that we’d have a path home when the time comes, and I trust her.”

“Oh, it’s not that I don’t trust Twilight,” Starlight clarified. “It’s just been so sudden, and everything is so different,” she let out a sigh. “I hope we can do what Twilight is expecting of us.”

“I do, too,” Sunset smiled. “Although, I think some breakfast would be a good first move.”

“Oh my gosh! Where are my manners!” Sunny gasped. “Right this way, I’ll rustle up some pancakes, I hope you like syrup.”

“Huh, at least some things are the same,” Starlight smiled. “That sounds brilliant.”

With that, Sunny led her time-travelling visitors downstairs.

Starlight and Sunset were soon sat in the living area, each tucking into a healthy pile of pancakes. Meanwhile, Sunny was in the kitchen preparing another batch, a huge grin still plastered over her face.

“Wow, Sunny,” Zipp smirked as she walked in. “If you keep grinning like that, it’ll become permanent.”

“I can’t help it,” Sunny chuckled. “It’s just so amazing, Zipp. Two ponies from Twilight’s time are actually here. I can’t wait to show them my dad’s research.”

“Yeah, about that,” Zipp sighed. “Where did you say it was again?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Sunny grinned. “I know exactly where it is. I’ll pull it out later. For now, one breakfast with your name on it right here. Where are the others?”

“Erm, well, Hitch hasn’t arrived from the office. Lots of worried ponies keep coming to see him about last night,” Zipp sighed. “Pipp has gone to do her live stream collab with Electric Blue. And Izzy, erm. Actually, I’m not sure where Izzy is.”

“Oh wait, I remember,” Sunny giggled. “She went into town for something. Sorry, I’m just blown away by having visitors from another timeframe here.”

“Well, that is kind of unusual,” Zipp laughed as she poured syrup over her pancakes.

It wasn't long before Sunny finished plating her own pile of pancakes, and both of them joined their guests in the living area.

“Must feel strange right,” Zipp smiled to their guests. “Being told that Equestria had been divided.”

“Tell me about it,” Starlight sighed. “It’s making my head spin with all the questions of how that could have happened, plus the ramifications.”

“Totally,” Zipp smiled. “We’ve got masses of questions too. Hopefully, together we can solve some of them.”

“I think it’s best if we start by telling you more about ourselves,” Sunset smiled. “Last night was kind of mad.”

“Eee he he, that’s a great idea!” Sunny squeaked. “Okay, okay where do you both live exactly?”

“Well, that’s kind of hard for me to describe,” Sunset sighed. “Let Starlight go first and then I’ll try to explain.”

“Okay sure,” Starlight smiled. “I live in Ponyville. Currently still in Twilight’s castle but I have my own place I’m moving to soon. I’ve taken over from her as Headmare of the School of Friendship.”

“What’s the School of Friendship?” Sunny asked excitedly. “What’s it like to live in a castle? Did you live somewhere else before you became Twilight’s pupil?”

“Wow, lots more questions,” Starlight blinked. “Okay, the school teaches friendship to as many creatures as possible. Not just from Equestria but lands beyond too. Living in a castle, well it was fine until Twilight became ruler of Equestria and moved to Canterlot. It’s quite big and lonely now for just me so I’ve got a little cottage I’m moving to. As for where I lived before, let’s just say that’s complicated and leave it at that.”

Suddenly there was a loud clatter coming from the kitchen. “I’m okay,” Izzy shouted.

“Oh, why do I feel there’s going to be a mess,” Sunny groaned. “Oh well, Sunset where do you live? You said something about portals do you travel a lot? Is that how ponies in your time get around?

Sunset and Starlight shared a bewildered look. “No, ponies don’t travel by portal,” Sunset smiled. “There’s a network of railway lines from place to place.”

“It’s a shame those have disappeared,” Starlight added. “Kind of makes sense if each settlement was isolated though.”

Sunset set her empty plate down and tapped her chin with a hoof. “So, where to start? Well, I was always gifted with magic from a young age. Therefore I became Princess Celestia’s personal student. However, I…well…”

Sunset paused, her ears drooped and she looked sadly at the ground before taking a deep breath.

“She lost her way a bit,” Starlight picked up.

“Yeah, I’m not proud at all of how I acted back then,” Sunset breathed. “I was way too obsessed with gaining power. Princess Celestia kept a magical mirror in her study, a gateway to another world. I was fascinated by it. So much that when I eventually lost my place as her student, I jumped through it.”

“Woah, woah, woah,” Zipp gasped. “Another world?”

“Yep, a different world entirely,” Starlight smiled.

“It’s different but the same in a strange sort of way,” Sunset replied. “Admittedly, I didn’t have the best start there either. But now I’ve got good friends who support me and that’s thanks to Twilight.”

Sunset opened her saddle bag and took out her journal.

“Wish I’d had a chance to pack a bag before we were whisked away,” Starlight sighed.

“Oh, this doesn’t have much, just what I’d normally carry for a day at CHS,” Sunset clarified. “This journal is connected to another one that Twilight keeps. I write something here and it appears in Twilight’s in Equestria. She writes something in hers and it appears here allowing us to talk to each other.”

“Like pen pals,” Zipp smiled.

“Exactly,” Sunset grinned.

She opened the journal and, once she’d found the page she wanted, turned it to show Sunny and Zipp. “This is a photo of me and Starlight in my world.”

“I took a trip there,” Starlight grinned. “Different, but similar in a strange sort of way.”

“I’d say,” Zipp gasped.

“You look completely different!” Sunny exclaimed.

“Yeah, everypony there are creatures called humans. Using the portal changes us so we fit in,” Sunset smiled. “It takes some getting used to.”

“So, can you hop back and forth whenever you like?” Sunny asked.

“I can now,” Sunset smiled. “Twilight came up with a way to activate the portal. Until then there were only specific periods when you could use it.”

There was another clatter from the kitchen before Izzy walked into view. A large tray levitated before her. “Ta-daaaa,” she grinned. “Izzy’s special morning tea.”

She lifted a large teapot and started pouring the hot beverage into cups, everypony gratefully taking one.

“So, Izzy,” Starlight said as she blew on her tea. “How much magic do you know? What with it just returning and all.”

“Oh, I can do lots,” Izzy grinned. “I can make things float all over, from here…”

She started lifting objects, skipping all around the room shouting ‘or here’ each time she changed direction.

“Very skilled with levitation then,” Starlight smiled. “What about something else more complicated?”

“Like what?” Izzy asked excitedly as she landed all the items and took a seat. “You mean there’s more?”

Starlight gave a confident smile. “Oh, of course, there is. Like this…”

She shot a magical beam at one of the unused teacups. Turning it into an orange. Sunny, Zipp and Izzy stared in amazement.

“That’s like what Sparky does with his fire breath!” Izzy gasped. “How do you do that? Could I do that?”

“Oh, I’m sure we can teach you,” Starlight grinned. “However, here’s another one, teleportation.”

Placing her teacup down, Starlight vanished with a flash. There was another flash high above as she appeared in mid-air before she started to levitate herself. Again, Sunny, Zipp and Izzy gasped in wonderment. However, Sunset paid little attention and just sipped her tea.

“It’s not just Pegasi that can fly!” Starlight shouted as she began to levitate herself around the room at speed.

Sunny, Zipp and Izzy were soon clapping their hoofs and shouting encouragement. Sunset meanwhile just sighed as Starlight continued to show off.

Starlight transformed a few more items around the room. A chair into a huge sofa, a lamp into a basket. Then, she turned and aimed towards Sunset. “Then there’s shields of course,” she shouted.

Sunset’s ears twitched at hearing this, and she finally paid attention. Just in time to see a beam of magic streaking towards her. Squeaking, she teleported, and the beam blew a hole in the chair she’d been sitting on. She appeared in a clear space in the middle of the room with a flash, eyes bulging and gasping in shock. Surprised and concerned, Starlight levitated down, landing just in time to see Sunset’s expression turn to one of anger.

“Sunset, I’m sorry,” Starlight gasped. “I thought…”

“You thought wrong,” Sunset replied crossly.

“But you were Celestia’s top student,” Starlight reasoned. “I was sure you’d have studied shields, Twilight did.”

“Yes, I did,” Sunset replied. “But it’s been moons since I last cast one. You can’t expect me to just be as good as you or Twilight all of a sudden.”

Sunset’s eyes widened and sat down. She looked at the floor and took a series of deep breaths, calming herself. Starlight sat as well, feeling a little hurt and concerned.

“I’m sorry Starlight,” Sunset sighed. “I get far too worked up at times. Truth is, I…I feel rusty when it comes to magic. Teleportation comes easy for me, but the rest will take time for me to remember.”

“I’m sorry for just presuming,” Starlight ventured. “Maybe I can help? If you’d like?”

Head down, Sunset looked up slyly before firing her own beam of magical energy straight at Starlight. Starlight yelped and threw up a shield, expertly blocking it. She looked back at Sunset with surprise to see her grinning expression. “Touché,” Starlight grinned.

Both erupted into laughter whilst the others stared in bewilderment.

Chapter Seven – Making Rooms

Pipp arrived back at the Brighthouse sometime later. She fluttered around the living area and kitchen but couldn’t find anypony. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice but wasn’t sure where it was coming from. “Sunny, where you at?” she called.

“In the storeroom,” Sunny shouted back. “Little help?”

As Pipp entered, Sunny yelped as the large box she’d been trying to take from the top shelf started to topple. Quickly, Pipp flew over to assist and stopped it from crashing down onto her friend.

“You could have asked you know?” Pipp smiled.

“Yeah, but everypony is so busy,” Sunny grinned. “I just wanted to get this out so I could show Sunset and Starlight.”

“What’s in here anyway?” Pipp asked curling her nose up at the cloud of dust that was kicked up.

“It’s my dad’s research,” Sunny smiled. “What we could save from the lighthouse anyway.”

Her ears drooped as she said this, a wave of sadness washing over her.

“Oooh, Sunny,” Pipp gasped, pulling her into a hug.

“I’m fine,” Sunny replied after a moment. “I still miss him, and it just catches me by surprise sometimes. He’d be so amazed and excited we’ve got two guests from ancient Equestria here. Who knew that time travel was possible!”

“I know right,” Pipp giggled. “My Pippsqueaks can barely believe it either. I’m hoping I can do a livestream with them. Especially if they can show off some magic.”

“It’s amazing isn’t it,” Sunny giggled. “I can’t wait to see more things that magic can really do. I’ve never seen anything like what they were doing earlier.”

“Yeah, that’s something I was going to ask you about. What’s with the chair with the hole in it?” Pipp asked dramatically. “What did I misssss?”

Meanwhile, Zipp was at her workstation going through her investigations with Sunset and Starlight. They were just watching the recording Zipp had taken of Twilight’s message. “…You must… element… watch out… I’m with you.”

“Any ideas on the missing parts?” Zipp asked hopefully, switching her phone to record mode. “Like what does she mean by element? I picked up this book from the archives in Zephyr Heights.”

Zipp opened the book she’d found with Misty. “It mentions here the Elements of Harmony. Could they be what Twilight is talking about?”

“Well, Twilight and her friends embody the Elements of Harmony,” Starlight replied thoughtfully. “They used the elements to defeat some of the biggest threats to Equestria.”

“Apart from what future Twilight told us on our way here,” Sunset responded, a hoof on her chin in thought. “We need to identify the Elements of Unity, not Harmony.”

“Like the Unity Crystals?” Zipp asked. “We called them that, so maybe she called them the elements?”

“I don’t think so,” Sunset replied. “I’d doubt she’d want you to fire rainbow lasers from the things powering all the magic. That would be too risky, these have to be something else.”

“Rainbow lasers? Really?” Starlight smirked.

“Hey, when magic doesn’t exist naturally you suddenly find all sorts of new ways to describe it,” Sunset shrugged.

“So, we don't think the Unity Crystals would be the Elements of Unity,” Zipp summarised as she crossed something off on a list. “The book mentions a ‘Tree’ of Harmony and that was connected to those Elements?”

“That’s right, the Tree of Harmony is where the elements originally came from,” Sunset confirmed.

“So maybe we need to find that tree?” Zipp asked.

Starlight shook her head. “No, the Tree of Harmony was destroyed and the Elements of Harmony along with it.”

“Again, Twilight said we need to identify the Elements of Unity,” Sunset clarified. “That doesn't sound like something we can just go and collect. We’ve got to work out what each one is first.”

"Trust Twilight to make things more complicated," Starlight laughed.

“Wait, if the Elements of Harmony are connected to a tree. Maybe the Elements of Unity are connected to one too,” Zipp theorised. “This book says, the Tree of Harmony was a ‘Together Tree’ and they connect all of the ponies in Equestria. But that’s all it says on them specifically. Maybe we need to find another Together Tree.”

“I’ve never heard of Together Trees,” Starlight sighed. “As far as I know there was only one Tree of Harmony.”

“Must be something that ponies after our time came up with,” Sunset shrugged.

“Come up with what?” Sunny asked as she approached, Pipp flying behind her.

“Together Trees,” Zipp replied. “That’s the next area my investigation into the elements needs to focus on.”

“Brilliant, I know you’ve got this Detective Zipp,” Sunny grinned. “In the meantime, I’ve found my dad’s research.”

Starlight and Sunset watched as Sunny opened the large box. She let out a squeak of delight as she carefully removed a set of models. “These are what my dad called the Guardians of Friendship, but we never knew what their names were! Could I ask you to name them all?”

“I’m not sure about Guardians of Friendship,” Starlight giggled. “But sure,”

“Ooh, ooh, could I get a video of this?” Pipp asked. “I’m sure my followers would love it. I could do a whole series.”

“Not entirely sure what followers are but sure,” Starlight replied before starting.

She pointed to each model in turn. Stating the name of the pony in question, which element they represented and an overview of their personality. Sunny especially was completely in awe.

“This is amazing, eee he he!” Sunny squealed with delight. “I’ve adored the stories so much and now I actually have names of the ponies who were involved.”

Sunny’s smile grew wider as she next removed a parchment of paper from the box.

“This was one of my favourite stories my dad used to tell me,” she grinned. “It’s about when the guardians travelled to a faraway village. All the villagers had been enslaved by an evil unicorn who took away their cutie marks and replaced them with equal signs.”

Sunset shot Starlight a knowing look whilst Starlight tried to look as innocent as possible.

“The guardians battled the evil unicorn and banished her to the snowy mountains never to be seen again,” Sunny continued with a beaming smile. “He’d always elaborate more but that’s the general gist of it. Please tell me it’s true. They sound so brave.”

“Did they freeze the unicorn and leave her buried in a cave?” Pipp gasped.

“I hope not,” Sunset giggled barely controlling herself.

“What’s funny?” Sunny asked worriedly. “It’s not just made up, is it?”

Starlight took a deep breath. “It’s not made up but, well. There are some details wrong.”

“Like the part of the evil unicorn being banished,” Sunset chuckled looking pointedly at Starlight.

Zipp looked from Sunset to Starlight and gasped. “Wait? Starlight! You’re the unicorn from the story?”

Starlight looked more and more uncomfortable as she looked at Sunny’s, Pipp’s and Zipp’s expressions. Sunset was not helping as she tried to hold in her giggles.

“Fine, yes. I’m the one who took away an entire village’s cutie marks. It’s a long story,” Starlight sighed. “What I’ll say quickly is, I took the cutie marks because I wanted equality. Twilight and her friends showed up and eventually, everypony got their cutie marks back. I wasn’t banished, I escaped into the mountains. Then, sometime later, I tried to get revenge on Twilight. However, she showed me the error of my ways and made me her student which was way more than I deserved.”

Sunny looked at Starlight with a mixture of awe and disappointment. Starlight sighed as she saw this. “Sunny, trust me that’s the really quick version,” she explained. “There was so much more to it, but it’s a massive story.”

“I…I just can’t believe I’m actually in the same room as somepony from one of the stories,” Sunny replied. “But the thought dad could have been wrong…”

“I promise I’ll tell you the full story another time if you’d like,” Starlight smiled. “I’m sure a lot your dad told you will be true.”

“Don’t worry, she’s not evil now,” Sunset winked.

“You’re one to talk!” Starlight pointed at Sunset. “You stole Twilight’s crown and took it through the portal!”

“What? Really?” Pipp gasped.

“Oh, I wasn’t anywhere near as competent as Starlight,” Sunset smiled. “I stole the crown and took it to the human world to gain power, but it overwhelmed me. I turned into a raging she-demon and made the whole school into a mindless zombie army. The idea was to use them to take over Equestria. But come on, how dumb of a plan is that! As soon as they stepped through the portal they would have been beaten easily. If anything, Twilight saved me, and I’m ever so grateful to her. She also showed me the error of my ways and the true meaning of friendship. Now I’ve got an awesome group of friends, and we protect that world from the magic that seeps through from Equestria.”

“Wait, so you’re both bad ponies which Twilight first defeated and then helped.” Sunny gasped. “That’s so cool.”

“Yeah, it’s epic you’ve both turned your lives around like that,” Zipp grinned.

“I suppose it is,” Sunset agreed. “I know I feel much happier now.”

“Definitely,” Starlight grinned. “So, the sleeping arrangements? Time’s kind of getting away from us.”

“Oh yeah sure,” Sunny smiled. “Come on, let’s make a plan over lunch.”

A short time later, Izzy was in the community garden. She groaned as yet another fruit, an apple this time, splattered all over her face. Sighing she collapsed to the ground. “This isn’t working,” she moaned.

“Hay Izzy,” Hitch smiled as he arrived. “What’s going on?”

He looked around at the garden. The area Izzy was sitting in was covered in splattered fruit and veg. Sparky, who’d been riding on Hitch’s back, jumped down enthusiastically and ran over to the mess.

“Sparky, no eating that fruit,” Hitch groaned. “Come on Izzy, what’s up?”

“Sunny said I could use the plants in her patch of the garden to practice some magic,” Izzy sighed. “But everything I try blows up in my face.”

Hitch blinked before remembering. “Oh, has this got something to do with our visitors?”

Izzy smiled now, getting to her hoofs. Meanwhile, Sparky ran around jumping in the mess and making Dragon Prints everywhere.

“Yeah, you should have seen it Hitch,” Izzy smiled. “There’s so much more magic can do than float stuff. Starlight is amazing. She was floating herself around and teleporting all over. She transforms items, Hitch. Like Sparky does but more controlled. That would be brilliant for my Unicycling, I could create anything from anything!”

“Wow, sounds brilliant,” Hitch gasped. “Wish I’d been there to see it, but I had so many ponies to calm down today. I barely even had time to watch Sparky.”

“Wait, where is Sparky?” Izzy asked looking around.

“What?” Hitch replied as he suddenly realised Sparky wasn’t there. “Oh, come on Sparky where have you gone now?”

“He’s here,” came a voice.

Misty walked into the garden with Sparky cradled in one hoof. “He saw me coming and ran out to meet me.”

Sparky grinned and made happy noises, waving the top of a smashed carrot in one claw.

“He’s really taking to you now Misty,” Izzy smiled.

She lifted Sparky from Misty’s hoof and placed him on her back. “Come on Sparky, let’s give Hitch a break.”

“Thanks’ Izzy,” Hitch grinned. “Are the others inside?”

“I saw Pipp taking Sunset and Starlight into town,” Izzy replied. “They’re getting somewhere set up for them to sleep and needed some stuff. I think Sunny and Zipp are inside.”

“Who’s Sunset Starlight?” Misty asked.

“Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer,” Hitch clarified. “They, well. Appeared last night. Didn’t you see the light show?”

“No, I was…erm…busy getting my aunt something,” Misty replied. “We live out of town, so I didn’t see anything.”

“Oh, you missed lots,” Izzy exclaimed. “This flower appeared at the tree and Sunny touched it and two Unicorns from the past appeared.”

“Unicorns from the past,” Misty gasped.

“Yeah, their magic is amazing,” Izzy grinned. “I was trying to do something similar but all I got was mushed fruit and veg.”

She gestured to the ruined patch of garden. Hitch smiled as he walked over.

“I’ve got this Izzy,” he grinned as he raised a hoof and it began to glow.

Hitch tapped the ground with his glowing hoof. The plants all started glowing and quickly grew new fruits, replacing those that had been squished.

“There, all fixed,” he grinned.

“Thanks’ Hitch,” Izzy beamed. “Now, I’ll take Sparky Spark Spark back to your Office and take care of him for a while.”

Sparky made happy whooping noises as Izzy trotted away, he liked his dragonsitter, Izzy.

“Thanks, Izzy,” Hitch grinned. “Come on Misty, let’s see what’s what at the Brighthouse.”

“Okay, yeah, sure,” Misty replied, watching Sparky disappear with Izzy.

Misty sighed to herself as she followed Hitch. She didn’t understand, why didn’t she take Sparky when she had the chance?

As they walked into the Brighthouse, banging could be heard from upstairs. “Knock Knock,” Hitch yelled.

“Up here!” Sunny cried from upstairs before grunting.

“Little help Sheriff,” Zipp added, also sounding a little strained.

Both Misty and Hitch ran upstairs and gasped when they saw Sunny and Zipp were trying to move a large cupboard. They quickly went to assist.

“Where are we going with this?” Hitch asked.

“Over to the right,” Sunny groaned. “We’re trying to make space for two more beds in here.”

“Starlight snores like mad,” Zipp grunted. “We’re going to make her a separate room but need to move all the other beds and furniture up a bit closer.”

“Wait, a separate room? Wouldn’t that need a wall?” Misty asked as they put the cupboard in position.

“Starlight said she’d handle that with magic,” Sunny gasped as she caught her breath. “Stick around Misty because this is going to be awesome. Eee he he!”

Misty blinked with confusion before she continued to help move the furniture.

Eventually, Pipp returned with Sunset and Starlight in tow. After they had been introduced to Misty, Starlight surveyed the area.

“I hope this is enough space,” Sunny asked hopefully.

“Oh, this is more than enough,” Starlight grinned. “I’ll make sure this additional room is small as I don’t want to impose that much.”

“So, what did you go into town for?” Hitch asked. “I don’t see anything.”

“Oh, it’s all outside,” Sunset replied. “You can’t just make a wall appear out of nothing. You need some raw material.”

“Kid of wish you’d waited too,” Starlight sighed. “You all look exhausted, and we could have moved everything so much easier.”

“It’s not a problem,” Hitch replied.

“Hey there Pippsqueaks,” Pipp said suddenly, her phone in hoof. “It’s ya, girl, Pipp. Back with another live stream of the magic building. So, you’ve seen us getting the material and heard from our experts Starlight and Sunset what’s going to happen. So, it’s time to see it in action.”

Starlight looked at Sunset with a confused expression. However, Sunset smirked and strode forward with confidence as Pipp turned the camera on her.

“That’s right,” Sunset smiled into the camera. “The building material is outside and yours truly will be transporting it in. Starlight is our expert here. She will be casting the actual spell which will create the small partition wall we need. Then we’ll have a separate bedroom for her.”

“We only need it because I snore like a train,” Starlight replied absently. “Are we doing this or not?”

Sunset gave a mock salute. “One conveyer coming up,” she grinned.

Sunset winked at the camera before teleporting with a flash. Pipp was so surprised she nearly dropped her phone. She looked around with confusion before Sunny got her attention and pointed downstairs.

Sunset had teleported so that she was between Starlight and the door. With her horn glowing, the material was already starting to float inside like a long worm, wriggling it's way upwards so Starlight could use it.

Meanwhile, Starlight took a wide stance, taking a few deep breaths her horn started to glow, the aura around it getting bigger and bigger as she put more energy into it. Then, a beam shot at where the material was hovering and a second towards where the wall needed to be. Pipp fluttered around now, filming the whole thing as the wall started to grow from seemingly nowhere.

Starlight grunted with the sustained effort but kept it up as the wall continued to grow and finally reached the ceiling. The material stopped flowing and Starlight cut the spell, sitting down and panting.

Pipp flew down in front of Starlight, still filming as Sunny approached.

“That was amazing, eee he he!” Sunny squeaked. “Are all buildings from the time of harmony built that way?”

“Heck no,” Starlight grunted waving a hoof. “I’m pooped. I mean, I’m pretty good when it comes to magic, but doing that all day to build an entire building just isn’t sustainable.”

Sunset teleported in, beads of sweat even on her brow as she turned to the camera.

“As Starlight infers, this building method wasn’t commonly used,” she smiled. “As you can see, it’s tiring to the extreme and it's a complex spell. Therefore, you have to be very proficient with magic to cast it. Starlight here is a magic expert, so any unicorns out there please don’t try at home. Also, that’s just a partition wall, you can’t use this method for any load-bearing walls. However, for creating a small additional room to create a little more privacy it’s perfect.”

“There you have it Pippsqueaks,” Pipp grinned turning the camera back to herself. “A demonstration from two experts in magic of what it really can do. Stay tuned for more insights from our new time-travelling friends. Pip Pip Hooray.”

With that, Pipp ended the live stream and grinned excitedly. “That’s already got thousands of likes and hoof taps, even a few monkeys. Still need to work out what those are...”

“Knew it was a good idea,” Sunset smiled.

“What are you talking about,” Starlight grunted. “None of what you said just then made any sense to me.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Sunset grinned. “We’re just showing off the good that magic can do.”

“I have no idea how but fine,” Starlight huffed as she got to her hoofs. “Let’s get the beds in and make sure everypony has enough space. It’s already getting late.”

“Sure, we don’t want to impose too much here,” Sunset agreed. “I’m quite certain that we’ll be going home when the time is right.”

Misty watched as the two Unicorns made their way downstairs, Hitch and Pipp following excitedly asking more questions. She looked back at the wall, having never seen magic as powerful as that before. She trotted over and carefully tapped it, almost surprised when she found it was solid.

“Incredible wasn’t it,” Sunny breathed.

Misty squeaked with surprise. She’d forgotten Sunny was still there.

“Just think Misty,” Sunny continued as she walked over to her. “Maybe someday you’ll be using magic like that.”

“Y…yeah, maybe,” Misty sighed. “I just need to get my cutie mark first and I don’t…”

“Hey, it’s fine,” Sunny comforted. “You’ll get your cutie mark when you’re ready. I mean, it’s odd that you haven’t already but I bet there are others out there that haven’t got theirs yet.”

Misty gulped before looking out at the darkness starting to fall outside. “Oh, my, erm. Aunt will be expecting me. Sorry for stopping by and going so quickly.”

“No worries, you were a big help, Misty,” Sunny smiled. “Remember, you’re welcome anytime. Short or long, it doesn't matter. It's always great to see you."

Misty gave a small smile before heading downstairs, she said goodbye to the others as Sunset and Starlight levitated two beds inside before running down the drive. Gasping, she dived into some bushes and covered her head with her hoofs. “Should I really do this?” she said to herself softly. “I don’t know what I want anymore.”

Chapter Eight – Dragon-napped

Sparky whooped and hollered as he enjoyed the ride. He wasn’t sure where Misty was taking him, but he felt like it was somewhere he needed to go. There was something in that direction calling to him.

Misty groaned; still unsure if she had made the right choice. She stopped and pulled Sparky out from under the cloak she was wearing. “Oh Sparky,” she sighed nuzzling him. “I wish you understood and could help me. If Opaline gives me my cutie mark then I'll be able to leave her. I think? Right?”

Sparky just hugged Misty’s nose and made a ‘goo’ sound, pointing a claw up the trail before them. Misty sighed and put him back under her cloak before continuing. She wasn’t sure, it felt like he knew more than he was able to tell her.

Later, Pipp led Starlight and Sunset through the streets of Maretime Bay. All the time, Sunset's head was on a swivel as she kept looking at the sides of buildings. However, it wasn’t long until they came to the front of Mane Melody. “Here we are,” Pipp grinned.

“Can we really spend time doing this?” Sunset asked. “I mean, I enjoy a good pampering, but haven’t we got a task to complete?”

“You keep saying we need to identify the Elements of Unity,” Starlight grinned. “How can we do that if we don’t know these ponies? Heck, we’ve barely spent that much time together before. How can we fix a friendship problem if we’re barely friends? What better way to get to know Pipp and see which element she could embody than coming here? Besides, after yesterday I think I need this.”

They were about to go in when they spotted Hitch. He was walking purposefully down the street towards them. “Hey Hitch,” Pipp grinned. “Like to join us?”

“I can’t Pipp, sorry,” Hitch replied. “I can’t find Sparky. I’ve searched the Office from top to bottom and he’s not there. I’m on my way to the Brighthouse to see if he’s popped up there.”

“Oh, did you want some help?” Starlight asked.

“No, it’s fine. He’s done this before,” Hitch sighed. “However, this time I’m not going to go full freak-out mode until I’ve at least checked everywhere he could be.”

“Well, if you change your mind let us know,” Pipp replied. “We’ll be here for most of the morning.”

“Sure, I’ll let you know,” Hitch smiled and headed off towards the Brighthouse.

Meanwhile, Misty slowly walked through the door of the castle. Her heart was pounding. She’d been told so many times to bring the dragon. So why was she so nervous now she was doing it?

She looked at Sparky who was sitting on her back, his eyes wide with wonder. He looked at her with a big grin on his face.

“Oh, why have you gotten so cute?” Misty sighed.

Sparky gurgled and then leaned forward, he threw his little dragon claws around her neck and started nuzzling her.

“You’re making this so hard!” Misty exclaimed a little too loudly. “No, I can’t. I can’t do this. I’m taking you back before it’s too late.”

Opaline sighed from her hiding spot having seen and heard everything. She tutted as Misty turned and started heading toward the door. Her protégé had really lost her way.

“Misty,” she shouted as she walked around the corner.

Misty squeaked and quickly turned around. Still walking backwards towards the door, she tried to hide Sparky with her head and mane.

“Where have you been all night?” Opaline asked with mock worry. “Your bed hasn’t been slept in.”

Misty gasped, unsure what to say. Two more steps backwards and she’d be at the door. Two more steps and Opaline would be unable to reach her.

“Oh, I see what you’ve been up to,” Opaline smiled.

Misty gasped as Opaline levitated Sparky up from off her back. Creating a floating half-sphere, she set Sparky down within it. She shot Misty a look of joy before she grinned at Sparky. “Look what Misty has done,” she cooed. “Has she brought the dragon? Yes, she has. Yes, she has.”

Sparky gave Misty a look of reassurance that made her bottom lip quiver.

“What’s the matter, Misty?” Opaline asked. “You’ve succeeded! Everything we’ve talked about will soon come to pass.”

“Y…y…yes Opaline,” Misty gasped at last.

“Come on you gorgeous little dragon,” Opaline cooed. “I have the perfect place for you.”

Misty gasped as Opaline turned and started heading upstairs to her study. Finally collecting herself, Misty followed knowing there was no going back now.

As Opaline walked into the study, she grinned as Sparky caught sight of the Dragon Stone and became more alert. He looked directly at the stone, his little nose twitching.

“Yes, you know what that is don’t you?” Opaline smiled.

Sparky started making excited cooing noises and tried to reach out to the Dragon Stone. However, he didn’t get far due to the curvature of the half-sphere he was sitting in.

“So, erm, Opaline,” Misty ventured.

“Yes, Misty?” Opaline replied, still studying Sparky.

“How many puffs of fire will the Dragon Stone need?”

“Oh, quite a few,” Opaline replied curtly. “In fact, I think it will be all of them.”

She added the second half sphere so that Sparky was completely enclosed. Then, levitating him out of a window she attached the sphere to the end of a chain. Misty gasped in shock and ran to the window, seeing the look of terror in Sparky’s little eyes as he saw the drop below him. His previous bravado having suddenly disappeared.

“C…can’t we keep him somewhere safer? Misty asked, her eyes wide with fear. “I…I need to take him back.”

“Take him back?” Opaline asked. “Whatever for Misty? He’ll not be worth taking anywhere.”

“But you said you wouldn’t need him after the stone is charged,” Misty replied.

“Exactly, he’ll be completely useless,” Opaline grinned. “Useless to us and useless to anypony else.”

Opaline’s horn glowed towards the Dragon Stone. Suddenly, energy began to depart Sparky’s body, seemingly coming from every part of him. It wafted over to the stone and the stone began slowly glowing. Misty watched in horror as Sparky started to look weaker.

“Misty, did you reorganize the library yet?” Opaline asked bluntly.

“N…no,” Misty sniffed. “Not yet.”

“Well, you’ll need to watch the dragon then,” Opaline smiled. “I need some spell books for later and with the mess the library is in it will take me a while. Make sure you put it on your list, hmm.”

“Y…yes Opaline,” Misty sighed, still looking at Sparky.

With that, Opaline walked out the study door with a smirk on her face.

Misty looked around to check the coast was clear. She poked her head out the window and stretched out a hoof. However, it was clear there was no way she was reaching Sparky. “I’m sorry Sparky,” she cried. “This is all my fault and I’ve got to get you help. I just hope they’ll understand and forgive me.”

Running downstairs, Misty made straight for the castle door. Running out over the drawbridge she turned towards Maretime Bay at full speed.

However, from a window in one of the towers, Opaline grinned. “That’s it, Misty, run. Run as fast as you can, bring me Sunny Starscout and her friends.”

At the Brighthouse, Hitch was finally starting to get worried about Sparky. They had searched the entire building from top to bottom and he was nowhere to be found.

“Okay, this is not good,” Hitch breathed. “He’s not at the Office and he’s not here. That’s the only two places that he’d be checked.”

“Did you check the magic tree?” Zipp asked. “You mentioned he’s been spending a lot of time looking at the flower.”

“I glanced that way when I came out of the Office but didn’t look properly,” Hitch admitted. “I was sure he’d be here though.”

“Well, we’ve tried the lullaby and that’s not found him,” Sunny replied. “Let’s head into town and pick up Pipp, Starlight and Sunset. Maybe they have some magic that could help us.”

“Yeah, some sort of location spell,” Izzy grinned. “We’ll find him, I know we will.”

“Sure, okay let’s do that,” Hitch replied. “I’m just realising what parents of lost foals must go through. You’re not supposed to report them missing for twenty-four hours. I think I need to remove that rule, it’s not even one I made!”

They were just turning towards the door when it burst open. Misty clattered in, falling in a pile on the floor, gasping for air.

“I! Sparky! Help!” Misty mustered between breaths.

Sunny rushed to Misty’s side, helping her up so she could breathe easier. “Easy Misty, breathe.”

“Say that again Misty?” Hitch asked. “What’s that about Sparky?”

“He…He’s in trouble,” Misty gasped. “He’s been dragon-napped. I…I know where to find him.”

“To the Marestream,” Hitch said determinedly. “We’ve got to rescue him.”

“What about Pipp and the others?” Sunny asked.

“I’ll give her a ring on our way,” Zipp replied. “Come on!”

They hurried into the Marestream and Zipp quickly carried out the preflight checks. When all was ready, they lifted off as Zipp called her sister.

“Come on Pipp, pick up,” Zipp groaned as the call rang and rang and eventually went to voicemail. “Pipp! Sparky’s been dragon-napped and Misty says she knows where he is. We’re heading there, I’ll ring you when we get there.”

As they got above the treeline, Misty held out a hoof and pointed. “That way.”

Zipp did as instructed and the Marestream shot off in the direction Misty had indicated.

“So, how did you know about this Misty?” Zipp asked.

“I…I saw them,” Misty replied. “I saw them carrying him away.”

“Okay, so how do you know where to find him?” Zipp asked.

“I followed them,” Misty replied.

“So, you didn’t think to call us? To call me?” Hitch asked. “I’m the Sheriff, first thing anypony should do in that situation is call me.”

“I…I…” Misty faltered, tears welling in her eyes.

“Hey, hey. That’s enough,” Sunny said leaping to Misty’s defence. “Misty did what she thought was right at the time. If anything, it’s smart that she’s come to get help instead of trying to rescue him on her own.”

“Yeah,” Izzy grinned. “Misty’s a hero already. If she followed them all the way to where they’re hiding, she’s got to be pretty sneaky.”

There was a sudden jolt, and the sky suddenly became noticeably darker. “Which way Misty?” Zipp asked, a tinge of worry in her voice.

“Over there,” Misty said pointing towards a large castle, wiping away her tears.

“Is that where they’re keeping him?” Hitch asked.

“Yes,” Misty sighed. “That’s where she’s keeping him.”

“She?” Zipp frowned. “Misty, what do you know?”

“I’ll tell you. I promise.” Misty replied. “We need to rescue Sparky first.”

“Misty’s right,” Sunny added. “Sparky first, questions and allegations later.”

Chapter Nine – Rescue?

Carefully, Zipp brought the Marestream down a short distance away from the castle. She tried calling Pipp again as they filed out. “Still no answer!” she growled. “Pipp! Stop pampering yourself and answer the phone! This is an emergency! I’m sending you GPS coordinates, get here as fast as you can! Sparky needs us now!”

“What gives?” Hitch sighed. “Normally she never puts her phone down.”

“Too busy getting her hair done,” Zipp sighed as she tapped away on her phone. “That or she’s singing.”

“There’s no time to wait for them,” Misty replied. “We need to save Sparky.”

“I agree, there is no time,” Hitch hissed back. “But afterwards you’re giving us some answers Misty.”

“What?” Sunny gasped. “Come on Hitch, what part of Misty is trying to save Sparky don’t you see.”

“What I see Sunny is the part where you’re being blinded by optimism!” Hitch replied.

Steeling herself, Misty started forward. “This way.”

Misty led the group towards the castle drawbridge. From her perch in the tower, Opaline watched with glee.

“Oh Misty, you are so predictable,” she cooed. “Fortunately, I know what medicine to administer once my powers are restored.”

Quietly, Misty opened the front door of the castle and entered the throne room. The others followed as Misty started to head towards the ramp upstairs.

“This place is huge,” Hitch whispered. “How do we find Sparky?”

Misty stopped and sighed as she looked at the ground. “By following me,” she sniffed. “Hopefully we can get to him whilst she’s still in the library. I think she’ll be in there for a while, but we need to move before she realises that we’re here.”

“Oh, I’ve realised already!” a voice boomed.

Misty felt her blood run cold as Opaline appeared at the top of the ramp. “Poor predictable Misty,” she smiled. “I knew you’d turned soft.”

Her horn flared and before anypony could react a bubble appeared which trapped Sunny and her friends. Their cries of dismay caused Misty to turn around. Her eyes went wide in horror as she realised, she’d led them into a trap. “No! No, this can’t…” she cried.

“Yes, Misty,” Opaline cackled as she swooped down, landing just behind her. “You did exactly what I expected. Running off to get help for the worthless little dragon. Don’t worry, once my powers are restored, I know just what I need to do to bring you back into line. Your friends here will serve as excellent test subjects as I perfect my plan to finally rule Equestria, as I always should have.”

“No, Misty,” Sunny breathed. “How…”

“Don’t Sunny,” Zipp sighed. “Misty’s been pretending this whole time. She was using us.”

“No, no I wasn’t,” Misty cried.

“I thought we were friends,” Izzy sighed as she sat down sadly.

“We are!” Misty cried. “I can’t just let this happen!”

Turning towards Opaline she tried to activate her horn. However, it just fizzled weakly.

“Oh, that was depressing,” Opaline smiled at Misty’s horrified expression. “Now, go back to your room and wait like a good little mare. Once my powers are restored, I’ll administer your medicine.”

Misty gasped as she felt something around her hoofs. She looked down to see the same magical whisps as before trapping them to the floor. She tugged and tugged but couldn’t move.

Opaline leaned in to whisper into her ear. “This time don’t try to escape.”

“No! No!” Misty cried as she was suddenly sent skidding up the ramp and out of sight.

Opaline grinned as she looked down at Sunny and her friends. “Once your little dragon has given me all his fire I’ll be back to full strength,” she grinned. “Then, I’ll finally rule Equestria as I always should have done. You four haven’t seen anything yet.”

“We’ll get out of this,” Sunny frowned. “We’ll stop you.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Opaline smiled. “There is no escape, Sunny Starscout.”

With that, Opaline turned and headed up the ramp she’d sent Misty mere moments ago.

Sunny blinked with confusion. Panting, she started to pace back and forth in the tiny space afforded by the bubble they were trapped under. “Misty didn’t betray us,” she reasoned. “She couldn’t have, we’re friends. I know we are.”

“No, we’re not. Not to her anyway.” Zipp exclaimed with frustration. “She was lying the whole time Sunny, there’s no other explanation.”

“No, she wasn’t,” Sunny replied. “You saw what the Alicorn just did to her. How she berated her. Trapped her. Misty’s just as much a prisoner in this castle as we are.”

“There’s no way out of this,” Hitch sighed. “Sparky’s stuck up there somewhere. Misty’s trapped someplace else. Pipp won’t answer her phone and that means the two mares who could maybe stand up to this Alicorn aren’t aware we need help.”

“She’s not the only alicorn,” Sunny breathed.

She closed her eyes and focused. Her alicorn powers flickered into life but then extinguished. “What? No! Why’s it not working again?” Sunny gasped. “I’m trying to save everypony!”

Izzy suddenly landed at Sunny’s hoofs on her back, her eyes spinning. “The first few tries were okay, but this is making me dizzy,” she moaned.

“Wait, Izzy what are you doing?” Zipp asked.

“Trying to escape of course,” Izzy replied.

She got up and thrust her horn into the bubble’s membrane. However, after a few moments she was pushed back and once again fell to the floor.

“But why aren’t you using your horn?” Hitch frowned.

“I am,” Izzy replied, as she got up.

She shoved her horn into the skin of the bubble again and got the same result.

“Urgh. We mean your magic,” Zipp clarified. “Why aren’t you using your magic?”

“Because it just fizzled and didn’t do anything,” Izzy replied. “So, I thought I’d go old school.”

Gasping, Zipp tried flapping her wings. She tried and tried but couldn’t fly, not even a millimetre.

“Sunny, it’s not your powers. It’s this bubble,” Zipp explained. “It has to be cutting us off from the Unity Crystals.”

“Great,” Sunny sighed, sinking to the ground. “That’s just perfect.”

“It’s okay, I’ll get you out.”

They turned to see Misty running down the ramp from upstairs.

“Misty?” Sunny gasped, getting up. “You escaped?”

“Opaline is getting careless,” Misty grinned. “She didn’t put a force field over the door this time.”

“So? How can we trust you?” Zipp replied crossly. “We’re here because of you.”

“Zipp!” Sunny exclaimed.

“No, Zipp’s right,” Misty replied sitting down. “This is all my fault. I’m the one that brought Sparky here. I’m the one who brought you all here. I honestly thought that Opaline wouldn’t need Sparky for long. That he'd give her two puffs of fire and I’d be bringing him back. But, I got through that door and realised even that was wrong and tried to turn back. But it was too late, Opaline was ready for me.”

“Just like she was ready for us,” Hitch sighed.

“What was your rescue plan, Misty?” Sunny asked with a sigh.

“I…I don’t know,” Misty admitted. “I just knew we needed to get Sparky out as quickly as we could. Just like I need to get you out now. You’ve all treated me better than anypony else has in my life. I have to fix this and make it right. It’s what a true friend would do!”

Misty looked around the throne room and spotted the burning torches next to the throne itself. Running over she jumped onto the throne and then placed both forehoofs on one of the torches. “I’d rather be a pony without a cutie mark forever than spend one more day doing the wrong thing for Opaline.”

She slammed both hoofs against the torch and broke off the top, the fire fizzling out. Jumping down, she picked it up in her mouth and took a moment to steady herself, aiming the tip toward the bubble. With a deep breath, she charged. She drove the tip of the torch deep into the bubble’s membrane and pushed with everything she had. Suddenly, the bubble popped, sending Misty flying backwards across the room.

Sunny immediately ran forward to help Misty to her hoofs. “You saved us Misty,” she grinned.

“I had to. I couldn’t bear to see you in trouble,” Misty replied.

She started to move to where the torch was laid on the ground but stopped as she felt a tingling sensation. The others gasped as Misty began to glow, slowly lifting into the air. “What’s happening?” she gasped.

There was a flash and suddenly her cutie mark appeared on her right flank. A single purple, magenta and pink butterfly. Misty blinked with surprise as she floated back to the ground. “H…How?” she gasped. “I…I’ve got my cutie mark! I don’t understand.”

“It’s because you saved us,” Izzy grinned.

“But Opaline always told me your family gave you your cutie mark,” Misty replied in shock.

“No, it’s when you find your true self,” Sunny replied with a grin. “You get your cutie mark when you find your true self and begin to shine.”

“Or when your special talent comes out,” Izzy beamed.

Misty couldn’t contain her happiness, smiling broadly she looked back at her cutie mark, spinning around and around with glee. “I can feel it,” she gasped. “Inside, me. The feeling that something’s unlocked. What if that’s me? The real me?”

“Of course it is,” Sunny grinned. “You got your cutie mark because you cared about how we all felt.”

“Haven’t we got a baby dragon to rescue?” Hitch asked.

“Yes, and now I know how,” Misty grinned picking up the torch and throwing it to Hitch.

Opaline smiled with glee as she watched the Dragon Stone. It was glowing brighter and brighter by the moment. “That’s it, a little more will be enough,” she breathed.

Finally, the glow looked to have reached its peak. Opaline laughed excitedly as she began syphoning the power into herself. She lifted off the ground, her wings spreading and fire flaring from their feathers.

“YES! YES!” she cried. “My powers are restoring! This is my rebirth!”

“That’s great Opaline!” a voice shouted from the door.

“Misty!” Opaline exclaimed. “What are you… How did you get out?”

Misty squeaked and started running downstairs. “Come back here you welp!” Opaline seethed as she waited for all her power to return, knowing she couldn’t interrupt it.

As soon as the syphoning finished, Opaline floated back to the ground. She shot a look at Sparky to check he was still being drained before hurrying after her wayward protégé. “Misty, get back here this instant!” she ordered.

Opaline rounded the corner out of the study and headed towards the ramp that would take her downstairs. She completely missed seeing Zipp hovering at a window holding Hitch. As soon as they saw Opaline had passed, they headed to where Sparky was being held.

Opaline stormed down the ramp and into the throne room. At the furthest side, Izzy and Misty stood waiting. Izzy had taken a wide stance, a look of determination on her face. Misty however had suddenly realised what she’d gotten herself into and looked scared witless.

“You think you can stand up to me?” Opaline laughed.

“Sure, we do,” Izzy cried back as her horn flared. “You leave Sparky alone!”

Izzy had collected as many things from the throne room as possible and began hurling them at Opaline.

Opaline just tutted and created a shield letting the items bounce off of it. “Pitiful,” she grinned.

Izzy and Misty gasped as a new bubble appeared and trapped them. Opaline laughed with satisfaction before frowning with confusion. “Wait, where are the rest of them?”

“Right here,” Sunny said as she appeared at the top of the ramp. “So, you’re the evil alicorn?”

“Evil Alicorn?” Opaline echoed, launching into the air with a powerful flap of her wings. “I’m Opaline Arcana, the rightful ruler of Equestria. I’m a fire alicorn and you, Sunny Starscout, are nothing compared to me. You have no idea what you’re up against.”

Sunny closed her eyes and focused. However, she gasped as once again her powers failed her. She opened her eyes again just in time to see a torrent of fire shooting directly at her from Opaline’s horn.
Squeaking, Sunny slid down the ramp and just avoided it.

Opaline kept up the barrage of fire, however, it was soon apparent that Sunny was too fast as she kept dodging out of the way. “Missed me,” Sunny grinned as yet another went wide of the mark.

“Stand still you pretender,” Opaline cried with fury.

“Why would I do that?” Sunny grinned.

Opaline roared with rage before she had an idea. She aimed at the ceiling and dislodged a large chunk of stone which started to fall.
Sunny realised what was happening far too late and couldn’t get out of the way in time. The stone landed directly on top of her pinning her hind legs and body to the floor. She immediately tried to free herself, however her forehoofs slipped helplessly on the tiled surface.

“Well now, that was easy,” Opaline smiled. “Time for you to say goodbye, Sunny Starscout.”

Sunny gasped as Opaline’s horn flared brightly, much more than it had been previously as she charged up for a much larger blast of fire. Sunny redoubled her struggles, but it was still no use. She was well and truly trapped. Opaline ginned as she finally let go of her fire blast and let it rip towards Sunny at great speed.

Sunny closed her eyes, powerless and unable to move she didn’t know what to do. She heard Izzy and Misty calling her name and then…

Nothing happened, she didn’t feel anything and could barely hear anything either. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw two familiar unicorns stood either side of her. Their horns were touching and glowing together. A glistening half-sphere shield wrapped around all three of them. The fire being held at bay by this shield washed over and scorched the floor around it.

Eventually, the fire stopped, and Opaline looked at the shield in shock, only to gasp as it dropped and revealed the two newcomers. “What? Who are you?”

“Starlight Glimmer,” the one on the right grinned.

“Sunset Shimmer,” the one on the left smiled.

Sunset winked at Starlight, holding up a hoof. “Think I’ve got the shields down now Starlight.”

Starlight smiled and returned the hoof bump.

Chapter Ten - Battle

“You?” Opaline gasped. “How are you here? You both passed long before I was even a foal.”

“Thank Princess Twilight,” Starlight grinned. “Let’s see what you’ve got miss Firestarter.”

Sunset fired a beam from her horn directly towards Opaline. It took her by surprise, and despite flying backwards she was unable to avoid it. However, it impacted a shield that seemed to appear from nowhere.

Despite that, it gave Starlight an opening to make her move. Teleporting, she appeared high up near the ceiling and began levitating herself. She flew around the room, firing her own beams of magic towards Opaline but they too impacted a shield.

Growling, Opaline returned fire and focused on Starlight. She flew around trying to outmanoeuvre her new opponent.

This opened a way for Sunset to get involved. She began teleporting around the floor of the throne room. She’d appear, fire a beam, and then disappear, repeating over and over keeping her locations random. The pair were soon working in tandem, keeping Opaline off balance and distracted. Her shots became rushed, meaning they’d either miss or be absorbed by the pair’s own shields.

“No, you don’t!” Opaline cried. “I will not have my victory snatched away.”

With Opaline focused on Starlight and Sunset, Pipp saw her chance. She flew as fast as she could to Sunny’s aid. Planting both forehooves against the stone pinning her friend and both hind hooves on the floor she pushed with all her might. “I’ve got you Sunny.”

Arching her back, Sunny assisted and with a great effort she was finally able to crawl free. “Thank you, Pipp,” Sunny breathed.

She closed her eyes and focused, her alicorn powers flickered on and off repeatedly. Grunting as she focused harder, they finally activated fully.

“Sunny?” Pipp gasped. “Maybe, we should…”

“I have to help!” Sunny replied. “I’m…I’m the alicorn!”

With that, Sunny spread her wings and took to the air. Putting herself level with Opaline she began flying around the much larger alicorn, their shields bouncing off each other.

“You pest!” Opaline cried. “Three on one isn’t fair.”

“It’s not three-on-one,” Zipp shouted from the top of the ramp.

“Yeah, we’re all here together,” Hitch added.

Sparky was laid on Hitch’s back and gave a weak thumbs up. His normal brightly coloured scales were now much greyer, and he looked quite weary. However, he held on tightly as Hitch ran down the ramp.

Hitch dodged his way through the ongoing battle, the torch clamped in his teeth. Dodging stray shots from Starlight and aimed shots from Opaline he thrust the torch into the bubble trapping Misty and Izzy. It popped almost instantly.

“Yeah, we’re behind you all,” Izzy shouted.

“G…go get her,” Misty added. “You can do it!”

Pipp gasped at the raging battle, suddenly feeling they had to win. “Yeah, you’ve all got this!”

As they continued to cheer, one by one, Zipp’s, Hitch’s, Izzy’s, Misty’s and Pipp’s cutie marks started to glow. Sparkling energy started to radiate from them and float towards Sunny.

Sunny gasped as she felt the energy from her friends combine with her own. Feeling a boost in confidence, she fired her own magical beam of golden orange energy at Opaline. “We won’t let you win this,” Sunny cried. “Not when we have the magic of friendship behind us.”

Opaline cried with fury as she flew around under a continual barrage. However, her shield was more than holding up to what was being thrown at it. She stopped fighting back and took stock of her situation. Looking around she realised she’d been firing at the wrong opponents. Grinning, she fired a blast straight at Izzy.

Izzy gasped as she saw the incoming fire. She froze, eyes wide, completely oblivious of what to do. Suddenly, Sunset appeared between her and the fire, her shield protecting both of them from the blast.

“You, okay?” Sunset grunted as she looked back to Izzy with a reassuring smile.

“Yeah, I’m…” Izzy started before a look of horror appeared on her face. “HITCH!”

Sunset gasped and turned around. Another blast of fire was heading straight for Hitch. With no time to teleport, she fired a beam straight for it. The two intersected and there was an explosion, however, it was enough to allow Hitch to dodge out of the way.

“Okay, this is not good,” Sunset gasped.

Opaline grinned as she now found herself in a target-rich environment. Sunset could barely keep up as she kept firing at the more defenceless ponies. Zipp was flying around the room, trying to provide a distraction. Opaline grinned as she fired straight at her. “There’s nowhere for your friends to hide. It’s only a matter of time.”

Realising the new threat, Starlight teleported. She appeared in front of Zipp and grabbed her. Before Opaline’s blast hit them, she teleported Zipp to where Sunset was protecting Izzy and Hitch.

“I was about to dodge that,” Zipp exclaimed with annoyance.

“Doesn’t matter, keep together,” Starlight replied before moving to fire back at Opaline.

“Starlight’s right, stay here,” Sunset ordered. “We can’t protect you all if you’re scattered.”

“But we’re a bigger target,” Zipp reasoned.

“Yes, but we can’t be everywhere at once,” Sunset argued. “There’s no cover.”

“We should go,” Starlight suggested between shots. “We’ve got Sparky so let’s cut and run.”

“Agreed, this is too intense,” Sunset responded.

“I’ll distract her,” Starlight replied.

“No, I can’t teleport everypony alone,” Sunset gasped.

But it was too late, Starlight didn't hear as she'd already teleported to the other side of the room.

Pipp cried as she saw a wall of fire streaking towards where she’d been hovering in a corner of the room.

“I’ve got you,” Sunny shouted as she put herself between her friend and Opaline.

The fire blast hissed as it impacted Sunny’s shield, but it held firm.

“Thanks,” Pipp sighed.

“Join the others,” Sunny instructed. “I’ll cover you.”

Pipp did as instructed, flying straight towards where Sunset was shielding the others.

Sunset looked around the room. Not seeing any other isolated ponies, she began manoeuvring them towards the door. Another blast impacted her shield, and Sunset grunted with effort dropping to one knee.

“This is why we’ve got to go,” Sunset panted. “I can’t keep this up.”

“Understood,” Hitch replied. “We’re ready, just get us to that door.”

Starlight hated to admit it, but she was feeling fatigued. Nothing she’d thrown at Opaline had made a dent in her shield. It was omnidirectional and didn’t appear to need any concentration from Opaline. Sunny was now the most offensive of them. She had effectively engaged Opaline in a dogfight, their shields colliding at times with flashes of energy.

Seeing that Sunset and the others were pretty much at the door, Starlight put her distraction plan into motion. Taking a deep breath, she cast her duplication spell and suddenly multiple Starlight’s appeared all around the room and fired at Opaline.

Opaline cried with dismay as her shield finally cracked and failed. Sunny banked round, preparing to fire at the now helpless fire alicorn. However, Opaline suddenly caught sight of something blue on the ramp to the upstairs area.

Misty squeaked as she suddenly found herself being lifted from the ramp. The Dragon Stone dropped from her grasp and rolled down the ramp. She flew through the air helplessly as Opaline lifted her into the path of Sunny’s shot. Misty cried as the magical energy impacted her in the back and Opaline dropped her.

“Misty!” Sunny cried in dismay.

Sunny dived down; hoofs outstretched as Misty fell towards the caldron pool. She scooped Misty up at the last second before she impacted the water. Misty winced in pain in her friend’s legs and clung on as tight as she could.

Meanwhile, Starlight had teleported back to the ceiling. Gasping as she saw Misty being hit, she watched in horror as Sunny just managed to catch her from impacting the water. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the pair climbing to safety and swoop around towards the door that the others were just opening. Suddenly, she realised she’d lost sight of Opaline and didn’t know where she was.

Sunset held the door open as Sunny flew towards it, Misty still held in her hoofs, the others having already exited. She watched them fly through and made to go herself. However, her blood froze as she heard Starlight cry out in pain. Turning she saw Starlight hit the ground with an almighty thud. “Nooo,” Sunset cried.

Without hesitation, she fired a beam of magic at Starlight. Starlight immediately vanished having been teleported away. Sunset deflected yet another blast of fire magic before looking directly at Opaline. With anger in her eyes, she held her gaze for a few seconds before wisely teleporting away herself.

“You can’t run!” Opaline cried. “Not from Opaline Arcana.”

Outside the Marestream, Pipp and Zipp yelped with surprise as Starlight’s prone form suddenly appeared. They rushed to her side and gasped when they realised she’d been hurt.

“W…What do we do?” Pipp asked.

“Get her inside,” Zipp ordered. “We’ve got to go.”

“No complaints from me, Sparky’s in a bad way,” Hitch said as he skidded to a stop before noticing Starlight. “Okay, yep. We need to get out of here pronto.”

Sunny landed with Misty as the others were getting Starlight into the Marestream.

“I…I’m fine Sunny,” Misty stammered. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“But I hit you, Misty,” Sunny exclaimed, her eyes wet from tears. “I shouldn’t be doing that.”

Sunny looked round with confusion as her alicorn powers flickered and faded away. “No, nonono.”

“Come on,” Hitch urged from the Marestream as Zipp fired it up. “We’re going.”

“But what about Sunset?” Sunny asked desperately.

There was a flash as Sunset suddenly appeared beside Sunny making her squeak with surprise. “Misty get in the Streamy thingy. Zipp, take off and fly as fast as you can,” Sunset ordered. “Sunny, get ready. We’re going to be making a fighting retreat. You take the sky. I’ll handle the ground.”

Sunny gasped as she heard Opaline shouting from within the castle. She tried to activate her alicorn powers again, but they only flickered weakly before disappearing again. “It…It’s not working,” she fretted. “Why won’t they work?”

Before Sunset could reply, Opaline came storming out of the castle door. Only for her to impact a forcefield. Sunset gasped as Twilight’s cutie mark appeared within the glistening energy as it kept the fire alicorn at bay.

Opaline howled with anger, after being pushed back from the forcefield she fired blast after blast of fire magic into it. However, every single one was absorbed, the magical energy rippling through the forcefield with an almighty flash. Twilight’s cutie mark appearing every time.

Sunset and Sunny watched, both panting as they felt their hearts in their mouths. Slowly, the others came to the door of the Marestream too, looking in awe as Opaline continued to batter the shield.

“She still can’t get out,” Misty breathed. “She’s still trapped!”

Sunset turned to Misty looking for reassurance. “You’re sure?” she asked. “She can’t teleport through it or anything like that?”

Misty shook her head. “Nope, she’s never been able to. She can’t even use magic directly through it. She has to cast things in her pool thing in the throne room.”

Sunset turned back to the ongoing light show and breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, it looks like whatever forcefield Twilight put on that place is still too strong for her,” she deduced. “I think we’re safe so let’s get out of here.”

“Y…yeah,” Sunny replied. “Let’s go.”

To be continued...

Chapter Eleven - Aftershock

After arriving back at the Brighthouse, Starlight was immediately taken to her little bedroom by Izzy and Sunny. They had wanted to take her to the hospital, but Starlight had robustly declined. Now the pair began the process of making sure that Starlight was as comfortable as possible by applying dressings and bandages.

Meanwhile, Hitch was tending to Sparky in the living area. Having been placed on one of the seats, the little dragon nodded off to sleep almost straight away. His normally radiant green-coloured scales were now distinctly grey and monotone. Hitch sighed as he wrapped a blanket around his little friend and tried to make him as comfortable as possible. Making sure his favourite cuddly toys were within easy reach.

“Hitch,” Misty ventured. “I’m so sorry.”

Hitch took a deep breath and sighed. “Misty, whilst taking Sparky was wrong. What you did afterwards, fetching us, saving us, and then helping us to save him. That’s the important part.”

“But I still did the wrong thing,” Misty replied sadly. “I couldn’t even get the Dragon Stone.”

“Misty, I think you’re being hard on yourself here,” Hitch replied. “How did you end up with Opaline?”

“I…I’m not sure,” Misty sighed. “She’s all I can remember. She always told me that she’d rescued me when I was little. She told me that I was important to her, that she’d rule Equestria, and I’d be at her side. Truthfully, I’ve never wanted to be at her side all I wanted was a cutie mark. She told me that cutie marks came from family, and she’d give me one once she had her powers.”

“She used you Misty, I see that now,” Zipp said as she sat down. “I kept saying there was something off about you. In a way, I was right. There was something off, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I’m sorry for how I reacted back there.”

“You don’t need to apologise, Zipp,” Misty smiled. “So, what now? Opaline’s not been defeated yet, not even close. The fact she’s still trapped in her castle won’t stop her. She always said she wanted her power back so she could escape. However, she was also always saying she’d take all the power. That she couldn’t get out just means she’ll be looking for ways to take more now so she can escape.”

“We need to keep an eye on her and be ready for whatever she does,” Zipp agreed. “I’ll go and speak with Sunset and Sunny. See if we can’t work out what our next moves are.”

With that, Zipp got up and started looking for Sunset.

“What about us?” Misty asked looking at Hitch.

“For now, let me check you out Misty,” Hitch replied. “You’re as much a victim here as what Starlight and Sparky are.”

“O...Okay,” Misty replied allowing herself to be led to the kitchen.

A short time later, Sunny groaned as she came out of Starlight’s bedroom. She started to head towards the lift to the Crystal Chamber. However, Zipp spotted her. “Sunny, over here.”

Sunny sighed and headed towards Zipp’s workstation where she was speaking with Sunset.

“How is she Sunny?” Sunset asked.

“It’ll take ages for her to fully heal,” Sunny moaned. “It’s all my fault.”

“No way Sunny,” Zipp replied. “You did the best you could.”

“We weren’t ready for a direct confrontation with an opponent as powerful as that,” Sunset added. “For somepony who’s had no magical tuition, you did really well Sunny.”

“Besides, you were the one right about Misty,” Zipp added. “She is our friend and she proved it.”

“In my experience, Misty will need you all to support her now,” Sunset smiled. “This is a huge change for her. You need to be there for her Sunny, you too Zipp.”

Sunny closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, she looked at Zipp and Sunset with determination. “So, what do we do now?”

“Well, we can’t take Opaline on head-on,” Sunset replied. “Fortunately, I don’t think she’s getting out of her castle anytime soon.”

“We need the Elements of Unity,” Zipp replied. “To find them we need knowledge. Sunset and I were both just saying, we need more information.”

“Healing magic for Starlight and Sparky, and information on Together Trees,” Sunset confirmed. “Those are likely the key to the Elements and those will be what you use to defeat Opaline.”

“So where are we getting that?” Sunny asked. “Where do we look?”

“Books,” Sunset answered. “Whenever Twilight needed knowledge, she’d head to the nearest library. Would the Unicorns have any magic books still?”

“I don’t think so,” Sunny sighed. “I asked Izzy before, and she said there weren’t any magic books in Bridlewood. It sounds like there isn’t even a library.”

“Magic was a bit of a taboo for the Unicorns after Equestria separated and they lost it,” Zipp explained to Sunset.

Sunset closed her eyes, and sitting down she placed a hoof under her chin in thought. “Something Starlight told me when we were at the spa place, Mane Melody. She thinks that the Pegasus city, Zepher High, looks a lot like where Canterlot used to be.”

“Zephyr Heights,” Sunny corrected. “But how would that help us? I doubt the Pegasi would have kept many spellbooks.”

“I’ve searched the Zephyr Heights archives before,” Zipp confirmed. “There wasn’t much in the way of magic books. We may find something more about Together Trees though.”

“Right but, do you know what happened to Canterlot?” Sunset asked. “Like did Zephyr Heights get built over the top or something like that?”

“No clue,” Zipp sighed. “I had no idea that Canterlot and Zephyr Heights could even be in the same place.”

“It’s all odd,” Sunset admitted. “Like I can’t work out where Maretime Bay would be on an old map of Equestria. It’s like the world’s gotten reformatted or something.”

“We could always go and ask Mum,” Zipp replied. “But I don’t get it. Why would you be wanting to get to Canterlot?”

“Because the castle archive or the public library would have the information we need,” Sunset replied confidently. “Trust me, if they’ve survived there are millions of books there.”

Just then, Pipp flew in from downstairs looking excited. “There you are,” she smiled. “Listen, I’ve had a brilliant idea for a surprise for Misty!”

“We don’t have time for surprises Pipp!” Sunny replied curtly.

“Oh, but you’ll like this one,” Pipp replied confidently. “I’ve been speaking with Mum, and she agreed it would be a great idea for Misty to take part in the Cutie Blossom Bash at Zephyr Heights.”

“The cutie what now?” Sunset blinked with confusion.

“Cutie Blossom Bash,” Zipp repeated. “It’s a celebration for everypony who’s gotten their cutie mark within the last year. You get dressed up and then parade up on stage for everypony to see your new cutie mark.”

“So, what about Cute-Ceañera’s?” Sunset asked. “Don’t you have them anymore?”

“Never heard of them,” Pipp admitted. “What are they? They sound fancy.”

“A party for when you get your cutie mark,” Sunset explained. “It’s just for you and all your friends and family.”

“Sounds like one of those traditions that’s been replaced,” Sunny sighed. “Actually, if we go to Zephyr Heights now, maybe we can speak to Queen Haven about magic books and if Canterlot could still exist.”

“Actually, that’s a good idea,” Zipp replied. “If mum doesn’t know then somepony at the castle would. Going there would be a good move.”

“Yass,” Pipp grinned. “Hitch also mentioned something about speaking to Queen Haven about Opaline too. You know, tell her what’s going on.”

“Ooh, let’s not tell her we were in a magical battle,” Zipp grimaced. “That won’t go down well.”

“But what about Starlight?” Sunset asked worriedly.

“Oh, she’ll be fine,” Pipp smiled. “Hitch already suggested that he speak to his Grandmare Figgy and ask her to come and watch both Starlight and Sparky. He’s sure it’ll be no problem.”

“Okay, it’s settled then,” Sunny smiled, suddenly feeling more positive. “Let’s have lunch and then we’ll head to Zephyr Heights in the Marestream. We need knowledge, so let’s go and get it.”

With that, Sunny headed down to the kitchen, leaving a bewildered Sunset and Zipp and an ecstatic Pipp behind.

A short time later, Starlight was alone in her bedroom. She sighed, wishing she’d made the room a little bigger.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Sunset meekly poked her head in, a tray of soup levitating ahead of her. Starlight grunted as she tried to move. “Sunset co…” she croaked, wincing at how weak she sounded.

“I’m sorry,” Sunset sighed as she sat down. “I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to stop this happening.”

“Don’t give me that, I’ve already had it from Sunny,” Starlight gave a weak smile. “It’s not your fault. Opaline is strong, way stronger than either of us.”

“Princess level,” Sunset replied as she started helping Starlight with the soup.

“More like elements level,” Starlight corrected. "I went hoof to hoof with Twilight and held my own. But Opaline was something else, it's like she's on another level."

"Well, I think we should assume Opaline is the reason Twilight sealed magic away," Sunset sighed. "Kind of makes sense if she was alone without her friends."

"I shouldn’t have left you to get everypony out on your own," Starlight groaned. "We could have left the direct fighting to Sunny. She’s stronger than she realises, she just needs training.”

“It’s no good dwelling on what we could or should have done,” Sunset decided. “We’ve both learnt not to dwell on our past mistakes. One thing, are you sure about not going to the hospital?”

“It’s crossed my mind admittedly,” Starlight sighed. “But I don’t think they’ll help. This is way beyond anything they’d be used to seeing. I’m worried anything they do would make it worse.”

Sunset took a deep breath, her horn lit up before she carefully passed it over Starlight’s body. “The only medical spell I learnt is pain relief,” she admitted. “It’s not a very powerful one though.”

Starlight grunted again but smiled. “It’s fine, it’s taking the edge off.”

“We need knowledge,” Sunset conceded. “Not just about Together Trees but now healing as well.”

“Sounds like a trip to a library is in order then,” Starlight smiled. “Where’s Twilight when we need her?”

“That’s the thing, it sounds like their libraries aren’t as extensive as what we’re used to,” Sunset replied. “I think we’re going to need to find the ruins of Canterlot.”

“Pipp’s already been here,” Starlight admitted. “Told me about that and this Bash thing she wants to take Misty to. Honestly, I think going and doing things is the best thing they can do. Be that a trip to find the ruins of Canterlot or doing something fun. If they’re going to find their elements, they need to get to know each other more.”

“Especially Misty,” Sunset admitted. “She’s effectively just been added to their group. It feels a bit like fortune and fate bringing the six of them together.”

“Much like another six ponies we both know,” Starlight smiled. “And humans.”

“So, you’ll be okay if I go galivanting off?” Sunset asked.

“Looking for approval?” Starlight smiled. “You don’t need it from me. If they find any books, they’ll need you to tell them what they’re looking at.”

“It’s scary in a way,” Sunset admitted. “All these Unicorns finding magic for the first time. All those books out there that contain powerful spells they could hurt themselves with.”

“Honestly, if we were here permanently, I’d be doing something about teaching them magic, opening a school or something,” Starlight admitted. “However, right now it sounds like we’re the only ones who know what’s out there and where to find it. As long as we ensure that they understand how to identify what could be dangerous it should be fine.”

Starlight suddenly let out a series of bellowing coughs, her sides heaved, and she panted with effort. Sunset immediately activated her pain relief spell again and the fit soon subsided.

“Yeah, that was a pretty hard landing,” Starlight admitted.

“I think I’ve exhausted you enough,” Sunset sighed. “Get some rest. We’ll be back soon, and you’ll be back on your hoofs in no time.”

“Don’t forget to look for the positives,” Starlight smiled.

Sunset grinned before excusing herself, taking the now-empty soup bowl with her.

The Marestream glided its way effortlessly towards Zephyr Heights. Inside, Zipp was flying, as normal, but behind her was a very nervous-looking Misty.

“So, we’re going to Zephyr Heights for me?” She asked.

“Yeah, we are,” Pipp beamed. “Misty, the Cutie Blossom Bash is an important event in everypony’s life. There’s no way you should be missing out on it.”

“But what about Starlight and Sparky?” Misty retorted.

“All taken care of,” Hitch smiled. “Grandmare Figgy is there now looking after both of them.”

“It’s not just for Misty anyway,” Zipp added. “We’re going to try and get some knowledge too.”

“We need healing magic,” Sunset admitted. "I don’t mean this in a bad way towards Sparky, but Starlight is my main concern. We need to know more about Together Trees too.”

“No offence taken,” Hitch smiled. “Sparky will likely take a few days resting and then become a hoof full again. I’m with you on Starlight though, she needs help.”

“I still don’t get why she wouldn’t go to a hospital,” Sunny frowned.

“Because those are magic injuries,” Sunset replied. “With magic only just returning, any hospital will be ill-equipped to help. I understand her reluctance.”

“Enough with the doom and gloom,” Izzy grinned. “Misty got her cutie mark, that’s a massive positive.”

“I know,” Misty exclaimed with newfound happiness. “I can’t quite believe it. I just couldn’t bear to see you all in trouble. To know that Sparky was in trouble as well. It tore me up inside so much, I had to act.”

“Empathy,” Sunset said suddenly.

“Empa…what now?” Izzy gasped.

“Empathy,” Sunset repeated. “It’s what Misty showed towards all of you. She understood what you were all feeling and realised what she needed to do to put it right. She puts all other ponies first before herself.”

“What? You don’t include Opaline as well, do you?” Hitch frowned. “She’s a maniac.”

“And, if she were the only other pony you knew you’d likely do the same thing, Hitch,” Sunny replied.

“Good point,” Hitch admitted. “Still, we’d all lost faith in Misty. Thought she’d been using us from the start, but you didn’t. You kept that optimism that you’ve always had. You encouraged her.”

“Yeah, and she’s going to live with us now,” Izzy beamed.

“I don’t know about that,” Misty admitted. “I think I need to go back to Opaline and get you all the information on what she’s doing.”

“No, you can’t do that,” Sunny replied firmly.

“But she trusts me,” Misty reasoned. “I can get close to her and…”

“No, she trusted you Misty,” Sunny responded. “She said something about bringing you back into line and administering medicine.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a spell she’d cast on you Misty,” Sunset added. “I really wouldn’t recommend going back.”

“That sounds ominous,” Pipp admitted looking worried.

“Could somepony really do that though?” Hitch asked. “Force somepony to do something against their will?”

“Completely possible, at least mindlessly,” Sunset replied. “Making sure the pony retains some free will is difficult though.”

“So, could you force somepony to be loyal to you?” Zipp asked.

“I’m not sure,” Sunset admitted. “Honestly, it’s getting into the realms of dark magics. However, my friends had their memories taken away, so I know mind alteration is possible.”

“Okay, I don’t want that,” Misty replied. “I know Opaline has all sorts of spell books in that castle.”

Sunny sighed dejectedly. “I always thought of magic as being a good thing,” she admitted. “Sure, there were bad ponies in my dad’s stories but good always prevailed. I never really thought of the harm it could do.”

“See, there’s that optimism again,” Hitch chortled. “You always find the hope, Sunny. Even if that makes you blind to the worst that could happen, you always look and aim for the good.”

“What drove you to reunite Equestria Sunny?” Sunset asked.

“I just hoped for a future like what was in my dad’s stories,” Sunny replied. “And then I met all my wonderful friends, and we did it together.”

“Yeah, but we followed you because you made it all sound so brilliant,” Izzy grinned.

“We blindly follow the optimist,” Hitch chuckled. “Never change Sunny, never change.”

“Or it will doom us all,” Pipp said in her spookiest voice before laughing.

“You know, I think we have our first two elements,” Sunset smiled. “Sunny, the Element of Hope and Misty, the Element of Empathy.”

“Quite the combination,” Zipp grinned. “Anyway, enough of that everypony, now arriving in Zephyr Heights.”

Author's Note

I must say that I've taken inspiration from Robin Jacks videos on YouTube for Misty's Element of Empathy here: https://www.youtube.com/@robinjacks4906

I feel it fits what is seen in Make your Mark very well. I understand that since then the MLP staff have stated that Misty's element is 'Heart'. It could be something I adjust later, at this stage at this point Sunset is effectively guessing :twilightsheepish:

Chapter Twelve – Heading below

The Marestream touched down at Zephyr Heights just as Queen Haven walked out of the castle. She grinned widely as she saw the whole group disembark and made a beeline towards Pipp.

“You didn’t have to come so soon my dear, the Cutie Blossom Bash isn’t for a few days yet,” Queen Haven smiled as she pulled Pipp into a hug. “Although this is a wonderful surprise. Please introduce me to your new friends.”

Pipp grinned as she broke off the hug and held a hoof out towards Sunset.

“Mum, this is Sunset Shimmer, she’s one of the Unicorns that Princess Twilight sent from the past to help us that I told you about.” Pipp introduced. “Sunset, this is Queen Haven of Zephyr Heights.”

“Ah ha, nope. It’s Queen Haven of Equestria now,” Hitch grinned. “The votes came through the other day. Maretime Bay and Bridlewood both chose to recognise Queen Haven as the ruler of all Equestria.”

“Oh, I know please don’t remind me,” Queen Haven admitted. “I’m truly flattered. But honestly, I had been hoping we’d set up a three-way council so that all three areas had a full say. I’m worried there’ll be many who’ll be upset and think the Pegasi are taking over everything.”

“I’m sure that won’t happen,” Izzy grinned. “You’ve already told everypony that you want peace and harmony.”

“If that’s the case, I’m sorry Your Majesty,” Sunset sighed. “The news we bring may well cause some issues to wanting peace and harmony.”

“In what way my dear?” Queen Haven asked looking serious. “Exactly why did Twilight Sparkle send you here from the past? Wait, I thought you weren’t alone? In Pipp’s videos, there were two of you.”

“There are two of us,” Sunset sighed. “Starlight Glimmer was indeed sent with me from the past and she’s not here in part due to the news we bring. Your Majesty, this very morning we all battled against a Fire Alicorn named Opaline Arcana. Starlight was injured in the battle and is currently recovering back at the Brighthouse.”

Her horn lit up and an image of Opaline appeared before them.

“We believe Opaline is the reason Twilight Sparkle sealed away magic all those moons ago,” Sunny continued. “She’s currently trapped within her castle lair but she’s plotting and scheming, trying to escape.”

“She dragon-napped Sparky,” Hitch continued. “She sapped his energy and used it to grow stronger. That’s why we were there, to rescue him.”

“Oh, my hoofness, that is a lot to take in,” Queen Haven admitted before taking a deep breath. “Okay, if that is the case there is only one course of action. Guards!”

They all looked surprised as Zoom came forward and saluted. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I’m sorry to say this, we need to cancel the Cutie Blossom Bash,” Queen Haven instructed. “Please make the necessary…”

“No!” Misty cried suddenly before yelping as all eyes turned towards her. “Y…you can’t just cancel everything because of Opaline. That’s what she’d want.”

“Misty’s right,” Sunny responded. “There are so many young ponies who are looking forward to the first Cutie Blossom Bash to include all of pony kind. This is a special occasion for all of them and we shouldn’t be destroying it for them. If we lock ourselves away, we’re letting Opaline win before she’s even done anything.”

“But you said she was trying to escape Sunny,” Queen Haven replied worriedly.

“Opaline cannot escape her castle. I’m certain of it,” Sunset responded. “Princess Twilight’s barrier spell around it is extremely strong. I was a personal pupil of Princess Celestia and was taught many forms of magic. You can trust me, Your Majesty, whilst there is a threat, it’s not grave enough right now to require full curfews and restrictions to everyday life.”

“Very well, I will trust in your expertise Sunset,” Queen Haven smiled. “We won’t cancel the Cutie Blossom Bash. However, Zoom, I would like preparations to be made to dispatch detachments to both Maretime Bay and Bridlewood for extra security. Please await my word as I would like to confer with the Elders of Bridlewood and the Council of Maretime Bay before deploying.”

“Queen Haven,” Hitch said as he came forward. “As Sheriff of Maretime Bay, I’m more than happy to take up your offer of increased security. Please, deploy your guards as soon as possible. I will explain to the Council.”

“Thank you Hitch, that takes a weight off my hoofs,” Queen Haven smiled. “You heard him Zoom. Thank You, that will be all.”

“Certainly, Your Majesty,” Zoom replied before saluting and flying off to make the arrangements.

“Your Majesty?” Sunset asked.

“Please Sunset, call me Queen Haven.”

“Queen Haven,” Sunset nodded. “Whilst Princess Twilight sent me and Starlight here, it wasn’t the one we both know. She was a future version, seemingly from near the end of her reign. We spoke with her, she said we needed to help Sunny and her friends identify the Elements of Unity. I believe it’s these that we need in order to defeat Opaline. To do that, we need to find any magic books from my time that may aid us. Also, we urgently need magical healing for Starlight. Is there likely to be any books in your archives that would help us?”

“I doubt there will be anything related to magic,” Queen Haven replied sadly. “There are only books which relate directly to Pegasi.”

“I thought as much,” Sunset sighed. “So, would it be true that where we stand now used to be Canterlot?”

“That is quite true yes,” Queen Haven replied. “I’ve spent many hours in my youth learning all I can about the history of Zephyr Heights. Preparing myself to take up my place as ruler. Zepher Heights is actually built above Canterlot, higher up the mountainside. Some of the buildings are even built directly on top of old ones with those forming the foundation. That includes this castle.”

“Wait, so Canterlot Castle is below us?” Sunny gasped.

“It is Sunny,” Queen Haven confirmed. “Now, I have no idea how much of it survives down there. However, I was always told it was possible to travel through the basement tunnels and reach the Canterlot Castle by my father, King Sanctuary.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Zipp said confidently.

“Oh no you don’t Zephyrina,” Queen Haven said firmly. “You’re not just going randomly into the depths below. First, we will consult the castle archivist and get confirmation of the route you must take. Then we’ll arrange for all the equipment you’ll need. By that point, you may as well start out tomorrow when you are all well rested.”

“Then we’ll do that,” Sunny grinned. “We’ll prepare and then head down to Canterlot and hopefully find the information we need.”

Queen Haven took a steadying breath. “I admit, the idea of my girls fighting in a magical battle frightens me to the core. Letting you go down into the depths below the castle does too. However, I can tell I cannot stop you, can I?”

“If both Starlight and I are right Queen Haven. Your two princesses will be just as important to the future of Equestria as Twilight Sparkle and her friends,” Sunset admitted. “Now magic has returned, there will always be those who wish to gain power and control. In time the six ponies before us will become your greatest asset in defending Equestria.”

“Oh my hoofness, the very idea makes my blood run cold. However, I think you are quite right Sunset they have both proven that already,” Queen Haven sighed. “Now, to find you all guest quarters and start your preparations for tomorrow. Guards.”

With that, they all started heading towards the castle whilst Queen Haven gave instructions to the Guards.

The following morning couldn’t come fast enough for Sunny. She’d barely slept a wink all night, she was too excited. As she approached their entry point, she could see Zipp was also up early, preparing the many saddle bags and equipment.

“Oooh, what do you think we’ll find down there?” Sunny asked excitedly.

“Answers, I hope. The Together Tree mystery is getting annoying,” Zipp admitted. “Hopefully this will blow that case wide open.”

“I’m sure we’ll find books with all the answers,” Sunny smiled. “Just because Sunset and Starlight have no idea doesn’t mean the books won't.”

“If we even find books,” Hitch said as he approached. “Remember, this could be all a waste of time. I hope it’s not of course, but there’s a real possibility.”

“Ever the sceptic Hitch,” Sunny grinned as she prepared herself.

“No Sunny, just realistic,” Hitch replied, getting ready himself. “Honestly, I do hope we find something to help Starlight and Sparky. I’m worried about them more than Opaline. Hopefully, she never finds a way out of her castle.”

“Only one thing still troubles me,” Zipp confessed. "Ah, here she comes now. Yo Misty!”

“Ah, I’m not late, am I?” Misty exclaimed.

“Not at all,” Zipp grinned. “I wanted to check. You mentioned you can’t remember how you came to be with Opaline.”

Misty sighed and shook her head sadly. “I wish I could, but all I remember is Opaline. I don’t remember anything else.”

“Not how you met her then?” Zipp pressed.

“Zipp, do you have to…” Sunny started.

“It’s okay Sunny, I know how important this could be,” Misty smiled. “But I’m sorry Zipp, I can’t remember. She always said she rescued me, but the more I think about it I’m sure it’s a lie. I wish I could be more specific.”

“Thanks Misty,” Zipp smiled. “I know it’s hard, I’m just worried that anypony could be taken by her next.”

“Which is why mum’s address after the bash will help,” Pipp replied as she arrived. “If ponies know what to look out for, they’ll be less likely to end up helping Opaline by accident.”

“Hopefully there’ll also be something in one of the books we can use to keep an eye on her,” Zipp replied.

“I’m sure there will be,” Sunset added confidently as she now arrived. “I’ve got ideas of what we could do but it’s been so long. I need to read up first to be sure. Huh, I’m last, aren’t I? Never been one for mornings.”

“Nope, that honour goes to me” Izzy smiled as she skipped into view. “I slept like a rock!”

It didn’t take long for everypony to be ready. They had all checked each other’s equipment to ensure all was correct. Each of them had been equipped with large saddlebags, a hard hat which contained built-in torches, and emergency transponders. Should anything happen, their frequencies were being monitored.

Their entry point was to be a spiral staircase that was used by maintenance workers. Turned out there were yearly inspections to ensure the castle below didn’t fatigue too much from the additional weight of the new castle above. Their instructions were to go down as far as they could, and then they’d be in the original Canterlot Castle.

Sunny could barely believe it was going to be that simple as she headed into the small staircase first. Most of the others followed straight away, leaving only Pipp and Zipp behind.

“Come on Pipp,” Zipp groaned.

“One moment,” Pipp replied as she tapped on her phone. “That’s right Pippsqueaks, we’re heading down now. I’m not sure what signal there will be so please don’t worry if you don’t hear anything else from me today. I promise that there will be lots of posts of this adventure in the coming days as I’ll be videoing as much as I can. Pip pip hooray.”

“Arah, you and your livestreams,” Zipp groaned. “Come on, we’ll be left behind.”

“Hey, my live streams are important,” Pipp frowned. “Remember how my Pippsqueaks saved us from that cave. I’m sure we’ll need them again sometime, so I’ve got to do my best for them.”

“Yeah, I know,” Zipp sighed. “You could have done that earlier though. Come on.”

With that Zipp ushered Pipp into the staircase and they both began their decent.

After what felt like an age, Sunny finally found the bottom of the staircase and led them into a small narrow corridor.

“Where does this lead?” Sunny asked.

“No idea,” Sunset admitted.

“I thought you said you lived here,” Hitch pointed out.

“I did, a long time ago,” Sunset confirmed before blinking with realisation. “A long time for me that is, which means even longer than when I left and now.”

“A lot has probably changed,” Sunny agreed. “Let’s just be careful and keep heading forward.”

They carefully made their way down the corridor. There were a few doorways to one side, but it was the one at the end of the corridor that Sunny headed for first. However, they found it blocked by a massive piece of masonry.

“Could you use magic to move it?” Sunny asked.

“Not really,” Sunset admitted. “It looks too large for us to levitate, even if we worked together. Anything I can think of could cause this doorway to be damaged.”

“Come on Sunny,” Hitch smiled. “Let’s both try pushing it. We’re the Earth Ponies here.”

Shrugging, Sunny joined Hitch in the small doorway. There was only just enough room for the pair of them. They pushed and pushed but the blockage wouldn’t budge.

“No good, anypony got an idea?” Hitch panted. “Like you said Sunset, it’s wedged in tight.”

“Ooh, ooh. What if it were glitter?” Izzy asked hopefully shaking a hoof in the air like a hopeful school filly.

“Glitter?” Pipp replied looking confused. “What do you mean?”

“This,” Izzy grinned.

Before anypony could stop her, she fired a beam of magic straight at the blockage. Instantly, a section fell away having been turned into millions of bits of glitter.

“What? How?” Misty gasped.

“Starlight was teaching me whilst I looked after her,” Izzy grinned. “I can make anything into anything else now! I can’t wait to get really creative, it’s a whole new world of unicycling possibilities.”

Grinning, Sunny reached up and shoved the last of the glitter out of the way. A hole had been created, just big enough for her to put her head through.

“Sunny! Be careful,” Hitch gasped.

“Eee he he!” she squealed as she pulled her head back. “We need to get in there, it looks amazing.”

“Okay, stand back then,” Hitch said pointedly. “Now there’s a gap at the top I think this will work.”

He raised a hoof and it started glowing green as he closed his eyes and concentrated. Sunny grinned and ran back to the others.

“What’s happening?” Sunset asked with confusion.

“Just wait,” Zipp smiled.

“This is going to be amazing,” Pipp grinned getting her camera ready.

Hitch tapped the ground with his glowing hoof. Curving lines of green energy appeared and slipped across the ground toward the large obstruction. Sunset watched in amazement as vines grew out of the ground below the large obstruction, lifting it and moving it out of the doorway. However, Hitch was grunting with effort and the vines soon withered away allowing the obstruction to fall with a thud. The green lines of energy dissipated, and Hitch sat down panting.

“How? How did you do that?” Sunset asked with shock.

“Earth Pony Magic,” Hitch gasped. “Allows us to grow plants. Like the tree in town. Not much soil here though.”

“I mentioned the tree before,” Pipp replied. “The one with the flower that brought you here.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t realise it was grown like that,” Sunset admitted. “This, this is amazing! I can’t believe that earth ponies have magic now.”

Suddenly there was a groan of frustration. Sunny had moved to the doorway and looked back with a sorrowful expression. “It’s still too small,” she moaned. “We can’t get through.”

“Let me take a look,” Sunset smiled.

Trotting over, she took a moment to inspect where the large piece of masonry was lying. She smiled and turned around. “Alright, everypony back, right back,” she instructed. “It’s far enough out the doorway that I should be able to blast it apart without any collateral damage.”

Sunset ushered them all back along the corridor before stepping forward. Taking a wide stance, she took a deep breath and focused. Her horn lit up and after taking a moment to aim Sunset sent a powerful beam of magic towards the obstruction. It impacted square in the centre and after a blinding flash, the obstruction burst apart with a boom. Some of it disappeared completely whilst debris scattered, and a cloud of dust filled the air.

“Impressive,” Pipp coughed, wafting away the dust with a hoof whilst trying to keep her phone steady.

“Come on everypony,” Sunny grinned. “You’re not going to believe what’s here.”

Chapter Thirteen – Discoveries and Visitors

Everypony gasped as they walked through the doorway and into a massive room. To their right, there was a raised platform, on top of which sat a huge throne that had a gold star at the very top. Further to the right of this was another less ornate throne. Directly in front of the bigger throne were two curved ramps that led up to the platform at the end of a long red carpet which ran down the middle of the room.

“It’s the throne room,” Sunset gasped.

Sunny looked back at Sunset with a huge smile on her face. “This is amazing, eee he he!”

Most of the light was coming from the torches attached to their helmets. However, a small amount of light appeared through the windows, but it did barely anything to light up the interior. The colours were faded and there were small piles of debris scattered around. Everything had a dirty and unkept look after many moons of no maintenance. Sunny was soon darting around, taking photos of everything she could. The others fanned out too, looking around in awe.

“It must have looked stunning in its heyday,” Zipp gasped.

“That’s right Pippsqueaks,” Pipp grinned as she shot a video. “This is the actual throne room of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Please excuse the darkness, it’s not a filter. I’ve boosted the settings here all I can and I’ll do my best to show you as much as possible.”

Sunset was standing in front of the throne at the base of the ramp. She looked up at it with wide eyes. Despite the difference in décor, she could still picture Princess Celestia standing atop it. Her wings spread and looking seriously down at her. Suddenly she was pulled back to reality as she felt a slight breeze behind her. Turning around she saw Pipp had flown over and was hovering behind her, phone still in hoof and videoing.

“So, have you been here before Sunset?” Pipp asked.

“Yes, many times but it didn’t look quite like this,” Sunset admitted looking around. “I think Twilight must have redecorated after she took over from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I recognise the platform though, with the waterfalls.”

Pipp flew over to the platters on one side of the ramped walkway and cocked her head. “Oh, I think I see what you mean,” she smiled. “No water now though.”

“I’m not surprised,” Sunset smiled. “Who knows how many moons it’s been since this was last used properly.”

“What do you mean by many times?” Pipp asked. “Care to explain for the Pippsqueaks?”

Sunset took a deep breath before looking into the camera. “Before Twilight Sparkle became ruler of Equestria this was Princess Celestia’s throne room. As her personal student, I’d regularly come here to receive assignments from her or receive feedback.”

Sunset looked back at the throne and frowned as something caught her eye. She hesitated slightly before she walked up the curved ramp to the top and stood before the throne. She looked down below the seat and found what she thought she’d seen, a draw. With another pause of hesitation, she carefully pulled the draw open and gasped before sitting down.

“What have you found Sunset?” Pipp asked excitedly, flying over.

“It’s Twilight’s scrapbook of memories,” Sunset breathed as she lifted the book out carefully. “I…I wonder if it still works?”

“Still works?” Pipp asked.

Sunset opened the book and smiled as the images started moving. Pipp meanwhile gasped in shock, angling to ensure her phone camera picked it up. Sunset placed a hoof below one of the images and the audio of the memory began to play.

“This was a gift for Twilight on her coronation day,” Sunset gulped. “Starlight made it, she magically imprinted memories from each of Twilight’s friends into the pages. She even managed to get Twilight to recall memories of her friends too, all without her knowing. I can’t believe it still works after magic was taken away from Equestria.”

“So, are there any memories of you in there?” Pipp asked hopefully.

“I doubt it,” Sunset admitted. “I only know about it from a message Twilight sent me telling me about it. She was so pleased; she even included a drawing of the cover.”

Sunset turned the pages slowly, allowing the camera to see. Then, suddenly she froze as she found one that contained her. She held her hoof below the moving image before hesitating again. With a look at Pipp, then the camera, Sunset tapped the page so that the memory started playing again with audio.

Sunset was walking into the throne room with Twilight. The pair talked with Princess Celestia as she sternly looked down at the pair of them. Then, Celestia walked down from the throne and stood before Sunset. Eventually, Sunset and Celestia hugged, and Twilight beamed in the background.

Suddenly the image changed to one of Twilight.

“I’m so pleased that Sunset and Celestia’s reuniting went so well. It was something I’d dreamed about since Sunset turned herself around and embraced the magic of friendship. Luna will tell you, there were some pretty nasty nightmares as well.

My only regret is not being able to help Sunset more, she struggled so hard to be accepted at CHS. However, whilst Starlight was here all the time and able to receive guidance constantly, Sunset was effectively a pen pal. I’m always keeping an eye on her journal and I’m eager to help her whenever I can.

I know the magical incursions from Equestria into the human world are well in hoof thanks to her and her friends.”

Sunset gulped and fought back the tears that were welling in her eyes. She’d not expected a memory of her to appear, let alone a message like that at the end of it. Suddenly, she felt alone. Starlight was hurt and she couldn’t call on either her friends or Twilight to support her. A weight of responsibility suddenly pressed down on her shoulders. She didn’t realise that it was actually Sunny hugging her until she heard her name.

“Sunset?” Sunny said with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I…I’m okay,” Sunset gasped. “I just…wasn’t expecting anything like that. The feelings took me by surprise.”

“Yo sightseers,” Zipp shouted from the main doorway. “Maybe we ought to get this show on the road? We came for books and knowledge, not throne rooms.”

“Zipp! We’re having a moment here,” Sunny shouted back.

“It’s fine,” Sunset replied as she got to her hoofs. “She’s right, we don’t have that much time and who knows if we’ll be able to find the archive.”

“Well, Pippsqueaks if any of you were still sceptical about Sunset and Starlight being from the past. That should have answered your questions. We’re moving on so check out the next video when it drops. Pip Pip Hooray.”

Sunset smiled as she stowed the Scrapbook of Memories safely in one of her saddlebags. Then they walked through the throne room to rejoin the others.

“I hope that’s okay Sunset?” Pipp asked.

“Yeah, that got pretty emotional,” Sunny admitted.

“Just let me watch it back later before you post it,” Sunset smiled. “I assume you’ll be making some edits.”

“Totally, no probs,” Pipp grinned.

They walked out of the throne room, picking their way around one of the huge doors as it had fallen off its hinges. Misty suddenly stopped, looking up at one of the stained-glass windows in awe. It depicted six ponies firing magical beams at a monster.

“That’s Twilight and her friends defeating Discord,” Sunset smiled.

“Who’s Discord?” Misty asked. “Was he like Opaline?”

“He was, but not now,” Sunset replied unsurely. “I know he’s friends with Twilight and the others now. Honestly, I’ve not met him. Starlight can tell you all about him if you ask, she knows him personally.”

“Oh, okay,” Misty smiled.

“Come on, I think it’s this way,” Sunset grinned. “This part I can remember better.”

With that, Sunset guided them towards where she thought the castle archives would be.

Meanwhile, Starlight was still lying on her bed and finding it hard to stay comfortable. With nothing to do, her mind kept turning back to the battle. All the decisions she could have made that would have affected the outcome. She grunted with annoyance before wincing as she moved a little too quickly.

“Oh, I do hope visiting time isn’t over,” a voice said. “I was told a friend that I’ve not seen in a very long time was here.”

Starlight gasped and looked around the room. Grunting as once again she moved a little too much. “Discord?” she said. “Where are you?”

An area of the wall rustled and looked like it was being pulled back like a curtain, held by a lion paw. Then Discord’s head appeared around the ‘curtain’. His hair was much longer than Starlight recognised, and wrinkles appeared around his facial features. However, the same impish smile remained.

“Oh, that’s no way to greet an old friend, is it?” Discord chuckled. “Certainly not one who’s gone out of their way to see how you’re doing.”

“It is you,” Starlight replied happily. “Gah!”

She tried to move but pain shot through her body making her cry out.

“Try not to move,” Discord said kindly, coming completely into the room now. “You look positively awful and this is a strange-looking hospital.”

“Thanks, but no,” Starlight replied. “Figgy already brought a doctor. I was right, they have no idea how to treat these magical burns. I’m glad to see you’re still around and doing well.”

“Oh, I was around for millennia before meeting you Starlight,” Discord replied waving a claw. “I’ll still be around for a long time yet.”

“So? Come to catch up? Help? Or gloat that I got myself hurt?” Starlight smirked.

“Oh, certainly not the latter. You wound me Starlight you really do,” Discord replied with a dramatic flair. “I was just waiting for a moment I could speak with you alone is all. Sadly, you had to take your eye off the ball for such a moment to occur. I’m truly saddened by your current predicament.”

“Why would I need to be alone?” Starlight asked. “What’s wrong with meeting the others?”

“Oh, I have nothing against Sunset Shimmer, but she’s not met me yet. Better she meets the me in her own time than a future version,” Discord replied. “As for these unity ponies, they’re far from ready to meet the lord of chaos.”

“What do you mean? Unity Ponies?” Starlight frowned.

“Oh, come now, have you not figured it out? I thought you were better than that Starlight,” Discord replied with a grin. “Your time is governed by Harmony and that is powered by the magic of friendship. This is the time of unity and magic is powered by those three sparkling crystals above us. They must be protected at all costs.”

“Okay, so presumably the more unified the ponies are the more powerful their magic,” Starlight deduced.

“However, Unity comes from Harmony,” Discord grinned.

“Which comes from friendship,” Starlight continued.

“Bingo! Gold star to little miss Glimmer,” Discord smiled, producing a golden star sticker from nowhere and sticking it to Starlight’s horn.

“Here’s another one then,” Starlight smiled as she took the sticker off. “What’s stopping you from stepping in and stopping Opaline?”

“Opaline herself of course,” Discord replied. “I can’t get near her.”

“How?” Starlight blinked with surprise.

“The same way a certain unicorn banished me from her school,” Discord replied as he stuck the star back on Starlight’s horn. “It pains me to say, I can’t stop her even if I wanted to.”

“So, why not help Sunny and her friends?” Starlight frowned. “You don’t have to meet them to help them grow. You put challenges in the way of Twilight.”

“And remember how that turned out,” Discord frowned.

He produced an image of Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, still locked in their stone statue prison. However, there was considerably more green algae and moss growing on it than Starlight remembered.

“Good point,” Starlight sighed.

The image poofed away as Discord sighed. “Starlight, understand this. Sunny Starscout is currently no Twilight Sparkle, but the potential is there. She’s an alicorn in training, why else do you think her wings and horn aren’t permanent? Circumstances meant she needed to take those powers far earlier than she really should. She’s got a long way to go and a lot of growing to do before I’ll make my presence fully known to her."

"So you're not going to help them at all then?" Starlight sighed.

"I didn't quite say that," Discord winked. "Admittedly, I may have made a promise to a mutual friend of ours that I will help Sunny in my own way. I intend to keep that promise.”

“That’ll be Twilight then,” Starlight grinned. “She’s still looking out for Equestria isn’t she, even when she’s not here.”

“If you say so,” Discord chuckled. “Why do you think you’re here?”

Starlight suddenly groaned, her breathing becoming more laboured. Discord sighed and placed paw and claw on her gently. “My chaos magic isn’t really up to healing but I can offer some pain relief.”

“Thank you Discord,” Starlight sighed as she felt the pain melt away.

“What are friends for?” Discord smiled as he watched Starlight gently fall asleep.

He waited a moment, watching Starlight’s sleeping form before hearing hoof steps on the other side of the door. Grinning, he snapped his lion fingers and disappeared with a poof, just before Figgy carefully opened the door. She smiled as she saw Starlight sleeping and silently left.

Chapter Fourteen - Surprises

The main doors of Canterlot’s castle creaked and groaned but held firm. Suddenly there was a dull thud as something banged against them on the inside. The vibration caused a large cloud of dust to fall. Then, the rusty hinges creaked and squealed in protest as one of the doors slowly opened. Finally, Sunny and the others emerged, walking out onto the dark and eery street before them and coughing through the dust cloud.

Their path to the archive had been blocked by multiple collapsed corridors. Clearly caused by the additional building that had been placed on top of the castle. Therefore, Sunset had suggested they headed to the public Canterlot library.

Specks of kicked-up dust danced in their torch beams as they scanned their surroundings. Not much light being able to penetrate down between the taller buildings that now made-up Zephyr Heights. Sunset led the way, skirting around piles of debris and sometimes climbing over the top of them where required. Many streets were completely blocked by towering buildings, forcing them to take alternative routes.

Eventually, they came to the large and imposing frontage of the Canterlot Library which fortunately looked intact. The doors were closed, and it took a lot of effort to open them before they were finally able to walk inside.

“This is… This is…” Sunny gasped.

It was like time had stood still, the curving balconies were all intact, each with large bookcases that contained many, many books. Sunset looked over to the librarian’s counter, half expecting to see the librarian still there ready to check books in and out. Sunny meanwhile was stood with her eyes as wide as saucers as she struggled for breath.

“Okay Sunny, remember to breathe,” Hitch smirked.

“So, how are we going to find what we’re looking for?” Misty asked. “It’s so dark.”

“Hold on, I know what can help with that,” Sunset replied.

She walked around the library, casting an enchantment on each of the torches that were attached to the walls. Bathing the interior in a welcoming glow as she went.

“Hay there Pippsqueaks,” Pipp smiled after starting a new video. “We’re back with the exploration of old Canterlot and I’m excited to say we’ve found the library. Look at this place, it’s like a total time warp.”

Pipp started flying around and filming the library interior, continuing to narrate. Sunny meanwhile had finally caught her breath but was still standing in shock.

“Are you okay Sunny?” Izzy asked.

“I’m… I’m better than okay!” Sunny beamed at last. “This is what my dad always hoped we’d find. Eee he he! There has to be so much history told within these books, history we’ve no idea about. Misty, Izzy isn’t this exciting? We’re going to find out so much more about magic and what you can really do.”

“Yeah, but it’s what you can do too,” Izzy smiled. “You can do magic with your alicorn powers.”

“Remember we don’t have that much space to carry books back with us,” Zipp cautioned.

“That’s right,” Sunset replied as she walked back into view. “The whole place is lit now, and we need to focus on what we need. Books about history and basic spell casting may have to wait.”

Sunny took a deep breath and calmed her excitement. “Okay, let's split into groups, Sunset if you keep jumping between groups, you’ll help us all stay on track. We’ll likely need you to tell us what is useful at times.”

“Sure, I can do that,” Sunset smiled.

“Okay, so Pipp and I need to find out what we can about Together Trees,” Zipp smiled. “It’s the biggest link we’re missing in trying to work out how to find the Elements of Unity.”

“Izzy and I will look up anything that could help us keep an eye on Opaline,” Hitch grinned. “So, alarms or watching spells right Sunset?”

“Correct,” Sunset confirmed. “But she’s also a fire alicorn and I’ve never actually heard of those before. Anything about them and their weaknesses will be useful.”

“Meanwhile, Misty and I will find out what we can about healing,” Sunny smiled.

Sunset nodded. “Healing tends to be more potions and natural remedies which magic helps along. There are very few actual spells that heal.”

“So, focus on burns?” Misty asked.

“Not just burns,” Sunny replied. “There’s Sparky to think about, as well as you.”

“I’m fine though, honest,” Misty smiled. “I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t.”

“We’re glad you’re okay Misty,” Zipp smiled. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Thanks, Zipp.” Misty grinned. “Let’s get looking, hopefully, the answers don’t fall on me this time.”

“But it would be so much quicker if they did,” Izzy smiled.

“Yeah, but we need so many I think it would hurt,” Misty laughed.

The search was soon well underway. The piles of books around each pony grew ever larger as they looked through tome after tome, searching for their allotted information. Sunset spent most of her time with those looking for magic. They needed the most guidance when it came to what would and wouldn’t work. Pipp also fluttered over a few times, still getting shots for her videos.

Eventually, time was getting past them, and they started packing their saddle bags for the return journey. “We’d better get all these Glimburst books in,” Hitch commented as he rearranged one of his bags for the umpteenth time.

“Yeah,” Izzy grinned. “There’s so much that will be useful in each one. Not just for what we need right now but in general too.”

“I can take a few,” Sunset smiled as she trotted over. “I’ve got space in this one.”

She took off her left saddle bag and took the book Hitch had been struggling to fit into his.

“Brilliant, thanks Sunset,” Hitch smiled. “Now let’s head out, I need to give Grandmare Figgy a ring soon and make sure Sparky and Starlight are doing okay. Plus, she’ll start to worry if I don’t.”

“Queen Haven will be worried too I expect,” Izzy smiled.

“Of course she will,” Zipp replied as she trotted over. “She’d have been worrying from the moment we left. I’m kind of glad we got going before she got up.”

Sunny looked around with sorrow as they started making their way toward the exit. Sunset went around and made sure the torches were all extinguished before making her way to where Sunny was stood.

“Hey, I’m sure if you speak to Queen Haven she’ll arrange to get all the books here back to Zephyr Heights,” Sunset smiled.

“I know,” Sunny replied. “It’s just, I wish my dad could have been here to see this.”

“He’ll be proud that you were Sunny,” Sunset smiled. “Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

Sunny gave Sunset a grateful smile before they all headed out the door and pushed it closed. Sealing the books still left behind away again safely.

They retraced their steps for the return, Sunny resisting the urge to carry out more investigation. However, she couldn’t help another pause in the throne room to look at the stained-glass windows.

“Just think what this would have looked like with light coming through them,” she breathed.

“Honestly, most of these I don’t actually recognise,” Sunset admitted with a sigh. “I’ve not spent much time here recently, my recently that is.”

“Does all this make you homesick?” Zipp asked.

“It does actually,” Sunset confessed. “I was already unsure what to do once my last year at CHS was over. Returning to Equestria, returning to here, is totally an option.”

She sighed again, looking up at the throne, then with a deep breath started heading towards the corridor that led to the staircase back up. Looking at each other with concern, the others followed.

However, as they walked down the corridor Sunny was unable to resist peaking in one of the rooms. She carefully opened the door and gasped. Then, after a few moments, she closed the door again and hurried to catch up, taking up the rear.

A Guard was waiting for them when they started to emerge from the staircase. Even before Sunny emerged, Queen Haven arrived.

“I presume from those heavily loaded bags your mission was a success then,” she smiled. “Thank hoofness you’ve made it back safely.”

“We’re fine Mum. No worries,” Zipp smiled. “Hopefully we’ll have the information we need once we’ve connected all the dots.”

“So, no need to go back down there?” Queen Haven asked hopefully.

“But we’ve only got a tiny fraction of the knowledge that’s down there,” Sunny sighed. “The Canterlot library is still there, fully preserved. It’s almost as if the ponies never left. There’s so much history that’s been lost.”

“Oh, forgive me, Sunny,” Queen Haven smiled. “I meant there’s no need for you and my girls to go back. Now that Equestria has unified again I’m sure the information there will be most beneficial. I know only what the Pegasi felt relevant was saved as Zephyr Heights was constructed.”

“The Unicorns in particular will love to see the magic books that are there,” Sunny grinned.

“As long as they’re careful,” Sunset cautioned. “Magic can be dangerous to those who are unaware of its capabilities. I know for a fact there’s a restricted area in that library, one only the Princesses could access. The knowledge there is there for a reason because it could be dangerous.”

“Duly noted Sunset,” Queen Haven nodded. “Thank you for your warning, I’ll ensure that any future expedition is informed.”

“The books in the public area of the library should be fine right?” Hitch asked. “Like those we’ve collected.”

“They should be yes,” Sunset confirmed.

“Then those are what they will start with,” Queen Haven smiled. “Now, whilst I’d love to show you the arrangements for the Cutie Blossom Bash, clearly you all need some time to get ready. Needless to say, Misty, you are going to have a wonderful time. I’ll see you for the dinner soon.”

“The dinner?” Misty asked.

“We completely forgot about that,” Pipp gasped. “Misty, we need to get you ready.”

“But what dinner?” Misty repeated feeling worried.

“The evening dinner with all the other participants in the Cutie Blossom Bash,” Queen Haven replied. “Part of the hospitality we’ve arranged for everypony ahead of tomorrow’s event. Everypony from Bridlewood and Maretime Bay is invited to it as part of their stay in the castle.”

“Okay, come on Misty,” Pipp grinned. “It’s makeover time.”

“It…it is?” Misty gasped.

“Yeah, it is,” Izzy giggled. “Come on.”

With that, Misty found herself being led away by an excited Pipp and Izzy.

Chapter Fifteen – Growing

Misty awoke the following morning a bundle of nerves. At the dinner, it quickly became clear that she was the oldest pony participating in the event. She was only happy that she’d blended in with the proud families of her fellow participants. Especially as she’d been with Sunny and the others.

However, since then she’d gotten more and more nervous and that meant she’d not slept at all well. She knew soon there would be no blending in today, especially on the stage.

She headed to the mirror to take another look at the makeover Pipp and Izzy had given her. As she turned her head, she had to admit she quite liked the new purple colouring on her mane and tail. Especially as it changed towards the ends, she only hoped she wouldn’t have to keep reapplying it too often.

“Do I really have to do this?” she said to herself. “I’m so nervous.”

She looked at herself in the mirror again, angling her right flank to see her cutie mark. She thought about how she’d wanted it so badly before, but also how Opaline had used that against her. What did she want now?

She was thinking about this so hard she completely missed Sunny knocking on the door and entering.

“It’s your big day Misty,” Sunny grinned. “Are you buzzing? It’s time to show off your cutie mark to everypony.”

“Y…yeah,” Misty replied with a gasp.

“Oh, I didn’t startle you, did I?” Sunny asked with concern.

“It’s fine,” Misty sighed. “I…I just…erm.”

“It’s okay to be excited,” Sunny smiled. “I remember how excited I was to take part when I got my cutie mark. We all want it to be special for you too. Especially after how you were treated by Opaline.”

“But…But what about Starlight and Sparky?” Misty asked. “Don’t they need us?”

“Sunset, Zipp and Hitch are going through the books this morning whilst you get ready,” Sunny replied. “Then, once the event is over, we’re heading straight back to the Brighthouse. We’ll be there and helping them before the end of today.”

“Oh, that sounds okay then,” Misty sighed. “I think.”

“Come on,” Sunny grinned as she headed to the door. “It’s time to get you ready, Pipp and Izzy are already waiting.”

“Oh, more makeovers?” Misty sighed as she followed. “What is there left to makeover?”

“You’ll see,” Sunny beamed.

Sometime later, Misty stood in front of a full-height mirror and looked at her reflection again. The latest ‘makeover’ consisted of makeup and outfit. Pipp had spent ages getting a match for Misty’s coat colour before applying it to many areas. Notably, the pink highlights in her leg fur had been completely removed. It gave her a more youthful appearance, something Misty was thankful for.

Her outfit meanwhile looked deceptively simple. Consisting of a sash, neck choker and a flag with her cutie mark attached to her back. A flower corsage was pinned to the sash and a green and yellow flower had been placed in her mane. The sash and straps to hold the flag had taken Izzy ages to get right, often being uncomfortable. Despite Misty saying it would be fine, Izzy had persevered until it was perfect.

Misty sighed as she moved around and looked at herself. She looked prettier than she could ever remember being, and it was all thanks to the perseverance of two of her friends. She moved over to the window. From there she could see the huge stage, the covered walkway to it stretching out from the castle. Dotted around were cameras, ready to film the event for a live broadcast. Indeed, one of the large TV screens in the background had a reporter standing on the stage, explaining what was going to be happening. The audience was arriving too, and Misty could feel a knot forming inside as she saw more and more ponies filling into the massive audience area. She froze, closing her eyes and could feel her breathing getting faster as her heart rate increased.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, the noise startling Misty out of her trance with a squeak. Turning and trying to put on a smile she saw Sunny, Izzy and Pipp.

“Oh Misty,” Sunny beamed. “You look incredible, eee!”

“Didn’t I say she looked fabulous,” Pipp beamed. “Dare I say, better than Zipp and me on our bash day. Mum showed us the video last night.”

“You’re going to be the most beautiful pony out there Misty,” Izzy grinned. “You’re going to stick out in a good way.”

“I’m so glad we could be part of your special day Misty,” Sunny beamed. “It’s such an important day in everypony’s life.”

“Y…yeah, I know,” Misty replied, trying to smile. “I…I’m glad you’re with me too.”

“Come on Misty,” Pipp grinned. “It’s time to take your place.”

Misty sighed as she stood in line with all the young ponies who were taking part in the bash. There were hundreds of fillies and colts, all with flags on their backs depicting their cutie marks. They were stood in the order that they’d received them, and this meant that Misty was right at the back of the queue. She gulped as she looked at the length of it, snaking back and forth in the large hall.

Slowly but surely, the line edged forward. However, with each movement, Misty felt more and more anxious. She was out of place here, an older pony in a young pony event. It was taking ages, and her fears were continuously growing.

When she finally reached the door to the hall, she realised the waiting was still not over. The line continued down the hallway before looping all the way back. Then it stretched down the hallway again before it went through another door. The area beyond this door was obscured by blinding daylight, almost as though the line was heading into some sort of oblivion.

Then, Misty caught sight of a screen. On it was the coverage of the Bash but it wasn’t playing audio. Seashell was walking down the covered runway alone. Eventually, she walked up onto the stage, gave a twirl, and then waved to the crowd. She spoke with Queen Haven who shook hoofs before they posed for a photo. Then Seashell walked towards the edge of the stage and towards a presenter. Misty couldn’t hear the presenter, but she froze as she saw them speaking to Seashell. Then, Seashell started talking back, speaking into a microphone that had been placed in front of her. The image then panned to show the audience and the hundreds of ponies that were watching.

Misty began panting, her heart was pounding. She didn’t notice the line had moved ahead of her until she heard a voice. Turning toward it, she saw one of the Guards, looking at her with concern and pointing towards the line. Towards the light, towards the stage, towards the TV cameras, the microphones, and the audience. “Noooooo!” Misty cried.

It was all too much. She hurried backwards into the hall she’d just come out of. Her horn lit up as she used her magic to close the huge doors and bolt them tightly. Skittering back, her hind hoofs slipped, and she landed on the floor. Gasping, she lay there and covered her eyes as she began to weep.

Sat on a balcony above the proceedings were Pipp, Sunny, Izzy and a very bored-looking Zipp.

“Why couldn’t I have stayed with Sunset and Hitch a bit longer?” Zipp moaned. “It’ll be ages till Misty gets here, she’s right at the back.”

“Zipp, you’re here because you’re a Princess and you’re supposed to be interested in seeing all the ponies,” Pipp replied as she waved down to the young colt currently on the stage.

“It’ll be fine Zipp,” Sunny smiled. “I’m sure Sunset and Hitch will handle the research without you.”

“We were finally getting somewhere Sunny,” Zipp replied. “I can feel it all falling into place now. I can’t wait to add what we’ve found to the info I’ve already got.”

“Excuse me, Your Highnesses,” a voice said.

They all turned to see a Guard had walked up behind them.

“We have a slight problem with your friend, could you come immediately.”

Hitch and Sunset ran down the corridor towards the hall. Outside, they could see Pipp, Zipp and Izzy looking worried whilst Sunny was standing at the door talking.

“What’s happening?” Hitch asked.

“Misty’s locked herself in,” Izzy replied. “Sunny’s trying but Misty’s not answering.”

“Do we know why?” Sunset asked.

“Not really,” Zipp replied. “The Guard said she looked at that screen over there and then froze. When they tried to speak to her Misty ran back into the hall and locked all the doors with her magic.”

“I don’t understand,” Sunny said sadly. “I was so excited for her this morning. I thought she was excited too.”

“We all thought she was excited,” Pipp replied. “It’s not just you Sunny.”

“What did she say this morning?” Hitch asked.

“Not much really,” Sunny replied. “She was worried about Starlight and Sparky, but I made sure she knew they were going to be fine.”

Sunset walked over to the door and looked at it as her horn lit up. “She’s locked it physically but not magically,” she explained. “I can get in, give me a moment to talk to her.”

With a flash, Sunset teleported. The others looked at each other feeling helpless, all they could do was wait. After a few minutes, the doors unlocked and slowly opened. Sunset walked out with a very sad-looking Misty.

“I’m sorry,” Misty sniffed. “I’ve ruined everything. I…I couldn’t do it.”

“Misty no,” Sunny said worriedly. “You’ve ruined nothing. Tell us what’s wrong, please?”

“It’s okay,” Sunset comforted. “They’re your friends, you can tell them. They’ll understand.”

“I can’t face that crowd,” Misty admitted. “The cameras, the microphones, the fuss. I can’t handle any of it. I didn’t say anything because everypony was so excited for me. I wanted you all to see me having a good time, so I tried to, but it was all too much. I’ve got to face it, I’m shy. I don’t like being in the spotlight and being so different to everypony else taking part made it worse.”

“Misty, I’m so sorry,” Sunny sighed. “I didn’t realise when we spoke this morning. I thought you were excited because I was. You’ve come out of your shell so much around us, I completely forgot how shy you were when we first met. I should have checked what you wanted.”

“None of us checked,” Pipp admitted. “We just dressed you up and expected you to do like we did when we were younger.”

“I want to show off my cutie mark, I really do,” Misty admitted. “I’m so proud of it, that I finally have it and that I have it because of meeting my friends. When I look at it, I think of all of you. But I don’t want to do it like this, why does it have to be so big?”

“It didn’t used to be,” Sunset smiled. “I remember my cute-ceañera party, it was just me and my family. I didn’t have many friends when I was little. But I remember being so happy to show off my cutie mark.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner,” Misty sighed. “I’m still learning about friendship.”

“We all are,” Sunset smiled. “It’s something you never stop learning about. That’s why Starlight is the Headmare of a School dedicated to it.”

Whilst they had been talking, Zipp had pulled Sunny to one side and whispered something to her. After a moment of conferring, Zipp hurried away.

“W…what’s going on?” Misty asked.

“Wait and see,” Sunny smiled. “Hopefully we can celebrate your new cutie mark in a more traditional way.”

A short time later, Pipp and Zipp led a confused Misty through the castle, followed by the others. Eventually, they came to a large pair of doors and stopped.

“What are we doing here?” Misty asked.

“Why not open the doors, and see?” Zipp smiled.

After looking at the others for reassurance. Misty’s horn lit up and she slowly opened the doors. Revealing a stunning garden set into the mountainside. Beautiful curving flower beds, multiple statues of Pegasi and two large trees on a lower terrace. There were tables set up around the central area of the mowed lawn which contained food and drink.

“This is our private garden,” Pipp grinned. “Zipp and I have so many memories of playing here with Mum when we were little.”

“After our Cutie Blossom Bash, we came here and planted those trees,” Zipp said as she pointed them out.

“So, why are we here?” Misty asked.

“Because we’re going to revitalise an old tradition,” Sunny smiled. “We’re going to have our own cute-ceañera lunch party. Just for you and your friends.”

“It’s just the way I wanted to celebrate getting my cutie mark,” Misty grinned. “With the ponies, I trust the most, who don’t judge me, who like me for being me.”

As they moved out into the garden, Misty couldn’t help noticing a hole that had been dug in the middle of the lawn. As she walked up to it, Pipp landed beside it, carrying a sapling.

“I’ve been singing, er, nurturing this sapling for some time,” she smiled. “I’d like you to plant it, Misty, to mark your special day the same way that Zipp and I planted ours. It represents you growing into the pony you were always supposed to be.”

“We’ll also watch it grow stronger the same as our friendship has,” Sunny grinned.

“Thank you, Pipp,” Misty beamed. “I love it.”

Taking the tree with her magic, she carefully removed it from the pot and started planting it. After firming the soil, she turned to her friends. “It’ll take time for my tree to catch up to Pipp’s and Zipp’s.”

“You know, actually it doesn’t have to,” Sunny grinned as she walked up to it.

Just plant the seed
To be who you wanna be
Because the magic it lives within you and me
It takes time to grow
And to learn on your own
The transformation is beginning.

Butterflies don't get their wings over the night
It all takes time
Birds don't just wake up and fly
It comes from deep inside

Hitch and Sunny stood on either side of the freshly planted sapling. Their hoofs started glowing and they tapped on the soil around the tree. As they did so, green energy started to glow all around it.

Find your light
Let it, let it glow
You got it, got it go
Find your light
You got it, got it go
Everypony can grow

Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (grow)
Oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (everypony can)

Sunset stood back in awe as the cutie marks of each of the six ponies started glowing. The energy wisping off of them and combined with the green Earth Pony magical energy at the base of the tree.

Just like a tree
Standing tall, so you'll see
The roots are buried deep in harmony
It's not a race, just go at your own pace
Everypony will be here waiting

Butterflies don't get their wings over the night
It all takes time
Birds don't just wake up and fly
It comes from deep inside

The tree started growing now, increasing in size rapidly as all six friends continued singing.

Find your light
Let it, let it glow
You got it, got it go
Find your light
You got it, got it go
Everypony can grow

Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (grow)
Oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (everypony can grow)

As the song finished, the tree’s foliage appeared and beautiful flowers opened within its branches. A radiant aura of majestic harmony erupted from it. Misty, Sunny, Izzy and Pipp stood back in wonder and awe. Meanwhile, Zipp and Hitch looked at each other knowingly before looking at Sunset who nodded.

“From the books we found,” Zipp grinned. “We think this is a new Together Tree.”

“The one in Maretime Bay we grew is too,” Hitch added. “They’re connected to us and our friendship.”

“The same way the Tree of Harmony was connected to Twilight and her friends,” Sunny beamed.

“Exactly,” Sunset smiled. “But not just that, they’re connected to all of pony kind. So now there’s one for Earth Ponies and one for Pegasi.”

“So, there must also be one for Unicorns too,” Sunny gasped. “Do we need to grow one or…”

“The Wishing Tree,” Izzy shouted. “I bet it's one. It has to be, it’s a special place where Unicorns all come together.”

“It could easily be,” Zipp smiled. “We’ll need to check it out.”

“All in due time,” Sunset laughed.

“Yeah, first there’s food waiting and I’m starving,” Sunny grinned. “Then we need to get back to the Brighthouse and help Starlight and Sparky. Then we can all head to Bridlewood together. We’ll all do our part, hoof to heart.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Izzy grinned already tucking in.

Misty stood back and watched her friends for a moment, then she looked at the tree and smiled.

“Feels good doesn’t it,” Sunset grinned knowingly as she stood alongside. “You feel like you’ve turned a corner in your life and there’s only going to be good things ahead.”

“I’ve never felt happier,” Misty agreed. “Whatever Opaline throws at us I know we’ll face it together.”

“Come on,” Sunset smiled. “We’d better get in there before all the food’s gone!”

Misty nodded in agreement before she joined her friends.

Chapter Four – Spark of Unity

Once they’d entered the ballroom, Misty quickly found herself separated from the others. A little overwhelmed, she walked around the outskirts, looking for a familiar face. However, it wasn't easy. There were ponies everywhere, and every one of them was wearing a mask. Even spotting their cutie marks was difficult.

Finally, she spotted Zipp, who looked like she was trying to slip away. Gasping, Misty remembered Zipp had said something about a secret section before. “I bet she’s looking for information on Opaline.”

She observed as Zipp slipped away through one of the side doors. Quickly, she followed, just managing to keep up as they weaved through various corridors. Finally, Zipp stopped as she reached a closed door. Misty gasped as Zipp tapped a hoof on an entry pad. The door opened, and Zipp slipped inside; Misty squeaked as she hurried to catch up. There was no way she’d find her way back to the ballroom.

She just managed to get inside as the doors closed and locked behind her. Feeling anxious, she looked around and gasped at the enormous bookshelves, seemingly stretching to the ceiling. She spotted Zipp flying high up and looking at the books on the higher shelves. Desperate not to be spotted, Misty turned a corner to another part of the archive.

“Wow, I didn’t realise there could be this many books in one place,” she gasped. “Makes Opaline’s library look tiny.”

She pulled a book randomly from one of the shelves, and it kicked up a layer of dust. “Just as dusty, though,” she commented as she blew the remaining dust off.

However, some of the dust got sucked up her nose, and before she could stop herself, Misty sneezed. Pushed off balance, she skittered backwards on her hind hoofs into the shelf behind her. Slamming into it, she yelped as several books fell from above, one landing on her head. She looked down at it and gasped at the title.

“Alicorns of the Ancient World,” she breathed. “Opaline doesn’t have this one. I bet she’d reward me for something like this.”

“Misty?”

Misty squeaked as she heard Zipp behind her, quickly hiding the book she’d found. She turned her head to look at Zipp, plastering a smile on her face.

“You followed me?” Zipp said in a deadpan tone. “Really?”

“I…I’m not a follower,” Misty stammered. “Just because we’re in the same place doesn’t mean I followed you.”

“You wouldn’t have gotten past the door, Misty,” Zipp sighed. “There’s no way you could have gotten in here unless you followed me.”

“O…Okay, I did,” Misty sighed. “I’m freaked out by large crowds of ponies and got separated pretty quickly. I spotted you and thought I’d follow the only friend I know who doesn’t dig crowds.”

“True, we do have that in common,” Zipp conceded.

“So, you can trust me, right?” Misty said all too quickly.

“Why should it be so important for me to trust you?” Zipp frowned. “Cut the hay, Misty. You’ve been acting strange since day one.”

“I…I…erm,” Misty stammered, back peddling to get away.

“Sunny says you're just shy, but my instincts are rarely wrong.” Zipp continued. “Right now, they’re telling me there’s something way off about you. What are you hiding?”

Misty huffed and puffed under the pressure of Zipps accusing gaze. Staring into the accusing eyes, she didn’t know what to say.

“I…I… I’ll come clean,” Misty cried. “I…err…I…I don’t have a cutie mark!”

She reached to her flank and rubbed off the crudely drawn butterfly. Zipp gasped in surprise, not expecting that to be Misty’s secret at all.

“I know, I’ve never been given one like other ponies,” Misty said sadly. “It’s shocking, and it makes me different to everypony else.”

“I knew it. I knew there was something different about you,” Zipp replied triumphantly. “I told you my instincts were pretty good, right.”

“They are, and you were right. But, being different. It isn’t bad, is it?” Misty asked worriedly. “I hate standing out and having everypony watching me, judging me.”

“Different is awesome,” Zipp affirmed. “Being different is what makes friendship so much fun. It would be so boring if we were all exactly the same, wouldn’t it.”

“I suppose,” Misty mused. “But I thought none of you would want to be my friend if you knew the truth.”

“Of course we would,” Zipp comforted. “We all like you, Misty, and we want to be your friend. You’re awesome in your own way.”

“You do?” Misty asked. “You really mean that?”

“Totally,” Zipp smiled. “Just work on the keeping secrets thing, yeah? You’re so nervous half the time, and there’s no need to be. You can tell us things, anything. We’re here for you.”

“Sure, I can work on that,” Misty grinned. “In fact, I found something you’ll want to see.”

Misty led Zipp back to where the books were still laid on the ground. Picking up ‘Alicorns of the Ancient World’, she handed it to Zipp.

“Where did you find this?” Zipp gasped.

“Well, it sort of found me,” Misty replied, rubbing her head. “Same as these.”

She gestured to the other books on the floor, Zipp spotting one that had flipped open. “What’s this? Elements of Harmony?”

“I don’t know,” Misty replied, passing Zipp the book. “I hadn’t looked at that one.”

Zipp quickly scanned the pages and gasped. “Misty, this is huge! It could be a massive breakthrough in the message from Twilight Sparkle.”

“It could?” Misty asked, surprised.

“Yeah, she mentions ‘elements’, and this talks about Elements of Harmony,” Zipp replied excitedly. “Way to go, Misty!”

“Oh, it wasn’t nothing,” Misty replied bashfully, rubbing her head.

“There you both are,” Pipp said suddenly from behind them. “Come on, Sunny is going mad. We haven’t practised her unity dance, and she’s freaking out.”

“A Sunny freakout, now this I got to see,” Zipp chuckled.

“But… I can’t dance!” Misty exclaimed, eyes widened. “Especially not in front of all those ponies! I don’t even know it!”

“Let me tell you a secret,” Zipp smiled as she put a reassuring hoof around Misty. None of us know it. Come on, it will be fine.”

“Yeah, it will,” Pipp grinned, doing a backflip in the air. You’re with friends, Misty. We’ll support you; just follow our lead.”

“And we’ll follow Sunny’s,” Zipp winked.

With a small, reassured smile, Misty allowed herself to be led out of the archives.

“Somepony give me a shimmy, somepony give me a shake.”
“Give me a twist shout and just feel the bass.” (hey, hey)
“Come on and let your mane down.”
“Yeah pony, play.”
“You gotta show me how you work it today.”

As Sunny and her friends danced and sang their unity dance deep below Zephyr Heights, a tiny green spark at the tip of a tree root appeared. The spark quickly followed its way back along the roots, twisting and turning. As the root grew bigger, the spark grew more powerful. Eventually, it reached the magic tree in Maretime Bay.

Phyllis was walking along past the tree and gasped as suddenly veins of green shot through its trunk. The tree glowed brightly, and Phyllis took a step back, unsure what was happening.

The earth shook as a large flower burst from the ground next to the tree. The giant bud at its tip glowed brightly as it slowly opened, revealing large multi-coloured petals which flopped open to form a massive flower. In the centre of the flower, there was a large orange crystal with Sunny’s cutie mark etched on its surface.

Phyllis lowered the hoof that she’d used to shield her eyes. Gasping, she started to walk towards the flower. However, she couldn’t get close to it; an invisible force pushed her back. Spotting the cutie mark, her eyes narrowed. “Of course, she’s done something else, hasn’t she.”

It was sometime later that evening, and Hitch was making his way back towards the Sheriff’s office, still singing and humming to himself. He was surprised to see a group of ponies standing outside.

“Good evening, everypony,” he smiled as he approached. “What can Sheriff Hitch do for you all on this fine evening?”

“Where have you been?” Phyllis demanded. “Everypony wants to know what this flower thing is?”

“Flower thing?” Hitch repeated, a puzzled expression on his face.

“At the magic tree,” Posy replied, pointing up the street. “It’s glowing and has an orange crystal in the middle of it.”

“A crystal that’s got Sunny Starscout’s cutie mark in the middle of it,” Phyllis added. “What has she done?”

“Nothing,” Hitch replied. “She’s done nothing at all. Let me take a look at it.”

With that, they all headed towards the tree.

Meanwhile, Misty had been making her way back towards the island where the Dragon Stone was located. She squinted hard through the darkness, knowing that now was her only chance to get across the causeway.

She squeaked in surprise as one of her hoofs slipped, and she barrel-rolled through a bush and onto the beach. Groaning, she picked herself up, looked out towards the island and gasped. “Wow, if I wasn’t on my own and needed to walk across the sea at night, this would be brilliant.”

The island was illuminated by the moonlight, and the sea looked much calmer than it had before. The waves glistened and reflected the moonlight, creating patterns. After drinking in the view for a moment and taking a deep breath, Misty started walking out across the causeway.

Now she was out of the trees; she found it was much easier to find her way as the moon illuminated her way. The causeway was rocky, and she was able to pick out any cracks and holes to avoid putting a hoof in. “Careful, Misty,” she said to herself reassuringly. “Don’t want to get a hoof stuck.”

She looked out at the sea and shuddered. She knew that whilst it looked calm now, it hadn’t earlier. She didn’t want to be around when it started getting higher again.

Finally reaching the island, Misty started searching for the stone itself. It took a very, very long time, but Misty finally caught sight of it. She gasped as she saw the Dragon Stone, held between two rocks at the highest point of the island.

Misty checked her phone. She’d have to be quick, as the tide was already starting to turn. She didn’t know how long she’d have to reach the stone and then get back. Then, she suddenly caught sight of all the notifications she’d had. Opening the first one, she found it was a video of the dance she’d performed with the others sent to her from Sunny.

“Oooh, what do I do?” she asked herself.

Elsewhere, Hitch was pacing back and forth. He’d made sure the other town ponies stood behind a cordon at a safe distance before contacting Sunny and the others.

“Hitch,” Sunny shouted as she ran into view. “What’s wrong?”

“Yeah, Sheriff, your message was really cryptic,” Zipp added.

“I knew it was easier for you just to come,” Hitch replied before pointing at the flower with a hoof. “What do you make of that?”

“You could have just sent a photo, you know,” Pipp frowned.

“It’s so sparkly,” Izzy grinned as she skipped forward.

“No, Izzy, wait,” Hitch gasped.

Izzy didn’t get far as she suddenly felt a force pushing her back away from the flower and the orange crystal. “What is this?” she grunted before giving up and returning to the others.

“Don’t know,” Hitch replied. “But it’s getting bigger. No pony can get near that flower, and at this rate, it’s going to cover half of Maretime Bay by morning.”

Zipp flipped out her phone and started taking notes. “So, when did it appear and how big was this… Err, force to begin with?”

As the others discussed, Sunny found herself strangely attracted to the crystal. She couldn’t stop looking at it as it glowed and shimmered enticingly in the moonlight. Slowly, she started moving towards it.

Pipp sighed. She’d much rather be curled up in bed; she was no good at this mystery stuff. However, she whipped out her phone and flew up to get a good angle of the flower and crystal. “Content is content,” she smiled.

Suddenly, Sunny’s head appeared in the shot. Blinking, Pipp lowered her phone and gasped at how close Sunny was. “Sunny!”

Hitch and the others looked toward Pipp and saw her pointing toward the flower. They gasped as they turned to see Sunny walking toward it unopposed.

“Sunny! Come back!” Hitch shouted.

“What are you doing?” Zipp yelled. “We don’t know anything about it.”

It seemed Sunny couldn’t hear them as she continued to walk. All her friends were shouting now, and some of the town’s ponies, too. However, everything went unanswered by Sunny as she slowly walked forward, a vacant expression on her face.

As she reached touching distance of the crystal, her alicorn powers activated with a flash. She paused, bathed in the light from the crystal and her powers. Then, slowly, she raised a hoof toward the crystal.

“No! Sunny, don’t!” Hitch cried.

“We don’t know what it will do!” Zipp shouted.

“Don’t do it!” Izzy screamed.

Sunny’s hoof tapped on the crystal. Immediately, there was a dazzling flash of rainbow-coloured light. A gusting wind blasted, kicking up dust off the floor and making Sunny’s mane and tail flutter and flap.

Desperately, Hitch, Izzy and Zipp tried to run towards Sunny. However, the invisible force blocked their progress. Pipp just watched in shock, holding her phone limply in a hoof, seemingly forgotten. An array of rainbow-coloured light whipped out from where Sunny’s hoof rested on the crystal as her eyes turned completely white.

Meanwhile, Misty puffed and panted with exhaustion as she finally made it to the door of Opaline’s Castle. Getting back from the island in the dark had been even more demanding than getting there, and she was exhausted. As she weakly opened the door, she found Opaline pacing around her cauldron pool.

“There you are, Misty! Where have you been?” Opaline exclaimed, tinges of genuine worry in her voice. “You’ve been gone ages. I couldn’t even find you in my viewing enchantments.”

“I did it,” Misty panted. “I got it.”

Opaline gasped as Misty held out the Dragon Stone. A wave of adulation and pride washed over her, taking her by surprise.

“Misty, my gorgeous and brave young Misty,” Opaline cried. “You did it! You’ve brought me the stone!”

“Yay for me,” Misty replied before slumping against the wall.

Opaline trotted forward and snatched the stone from Misty’s hoof with her magic before helping her up. “You look positively exhausted,” Opaline cooed. “When did you last sleep?”

“Erm…I don’t remember,” Misty sighed. “Before you grounded me, maybe.”

“Right, to bed with you and don’t worry about the normal morning chores,” Opaline replied, helping Misty towards her room.

“Really? You mean that?” Misty asked.

“Of course,” Opaline replied. “You’ve done so well, Misty. Soon, once my powers are restored, I will make you my herald.”

“What’s that?” Misty asked.

“It’s a special messenger,” Opaline replied. “I’ll provide you with special magic which will give you all the powers you need to spread my messages far and wide across Equestria. Everypony will look up to you.”

“Does that include a cutie mark?” Misty asked hopefully as they reached her room.

“Yes, Misty,” Opaline smiled. “That includes a cutie mark.”

“Yay for me,” Misty sighed as she fell asleep even before her head touched the pillow.

Sunny found herself floating in an endless void of rainbow light. Gasping, she tried to move but found no resistance for her flailing hoofs to push against. “Hello? Is anypony there?” she called.

There was suddenly a white flash. Sunny gasped and blinked repeatedly to clear her vision. Then, her eyes widened as she saw a familiar-looking alicorn before her. “Twilight Sparkle?” Sunny gasped.

“Yes, I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight smiled. “Please tell me your name?”

“Sunny, Sunny Starscout.”

Twilight smiled gratefully. “Congratulations, Sunny Starscout, on finding the unity crystals and reuniting all of Ponykind. You must have received my last message of warning; the fate of Equestria now rests on you and your friends.”

“Wait, you can hear me?” Sunny gasped. "Your message was incomplete. Please, what were you trying to warn us about? What do we need to do?”

Twilight sighed as she began to fade. “I’m sorry, I’m growing ever weaker, so our time is short. I’m sending you help to…”

Sunny gasped as Twilight’s voice faded away despite her mouth still moving, the image completely vanishing not long after. “Wait! What help?” Sunny cried.

Then, slowly, everything went white.

Back in Maretime Bay, more and more ponies were coming to investigate the dazzling light being emitted from the crystal. Hitch had his hoofs full, trying to control them all and keep them at a safe distance. Meanwhile, Zipp, Pipp and Izzy had tried everything they could think of to reach Sunny. However, nothing had worked, and they were now standing helplessly watching and hoping.

Without warning, there was another blinding flash of light as a cylinder of white magical energy streaked downwards and impacted the ground, enveloping Sunny.

“Sunny!” her friends cried.

They tried to move forward again but found themselves still blocked by the invisible force. All they could do was watch as inscriptions of clocks and gears appeared in the dazzling energy, spiralling around within it as it streaked down to the ground.

Finally, the energy evaporated as quickly as it appeared, and darkness returned to Maretime Bay. All the gathered ponies were in shock at what they saw. Sunny was now lying on the ground a short way from the flower and strange crystal; her alicorn powers were gone, and her eyes were closed. Alongside her, however, were two ponies nopony had ever seen before, lying on the ground with their eyes closed.

Epilogue

Opaline puffed and panted as she stood at the door to her castle. Yet another attempt at breaking the spell trapping her had failed. Eyes wide, she took a deep breath and thrust her head to the sky, letting out a cry of sheer anguish.

“Why? Why?” she panted. “My powers are back, I’m stronger than ever. Why can’t I break free?”

She turned around and re-entered the castle, still panting from the effort she’d expended.

Suddenly, a flash of green caught her eye. A vein of green shot through the tree growing through the castle from its roots to the very tip of its branches.

Excitedly, Opaline hurried to her caldron pool and cast the spell to bring up the map of Equestria. She waited with bated breath as her heart continued to pound. Finally, the map appeared and there was a flash as a whole new set of lines appeared around Zephyr Heights. Those around Maretime Bay also becoming more defined.

“Yes! Yes!” she cried with elation. “You beautiful Together Tree, you’ve made another new friend haven’t you? If only you’d make amends with that spiteful one in Bridlewood.”

She studied the map further and grinned with elation.

“Just you wait Sunny Starscout, Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer,” Opaline beamed. “As you make your own steps forward you progress my plans without even realising it. All I need is more power, then I’ll be free from this castle and free to take my rightful place at last.”

With that, Opaline let out a maniacal cackling laugh before promptly lying down, panting for breath.

“Just maybe after I’ve had a nap.”

Author's Note

So that is the end of Part One but fear not as Part Two is well underway.