Marking the Generations – Part Three

Chapters

Prologue
Epilogue
Chapter One – Searching and Looking
Chapter Two – Revelations
Chapter Three – Encouraging Lessons
Chapter Four – Dip in the Portal
Chapter Five – Dragon Lands
Chapter Six – Dragon Lord
Chapter Seven – Nightmare
Chapter Eight – Elements in Bridlewood
Chapter Nine – Zephyr Heights Attack
Chapter Ten – Confidence Boosting
Chapter Eleven – Nightmare Dragon Attack
Chapter Twelve – Element in Maretime Bay
Chapter Thirteen – Testing
Chapter Fourteen – Battle at the Brighthouse
Chapter Fifteen – Brighthouse Blast

Prologue

Discord sat in his comfy armchair, reclined back as he looked at the many monitors that were floating all around him in a huge arc. The room was turning around and around the furniture and he smiled as he plucked a cucumber sandwich from a plate as it floated by.

The only other item of note was a large ornate mirror floating opposite the monitors. Suddenly, there was a flash from this mirror as a portal opened. Discord sighed loudly and scowled as he heard the sound of somepony behind him.

“Oh, do I have to make things more comfortable for you now?” he moaned.

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

“Fine,” Discord spat as he clicked his clawed fingers.

The room instantly stopped spinning and settled in what would be considered a normal position. There was a sound of hoofs connecting with the no longer moving floor.

“Are you certain you want to watch this next part? Discord asked. “You already know what happens.”

“I don’t know everything that happens, there’s a piece missing from my memory.”

“But are you sure you want to see that missing piece?” Discord asked.

There was a pause and a sigh before Discord's guest answered. “I’m sure. I would like to know what happened at last.”

“Then I’ll get some more refreshments,” Discord smiled as he clicked his clawed fingers.

Another comfortable chair appeared beside his own, and a small table appeared between them. The plate of sandwiches that had been floating around landed and two cups appeared on the table, both filled with a fizzy beverage. Additional plates of food suddenly floated from the kitchen and also landed on the table.

“Do take a seat,” Discord smiled. “The show’s about to begin.”

Epilogue

“So, happy now?” Discord asked as he slurped his drink through a straw.

“Relatively.”

Discord snorted. “Told you that you might not want to see it.”

“That’s a matter of opinion.”

Discord continued to look at the monitors before frowning as he heard movement beside him. “What? Leaving already?”

“I know what happens next.”

“Are you sure?” Discord grinned. “Some of the things you told me about have been different. I thought you wanted to know what happens?”

“I know enough, and I have my own matters to attend to.”

“Oh, time can be such a fickle thing,” Discord sighed. “Don’t be a stranger now I’m all caught up.”

“Until next time Discord. I’ll leave you to return your room to normal.”

“TTFN,” Discord smiled as he gave a wave.

There was a flash from the mirror as a portal opened. After Discord’s visitor departed it closed with another flash. Discord chuckled lightly as he clicked his pawed fingers, the room returning to its previous rotating state.

“Ah, that’s better,” Discord grinned as he laid back comfortably. “It’s nice to have guests but they can be such a cramp on my style.”

Chapter One – Searching and Looking

“Sunset’s not here,” Zipp frowned.

“So, we wait for her to come out then,” Pipp smiled.

“Wait, where’s Sunny?” Hitch asked. “I thought she was right in front of me?”

“She was,” Starlight replied. “I was behind you Hitch. She walked through the portal just before you did.”

They looked back in shock as the pathways suddenly started to disappear. Runcord appeared in the golden portal and gave a quick wave of a hoof before retreating. The portal in the tree trunk disappeared immediately after.

As the others began panicking, Starlight couldn’t help frowning with annoyance.

“Fan out,” Zipp instructed. “Look for anything that could be out of place. Sunset and Sunny have got to be around here somewhere.”

“Or they could have gotten the wrong portal?” Izzy replied.

“Sunny was right in front of me,” Hitch responded as he shook his head. “She can’t have gotten the wrong portal.”

“But Sunset could,” Pipp argued. “Or Sunny appeared from the wrong one somehow. Who knows how these portals work?”

“Can we please look for clues?” Zipp replied crossly. “The moments after an event are vital for finding clues.”

With that, Zipp donned her visor and started flying around, searching the area. Meanwhile, the others did as instructed and fanned out in all directions. They kept their eyes peeled for anything that could help them find their missing friends. Starlight however remained stood, looking at where the golden portal had been in the tree trunk.

“What are you up to Discord?” Starlight sighed to herself.

Zipp had started by working back and forth in front of the Together Tree in a pattern. Then, after the others had fanned out, she headed down an alleyway that nopony else had gone. She followed this as it curved back towards the main street.

After coming out of the alley, she hovered in the air and gasped as she suddenly spotted something. It was a roll of what looked like white paper, laid at the side of the street. Swooping down, she carefully picked it up and examined it.

“I’m sure Sunset was carrying this,” she muttered.

She unrolled the object to find it was a poster, gasping when she saw a human riding a strange machine.

“Yeah, this must have been Sunset’s,” Zipp frowned as she rolled the poster back up again.

“Zipp!”

Zipp’s ear twitched at the sound of her name. She looked up the street back towards the Together Tree to see Misty waving to her. “You need to come and see this,” Misty urged.

Zipp nodded and placed the poster under a wing before she ran towards where Misty was standing. When she arrived, Misty pointed to a saddle bag that was sitting at the side of the street. Without a word, Zipp examined the saddle bag intently before carefully flipping it over. Both gasped as they spotted Sunset’s cutie mark on the flap.

“She wouldn’t just leave this,” Misty sighed. “Something’s happened to her.”

“You’re right Misty,” Zipp replied. “I found this poster further on, let’s keep going that way, see if we can find anything more.”

In the shadows nearby, Peach Fizz kept as silent as she could. She daren’t even breathe as the pair headed away. She sighed with relief and couldn’t help feeling a little elated that her evidence planting had worked.

“They’re going in completely the wrong direction,” she smiled before hurrying away.

It was a short time later that they all returned to the Together Tree. Zipp and Misty showed the others Sunset’s saddle bag and poster.

“We went further in the direction we thought she’d gone,” Misty explained. “But we didn’t find anything else to tell us where she went next.”

“Anything could have happened to her,” Zipp sighed. “There was no evidence at all.”

“Not even of a struggle?” Hitch asked.

Zipp shook her head.

“I called Mum,” Pipp explained. “Neither of them appeared at Zepher Heights.”

“Sunset definitely came out here,” Zipp replied. “That’s why we found her things.”

“But Sunny could still be in Bridlewood,” Izzy argued. “Somepony should go and check.”

“But we went through the portal with her,” Zipp reaffirmed. “She must have gotten lost in the crowds or something.”

“We would have seen her,” Pipp disagreed. “The crowd this side wasn’t that thick. We were some of the last to leave.”

“Just because we went through together doesn’t mean that Sunny couldn’t come out somewhere else,” Starlight explained. “Zipp, take the Marestream to Bridlewood. You can look for Misty’s mystery door again whilst you are there. The fact it’s in her dream and now Runcord gives her a key to a door cannot be a coincidence.”

“The Marestream is right there too,” Hitch added. “You’ll be there and back in no time Zipp. It won’t be a wasted journey.”

Zipp let out a massive sigh, looking at the ground in exasperation. “Fine, I’ll go but I doubt I’ll find them.”

With that Zipp started walking towards the Marestream.

“I’m coming with you,” Izzy shouted as she hurried after.

“What about the rest of us?” Misty asked as the Marestream took off in the background.

“You and Pipp head back to the Brighthouse,” Starlight sighed. “Hitch, let’s speak to the sergeant and make sure the Guards are keeping an eye out. What was her name?”

“Skywalk,” Hitch replied. “And yeah, that’s a good idea. We haven’t checked the Brighthouse, one of them could easily be there.”

As Misty and Pipp started heading towards the Brighthouse. Hitch and Starlight headed towards the Sheriff’s Office. However, they hadn’t gotten far when they heard a voice.

“Sheriff. Sheriff Hitch Help!”

Hitch turned to see Kendi running towards them, looking extremely distressed.

“Whoa, whoa, Kendi,” Hitch gasped. “What’s wrong?”

“I have been robbed,” Kendi answered. “I returned to my cart to stow items I’d found in the Market to find it’s been ransacked.”

“What’s missing?” Hitch asked.

“Two items of great historical importance,” Kendi replied. “A tan Stetson hat and a flight jacket. Items worn by the Guardians of Friendship themselves.”

Starlight stared at Kendi with astonishment. “Okay, you do know that Applejack has a massive closet full of hats. There is no way one of them could have historical significance.”

“That does not matter,” Kendi exclaimed. “I know they may seem quite ordinary items to you. But to us, they are tangible links to the past. It is like you looking at the cloak of Clover the Clever. She may have had many cloaks but that is the one you have that you know she wore.”

“Okay good point,” Starlight replied.

“Take us to your cart Kendi,” Hitch responded. “Hopefully there will be some clues to what’s happened.”

Kendi nodded and showed them the way.

Kendi took them to the courtyard of the hotel she was staying in. As the three of them turned the corner, Hitch and Starlight couldn’t help gasping. Before them was a scene of utter devastation. The items that had been in Kendi’s previously immaculately packed cart had been strewn everywhere. Boxes and chests had been opened and their contents spilled all over the floor.

“This is such a mess,” Starlight sighed. “How do you know that it’s just the hat and jacket that are gone?”

“I don’t,” Kendi admitted. “But as soon as I saw the boxes, they’d been stored in…”

She trailed off, pointing towards two large crates on the floor at the back of the cart that had been split open. It looked like they’d been pushed from the cart and dropped.

Hitch held a hoof out to Starlight and Kendi before he advanced. Taking a close look around he couldn’t see anything that would help him identify the culprit immediately.

“The ground’s flagstones, so there’s no hoof prints,” he grumbled. “I’ll need Zipp to cast her analytical eye over this.”

“So where is she?” Kendi asked. “Can you get her here?”

“She’s gone to Bridlewood,” Starlight replied. “Sunny and Sunset are both missing.”

“We need to secure this scene,” Hitch responded as he returned to the entrance. “We need to preserve any evidence that could be here.”

Suddenly the sound of hoof steps could be heard from up the street. They turned to find Sprout walking towards them, wearing his Guard’s uniform.

“Sprout,” Hitch called. “Are you on patrol?”

“Yes, Sir Sheriff Hitch, Sir,” Sprout replied. “Private Sprout on patrol until 09:00hrs.”

Hitch sighed, looking at the ground. “Can’t believe I’m about to do this,” he muttered.

He looked up at Sprout and glared. “Private Sprout, there has been a robbery in this courtyard. I need you to stand guard here and ensure that nopony enters. We need the crime scene to be contained until Detective Zipp can conduct her investigation.”

“Understood Sheriff Hitch sir,” Sprout replied. “I’ll secure any doors from the buildings then stand watch at the entrance here.”

With a quick salute, Sprout immediately headed into the hotel. Hitch groaned before turning to Kendi.

“I know this is hard Kendi but all you can do now is return to your hotel room,” he explained. “We’ll let you know when you can return to your cart to check if anything else was taken.”

“Thank you, Hitch,” Kendi replied. “Let me know when you find Sunny as well.”

“We will,” Hitch reassured. “I’ll make sure of it.”

With a nod, Kendi headed into the Hotel just as Sprout returned. With another quick salute, he assumed position next to the courtyard entrance. Hitch frowned at his old deputy again before he and Starlight started to walk away.

“You don’t seem to trust Sprout that much,” Starlight observed.

“You know the story,” Hitch sighed. “Honestly, he’s changed since joining the Equestria Guard, but I can’t shake that worried feeling. In fact, I really ought to let Skywalk know I’ve commandeered him.”

Hitch stopped and retrieved his phone. Starlight looked on with confusion as he started tapping. Then, he suddenly got a notification which made a ‘ping’ sound.

“What was that?” Starlight asked as she looked around suspiciously.

“A notification on our group chat,” Hitch replied.

“A what on the what now?” Starlight frowned.

Hitch gasped as he read the message that appeared before reading it out to Starlight.

Sunny
Hey Everypony, really sorry for disappearing unannounced. I kind of got hijacked. I’m flying back to the Brighthouse now. I’ll explain when I see you.

It was a short time later, Misty and Pipp were already standing outside the Brighthouse. There was a sudden flash as Starlight and Hitch appeared. Hitch gasped as he suddenly sat down with a thump, his head spinning.

“Oh, sorry Hitch,” Starlight grimaced. “I forget how disorienting teleportation can be if you’re not used to it.”

“No…No problem,” Hitch groaned. “Is she here yet?”

“No, but I think I see her,” Misty replied pointing to the sky.

Sunny grinned as she spotted the group standing outside the Brighthouse. After doing a lap around the building she tried to land gracefully in front of them. However, she came in far too fast and ended up in a heap on the floor. “Maybe I need to work on my landings,” she grinned as she picked herself up and examining her wings.

Pipp and Misty grinned as they hurried forward and threw their hoofs around Sunny in relief.

“Don’t disappear on us like that,” Pipp exclaimed. “We thought something awful had happened to you.”

“Your powers, they’re back,” Misty grinned. “Does this mean you’re feeling better now?”

Sunny laughed and enjoyed the embrace of her friends for a moment before finally replying.

“I’m sorry I disappeared Pipp but I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t responsible.”

“Discord,” Starlight said knowingly.

Sunny smiled as she nodded. “He was great, helped me work through everything. I’m ready for whatever comes our way next. Wait, where are Zipp, Izzy and Sunset?”

Elsewhere, Opaline’s throne room was completely quiet. In the corner, floating a few feet from the floor, there was a giant transparent sphere. Within the sphere, Sunset Shimmer stood silently and rigidly. The whites of her eyes were a purple colour and she stared straight ahead with a vacant expression on her face.

Suddenly, it was like a switch had been thrown inside her. Her eyes returned to normal, and Sunset flinched before she started moving. She gasped as she looked around with confusion and denial. “How…how did I get here?” she breathed.

She racked her brain, however, the last thing she could remember was exiting the Night Market. She held a hoof to her head, the headache she’d had wasn’t there anymore.

“This…This can’t be right,” she breathed. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Worriedly, Sunset began investigating the sphere she was currently inside. Banging a hoof on it, she gulped as she found it to be completely solid. A feeling of foreboding began to well inside her. It was abundantly and painfully clear to her that she was trapped. She closed her eyes and took a ready stance. “Please let this work.”

Her horn lit up and she disappeared with a flash. However, less than a second later she reappeared in the same spot. She opened her eyes and confirmed her worst fears. “Okay, maybe a little ambitious.”

Sunset prepared herself to try again, this time keeping her eyes open and focusing on a spot near the door. Her horn lit up again and there was another flash as she disappeared. She reappeared in the spot she’d been looking at. However, almost immediately she disappeared and reappeared back within the sphere.

Sunset sat down in dismay, taking deep breaths. “Okay, okay keep a hold of yourself Sunset. There’s got to be a way out. Somehow.”

She looked around the room again as she felt a sinking feeling inside her deepening.

Chapter Two – Revelations

The following morning, Sunset was still trapped within the sphere. She was laid down asleep having spent most of the night on failed escape attempts.

“I see my guest has yet to awake then,” a voice said. “How inconsiderate.”

Upon hearing the voice, Sunset awoke with a gasp and scrambled to her hoofs. She looked towards the ramp in the opposite corner of the room. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Opaline descending.

“I could hear you last night,” Opaline continued. “I assure you, escaping my enchanted sphere is quite impossible. I ensured it would be powerful enough for Starlight Glimmer and you’re not at her level, are you?”

“Matter of opinion, ask Starlight herself and you’ll get a different answer,” Sunset growled. “What are you planning Opaline?”

“Muhahaha, you mean what am I going to do to you?” Opaline cackled. “You may recognise these.”

Opaline’s horn flared as she opened a large chest at the side of her throne. From it, six items levitated out. Sunset’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Ah, you recognise items that belonged to Twilight’s friends,” Opaline smiled.

She separated a hat and jacket from the others.

“These two are my latest acquisitions, my new assistant got them for me,” Opaline smiled. “The hat of Applejack and the flight jacket of Rainbow Dash.”

“You’re new assistant?” Sunset repeated. “If you think…”

“I’ve finished cataloguing the library Mistress Opaline,” a voice said, cutting Sunset off.

Sunset gawped in dismay as Peach Fizz entered the room, a beaming smile of accomplishment on her face.

“Peach Fizz?” Sunset gasped. “Peach Fizz, run! Get out of here as fast as you can! You can’t trust her, it’s not safe here!”

“Why?” Peach Fizz asked looking confused. “I can trust my Mistress Opaline. I’ll do anything she asks of me.”

Sunset looked at her with astonishment, suddenly the pieces clicking together in her mind.

“The mist, the static in her memory, my headache, it’s all connected,” she gasped before looking at Opaline with anger. “What did you do to her Opaline?”

“I made her loyal,” Opaline replied simply. “And with her loyalty, I made plans to capture Starlight Glimmer. I thought she’d go poking around my darling Peach Fizz’s mind. Failing that, Peach Fizz would unleash the spell I gave her. However, it seems you got there first and triggered my little Peach Fizz trap.”

Sunset stared at Opaline with sheer hatred. “Whatever you did to her, it won’t work on me.”

“Oh, I know that,” Opaline smiled sweetly. “I have much bigger plans for you. I just need some time to prepare them.”

Opaline laughed maniacally as she began arranging the items around the pool. She placed the hat and jacket down first before adding a sewing machine, a rubber chicken with the number eleven on it, what looked like part of a pink tail and finally a crown.

Sunset sat down, trying to stop a sudden feeling of helplessness from welling inside her. Narrowing her eyes, she decided she’d do everything she could think of to escape. For now, she decided to watch and see if she could work out what Opaline’s plans could be.

Elsewhere, the Marestream touched down outside the Brighthouse. From it, an excited and elated Izzy galloped inside, quickly followed by Zipp.

Izzy burst through the door. She grinned with elation as she spotted Sunny in the kitchen, busy preparing waffles for breakfast with Misty.

“Sunny!” Izzy yelled as she hurried over.

Sunny gasped and only just had enough time to put down the plate she’d been holding. She squeaked as Izzy flung her hoofs around her, squeezing her tightly.

“I…Izzy,” she croaked. “C…can’t breathe. Izzy...”

Izzy gasped as she released her grip. Sunny panted with relief before smiling back at her friend. “It’s good to see you too Izzy. Hey Zipp.”

Zipp smiled in the background as Izzy grinned bashfully and rubbed the back of her head with a hoof.

“Is it true Sunny?” Zipp asked. “Are your powers back?”

“I’ll show you,” Sunny beamed as she took a step back into more space. Then, with a flash, her horn and wings appeared.

“Whoa, they’re even more glowy than before,” Izzy gasped.

“I’ve got complete control over them now,” Sunny smiled. “They’re linked to my emotions. I never realised how much emotional baggage I was carrying around with me.”

“So, why didn’t you both come back last night?” Misty asked.

“Misty!” Izzy suddenly exclaimed as she threw her legs around her. “We found it!”

“F…Found what?” Misty groaned under Izzy’s embrace.

“This,” Zipp grinned.

She whipped out her phone and brought up a photo of an ornate door. As both Misty and Sunny leaned in to look, Izzy released Misty from her embrace.

“Th…that’s the one,” Misty exclaimed. “That’s the one from my dream.”

She reached for the key that was hanging around her neck. Holding it up to the photo, she realised the patterns on the key were the same as those on the door.

“So, where is it?” Sunny asked.

“In the Wishing Tree,” Izzy replied.

“But we looked all around the Wishing Tree,” Sunny blinked with confusion. “There wasn’t any sign of it.”

“It was heavily overgrown,” Zipp replied. “Took us half the night to uncover it.”

“That’s why we didn’t come back. We were pooped,” Izzy added.

“So, was there any sign of Sunset?” Sunny asked hopefully.

“No, there wasn’t,” Zipp replied shaking her head. “We went there looking for you anyway. Everything we’ve found so far points to Sunset being in Maretime Bay last.”

“But we didn’t find anything after finding her poster and saddle bag,” Misty replied sadly.

“Yeah, the trail goes cold,” Zipp sighed. “It’s like she just disappeared into thin air.”

“Something’s happened to her,” Sunny replied worriedly. “She didn’t say she was going anywhere. We need to find her.”

“Skywalk has her Guards keeping an eye out,” Zipp replied. “There’s not much more we can do at the moment.”

“I’ll speak to Starlight, I’m worried Opaline could be behind it,” Sunny sighed and looked at the ground. “Did you find anything at Aunt Kendi’s cart Zipp?”

“Ohmygosh!” Zipp exclaimed. “The cart robbery, I completely forgot!”

With that, Zipp hurried away as fast as she could.

Meanwhile, Starlight was sitting on the balcony looking out over Maretime Bay. She watched as a small boat made its way out to sea, bobbing up and down in the currents. She couldn’t help wondering what the ponies onboard were doing. Sunset had told her of humans catching fish to eat, but she doubted that would be the case here in Equestria.

The thought of Sunset set her mind into overdrive, what had happened to her? What would happen if she returned to their time without her? Many theories spun around inside her mind as she continued to gaze out into the sea.

She groaned as she heard the lift in the chamber behind her activate. Somepony was coming up and she didn’t really want company right now. “Unless it’s news about Sunset I’m not interested,” she said as the lift arrived.

“You don’t want something to eat then?” Sunny asked as she walked over, a plate of waffles in hoof.

Starlight’s shoulders slumped as she sighed. “I suppose it’ll be silly if I didn’t eat,” Starlight admitted. “How did you know I’d be here?”

“It’s the best place to come and think,” Sunny grinned. “It was the same with the Lighthouse.”

Starlight smiled as she gratefully took the plate of waffles from Sunny and began eating. Sunny sat down and looked out at the sea.

“We’ll find her,” Sunny said at last.

“Huh?” Starlight replied through a mouth full of waffle.

“Sunset,” Sunny reaffirmed. “We’ll find out what happened, and we’ll find her. Do you think it could…”

“…be Opaline?” Starlight guessed. “I’m not sure. I can’t see how she’d have done anything given she’s trapped in her castle. However, I can’t rule it out either and that annoys me.”

“What if we go to her castle?” Sunny asked. “If Sunset is there, we’ll rescue her.”

“Remember what happened last time,” Starlight sighed. “Do you think we’d make it out?”

Sunny frowned and looked at the ground, her silence spoke volumes. Starlight didn’t press the matter further, she took the final bite of her waffles and looked out to sea again.

“The thing that worries me most,” Starlight breathed. “Is if I go back without her. I can’t think how I’d explain it to Twilight. Nor to her friends at Canterlot High for that matter.”

“That won’t happen,” Sunny replied surely. “You can’t go back without her, it’s not possible.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow. “How do you know?”

“I realised on my way up here,” Sunny replied. “Things have happened in the past which rely on Sunset being there. Things that are in your future and haven’t happened to you both yet.”

Starlight blinked with confusion before a look of realisation appeared on her face. “The journals.”

“We may have read a bit,” Sunny replied honestly. “It was a message from Sunset to you. So…”

“…she has to go back with me to write it,” Starlight finished with a grin. “Discord really did help you, didn’t he?”

“He did. He really did help a lot,” Sunny smiled. “I hope he comes to visit. Is he the same as what he is in your time?”

“He seemed to be and I’m glad of that,” Starlight answered. “I kind of wish he was here now. But, at the same time, he can be quite the hoof full.”

“Oh, how so?”

“Let’s say he has his own way of doing things,” Starlight smiled. “He’s not changed his chaotic nature that much. He really likes his riddles too. You need to be prepared to get frustrated and infuriated by him. However, when it all comes down to it, he’s a powerful and faithful friend who has good intentions at heart.”

Elsewhere, Zipp sighed as she raised her visor before walking out of the hotel courtyard. Hitch and Kendi were stood waiting for her.

“Couldn’t find anything then?” Hitch deduced.

“Not much gets past you, Sheriff,” Zipp replied dejectedly. “I should have been here last night. If there were marks in the dust on the floor they’re long gone by now.”

“So, there is little hope then?” Kendi sighed.

“There’s always hope,” Hitch replied resolutely. “Just ask Sunny.”

“What I can tell you Kendi, whoever did this knew exactly what they wanted,” Zipp explained. “They’ve searched through everything until they got the hat and jacket. There are boxes in the bottom that haven’t been touched.”

“Let’s double-check to make sure,” Hitch replied. “Come on Kendi, we’ll help you go through everything and tidy up. Whilst we do, you can check if there is anything else missing.”

With that, the three of them re-entered the courtyard where they’d spend the rest of the morning.

Chapter Three – Encouraging Lessons

Starlight decided that the best way to take her mind off Sunset’s whereabouts was by doing some more magic instruction. Therefore, she had asked Sunny, Misty, and Izzy to join her outside the Brighthouse.

Upon hearing Starlight’s plans, Pipp had excitedly asked if she could live stream the lesson. However, Misty asked if she could just film instead as she could then edit out anything embarrassing.

Therefore, as Pipp fluttered around with her phone in hoof. Sunny couldn’t help grinning and bobbing up and down with excitement as she stood with Izzy. All were watching as Starlight put Misty through her paces.

Misty focused on the five oranges that Starlight had placed in front of her. Firing a beam of magic at each one she turned them all into different fruits. Apple, banana, pear, a bunch of grapes and finally a bowl. Then she fired a beam at the fruits, teleporting each one into the perfect spot in the bowl to create an arrangement.

“Way to go, Misty,” Izzy shouted.

“That was incredible, eee he he,” Sunny squeaked in agreement.

Misty smiled bashfully, fully aware that Pipp had her phone camera pointed at her.

“That was impressive,” Starlight conceded. “Maybe I should have found an apple for you to turn into an orange to finish the display.”

Starlight walked over to the bowl and levitated it from the ground. She placed it on a fold-up table nearby which had several books on it.

“So, you’re clearly a master of transfiguration and teleportation,” Starlight smiled. “How are your shields coming?”

Misty’s face fell upon hearing the question and she looked down sorrowfully. “Not well,” she admitted. “I can sort of do it, but it’s not very good at all.”

“I’m sure it can’t be that bad,” Starlight coaxed. “The book is there if you need it.”

Misty looked to the table and saw one of the volumes of Glimbursts they’d obtained from the Canterlot Library. She levitated it over to herself before opening it to the correct page. She read the incantation carefully before returning the book to the table. “Okay, here it goes,” she breathed.

She closed her eyes and concentrated, her horn lit up and then a weak and flickering light blue shield appeared around her. Misty grunted as the shield began to flicker. She concentrated harder but the shield continued to blink in and out of existence. Slowly, the flickering got faster and faster.

“Okay hold it right there,” Starlight instructed.

Misty gasped as she let the shield drop completely. Panting as she tried to recover from the effort. “I told you it wasn’t very good,” she moaned.

“I didn’t say that,” Starlight replied. “You’re just falling into the same trap that I did.”

“Trap?” Misty gasped. “What trap?”

“You’re concentrating on trying to keep the shield active,” Starlight explained. “Whilst what you need to do is practice the incantation. It’s complicated so remembering and applying it correctly are the most important parts. Holding a shield that’s not been cast correctly in the first place is always going to fail.”

“So, what do I need to do?” Misty asked.

“First, study the incantation,” Starlight advised. “You need to commit it to memory, so I actually found writing it out over and over again helped. More important though is recasting. Cast the spell, then drop the shield almost straight away. Then re-read the incantation before repeating.”

“Oh, okay,” Misty replied understandingly. “This is going to take lots of time to learn.”

“That’s because you’re getting into a whole new level of magic,” Starlight explained. “I was self-taught, so it took me years to realise my mistake. However, I do know that Twilight fell into the same trap when she was learning shields. Even though she had Princess Celestia to teach her.”

“Okay, I’ll keep practising that then,” Misty smiled.

In the background, Sunny raised her hoof and waved it around excitedly as though she was at school. Starlight couldn’t help chuckling and smiling in response. “Yes, Sunny?”

“If creating shields is hard, why didn’t I have the same problem?” Sunny asked. “Shields and beams, they just suddenly came naturally to me when we were fighting Opaline.”

“What I remember is seeing your friends giving you power,” Starlight replied. “Their cutie marks glowed, and the energy flowed into you. Therefore, those abilities were unlocked for you. Why don’t you try now, see if you can still do it?”

Sunny nodded and walked out into more space. Then, having barely thought about it, a glistening golden orange shield appeared around her. She couldn’t help giving Misty a sorrowful expression at how easy it had been.

“Okay, seems we have a shield expert,” Starlight smiled. “Let’s test it out, Misty, Izzy, you have your target for the next lesson.”

“Ooh, ooh, what’s that?” Izzy grinned.

“Beams,” Starlight smiled as she fired one at Sunny.

Sunny couldn’t help squeaking as the beam impacted her shield. However, it held up perfectly fine.

Meanwhile, Misty frowned and turned the pages in the book. Finding the correct one, she read the incantation before closing the book and placing it safely to one side. Then, she concentrated, her horn lit up and a beam fired directly at Sunny.

The beam and shield connected with a fizzling flash. Sunny gasped but her shield remained strong. Misty meanwhile couldn’t help squeaking with achievement.

“I thought that was going to be difficult,” she gasped.

Izzy meanwhile looked apprehensive, she picked up the book and read the incantation. Frowning and looking not at all happy she closed her eyes and focused. However, as her horn lit up it flickered. Only a small spark being ejected from the very tip.

“It’s difficult for me,” Izzy groaned. “I can’t do it.”

“Okay, Sunny, Misty, you both keep practising,” Starlight said. “Izzy come over here with me.”

Pipp was still hovering around and quickly realised Starlight wanted to speak with Izzy in private. Therefore, she focused on Sunny and Misty, she couldn’t help grinning as Misty continued bombarding Sunny’s shield with beams.

Starlight took Izzy into the Community Garden before sitting down, she indicated Izzy should do the same.

“I’m not cut out to do magic, am I?” Izzy sighed.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Starlight replied. “Every Unicorn has a certain level of ability. Some like me, Sunset or Twilight take ages to find that level and can then push to increase it. Others find the level is much lower and can’t do anything about it.”

“So, I’m stuck at the basic stuff,” Izzy groaned.

“Again, that’s a matter of opinion,” Starlight replied. “I haven’t seen Misty transform hundreds of individual sequins into thousands of individual pieces of glitter. Glitter that is somehow also still stuck to a lantern.”

Izzy frowned, a look of realisation slowly creeping onto her face.

“Magic is often linked to emotion,” Starlight continued. “You’re an extremely creative pony Izzy and are capable of creating impressive objects. Even better than that, you take one look at an existing object and instantly see what you can do to improve it. It’s no wonder that you’re capping off at transfiguration, it’s the one thing that relates directly to what you do best.”

“Unicycling,” Izzy grinned.

“Exactly,” Starlight smiled. “You’re already a master of transfiguration and I have a feeling you’ve not found the limit of what you can do with it yet.”

“You’re right,” Izzy beamed. “I’m already amazed at how creative I can get with it. I’ll keep pushing and get better and better.”

“That’s the spirit,” Starlight smiled.

They both looked back to Sunny and Misty, only to gasp. Misty was still firing beams at Sunny’s shield, but Sunny had begun returning fire. However, as she was unable to use her own shield reliably, Misty was teleporting at the last moment to dodge.

“Okay, that’s going a little too far,” Starlight gasped as she jumped up to stop them.

“Ooh, I know what to do,” Izzy beamed as she bounced up.

Nearby, there was a pile of fruit and vegetables where the combinations hadn’t quite worked out. Grabbing them with her magic, Izzy rotated them around herself as she bounded back towards the others.

“I’ve got your targets right here,” she shouted. “I bet you can’t hit them all.”

Meanwhile, Sunset groaned as she closed her eyes and hit her head against the inside of the sphere with a thump. She’d tried everything she could immediately think of to escape but so far nothing had worked.

What was frustrating her more was the things she was thinking of that she couldn’t try. For example, she had remembered a messaging spell that Princess Celestia had once taught her. However, she couldn’t remember how to actually cast it and she this was getting her more and more frustrated.

“Are you okay?”

Sunset’s eyes shot open, and she looked directly at the source of the voice. Peach Fizz was standing at the door of the castle, having clearly just arrived. She had a puzzled look on her face as she looked back at Sunset.

“No, I’m trapped in here,” Sunset frowned.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Peach Fizz replied brightly. “Mistress Opaline said that it won’t be for long.”

As Peach Fizz began to walk away, Sunset gasped, and her eyes widened in horror.

“Peach Fizz. Peach Fizz, please don’t go,” Sunset pleaded. “I’m sorry I was a little abrupt. I’m just going a little mad from being cooped up in here.”

Peach Fizz stopped and looked back towards Sunset. She stood for a moment, looking like she was having a hard time working out what to do.

“M…Mistress Opaline said I shouldn’t talk with you too much,” she said at last. “She said you’ll be better after you’ve had your treatment.”

Sunset gulped and looked back at Peach Fizz through pleading eyes. “What if I don’t want the treatment?”

Peach Fizz blinked, turning around now to look directly at Sunset to study her. Again, it looked like she was struggling with conflicting options.

“You’re trying to confuse me,” Peach Fizz frowned. “It will all be okay once Mistress Opaline is free. She’ll save Equestria.”

“She won’t,” Sunset replied. “She’ll rule Equestria with an iron hoof. You have to fight it Peach Fizz. Fight whatever she’s done to you.”

Peach Fizz gulped and took a step backwards. Her eyes were wide as she stared back at Sunset with either disbelief or fear.

“That’s quite enough.”

Sunset grimaced as Opaline appeared from upstairs. Descending the ramp to stand beside Peach Fizz.

“Peach Fizz darling this is exactly why I told you not to speak with her,” Opaline smiled as she ruffled Peach Fizz’s mane. “She doesn’t know what she is talking about.”

“I…I’m sorry Mistress Opaline,” Peach Fizz sighed.

“It’s quite alright,” Opaline cooed. “I told you she was ill and everything she’s told you is a symptom. We’ll turn her back to normal soon. Now, run along to the kitchen and make us something to eat.”

“Of course, Mistress Opaline,” Peach Fizz smiled before she started to skip away.

“Peach Fizz no,” Sunset cried as she banged a hoof on the sphere. “She’s lying to you.”

However, Peach Fizz paid no attention as she skipped through the door towards the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Opaline scowled as she walked towards Sunset.

“That was a nice try,” she conceded. “I see I must ensure Peach Fizz takes her medicine.”

Sunset’s eyes narrowed as she looked back at Opaline with defiance. “You won’t get away with what you’ve done to her.”

“Oh, but I already have,” Opaline smirked. “Nopony knows she’s now my spy and assistant. What’s more, nopony knows where you’ve gone. Peach Fizz has dealt with that.”

“Whatever you have planned it won’t work,” Sunset replied. “Starlight will help Sunny and her friends to stop you.”

“Oh, you must think you both return home safely,” Opaline grinned.

“I know I do,” Sunset replied.

“Seen some evidence, have we?” Opaline surmised. “Just because you get home safely doesn’t mean I don’t win.”

Sunset’s eyes widened slightly as she took this new information in. However, they narrowed again in defiance, and she made no reply.

“Be under no illusion,” Opaline smirked. “You’ll play your part once I have everything ready. In the meantime, enjoy the accommodation.”

With that, Opaline turned and headed after Peach Fizz.

After making sure Opaline had gone, Sunset sat down and screwed her face up in anger. Closing her eyes, she slammed her hoof against the sphere multiple times. After the fifth time, she stopped, and her expression relaxed. Her eyes opened; a look of grim determination etched into her features.

“I’m not giving up,” she muttered. “I’ll get out, I will.”

Chapter Four – Dip in the Portal

After helping Kendi repack her entire life’s possessions back onto her cart, Hitch and Zipp found nothing else had been stolen and no further evidence. They both arrived back at the Brighthouse, finding all their friends sitting in the living area waiting for them.

“Sorry it took so long,” Hitch sighed.

He walked over to the chair that Sparky was currently napping in. Rubbing the little dragon’s head with his hoof.

“There were no clues then?” Sunny asked.

“Nothing,” Zipp replied. “Nothing at all that would point to a culprit.”

“And there’s still no sign of Sunset,” Hitch added. “Skywalk’s patrols have seen nothing. She even expanded them into the countryside.”

“Maybe we should start a series of search parties?” Sunny asked. “Like when Peach Fizz and Glory were missing.”

“This is different,” Hitch sighed. “Missing foals are a completely different matter to a fully grown mare going missing. Sunset is completely entitled to go off where she likes.”

“But there have been no messages,” Pipp exclaimed. “Even my social media blasts have found nothing.”

“What blasts?” Starlight frowned.

“Messages sent on our phones,” Zipp explained.

“Okay, but Sunset doesn’t have one of those,” Starlight replied. “However, I see what Hitch is saying. He can’t raise the same number of resources as quickly.”

“All we have at the moment is she didn’t say she was going anywhere,” Hitch replied.

“But it’s out of character too,” Pipp argued.

“No, it’s not,” Starlight sighed closing her eyes and shaking her head sorrowfully. “Remember when she got angry and teleported off somewhere.”

“That means she could be in trouble,” Sunny gasped. “Just like she was when she did that.”

“If she doesn’t show up by the end of tomorrow it becomes a whole different ball game,” Hitch explained.

“But we don’t have any balls,” Izzy frowned.

“Couldn’t the robbery and Sunset’s disappearance be linked?” Misty asked.

“Sunset wouldn’t take anything from Kendi,” Sunny argued.

“Oh, I didn’t mean like that,” Misty replied worriedly. “I meant; the same pony that took the items could have taken Sunset.”

“There’d be evidence of a struggle,” Zipp answered. “Sunset would have put up a fight and there’s nothing to show that.”

“Actually, she wouldn’t have just dropped her saddle bag,” Starlight replied resolutely. “It’s all a complete mystery.”

“I know right!” Zipp growled with annoyance. “No witnesses, no evidence of a struggle, items left behind. None of it makes sense and we’re going around and around in circles.”

“I know how we can find her,” Misty said suddenly.

She got up from the chair she’d been sitting on. Taking the key from around her neck she placed it on the coffee table.

“Zipp, you and Izzy found the door that belongs to this key from Runcord,” Misty explained. “He told me that it would take me to wherever I wanted to go.”

The others looked at each other with excitement, however Misty looked down sadly as she continued. “We can go to her and rescue her if that’s what she needs.”

“Why do you sound so sad, Misty?” Hitch asked.

“Because we also need to take Sparky to the Dragon Lands,” Misty replied. “He’s still not well and that’s all my fault. Also, I could…”

She stopped; her ears drooped as she looked down dejectedly.

“What is it, Misty?” Starlight coaxed. “You can tell us.”

“N…No,” Misty sighed. “It’s too selfish. It’s wrong when there are others in need.”

“Misty,” Pipp gasped. “Please tell us, we’re here for you. We won’t judge.”

“Especially as this sounds like something you want for yourself,” Starlight replied. “There’s nothing selfish and wrong with wanting something.”

Misty sighed and looked at the worried expressions on all her friend's faces.

“I could use it to take me to my family,” Misty admitted. “My real family, the one that Opaline took me from. I…I want closure, I want to know who they are. I…I had another dream last night. I think I know what farther looked like.”

“Why not do all three?” Izzy asked.

“Runcord said it’s only going to work once,” Misty explained. “One round trip, that’s what he said.”

“Of course he did,” Starlight muttered.

“Well, let’s go to Bridlewood and head to the door,” Sunny reasoned. “We can decide where we’re going once we get there. All three options are good ones.”

“I agree,” Zipp replied. “Let’s stop asking questions and start getting some answers.”

“Sure, let’s drop Sparky off at Grandma Figgy’s then head there,” Hitch smiled.

“But Hitch, if we go to the Dragon Lands there’ll be no point if Sparky isn’t with us,” Starlight reasoned. “We should take him with us.”

“But I thought we’d be going to find Sunset,” Hitch answered. “Despite the lack of evidence of a struggle, if she’s in trouble and needs rescuing, I don’t want Sparky to be there. It could be dangerous.”

“I know, but I’ve got a feeling that using the key to find Sunset won’t be possible,” Starlight sighed. “No matter what Runcord said about it taking Misty to wherever she wants to go.”

“We could drop Sparky off with Alphabittle if we needed to,” Izzy smiled.

“Who’s Alphabittle?” Misty asked.

“He owns the Crystal Tea Room in Bridlewood,” Izzy responded before looking at Misty in shock. “WAIT MISTY! We didn’t take you to the Crystal Tea Room before! Aaah, we didn’t take Starlight or Sunset there either. That’s a major error of judgment right there!”

It was sometime later that they finally arrived at the Wishing Tree. Izzy had spent the whole trip from Maretime Bay insisting that they all visit the Crystal Tea Room first.

“We could just pop there, have a quick tea and be back here,” Izzy insisted.

“Actually, we probably ought to,” Hitch agreed. “Not for a tea, but to drop Sparky off.”

“We should try the door first,” Starlight answered.

“No, Hitch is right,” Izzy insisted. “Let’s go there now and…”

“Izzy please,” Sunny sighed. “We have no idea what’s happened to Sunset, and she could be in real trouble. We need to try and reach her first.”

“I agree with Sunny,” Misty added. “I know you want me to see all of Bridlewood Izzy and I’m sorry we missed the Tea Room. But there will be time for that later. I’ve decided, trying to get to Sunset should come first.”

“Agreed,” Hitch smiled. “I’m sure we can find another way to the Dragon Lands.”

“And I’ll help you find your family Misty,” Zipp added.

Izzy looked at them blankly, suddenly she shook her head violently. “You’re all right,” she gasped. “What was I thinking? Zipp, show them the door!”

“This way,” Zipp grinned as she led them around the tree.

They followed Zipp and, sure enough, they found a door embedded into the trunk. Just a bit further than when they’d been there previously.

“This was not here before,” Sunny frowned. “I walked all the way around.”

“It was completely covered in vines and undergrowth,” Zipp explained. “I only just spotted it from the air.”

“It took us ages to uncover it,” Izzy added.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Pipp replied as she tried to avoid stepping on brambles that had been left all over the ground.

“Okay, here it goes,” Misty said as she walked towards the door.

She took the key from around her neck. After studying the door for a moment, she spotted a lock in the centre. She looked back at the others unsurely.

“One key, one lock in one door,” Starlight commented.

Misty took a deep breath before placing the key in the lock. “The place I want to go is wherever Sunset Shimmer currently is,” she said.

She tried to turn the key, however it wouldn’t turn.

“Try again Misty,” Sunny suggested.

Misty nodded and removed the key from the lock. She repeated the process again but had the same result. “Why won’t it work?” she grumbled.

“I had a feeling finding Sunset wouldn’t be that easy,” Starlight sighed.

Misty removed the key and turned around to look at the others.

“So, what now?” Pipp asked. “Is it faulty or what?”

“We should try going somewhere else,” Starlight replied. “I…I think it’s not possible to reach Sunset, no matter where she is right now.”

“It could be getting confused,” Zipp theorised. “I mean, Sunset is from the past so there will be…”

She trailed off, the others realising what she was implying.

“I want to take Sparky to the Dragon Lands then,” Misty responded, looking at Hitch. “I want Sparky to be well again.”

“Are you sure Misty?” Hitch answered.

Sparky was riding on Hitch’s back and looked at Misty with worry. It seemed he also didn’t want her to make that sacrifice for him.

“I’m sure, I can’t see any other way to get there,” Misty smiled. “I know this would be an easy way to find my real family. But I’ve also got a great family right here. Also, I’m sure I’ll figure out who my original family are eventually. I mean, I’ve got a great detective for a friend for a start.”

Misty smiled as she turned back to the door, she placed the key in the lock for a third time and closed her eyes.

“The place I want to go is the Dragon Lands,” she said as she turned the key.

This time, there was no resistance. The key turned and suddenly the door burst open to reveal a swirling portal. Misty gasped and took a step back in shock.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Starlight smiled.

“Are we sure it’s right?” Misty asked. “We can’t see through it.”

“You told it where to go,” Sunny responded. “We probably have to trust it.”

“Trust me,” Starlight smiled. “This is normal for a magical portal.”

Hitch frowned, then looked at Sparky who gave a nod in response. Without a word, Hitch charged forward and jumped through the portal. The others looked at each other before they followed.

Elsewhere, Sunset grunted as she put everything she had into the beam that was firing from her horn. Her eyes were closed as she focused as hard as she could. The beam was glowing bright with concentrated magical energy. If it hit anypony, they would be gravely wounded. However, the sphere appeared to be extremely resilient and was seemingly absorbing the energy.

Sunset cried out as she pushed herself harder, the crimson beam intensifying as a result. Finally, she could feel it, a small hole was starting to open. Sure enough, a thin beam of crimson energy fired from the sphere and impacted the ramp on the other side of the throne room.

However, it was quickly becoming too much for Sunset. Her body was already trembling and was only getting worse. Then, she let out a cry of anguish before the beam abruptly stopped.

Sunset immediately collapsed, panting hard she looked weakly up at where the beam had been impacting the sphere. There was a large black scorch mark, in the middle of which was a small hole. She closed her eyes and tried to teleport, however, her horn just flickered weekly, and she couldn’t cast the spell.

She opened her eyes again, as she realised, she had made an error. As soon as the hole opened, she should have tried to teleport. Not try to make it bigger and cut a way out like she had been doing. Now, she knew she’d need to wait for her magic to recover and Opaline could come back at any moment. Although, she could still see options for her escape attempt working and that gave her hope.

However, Sunset’s eyes widened as she watched the hole slowly seal itself, shattering all her hopes. Slowly, the scorch mark also began to disappear until it vanished completely. The only evidence that was left from all of Sunset’s efforts was a small mark on the ramp.

Sunset closed her eyes as she tried to contain her anguish. Her entire body was screaming at her from all the effort, she knew she’d completely exhausted her reserves of magic. She’d put everything she had into escaping and had come up agonisingly short.

Opaline grinned as she stood just out of sight at the top of the ramp. She’d been watching Sunset’s entire escape attempt and couldn’t be happier at its outcome. It was just what she'd been waiting for. She walked forward and started to descend the ramp, a basket of items levitating beside her.

“So nice of you to prepare yourself for your treatment,” Opaline smiled.

Sunset grunted, she tried to get up to show her defiance but found she couldn’t. Her muscles ached and screamed in protest, and she was forced to remain lying in the bottom of the sphere.

“Oh, don’t get up on my account,” Opaline grinned as she placed the basket next to the pool. “This is going to be so much easier for you now you're nicely worn out.”

“W…what is?” Sunset groaned.

“Your treatment to become my herald of course,” Opaline replied. “I had planned to give this power to Misty, but given she’s abandoned me, you’ll have to do.”

Sunset closed her eyes reminding herself that no matter what happened she would make it back to her time. The evidence that she did so was far too great for her to ignore.

She heard splashes of water and opened her eyes. Opaline was throwing plants and minerals from the basket into the pool. Clearly ingredients for some magical concoction. After each ingredient, Opaline fired a magical blast which caused the water to change colour, working through all the colours of the rainbow.

Then, Opaline fired magic at each of the items she’d placed down around the pool. A series of inscriptions appeared on the floor around each which then led back to the pool. As they connected, spheres appeared around each of the items.

After finishing the last one, she read the book she was using. Then, she fired a final blast of magic at the pool. The water seemed to jump upwards five feet before sloshing back into the pool. It suddenly became an inky black as it rippled expectantly, menacingly, as though it were alive.

Opaline said nothing as she turned to Sunset and smiled wickedly. Her horn flared as she grabbed the sphere with her levitation magic and started to move it towards the pool.

Sunset grunted as she tried to move again. However, she’d long since realised that her escape attempt had played right into Opaline’s hoofs. She could do nothing as Opaline positioned her above the black inky water in the pool.

“Time for you to take a dip,” Opaline smiled wickedly.

Author's Note

Image by inaactive on deviantart:

Not making a habit of including images here but I feel it's needed for this one. :fluttercry:

Chapter Five – Dragon Lands

After Hitch exited the portal, the others quickly followed. So quickly that it resulted in a pony pile-up.

“Oh, that wasn’t so bad,” Izzy grinned as she sat on top of the pile.

“Speak for yourself,” Hitch groaned from the bottom.

“Can everypony get off, please?” Sunny whimpered from alongside Hitch.

It took them a moment, but eventually, they managed to untangle themselves from the pile. One by one, they spread out within the clearing that they found themselves in and started looking around. The trees and bushes all around them had foliage of odd shades of green and blue, Starlight in particular was quite amazed.

“This is nothing like the Dragon Lands I know,” she commented.

“How so?” Zipp asked.

“All the plants,” Starlight explained as she looked around. “The Dragon Lands I know are barren, dominated by active volcanoes and lava. All these trees and bushes, they are all new.”

“Are we sure we’re in the right place then?” Pipp asked worriedly.

She instinctively got her phone out to check their location, before looking at it with annoyance. “Of course, there’s no signal,” she groaned. “Okay, so we have no way of knowing where we are.”

“It’s okay Pipp, we know we can get back,” Sunny replied as she pointed to the portal.

“That’s right, Runcord said it was a return trip,” Misty responded. “Maybe we should look around and see if we can find any Dragons.”

Hitch nodded before looking around with confusion. “Speaking of, where’s Sparky? Sparky!”

No sooner had Hitch called out, there was a rustling in a nearby bush which made them gasp. Pipp backed up worriedly whilst Starlight took a step forward before getting into a ready stance. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the bush, her horn lighting up in preparation.

Then, Sparky jumped out of the bush. Crying out with delight he ran over to Misty and jumped onto her back. Meanwhile, Starlight sighed as her horn stopped glowing and she relaxed.

“Hey there Sparky,” Misty grinned. “Don’t go running off like that, yeah?”

“Where did you go?” Hitch asked. “We need to stick together. We don’t want to lose you.”

Sparky grinned widely and nodded before jumping down from Misty’s back. He ran around and around everypony’s hoofs before sliding directly under Hitch’s belly. He spun around and jumped up into Hitch’s hoofs.

“Oof, okay, this is definitely the most energetic Sparky has been for a long time,” Hitch grinned. “Thank you, Misty, I know we couldn’t find Sunset, but you still made a sacrifice to come here.”

“I’m just happy to see he’s getting back to normal,” Misty replied as she stroked Sparky’s cheek.

Sparky cooed happily before suddenly sniffing the air and looking extremely excited. He pushed himself out of Hitch’s grasp and jumped down onto the ground. He started running off down the path ahead of them.

“Sparky? What did we just say?” Hitch gasped.

Sparky jumped and spun in the air, he waved at the others to follow before he landed and spun back to continue running.

“At least he’s gotten his energy back,” Starlight noted.

“Come on, we don’t want to lose him,” Sunny replied as she set off after Sparky.

They were soon running as fast as they could after Sparky. He was running back and forth across the path, sniffing at rocks, grabbing at leaves, and even stopping at times. Despite this, he was keeping well ahead of the others, and they struggled to keep up.

“Actually, this is more than normal Sparky,” Hitch gasped. “This is Sparky on steroids.”

Finally, they came to a clearing. In the centre, there was a ring of rocks which looked like a fire pit. All around this, there were footprints and claw marks. Several large tree trunks had been laid down around the fire pit, they looked like they’d been used as seats.

Sparky whooped as he jumped into the fire pit, a cloud of burned ashes being kicked up. Sparky grinned and suddenly started shooting fire.

“His…His fire’s back,” Hitch panted as he skidded to a stop. “He’s not breathed fire since before Opaline. Misty, this really was the best place to bring him.”

“Yeah, it’s brilliant,” Misty grinned. “I’m so glad he has so much energy again.”

Hitch, Izzy and Misty began entertaining Sparky whilst Pipp took photos. Meanwhile, Sunny, Starlight and Zipp walked around and investigated the clearing more carefully.

“Something’s not right,” Zipp noted.

“I agree,” Starlight frowned. “Something is really off here.”

“Apart from there being plants here now?” Sunny asked.

“If this is the Dragon Lands, where are the dragons?” Zipp asked.

“Hold on,” Starlight replied.

Her horn lit up and she vanished with a flash. High above them, there was another flash as Starlight appeared above the trees. She immediately began to levitate herself and looked around, holding a hoof to her forehead to shield her eyes from the sun.

After a few moments, she slowly floated back down to the ground.

“There’s no dragons at all,” she reported. “The trees make it hard to see but there are none flying and none in the clearings that I could see.”

“How do we warn the Dragons if there are none here to warn?” Sunny sighed.

“We couldn’t be too late, could we?” Pipp asked.

“Opaline has no way to interact with anypony outside of her castle,” Zipp replied. “No, something else is happening here.”

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound which seemed to come from all around them. Starlight indicated for them to move closer together in the middle of the clearing. As they did so, the bushes all around them started moving and slowly a large number of dragons appeared.

They were all shapes, sizes and colours and all walked on their hind legs. As they cleared the bushes and trees, they unfurled their wings. It was soon clear that the group of ponies were completely surrounded.

“Well, we found them,” Izzy said under her breath.

One of the dragons stepped forward further than the others. She had hot pink scales whilst her underbelly was orange. Her eyes were narrowed, and her wings spread wide to give her a commanding appearance. Her mouth was turned upwards into an annoyed snarl.

“You are trespassing in the Dragon Lands,” the Dragon stated. “Explain yourselves!”

The dragon moved closer, bearing down on Sunny who’d happened to be the closest.

“We, err, we came, err,” Sunny gasped as she looked into the fierce gaze of the large dragon before her.

“Spit it out!” the Dragon demanded.

Starlight frowned and stepped forward, so she was between Sunny and the Dragon. Eyes narrowed she took a ready stance.

“We mean no harm,” Starlight said calmly. “We came here for two reasons. Firstly, to request an audience with the Dragon Lord, we have vitally important information. Secondly, we needed to help our dragon friend.”

Starlight gestured towards Sparky who was clinging tightly to Hitch and looking very worried.

The Dragon snarled, turning up her nose in disgust as her eyes narrowed further.

“Are you the Dragon Lord, erm, Lady?” Sunny asked meekly.

“It’s Dragon Lord either way,” Starlight corrected calmly.

“No, I’m not the Dragon Lord,” the Dragon snarled. “Leave your dragon ‘friend’ and leave immediately.”

“Blaize, you know you can’t decide that,” a light orange dragon behind the first said. “They’ve requested an audience with the Dragon Lord.”

“Tumble’s right,” a yellow dragon at the other side of the clearing said. “Only the Dragon Lord can deny them an audience.”

“No dragon asked you Luxxe,” Blaize snarled before spinning round to Tumble, “or you Tumble. The Dragon Lord hasn’t awoken yet and that means I’m in charge here.”

“No, you’re not,” Tumble replied sternly. “He’s going to awaken any moment now. I’m sure they’ll wait if it’s something important.”

“It is important,” Sunny said as she finally found the confidence to step forward. “There’s currently a threat to Equestria and it involves an artefact that could do great harm to all Dragons. We must speak with the Dragon Lord.”

“Equestria and the Dragon Lands used to be allies,” Starlight added. “United in a friendship that was brokered by Dragon Lord Ember and lasted for moons. It made both Ponies and Dragons safer; we were stronger together.”

“Dragon Lord Ember passed on moons ago,” Blaize frowned.

“All the more reason to maintain her legacy,” Sunny responded.

“I don’t think Ponies are our enemies, Blaize,” Luxxe said as she stepped forward. “We should take them to the Dragon Lord.”

“If they aren’t our enemies,” Blaize growled. “Why do they have a Baby Dragon as a hostage?”

“Sparky isn’t a hostage,” Izzy replied. “Hitch found his egg on the beach. He warmed it until Sparky hatched and has taken care of him ever since.”

“A dragon should be with dragonkind,” Blaize snarled. “Not amongst ponies.”

“Never did Spike any harm,” Starlight replied purposefully. “Smoulder too for that matter.”

Blaize’s eyes widened for a second, her expression changing to one of disbelief. However, her mask was soon reapplied as she rounded on Starlight, her snout coming within an inch of Starlight’s nose. “You seem to know a lot about dragons for a pony,” she growled.

“Yes, yes I do,” Starlight agreed calmly. “Now, about that audience with the Dragon Lord?”

Starlight’s horn lit up as she stared directly into Blaize’s eyes. In the background, Izzy jiggled with anticipation as the staring match continued. Finally, Blaize growled as her eyes blinked.

“Fine,” Blaize spat, “Follow us, we’ll take you to the Dragon Lord’s chamber. But if he’s not awake already you’ll be sorry when you wake him.”

She turned around gesturing towards two other dragons, one dark red, the other light pink. “Lava, Jade,” she instructed. “Go to the portal they came through. Ensure no creature, pony or otherwise, goes in or out.”

The two dragons said nothing, they just nodded before scurrying away.

“Come on Ponies,” Blaize grunted as she started walking.

As they walked along, Sunny and the others became acutely aware they were still surrounded by the group of dragons. More appeared from the trees, bushes and around rocks to watch them pass.

As he walked, Tumble slowly made his way towards Sunny and Starlight.

“I’m sorry for Blaize,” he whispered. “She’s head of security and often takes it a bit too far.”

“Understandable,” Starlight replied. “I assume it’s been some time since you last had pony visitors.”

“It has,” Tumble answered. “I’m certain the Dragon Lord will want to speak with you though. He’s old enough to remember our friendship with ponies.”

As they continued onwards, they entered a large gorge which had a huge waterfall at the far end.

Starlight looked at this with both awe and confusion. “Okay, waterfalls of lava they had, waterfalls of water, not so much,” she whispered to Sunny.

“What about that then?” Sunny whispered back.

Starlight blinked as she spotted what Sunny was referring to. To the right-hand side of the waterfall was a large ornately carved building. Seemingly crafted at the mouth of a cave entrance.

As they walked further into the gorge, it soon became clear that it was a natural amphitheatre. They followed Blaize down into what seemed like a bowl. At the far side of this was a large flat rock which was directly in front of the building.

Blaize suddenly indicated for the group to stop before she continued towards the left-hand side of the rock. A large horn was supported by two triangular rocks and Blaize took a deep breath before blowing into it. The sound of the horn loudly echoed all around the gorge, the ponies wincing as it began to hurt their ears. Finally, Blaize’s breath ran out and she stood waiting apprehensively.

Then, from inside the cave, there was a loud snort and a crash. Suddenly, there was an ominous thud that made the ground shake. Then another, then another. Finally, a huge purple dragon with green spines appeared from the building, eyes half closed and looking like it had just awoken.

“Presenting Dragon Lord Spike,” Blaize shouted.

To be continued…

Chapter Six – Dragon Lord

Sunny gasped as she looked at the large purple dragon in awe, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Suddenly, she became aware of somepony poking her hind leg.

“Maybe a good time to kneel,” Hitch hissed.

Sunny looked around and gasped, she was the only one not kneeling and quickly did so.

However, it seemed she went unnoticed as the purple dragon sniffed and let out a long yawn. As he did so, suddenly a blast of fire erupted from his mouth which he quickly diverted skywards.

“oops, sorry everydragon,” he gasped before looking down at the group of ponies. “Oh, what do we have here?”

“A delegation from Equestria,” Blaize said stiffly. “They request an audience, apparently, they have important information. I apologise for the…”

“Oh, lighten up Blaize,” the purple dragon replied. “We have guests, guests we’ve not seen for generations.”

He unfurled his huge wings and jumped from the building, gliding effortlessly down to sit on the large flat rock. Blaize’s snout curled into a silent snarl as she took up position on the left. On the right, Tumble smiled back at Sunny and the others.

“This is wonderful,” the purple dragon grinned. “I am Spike, the current Dragon Lord. It’s been far, far too long since I’ve even seen citizens of Equestria. Let alone had them come here for an audience.”

‘Spike’ suddenly clenched his claws, bobbing up and down slightly in glee as he sat on his large rock throne.

“I knew so many ponies back in my younger days,” he continued. “Princess Twilight Sparkle of course, but all her friends as well. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. They were all very, very good friends of mine. I’m so excited to meet their descendants.”

“I’m not sure about direct descendants,” Sunny grinned. “But it’s a real honour to meet you Spike. My Dad researched ancient Equestria and told me so many stories about you and the Guardians of Friendship. You were a real legend.”

Starlight held her tongue, but her eyes narrowed into a scowl. Something wasn’t right but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. It seemed like Spike, but he hadn’t recognised her like Discord had.

“A legend,” ‘Spike’ beamed. “I knew it, I knew that my status as Spike the Brave and Glorious had to last into the history books. So, so, before I get too carried away in nostalgia, what brings you here to the Dragon Lands? It’s such a long way from Equestria, it must have been a long and perilous journey.”

“Well, we…” Sunny started before Starlight held a hoof up.

She stepped forward, still scowling. “Apologies, just before we get to that, could I clarify something?”

“Clarify away,” ‘Spike’ smiled holding a claw out invitingly. “These audiences are supposed to be a two-way exchange after all.”

“Thank you,” Starlight smiled sweetly. “If you are the legendary Spike the history books speak of, how is it you’ve survived this long?”

“Oh, that’s simple,” ‘Spike’ replied. “Dragons live for a very, very long time.”

“Yes, you do, almost as long as an Alicorn,” Starlight replied knowingly. “However, that is where I’m confused. You were hatched by Princess Twilight when she was a filly. Yet she passed on thousands of moons ago. How have you outlived her?”

‘Spike’ gulped, suddenly looking a lot more nervous. “Well, there is an explanation, but I think we need to get to know each other better first. Maybe you have other questions?”

Sunny meanwhile looked worriedly at Starlight. “Are you sure that was necessary?” she whispered.

Starlight shot an annoyed look at Sunny, and suddenly it became clear to her too. Why should Spike need to get to know Starlight? Why hadn’t he recognised her already?

“Well, if you would like more questions,” Sunny stepped in. “The history books were a little light on the names of the ponies other than Princess Twilight. Were there others you were friends with?”

‘Spike’ gulped again, looking even more nervous. At his side, Blaize was looking more and more annoyed.

“Urm, well there were so many,” ‘Spike’ replied. “Like Princess Celestia.”

“Oh, apologies if we weren’t clear,” Starlight responded. “The other Princesses were obviously well documented as well. There was one pony we were quite curious about though. Princess Twilight’s pupil, who was she? What was she like?”

‘Spike’ looked back at Starlight with utter confusion.

“Oh,” Starlight gasped. “Please don’t say you’ve forgotten her? I thought that with being so close to Princess Twilight you’d instantly remember her pupil?”

“Oh, oh of course I do,” ‘Spike’ chuckled as he slapped his knee. “Lemon Dancer of course. She…”

“You are not the Spike from Equestria’s past so stop acting like it,” Starlight said suddenly.

Immediately, Blaize leaped forward and engulfed Starlight in a breath of fire. However, Starlight was too quick for her and shielded herself skilfully.

“ENOUGH!” ‘Spike’ demanded as he rounded on Blaize. “What is the meaning of this Blaize? There will be no attacking our guests!”

Blaize cowered under the accusing gaze of her Dragon Lord. Starlight meanwhile maintained a ready stance, her horn glowing ominously.

“S…she disrespected you your Spikeness,” Blaize gasped.

“No, no she has not,” ‘Spike’ replied. “I am the one who has disrespected her, and her kind.”

‘Spike’ turned back towards Starlight and the others. Holding his claws up in defeat.

“I’m sorry for the ruse,” he said. “Whilst my name truly is Spike, I am not Spike the Brave and Glorious, he was my grandfather. You may call me Spike Junior if you wish. Please, tell me how you know so much about him and his time?”

“Well, it’s very simple,” Starlight smiled. “I am Starlight Glimmer, and I am not from this time. I’m the very pupil of Twilight Sparkle you couldn’t name, and I know Spike personally. The moment you didn’t recognise me I knew something wasn’t right.”

“What?” Blaize frowned looking completely confused.

“Y…you knew, err, know my grandfather personally,” Spike Junior gasped. “How?”

“Time travel,” Sunny responded. “It’s kind of a long story but Starlight is from the time of harmony.”

“I was Twilight’s pupil, however I’m now the Headmare of her School of Friendship,” Starlight explained. “Like I said, I know Spike personally, although you should know, he’s only known as ‘Spike the Brave and Glorious’ in the Crystal Empire. Everywhere else he’s just Twilight’s assistant and lifelong friend.”

“T…this is wonderful,” Spike Junior smiled. “I never had much time with my grandfather, he passed when I was still very young. My mother told me many stories that he had told her about his time with ponies. I expect they may have been overexaggerated by the pair of them.”

“Your Spikeness,” Blaize ventured. “With all due respect, this sounds impossible. We…”

She stopped as Spike Junior raised a claw. “Trust me Blaize, the magical abilities of these ponies almost knows no bounds,” he explained. “Now, I’m sure you didn’t come all this way for a trip down memory lane.”

“So, err, I am Sunny Starscout,” Sunny introduced as she stepped forward. “We came to warn you about the Dragon Stone.”

At the mention of the Dragon Stone, Spike Junior and the other dragons suddenly looked a lot less friendly. “The Dragon Stone!” Spike Junior exclaimed.

He spread his wings wide, and his eyes narrowed into a massive scowl as he stared intensely down at Sunny. She cowered, suddenly realising the other dragons were also staring accusingly at her.

Blaize’s wings were also flared wide, and her claws were bared. Her eyes had narrowed into an accusing scowl whilst her snout curled into a snarl. She was poised, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

“The Dragon Stone was safely hidden moons ago,” Spike Junior exclaimed. “Who has it?”

“Opaline Arcana,” Starlight replied.

Spike Junior’s eyes widened, and he looked down at them with disbelief. “But she was banished long ago.”

“She’s returned and is threatening Equestria once again,” Sunny answered. “She’s obtained the Dragon Stone and has already used it to drain Sparky of his energy.”

Sunny gestured to where Hitch was standing at the rear of the group. He was cradling Sparky in one hoof, as the little dragon looked up at the Dragon Lord in wonder.

“A…A hatchling,” Spike Junior gasped before extending an upturned claw towards Sparky and Hitch. “Come here little one.”

Immediately, and to Hitch’s surprise, Sparky jumped from Hitch’s grasp and ran past Sunny and Starlight before jumping onto Spike Junior’s huge, clawed hand. Spike Junior immediately lifted Sparky into his huge arms and began to cradle him.

“Where did you find him?” Spike Junior asked gravely.

Suddenly they were interrupted by shouts of dismay and dissatisfaction. Everypony looked up to the high cliffs of the gorge to see they were almost completely covered with dragons. They were perched on ledges all around and seemed none too pleased.

“SILENCE!” Spike Junior roared. “Let them speak. I will be the judge here.”

“I found Sparky’s egg washed up on the beach,” Hitch explained worriedly. “It was cold, so I took it and warmed it. When he hatched, I started to take care of Sparky as though he was my own.”

Spike Junior nodded as he continued to cradle Sparky.

“He’s very low on energy,” Spike Junior commented. “Most likely due to Opaline and the Dragon Stone. If you were protecting Sparky, how did he come to be at Opaline’s, and do you know how she obtained the stone?”

“It’s all my fault,” Misty said as she stepped forward and away from the rest of the group.

“Misty, no,” Sunny gasped.

“Sunny, I have to do this,” Misty replied simply before looking back at Spike Junior.

Spike Junior’s eyes narrowed at Misty. “Very well, explain,” he replied simply.

“I’m Misty Brightdawn, and I’m the one responsible,” Misty gulped as she gave a small bow. “I took the Dragon Stone from its hiding place and gave it to Opaline. I also took Sparky from Hitch and the others and delivered him to her.”

There were shouts of disapproval from the dragons perched on the cliffs above. Cries of retribution and punishments could be heard, some lenient whilst others far less so. Misty grimaced, and cowered in fear as she looked up at Spike Junior, awaiting his judgement.

Spike Junior sighed with annoyance and closed his eyes for a moment.

“THERE MUST BE SILENCE FROM ABOVE!” he roared, tilting his head skywards. “How can I hold a conversation with our guests if we are continually interrupted?”

He looked back at Misty gravely as she lowered herself into a kneel, expecting judgement and punishment.

“What you say Misty Brightdawn are grave crimes against dragon kind,” he explained. “The Dragon Stone was created by my mother and Princess Twilight Sparkle to contain the powers of the Dragons. Its purpose was to protect those powers from evil like Opaline Arcana whilst the dragons went into a deep hibernation to stop her locating us.”

“So that’s why there’s been no sign of dragons for moons,” Sunny gasped.

“Exactly,” Spike Junior replied. “Since I awakened, I was feeling lower on energy than I should. I assumed it was due to only just waking. However, it’s now clear that it’s because the Dragon Stone is missing.”

“We’ll be surviving on the residual energies within the Dragon Lands,” Blaize gasped. “We’ll be vulnerable.”

“Indeed,” Spike Junior nodded. “However, Misty Brightdawn, there is something that confuses me.”

“O...oh?” Misty gasped.

“Why are you here?” Spike Junior asked. “Why come here and tell us of these crimes yourself? You could have stayed in Equestria. You could have kept quiet. However, you came forward and confessed.”

“B…Because I had to,” Misty replied. “I came because I wanted to ensure that Sparky recovers. I told you because I want to ensure that Opaline cannot hurt anycreature else.”

“Interesting,” Spike Junior commented, sitting back and stroking Sparky’s head calmly. “Please, explain your story.”

Misty sighed and looked down at the ground. “I was taken from my family by Opaline when I was a young filly. She was all I could remember and as a result I’d do anything for her,” she explained. “But after I took Sparky, I realised it was the wrong thing to do. I tried to take him back, but it was too late. So, I went to find Sunny and the others to help him, but we were all captured.”

“But you saved us Misty,” Hitch interjected. “You saved us, you helped fight Opaline and you still are.”

“So, Misty Brightdawn, you’ve renounced your affiliation to Opaline and are doing all you can against her?” Spike Junior asked.

“Yes,” Misty answered. “I’ve got this wonderful group of friends now who have forgiven me for my mistakes. I care about them all, Sparky included.”

“She was given the means for us to travel here,” Sunny interjected. “A key to a special doorway. Without it, we wouldn’t be here.”

“She could have used it to find her lost family,” Izzy added. “But she didn’t, she used it to help a friend.”

“And warn you about Opaline’s return and the Dragon Stone,” Zipp included.

Spike Junior took a deep breath and closed his eyes, seemingly thinking long and hard about what he’d been told. Both Dragons and Ponies alike waited with bated breath for his judgement. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked directly at Misty.

“Misty Brightdawn, whilst you have committed crimes against dragon kind, your subsequent actions have made up for them,” Spike Junior said at last. “Knowing of Opaline’s return and that she has the Dragon Stone means we can be prepared for her. I thank you Misty, for enabling that message to be delivered.”

Misty said nothing in return other than giving a grateful smile and a thankful bow. Spike Junior nodded in return before looking towards Hitch.

“Now, as for Sparky,” Spike Junior started.

“WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!” a voice yelled.

“Fountain!” Blaize shouted. “What is the meaning…”

“It’s Lava and Jade,” Fountain gasped as she landed between the Ponies and Spike Junior. “They’re under attack by a fiery monster.”

“Where?” Spike Junior demanded.

“Next to the portal the ponies came through,” Fountain replied.

“I knew they couldn’t be trusted,” Blaize exclaimed as she started running forwards.

“I’ll show you who can’t be trusted,” Starlight responded as she began to gallop.

Starlight curved around her companions to head Blaize off. As Blaize started to jump into the air, Starlight lunged for her. As hoof touched scale, there was a flash as Starlight teleported them both.

To be continued…

Chapter Seven – Nightmare

Blaize gasped as she suddenly found herself appearing in front of the portal. She collapsed in a heap as dizziness overtook her. “What is this? Some pony trick?” she exclaimed.

“No…No it’s not,” Starlight replied gravely.

Blaize turned to see Starlight was stood looking the opposite way from herself and the portal. She was in a ready stance and her horn glowing dangerously, her eyes were narrowed and focused straight ahead of her.

Blaize shook her head, stumbled to her feet, and gasped in shock. Lava and Jade were engulfed in balls of purple fire, unmoving and unconscious. Stood between them was a dark vermillion red pony with fiery wings.

The pony’s underbelly was black, as were the sclera of their eyes instead of the normal white. They had teal irises but the pupils within them were vertical slits. Their mane and tail meanwhile were extremely long and were a dark yellow and red. They almost danced like flames as they swayed in the wind. A long horn projected from their forehead and from their back were the aforementioned flaming wings. These being a darker red and yellow from their mane and tail.

However, it was the cutie mark that Starlight was most focused on. A familiar red and yellow, ying and yang symbol.

“Who are you?” Starlight demanded.

The pony grinned, showing her pointed triangular teeth. “Why? You know who I am, Glimmer,” she spat.

“No, I don’t,” Starlight replied. “I don’t know the pony stood before me.”

The pony laughed maniacally before responding. “I am more than a pony,” she grinned. “I am Nightmare Shimmer. Herald of Opaline Arcana and bringer of fiery destruction to all she opposes.”

“If you’re a herald, deliver your message and leave the Dragon Lands,” Blaize responded robustly.

“Oh, you are mistaken,” Nightmare Shimmer chuckled. “I have no message for you, I am to collect a few packages.”

Blaize growled with anger, her teeth bared, and her wings spread wide as she prepared to attack. She looked between the two ponies, still unsure if she had two opponents or just one.

“I’m sorry, the post office is closed,” Starlight responded as she shot a beam from her horn.

Nightmare Shimmer laughed again as she effortlessly deflected the shot with a purple fiery shield, her horn flaring with purple fire as she did so.

“Is that all you have, Glimmer?” Nightmare Shimmer leered. “Let me show you how it’s done.”

Nightmare Shimmer leapt forward, firing a blast of purple fire from her horn at Starlight as she did so. Starlight shielded herself, the fire bursting over the shield and obscuring her view. Suddenly, Nightmare Shimmer was right in front of her, their shields impacting each other.

Starlight grunted as she held Nightmare Shimmer at bay. Blaize meanwhile decided which side to take and took to the air. Hovering above Starlight, she took a deep breath and let loose a stream of fire that rained down onto Nightmare Shimmer’s shield.

Nightmare Shimmer laughed, suddenly teleporting so she was behind Blaize. She spun around in the air and kicked out with a hind hoof. Blaize gasped as she felt the hoof connect with her side. Then, she was sent flying into the undergrowth nearby.

Starlight snarled with annoyance before shooting another beam at Nightmare Shimmer. However, Nightmare Shimmer dodged it, flying around in an arc in the direction that Blaize had gone as Starlight tracked her with the beam.

Then, Nightmare Shimmer fired a beam of fire at Starlight again. However, Starlight teleported, appearing in the air ahead of Nightmare Shimmer. She fired another beam which Nightmare Shimmer quickly dodged again before firing back.

As she fell, Starlight teleported again, appearing back on the ground. However, Nightmare Shimmer had somehow anticipated where Starlight would appear and had already fired. Starlight gasped as she shielded against the onrushing flames. As the fire washed over her shield, it seemed to cling to it and Starlight found herself blinded.

Blaize groaned as she picked herself up from the undergrowth. Clutching her side, she stumbled forward. Suddenly she gasped as she felt herself being plucked upwards by an invisible force.

When the fire subsided, Starlight gasped as Nightmare Shimmer landed next to Lava and Jade with a thump. Blaize flailed helplessly in the air as she was held in Nightmare Shimmer’s levitation.

“So, Glimmer, what to you prefer?” Nightmare Shimmer grinned. “Crispy dragon or well done?”

“Neither,” Starlight replied. “You’re going to let her go so we can have a fair fight.”

Nightmare Shimmer cackled. “My Mistress doesn’t believe in fair fights,” she replied.

“Forget me,” Blaize grunted as she struggled. “Finish her.”

“Oh, I’m far from finished,” Nightmare Shimmer grinned evilly.

The fire around her horn intensified, the flame flowing from it like a blow torch. Slowly, she moved Blaize towards the flame whilst she continued to grin and look at Starlight.

“STOP!” Starlight cried. “Stop, I surrender.”

“Knew you would,” Nightmare Shimmer grinned as she let the torch subside.

Starlight sighed with relief but gasped as flames suddenly burst from all around her. She just had time to create a bubble shield to protect herself, but the fire swirled around it. Starlight grunted as she tried to push the shield outwards, but the fire somehow pushed back.

Nightmare Shimmer smirked before she gave Blaize a look of interest.

“I was told to fetch two, not three,” she muttered.

“Then do your worst,” Blaize growled.

“Not after Glimmer gave up for you I won’t,” Nightmare Shimmer replied.

Blaize cried out as Nightmare Shimmer suddenly threw her into the undergrowth again.

Suddenly, voices and the sound of hoofs could be heard getting closer. Nightmare Shimmer turned, looking up the pathway towards the clearing with the fire pit. She grinned as Sunny and the others started to appear before her horn flared. With a burst of purple flame from the ground, she teleported herself along with Lava and Jade away.

Starlight grunted as she continued to push her shield outwards. Thankfully, now Nightmare Shimmer had gone, the fire’s intensity was quickly diminishing. Eventually, it dissipated, allowing Starlight to free herself. She looked around before her ear twitched as she heard a grunt from the undergrowth.

Blaize snarled as she extracted herself, flicking a leaf from her shoulder. She stomped up to Starlight, a look of determination in her eyes. “Why did you give up?” she demanded. “You didn’t have to save me.”

“Yes, I did,” Starlight replied simply. “How could I let you get hurt? It was clear that Nightmare Shimmer was more than a match for us.”

“But they were just around the corner,” Blaize exclaimed, gesturing to Sunny and the others who were just arriving.

“Were they?” Starlight replied. “I didn’t see them as you were about to get cooked. There was no other option.”

Blaize clenched her claws and looked intensely at Starlight. Then she closed her eyes and held her breath as she turned and walked a short distance away, she was clearly struggling with multiple emotions. Meanwhile, Sunny finally skidded to a stop beside Starlight.

“Who…Who was that?” Sunny gasped.

“Nightmare Shimmer,” Starlight replied as she sat down sadly.

“N…Nightmare Shimmer,” Zipp repeated as she and the others looked at each other.

“I was afraid of this,” Starlight continued. “Somehow, Opaline got hold of Sunset. She’s changed her, corrupted her somehow. The pony you saw was not Sunset.”

“Where are Lava and Jade?” Spike Junior asked as he landed.

“Taken,” Blaize replied, still looking away. “Taken because I wasn’t strong enough.”

“Nopony or dragon is strong enough,” Starlight responded. “And nopony will be until we find the Elements of Unity.”

“Is that how we’d rescue Sunset?” Pipp asked.

“Yes, I think so,” Starlight responded. “I think they could be the only way we’d overpower Nightmare Shimmer to do so.”

“This is not good,” Spike Junior sighed. “I…I think we dragons need to return to our hibernation.”

“What?” Sunny gasped. “Why?”

“Because it’s the only way to ensure Opaline cannot find us,” Spike Junior explained. “She has the Dragon Stone and that puts all dragon kind at risk.”

“But she already knows where you are,” Sunny argued. “If you’re asleep that makes you vulnerable.”

“We’re vulnerable either way,” Blaize replied as she clutched her side.

“No, you’re not,” Sunny responded robustly. “You can’t just give up hope like that.”

“My mother gave everything she had to protect us from Opaline,” Spike Junior answered gravely. “She saved us, and now it was all for nothing.”

Sunny scowled as she turned towards Spike Junior, her cutie mark started to glow as her powers activated.

“It wasn’t for nothing,” she said with determination. “Twilight Sparkle made tough and hard decisions to protect Ponykind too. She knew it might not be enough and that’s why she sent us Starlight and Sunset Shimmer.”

“But your friend has become your enemy,” Spike Junior responded.

“No,” Sunny retorted. “Nightmare Shimmer is not Sunset. Sunset Shimmer wouldn’t do anything like this willingly. Dragons and Ponies need to work together. Together we are stronger than alone. Together we will protect each other. Together we will defeat Opaline once and for all.”

“Together,” Spike Junior echoed before his eyes widened in realisation. “The tree.”

“Tree?” Zipp echoed. “Like a Together Tree? You have one?”

“We do,” Spike Junior smiled.

“Look to the trees,” Sunny gasped. “Can you take us to it?”

“But that is a myth,” Blaize replied as she turned around. “That tree looks no different to any other.”

“Like the Wishing Tree in Bridlewood did,” Izzy smiled. “Until we showed it Unity and then it transformed.”

“This way,” Spike Junior smiled as he turned around.

Spike Junior led the group through the Dragon Lands, it took sometime but eventually they had climbed up the mountain to the top of the waterfall. There, on the banks of the large stream that led to the waterfall was a massive tree, bigger than all the rest.

“Thought you said it was no different to any other tree,” Starlight said to Blaize.

“So, it’s a bit taller,” Blaize retorted. “It doesn’t make it special.”

“Its origin does,” Spike Junior explained. “This tree was grown from a seed believed to have come from the Tree of Harmony. A present from Princess Twilight herself, it is said that one day it will connect with its brethren in Equestria to reunite dragon and pony kinds.”

“Again, it’s a myth,” Blaize replied dismissively.

“Do you always talk back to your Dragon Lord like that?” Zipp asked.

“Only now we’re not around the others,” Blaize replied simply.

“One problem with that theory,” Starlight sighed. “The Tree of Harmony was destroyed, and I don’t remember there being any seeds gathered.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not a Together Tree,” Sunny smiled. “It’s not if it’s come from a special seed, it’s the act of togetherness and unity of gifting it that makes it special.”

All the while, Spike Junior had been carrying Sparky. Now they were at the tree, he was getting more and more excited. Spike Junior smiled as he finally let Sparky down from his embrace. Sparky whooped as he started running towards Hitch and Misty. He weaved in and out and around their hoofs with glee.

“I think Sparky will be fine now,” Spike Junior smiled as he watched. “He just needed a cuddle to regain his energy.”

“But what about yours?” Zipp asked. “You said you were low on energy since you woke up?”

“We are,” Spike Junior acknowledged. “However, we still have enough to live peacefully. It’s if Opaline comes that we will have problems.”

“Which is why we should work together,” Sunny smiled.

Hitch grinned as Sparky hopped up into his hoofs. He cuddled him close before looking over at Spike Junior sadly.

“I suppose I need to enjoy this,” Hitch sighed. “Sparky’s place will be here with you.”

“Oh, I’m not so certain about that,” Spike Junior smiled. “One of my reasons for the deception earlier are the stories my mother told me of my grandfather. All the wonderful tales of his friendship with Ponykind. I wanted to speed that friendship along. She was always so passionate about the care he’d been given.”

Spike Junior smiled as he rubbed Sparky on the head.

“You are correct Sunny, the unity between the Dragon Lands and Equestria needs to be reinstated. I see no better way than for Sparky to continue living with you all. He will grow stronger learning from you and become a new ambassador for both of us. Besides, you seem to be a wonderful family to me.”

Misty and Hitch looked at each other and couldn’t help starting to sing.

What is the key to a family? (Oh, oh)
What is the key to a home?
What is the part that I'm missing? (Oh, oh)
To help me find where I belong

I'm searchin', I'm lookin' for somethin'
Somethin' that comes from the heart (from the heart)
'Cause sometimes, you need something to lift you up
And help to reignite your spark

Even when it feels so confusin'
When you're alone
You know we got each other to find our way home

Starlight smiled as she stood back and watched with Spike Junior and Blaize.

“Do they always just burst into song like this?” Spike Junior asked.

“Kind of,” Starlight replied. “Just the same as Twilight and her friends.”

“Is that a pony thing?” Blaize asked.

“Urm, maybe,” Starlight admitted bashfully.

'Cause I've got you and you've got me
We're closer than close friends, yeah, we're a family
If you're feeling low or incomplete
You've always got me, yeah, we're a family

Together when there are good times (oh, oh)
Together when times are tough (times are though)
Together when things need celebrating
And when you think that you've had enough

'Cause I know you better than anypony else
And you know me better than I know myself

Suddenly the tree began to take on a green aura which grew in intensity as the song continued. Finally, a green flash shot from its roots, up the trunk and to the very tips of the branches.

Much like the Wishing Tree had, the leaves suddenly flashed, changing from a dark green to a vibrant luminescent red. Multiple flowers suddenly burst into bloom, all multi-coloured the same as the other Together Trees.

'Cause I've got you and you've got me
'Cause when you're with your friends, yeah, you're with your family
Keep 'em in your heart 'cause that is the key
Oh, when you're with your friends, yeah, you're with your family

Underground, roots spread outwards from the new Together Tree with great speed. As they connected with the roots from the other trees in Equestria they created a new spark. These sparks suddenly travelled down their own roots and back to their trees. Once there, something magical happened.

I've got you and you've got me
'Cause we aren't just friends, no, we're a family
When you're feeling lonely or incomplete
Don't forget about your friends, yeah, they're your family

Oh (whoa, oh, oh, oh)
(Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa)
Oh (whoa, oh, oh, oh)
'Cause when you're with your friends, yeah, you're with your family

As the song finished, Sparky flung his tiny arms around Hitch’s neck. “Home,” he squeaked.

Hitch gasped but before he could say anything, Sparky had jumped off him and onto Misty. He flung his arms around her neck next. “Family,” he squeaked.

“Well, I think the decision on Sparky has been made,” Spike Junior smiled. “You’ve delivered your message and Sparky is well again.”

“So maybe it’s time we use our return ticket,” Misty deduced.

“I’d say so,” Spike Junior smiled. “I have a feeling, a feeling you will find something when you return. I certainly don’t remember our Together Tree looking this strong and vibrant.”

Blaize frowned as she looked at the group of ponies, then she looked at Spike Junior who nodded.

“The Dragons are your allies,” she said. “Should you need anything, let us know.”

“I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to do that,” Starlight smiled. “This is certainly a memorable location I should be able to target with a well-aimed teleport.”

“Let’s get you back to your portal,” Blaize replied as she started walking.

As they made their way, Sunny and her friends couldn’t help feeling a stronger sense of connection. They were worried about Sunset, but they felt that whatever challenges lay ahead they’d meet them head on.

Chapter Eight – Elements in Bridlewood

Opaline could barely contain her excitement as Nightmare Shimmer walked through the doors to her throne room. Levitating within her magic were the still sleeping forms of Lava and Jade.

“Oh Nightmare, my beautiful Nightmare,” Opaline cooed. “Haven’t you done well? I was so worried you’d run off back to your so-called friends.”

Nightmare Shimmer scowled as she dropped Lava and Jade on the floor. She stepped forward towards Opaline boldly.

“I have no friends,” she hissed. “I’m hurt you thought I wouldn’t be loyal. I am not that weakling Sunset.”

Opaline grinned as she held out a hoof and stroked Nightmare Shimmer’s cheek. “I’m sorry my dearest Nightmare,” she sighed. “I had been worried; however, I won’t be anymore. You have proven yourself spectacularly.”

Nearby, Peach Fizz frowned as she continued to crush the leaves in her pestle and mortar. Her hoofs were aching, but Opaline didn’t seem to care. She was too busy with her new herald.

However, just as Peach Fizz started to strain the oil she’d collected. Opaline finally turned her attention on her.

“Peach Fizz darling,” Opaline smiled. “How are you getting on?”

Peach Fizz’s face lit up with glee. She removed the strainer and lifted the bottle she’d been filling. “I’ve got half of what you wanted. I’m sorry it’s taking so long.”

“Oh, Peach Fizz,” Opaline cooed as she walked over. “That is excellent work in such a short time. Your little hoofs must be worn out.”

Peach Fizz smiled as Opaline placed a hoof on her cheek, the same as she had Nightmare Shimmer. In the background, Nightmare Shimmer paid no attention, she was too busy securing Lava and Jade with magical leashes.

“Now run along to your daddy, Peach Fizz,” Opaline smiled. “We don’t want him to get too suspicious of you. You have worked so very hard today.”

“Thank you, Mistress Opaline,” Peach Fizz grinned.

She bowed slightly and with a large grin on her face ran to the door. Meanwhile, Opaline turned back to Nightmare Shimmer.

“So, any trouble?” Opaline asked.

“Just one, Glimmer,” Nightmare Shimmer replied. “Also, I’m certain Starscout and her friends saw me in the distance.”

“So, they reached the Dragon Lands somehow,” Opaline frowned. “Curious, whatever could they be up to there?”

Suddenly, there was a flash of green from the tree in the corner of the throne room. Opaline’s eyes widened and she hurriedly activated her map of Equestria. She couldn’t help grinning with delight as the lines of roots that criss-crossed the country now all appeared thick and full bodied.

“Yes, yes,” Opaline beamed. “That was what they were doing. They were finding another tree!”

“What do they need a tree for?” Nightmare Shimmer frowned.

“To complete the network for us,” Opaline chuckled. “Now, once our new guests have awakened. I’ll make them loyal to our cause. Then, they will charge the Dragon Stone which will give me the power needed to take everypony’s cutie marks.”

“Which then gives you the power to escape,” Nightmare Shimmer smirked. “After that, neither Glimmer nor Starscout will be able to stand against us. What do you need me to do?”

“Well, first I’m afraid I need a task that is below your abilities completing,” Opaline said as she looked at the pestle and mortar Peach Fizz had been using.

“And after that?” Nightmare Shimmer asked.

“After that, you can go and cause some discourse,” Opaline smiled. “We’ll see what happens when they feel threatened.”

Nightmare Shimmer smiled as she picked up the pestle and mortar with her magic. “I’d better get this done then,” she replied simply before grinning. “Then I can go and have some fun.”

Meanwhile, Sunny smiled as she exited the portal and found herself back in Bridlewood. She looked around as Hitch, Misty and Sparky were the last to exit. They gasped as the door immediately slammed shut behind them before disappearing completely.

“You still sure it was there when we were here before?” Sunny commented to Zipp.

“Of course, how else would it be in Misty’s dreams?” Zipp responded. "You didn't see how overground it was."

“It’ll be back,” Starlight answered. “When D…erm, Runcord decides to give out another key.”

“I’m not sure,” Misty frowned. “I think he just happened to have it.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway,” Starlight smiled. “I’m certain I’ll be able to teleport to their Together Tree now.”

“How?” Misty gasped. “I don’t think I’d be able to do that. I’d be afraid of missing.”

“Years of practice,” Starlight grinned. “I’m very good with long distance teleporting.”

“Right, so could we maybe go to the Crystal Tea Room now?” Izzy asked hopefully. “Just a quick stop so I can introduce Alphabittle to the pair of you.”

“Everypony come here,” Zipp shouted suddenly. “Quickly!”

“Oh hayseed,” Izzy snorted.

Zipp had flown around the tree, and they all followed the sound of her voice. When they reached the opposite side from where they’d been stood, they gasped at what they found. There, sprouting from the ground, were two large flowers, however they weren’t blooming. Instead, each had a large bud that glowed with a pulsating green glow from within.

“They’re Together Flowers,” Zipp said excitedly. “They have to be.”

“Wait? Does that mean we can get the elements?” Pipp asked. “How?”

“I don’t know,” Sunny replied unsurely. “The flower in Maretime Bay, the orb is inside the blooming flower. However, these are in bud and there’s only two.”

“Two for two unicorns in Bridlewood,” Hitch gasped.

“But again, they’re not open,” Sunny answered. “So, unless you want to break them, how do we make them bloom?”

“We’re missing something,” Starlight realised. “Something Sunset kept mentioning that Twilight told us when we were on our way here.”

“Identify,” Sparky squeaked.

“Woah, that’s a big word for a little dragon,” Hitch gasped as he rubbed Sparky’s head. “You’re learning fast Mr Sparkeroni.”

“Sparky’s right,” Starlight smiled. “We need to identify what the elements are.”

“Well, Sunset thought that mine would be hope,” Sunny answered. “And Misty’s would be empathy.”

“Yeah, I’ve no clue what mine could be,” Izzy groaned.

“Discord said something about me being full of hope,” Sunny reasoned. “So, what do you feel most of the time?”

“I…I’m not sure about empathy anymore,” Misty admitted. “I don’t think I feel empathy, certainly not towards myself.”

“I think I feel happiness most of the time,” Izzy added. “Can happiness be an element?”

Sparky suddenly hopped over to Izzy’s side and pointed to her cutie mark. “Glow,” he squeaked.

“Glow?” Izzy blinked. “Oh, my cutie mark glows the most when I’m creative. Like when I made the nest for the looking glass. It glowed really brightly then. I felt lots and lots of creativity that day.”

Suddenly, they all gasped as one of the flower buds started to glow green continuously. The other meanwhile maintained the pulsating green glow, as if it was on standby.

“Eee, Izzy, your element must be creativity,” Sunny smiled.

“Yeah, yeah, I think that’s right,” Izzy beamed.

Meanwhile, Sparky had run to Misty’s flank. He looked up at her with large eyes and pointed to her cutie mark. “Glow?” he questioned.

“I…I don’t know,” Misty sighed. “I’m not sure when it’s glowed. Apart from when I got it.”

“Last time I think it glowed was at the playground,” Sunny replied. “When you were trying to recall your memories to rescue Peach Fizz.”

“I knew in my heart that even though remembering would hurt I needed to,” Misty replied understandingly. “It was the right thing, even though I still haven’t found my own family.”

Suddenly, the second flower changed to a continual intense glow. Immediately, Izzy, Misty, and Sunny found they couldn’t look away from the flowers. They stared directly towards them before they started to walk forward. Each had a vacant expression on their face and didn’t look away from the flowers.

“Okay, that cannot be good,” Starlight gasped.

“Don’t worry, it’s happened before,” Zipp replied.

“It has?” Starlight frowned.

“Yeah, just before you appeared,” Zipp explained. “Sunny got pulled in a trance to the flower in Maretime Bay.”

“But why are all three going forward?” Pipp asked. “There’s only two flowers.”

“Okay, yeah. That’s actually concerning,” Zipp admitted. “Why’s Sunny involved?”

Sunny herself couldn’t hear Zipp, as she walked between Izzy and Misty. Her powers activated as she got nearer the flowers before she suddenly hit what seemed like an invisible wall. This knocked her from the trance as Izzy and Misty continued to walk forward.

Sunny gasped and shook her head. She looked back to her friends behind her and tried to turn to head back to them. However, it was like her hoofs had suddenly become rooted to the spot, she couldn’t move them.

“Okay, what’s happening?” she gasped.

Izzy and Misty meanwhile had no issues walking up to the flowers. They stood before them and there was a blinding flash from both as the buds slowly split and flopped open. They revealed two huge multi-coloured flowers, in the centre of each was a grey orb. One with Izzy’s cutie mark, the other with Misty’s.

Sunny grunted; something was pulling her towards the two orbs. However, her hoofs were still seemingly planted in the ground. “I…I can’t move!” she cried.

“Then don’t,” Starlight advised. “Stay where you are.”

“But, but I need to,” Sunny replied. “I have to get to them.”

Izzy and Misty couldn’t hear the conversation behind them. Both stared into their orb. Then, slowly, Misty raised a hoof. She touched the orb and there was another blinding flash.

The orb disappeared, and a necklace appeared around Misty’s neck. It had a wide golden band with inscriptions which formed a flowing pattern all the way around. In the centre, there was a charm which was in the shape of a butterfly. Just like her cutie mark.

Misty herself placed her hoof on the ground and then remained motionless, her eyes were completely white.

Izzy now slowly raised her hoof as well. As it touched her orb there was a third blinding flash. A necklace with the same golden band as Misty’s appeared around her neck. However, the charm at the centre wasn’t Misty’s cutie mark, it was Izzy’s.

Izzy placed her hoof on the ground, her eyes were completely white the same as Misty’s.

Both now turned towards each other, rotating around so they were looking straight at Sunny. Sunny grunted again and looked worriedly at her two friend’s vacant expressions and completely white eyes.

“I am Misty Brightdawn,” Misty said in an ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Heart.”

“I am Izzy Moonbow,” Izzy said in a similar ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Creativity.”

They both stood for a moment, looking directly at Sunny. She couldn’t help feeling they were judging her.

“Sunny Starscout,” they both said together. “You are missing something.”

There was suddenly another flash, seemingly from both Izzy and Misty. Sunny cried in surprise as she found herself being thrown violently away from her two friends. She flew straight over the top of the group that had been watching behind her, crying as she went. She kept going until she landed with a loud thud and the sound of snapping branches in the undergrowth beyond the clearing. Meanwhile, Izzy and Misty both collapsed to the ground with their eyes closed.

Sparky instantly began running towards Misty. Hitch looked at the others worriedly before following. Starlight meanwhile decided she was closest to Sunny, so started running that way. Pipp and Zipp looked at each other with concern, not wanting to choose.

“You’ll get in a mess if you go to Sunny,” Zipp commented.

“I’m not that vain you know,” Pipp replied even though she was already heading towards Izzy.

With her head start, Starlight reached Sunny first. She’d landed in a bush and looked none too pleased. She tried to move but the branches all around her were making it difficult to do so.

“Missing something?” Sunny echoed. “What did it mean, missing something?”

“We’ll work that out,” Starlight answered.

“Yeah, let’s get you and that bush separated,” Zipp replied as she arrived.

Meanwhile, Sparky had long reached Misty when Hitch arrived, her eyes fluttering.

“Careful Misty,” Hitch gasped as she tried to move.

“Oooh, I feel so dizzy,” Misty gasped.

“Tell me about it,” Izzy groaned as Pipp arrived. “I feel like I’ve been in a cotton candy machine.”

“Easy now,” Pipp replied as she steadied Izzy.

“Yeah, don’t move too quickly or you’ll be back on the ground again,” Hitch advised.

It took Starlight and Zipp a while to finally help Sunny out of her bush. Her mane and tail were a complete mess, twigs and leaves clinging to them stubbornly.

“Why isn’t this simple?” Sunny grumbled. “Why do we need another riddle? What could we be missing?”

“I’m sure we’ll find out,” Starlight answered.

“Maybe it’s just that we need to collect all the elements,” Zipp added. “There were two here, one for each unicorn in our group.”

“Wait, Starlight hasn't…” Sunny started.

“I’m not one of your elements,” Starlight responded. “I’m from the past remember. So, whilst I’m certainly your friend, I’m not going to be given an element.”

“Right, so there’s likely to be flowers in Zephyr Heights and another in Maretime Bay,” Zipp continued. "It makes total sense for the elements appear in our hometown."

“What was that?” Pipp called as she was still helping Izzy who was looking very wobbly.

“We need to go to Zephyr High,” Starlight replied. “There’s likely to be two more flowers there.”

“Zephyr Heights,” Pipp corrected. “But there is a simpler way then going all the way there.”

She whipped out her phone and begun video calling Queen Haven.

“Mum will tell us if there are two new flowers,” Pipp smiled.

It took some time for the call to connect, however finally Queen Haven’s face appeared on the screen. “Hello mother,” Pipp smiled.

“Oh, Pipp dear, there you are,” Queen Haven grinned. “What can…”

There was suddenly the sound of a loud explosion in the background. Almost instantly the call was cut off completely.

“Mother? Mother?” Pipp gasped, her eyes widened in horror. “W…What happened?”

“We need to go there,” Zipp replied. “Now…”

To be continued…

Chapter Nine – Zephyr Heights Attack

As Zephyr Heights started to appear in the windscreen of the Marestream, it was clear that something big had happened. Multiple plumes of black acrid smoke were rising high into the sky.

“Do a flyby Zipp,” Sunny advised, her powers still active from before.

“Yeah, then we can get an idea of what’s happening before we put our hoofs in it,” Hitch agreed.

Zipp grimaced, clearly unsure if they could take the time to do so. However, she soon made up her mind. “Okay, but then we’re landing on the normal platform,” she replied.

As they got closer it was soon evident that there was more smoke rising from the Castle then other parts of the city. However, the large screens throughout the city were also strangely dark and silent.

“Power must be out,” Pipp commented.

“That’ll be why the call cut off,” Zipp noted.

They flew over the castle wall, then, there was an explosion from a courtyard. Zipp banked away to keep a safe distance. However Sunny gasped as she spotted Nightmare Shimmer as she easily defeated two Guards.

“It’s Nightmare Shimmer,” Sunny shouted. “Zipp land, now.”

“I’m going,” Zipp replied as she put the Marestream into a sharp turn to reach the landing platform.

“Aaah, there’s no time for this,” Sunny groaned. “I need to get down there!”

“I’ve got you Sunny,” Misty said suddenly.

Before anypony could say anymore, there was a flash as Misty teleported herself and Sunny.

Nightmare Shimmer chuckled as she picked up the tennis ball one of the guards had thrown at her. She studied it for a moment before smirking.

“Is this the best you’ve got?” she chortled. “I was hoping for a real challenge.”

She smirked as the ball burst into flames and disappeared into ash. Then, she started walking forward, looking for her next opponent. However, she stopped as there was a flash ahead of her as Misty and Sunny appeared.

Sunny blinked with confusion before realising where she was. She frowned as she looked at Nightmare Shimmer and flared her wings wide instinctively. Instantly, realising she was doing exactly what Discord had mentioned about her powers. She looked at Misty who was already in a ready stance and pushed that thought from her mind.

“Oh, this is more like it,” Nightmare Shimmer smirked. “I’ve got time for a round if you two do. It won’t take long.”

“That’s a matter of opinion,” Sunny responded. “You’re going to give us back Sunset Shimmer.”

“Ha, you really think we’re two different ponies?” Nightmare Shimmer grinned. “I am Sunset Shimmer and she’s Nightmare Shimmer. We’re one and the same. I’m just better.”

“No…No you’re not,” Misty replied trying to look braver than she felt.

Nightmare Shimmer laughed as she flared her wings and took to the sky.

“Where are you going?” Sunny exclaimed as she flapped her wings and took off in pursuit.

“Oh haybiscuits,” Misty grumbled.

Sunny quickly caught up to Nightmare Shimmer, their shields both colliding with an almighty flash. Nightmare Shimmer grinned as her flaming shield licked at Sunny’s making it shimmer and spark.

“You haven’t the ability to match my power,” Nightmare Shimmer laughed.

“I don’t need ability,” Sunny grunted.

“Aaah,” Nightmare Shimmer cried with surprise as a beam impacted her shield from below.

Down on the ground, Misty fired again. This time just missing.

“You pest,” Nightmare Shimmer growled.

She pushed off of Sunny’s shield and began looping around. Sunny wasn’t far behind her though and was soon firing beams of her own at Nightmare Shimmer’s back.

Nightmare Shimmer grumbled as Sunny got above her, pushing her down as their shields collided again. This gave Misty a clearer shot, she teleported to a better position and fired again and again. Each one hitting Nightmare Shimmer’s shield and making the flames flutter and dance.

Meanwhile, the Marestream had landed, and the others were running towards the scene of the battle.

“Go Starlight,” Zipp urged. “You can get there faster than us.”

“Yeah, I’m not leaving you all completely defenceless,” Starlight replied. “And I’m not teleporting this many ponies into whatever could be happening.”

“Just remind me why we’re running towards the fight again?” Pipp asked.

They rounded a corner and could soon see the courtyard ahead. Through the gap in the buildings, they caught glimpses of Sunny and Nightmare Shimmer as they continued their dogfight. They didn’t see Misty, but her beams of magic streaked past the opening.

Nightmare Shimmer growled as the group of ponies arrived. “Looks like our time’s up,” she snarled. “See you soon, Starscout.”

“No, you’re staying here,” Sunny shouted as she flew straight at Nightmare Shimmer.

But it was too late, just as Sunny reached her, Nightmare Shimmer teleported away in a fiery ball.

“NO!” Sunny cried. “No! We… I…”

Sunny scowled with anger as she hovered in the same position for a few moments. Then, seeing her friends had gathered below, she slowly descended and landed in front of them. She looked down at the ground as she took deep breaths trying to calm herself, still scowling.

“Sunny, you were never going to defeat her,” Starlight sighed. “She’s too strong.”

“I didn’t want to defeat her,” Sunny retorted. “I wanted to save Sunset.”

“It’s the same thing,” Starlight explained. “To save Sunset we need to defeat Nightmare Shimmer.”

Sunny closed her eyes and screwed up her face, still looking down.

“We’ll save her Sunny,” Pipp soothed. “Have a bit of confidence.”

Sunny’s face relaxed but she didn’t open her eyes. She breathed in deeply through her nose before breathing out slowly. “I’m not losing hope,” she said as she opened her eyes and looked at her friends with determination.

Meanwhile, Hitch grunted as he felt Sparky jumping up and down on his back. “Sparky will you stop that please?”

“Misty…Misty,” Sparky squeaked as he frantically looked around.

“Misty?” Hitch echoed before looking around himself. “Wait, where’s Misty?”

The others looked at each other before they started to look around too. However, before they could start worrying, there was a flash as Misty reappeared.

“The flowers are there,” Misty exclaimed.

“Okay, the speed that you’re improving is scary,” Pipp commented. “Don’t just pop off like that though, you almost had us worried.”

“Oops, sorry. I just wanted to check the tree,” Misty replied bashfully. “There are two flowers there. But, I think there’s something wrong with one of them.”

“In what way?” Zipp asked as she whipped her phone out and put it on record.

“Well, one of them has the blinking glow, like those in Bridlewood,” Misty explained. “But the other isn’t glowing at all. It’s almost like it’s lifeless.”

Zipp frowned as she stopped the recording. “Curious, why would that be?”

“Maybe that’s why Sunny was told she was missing something before?” Hitch pondered.

“Or the flower isn’t ready for some reason,” Zipp theorised.

“HALT!” a commanding voice suddenly shouted.

They all turned to see Zoom, Thunder and a number of other Guards had appeared.

“It’s okay Captain,” Zipp said as she hurried towards them. “The danger has passed.”

“Princess Zipp,” Zoom gasped. “Has the threat been neutralised?”

“Not exactly,” Zipp admitted. “She escaped.”

“Then you and Princess Pipp must come to the saferoom immediately,” Zoom replied. “It’s not safe.”

“Where’s the Queen?” Sunny demanded.

“In the saferoom,” Thunder answered.

“Thunder!” Zoom gasped. “Don’t tell anypony where the Queen is like that. Anypony could be listening.”

“That doesn't matter,” Zipp responded. “The immediate threat has passed. We’ll speak to our mother but will not be staying in the saferoom. Do you understand Zoom?”

“But we must keep you safe,” Zoom replied.

Sunny sighed as she stepped forward and spread her wings wide. “To defeat Opaline, we need the Elements of Unity,” she explained. “We’ve obtained two and need both Pipp and Zipp if we are to obtain the rest.”

“All speak Queen,” Sparky squeaked suddenly.

“Woah, Sparky!” Hitch gasped. “You really are learning words quickly.”

“I agree with Sparky,” Zipp smiled. “We’ll all go and see Mum and let her know the latest.”

“Very well,” Zoom replied. “This way.”

They made their way through the castle, led by Zoom and Thunder with the other Guards behind them. They eventually came to a large secure looking door which had two Guards posted outside. “Identify,” one said.

“Captain Zoom Zephyrwing, I have Princesses Pipp and Zipp along with their friends.”

“Understood,” the Guard replied before nodding at their colleague.

They both turned around and placed their hoofs on two glowing panels that were on either side of the door. A small hatch slid upwards in the middle of the door revealing a third panel. Zoom stepped forward and placed her hoof on this panel.

There was a loud clunk, Zoom and the other two Guards stepped backwards as there was a whirring sound. Finally, there was another loud clunk before the entire door moved inwards before sliding into the floor.

It revealed an ornately decorated hallway. There were five doorways, two on each side and one at the far end. Zoom held out a hoof, inviting the group inside.

“Oh no,” Zipp frowned. “You’re coming inside too, Zoom.”

“But protocol…”

“No, if you’re inside then you can’t lock us in,” Zipp frowned.

“Not that it would matter anyway,” Starlight muttered to Sunny as she tapped her horn.

Thunder gasped as he overheard and spun around to look at Starlight, holding up a tennis ball.

“All unicorns entering the saferoom must wear the shield atop their horn,” he insisted.

“Thunder,” Zoom sighed as she covered her face with a hoof.

Starlight frowned as she studied the tennis ball. Then she offered her horn towards a now trembling Thunder.

With a little trepidation, Thunder pushed the tennis ball onto Starlight’s horn before retreating back.

Starlight looked up at the ball which was now stuck to the end of her horn. She lit her horn up and smirked. “Sooo, what’s this for again?” she said nonchalantly.

“T…To stop you using your magic,” Thunder replied.

Starlight gave Thunder a deadpan look before she turned her head and fired a beam of magic out a nearby window. The ball disintegrated from the end of her horn as a result.

“Yeah, maybe change your protocols to remove the embarrassing tennis balls,” Starlight smirked.

“We already did,” Zoom said as she stared at Thunder. “Seems somepony didn’t read the updates.”

“S…Sorry,” Thunder gasped.

“No problem,” Starlight smiled brightly back at Thunder. Then she turned to the others, “I’ve not met the Queen yet, let’s go.”

They all trotted into the saferoom, Zoom leading the way to the door at the very end. She knocked on this before carefully pushing it open.

The room beyond was a lavishly decorated sitting room. Queen Haven sat on one of three huge sofas as she nervously played with Cloudpuff. She gasped as she turned to see who had entered.

“Oh my hoofness,” she exclaimed. “Pipp, Zipp, you’re okay!”

“Of course we are mother,” Pipp smiled as she gave her a hug. “It was you we were worried about.”

“The whole lockdown can be called off now,” Zipp said. “The threat has passed for now.”

“So, Opaline has gone?” Queen Haven asked.

“It wasn’t Opaline,” Sunny sighed.

“It was Sunset Shimmer,” Zoom said suddenly.

“What? No that can’t be,” Queen Haven gasped.

Starlight frowned as she moved so she was in front of Zoom. “That was not Sunset Shimmer,” she said seriously.

“I never forget a cutie mark,” Zoom replied. “That was Sunset Shimmer. She even had one on her left flank.”

“No, it was Nightmare Shimmer,” Starlight responded robustly.

“I assume you must be Starlight,” Queen Haven replied. “I wish we could have met under better circumstances.”

“Oh, yes. I’m Starlight Glimmer,” Starlight gasped. “It’s good to meet you at last Your Majesty.”

“Please dear, ‘Queen Haven’ will suffice. I assume from your tone that something awful has happened to Sunset?”

“The best way I can describe it is she’s been corrupted,” Starlight explained. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know how we’ll undo it yet. However, what I do know is that the pony that attacked was not Sunset.”

“That’s awful,” Queen Haven sighed. “I quite liked Sunset when I met her last time you were all here.”

“We won’t give up hope,” Sunny responded. “We’ll save Sunset, and we’ll defeat Opaline.”

“We’ve got two of the elements, Mom,” Zipp smiled. “And we think the third and fourth are in the castle garden.”

“And you are certain that there is no more immediate danger?” Queen Haven asked.

“The attacker does appear to have left, Your Majesty,” Zoom replied.

“Then I want the lockdown to be ended immediately,” Queen Haven responded. “However, it is clear that further security precautions need to be taken. I want the security level set to one below a full lockdown.”

“Understood,” Zoom replied before giving a bow and departing.

Queen Haven turned towards Sunny whose powers were still active. However, before she could say anything Pipp gave a cry of dismay. They all turned to see she was looking at her phone, eyes wide and a look of alarm on her face.

“Everypony’s so scared!” she exclaimed as she held her phone towards the others.

“Well, they have just been through an attack,” Hitch frowned.

“Yes, but the trolls and rumour mills are going haywire,” Pipp replied.

“Trolls?” Starlight blinked, looking very confused.

“We can’t just let everypony think their lives are ending,” Pipp continued before suddenly looking determined. “I need everypony’s help with something. Come on!”

She started hurrying from the saferoom. Ignoring Zipp and Queen Haven as they tried to ask what ‘something’ was.

The only one not to follow was Misty. She had spotted some photos on a set of shelves in the corner of the room. One, which was of a grey unicorn stallion, had caught her eye and she’d been staring at it throughout the whole conversation. “I…I know you,” she muttered.

“MISTY!” Izzy shouted from afar.

Misty’s eyes widened and she squeaked as she realised, she’d been left behind. “Coming!” she called as she hurried after her friends.

Chapter Ten – Confidence Boosting

High on the castle rooftop, Pipp fluttered around continuously as Ponies hurried to-and-fro all around her. “Yes, the speakers there. The amps there. And where’s my lucky microphone?!” she instructed.

“Pipp! We don’t have time for this,” Zipp exclaimed as she tried to avoid being hit by stagehands.

“We so do have time,” Pipp scowled as she landed in front of her sister. “Do you know what my element is?”

Zipp blinked with confusion as she looked back at her sister. “I…erm…”

“Exactly,” Pipp responded. “I can’t remember when my cutie mark last glowed as bright as it is now.”

Zipp frowned as she angled herself to look at Pipp’s flank. Sure enough, her cutie mark was glowing brightly.

“Everypony out there is scared Zipp,” Pipp replied earnestly. “I’m confident that this will help them.”

“How will singing a song help everypony?” Zipp asked.

“By giving them confidence,” Sunny responded as she walked up. “Pipp inspires the confidence in others and the messages she sends also give hope.”

Zipp gasped as she saw Sunny’s cutie mark was also glowing. All be it with less intensity that Pipp’s was.

“Misty did say one of the flowers wasn’t glowing like the other,” Zipp remembered.

“Because nopony has any confidence now,” Sunny explained.

“It’s not just everypony out there,” Pipp added waving a hoof towards the city. “We need to have confidence in them too, that they’ll help us when we need it. How can they do that if they’re all scared.”

“I’m sorry Pipp,” Zipp sighed. “You need your moment to shine, and I didn’t see that this was it.”

They all gasped as the large screens and lights throughout the city suddenly flickered into life.

“Looks like it’s almost time,” Pipp smiled. “Come on everypony, let’s make this happpppeeeeen!”

It was a short time later that the image of Dazzle Feather finally reappeared on the huge screens throughout Zephyr Heights. She gave an awkward smile as she sat behind the news anchor desk and shuffled some papers.

“Apologies for that interruption in our normal broadcasting,” Dazzle smiled. “Whilst I’m sure everypony is desperate for information on the extraordinary events that have taken place. We have an extra special live report from the castle. Don’t we Skye?”

The image cut from Dazzle in the studio to Skye. “That we do Dazzle,” Skye replied as he stood on the roof of the Castle. “We’ve got a special impromptu performance by non-other than our very own Princess Pipp Petals. She’s just walking out onto stage now, let’s see what she has to say.”

Pipp gave a small smile as she walked towards the microphone stand, her lucky microphone fixed to the top. She stood before it and looked out over Zephyr Heights. A city she could feel was still scared and worried, as now grey smoke still rose from some of the buildings.

“I know the events of today has everypony scared and worried,” she started. “However, allowing those feelings in is exactly what those responsible want to happen. They wanted to drive fear and uncertainty into us to drive us apart. However, we need to ensure it has the opposite effect. The attacker was driven off by the combined efforts of a Unicorn and Earth Pony.”

“Technically an alicorn,” Sunny whispered to Hitch from behind stage.

“Therefore, we all should have confidence that our friends in Maretime Bay and Bridlewood are here for us,” Pipp continued. “Just the same as they have confidence that their friends here in Zephyr Heights are here for them. We’re united in friendship, and united we are stronger.”

She stopped and smiled into the drone camera, looking into it as though she were looking at everypony who was watching.

“I’ve been working on a new song,” she smiled. “I’m certain you’ll all know when to sing it next.”

She nodded to the DJ Pony behind her who started the backing track. The intro was short, and she soon began singing, swaying slightly in one spot rather than dancing with any great amount of choreography.

Hey, ponies, listen to me
You gotta hear what I'm sayin'
You've got the sparkle deep inside
You've got a talent worth displayin'

We just need a little hope
We just need a little unity
We just need to find the ma-agic
That's inside of everypony

“What’s that effect on her vocals?” Sunny frowned.

“Autotune?” Zipp blinked. “Or maybe an echo? I didn’t think she used those.”

“Doesn’t seem to be affecting her cutie mark,” Hitch responded. “Look at it glow.”

Sometimes it feels a little hopeless
But things aren't always what they seem
Can you feel it? The energy?
Yeah, the power is growing
Don't look now, things will get better
So hold my hoof 'cause we're growin' together
We've got the strength to take on whatever
'Cause we've got the magic, we've got the magic in us
'Cause we've got the magic, we've got the magic in us

Pipp’s cutie mark was glowing brighter and brighter now, much to her sister’s surprise.

“I…I nearly stopped this,” Zipp gasped. “I thought it was a waste of time.”

“Hey, don’t second question yourself,” Starlight responded. “You didn’t know what she was doing it for. Once she’d had chance to explain you changed your mind.”

So everypony everywhere
Now is the time to raise your voices
You know it's time to show your courage, yeah
And nopony's gonna stop us, no

'Cause there is hope when we're together
And it grows stronger when we sing
So raise our voices in unison
Raise our voices in harmony, yeah

Don't look now, things are getting better
So hold my hoof 'cause we're growin' together
We've got the strength to take on whatever
'Cause we've got the magic, we've got the magic

Just take another look, things are getting better
We're growin' stronger, growin' together
We'll always have each other forever
'Cause we've got the magic, we've got the magic in us
Yeah, we've got the magic, we've got the magic in us

Despite her rooftop location, as the song finished Pipp’s ear twitched as she heard the cheers from the ponies far below. She looked out over Zephyr Heights again and spotted some of the windows in the buildings had been opened. She smiled as she could just see hoofs waving from them. Slowly, Pegasi appeared, flying up to the limits of the castle grounds.

“Thank you everypony,” Pipp grinned.

She turned away just as the stage director hurried over. Placing a hoof between their mouth and the cameras and microphones, they whispered something to Pipp who smiled and nodded.

The stage director hurried away as Pipp turned back. She grinned as she stepped towards the microphone again. “Okay everypony, I hear you all,” she smiled. “I know everything is going to be okay.”

Zipp couldn’t help groaning as another song started. “This one, again? Really?”

Shoop, shoop (aha, hey!)
Shoop, shoop
Shoop, shoop (hey!)
Shoop, shoop

I know you're feeling like there's something wrong
But don't you worry, I have just the song for you…

Sometime later, it was slowly getting dark as they walked out into the rooftop garden. Queen Haven stood behind the group, flanked by both Zoom and Thunder.

“I’m sure the escort isn’t necessary,” Queen Haven commented.

“Just part of the Security Protocols you enacted Your Majesty,” Zoom responded.

“Ah,” Queen Haven sighed. “Carry on then.”

Meanwhile, Zipp looked at Misty with confusion. “I thought you said one looked dormant?” she asked. “They both look the same to me.”

Misty grinned widely. “That’s because it’s changed,” she giggled. “Pipp’s performance worked.”

"And that must have been what we were missing," Sunny smiled. "Thank You, Pipp."

“That’s no problem, but how does this work again?” Pipp asked with a little trepidation.

“When does your cutie mark glow?” Sunny asked.

“When I’m confident or inspire confidence in others,” Pipp answered. “Like my performance this afternoon.”

The blinking green flash in one of the flower buds changed to a continual green glow. Pipp couldn’t help but flash a smirk at her sister.

“Okay, okay sis,” Zipp chuckled. “I didn’t have to do it last minute though. Mine glows when I’m brave, like when I rescued Sunset by flying millimetres from the top of the sea.”

“You did what?” Queen Haven gasped.

The second flower bud now changed to the same continuous green glow. Sunny couldn’t help gulping as she started to feel drawn towards the flowers. Pipp and Zipp had already taken on vacant expressions as they both stared at them. However, Sunny closed her eyes and looked away, trying desperately to not be drawn in.

“I think they’re waiting for you,” Starlight advised.

“You know what happened last time,” Sunny gasped. “I don’t want to be thrown from the rooftop.”

“You have wings, don’t you?” Starlight smiled. “Don’t think we haven’t noticed you’ve not dropped your powers since Bridlewood.”

Sunny sighed as she opened her eyes. She looked at Starlight with a worried expression as she began to give into the draw of the flowers. Her expression became as vacant as Pipp’s and Zipp’s as the three of them started to walk forward. Sunny in the middle with the sisters on either side.

“W…What’s happening?” Queen Haven gasped.

“It’s okay,” Misty soothed. “They’ll be a little dizzy after but they’re just getting their elements like me and Izzy.”

Misty pointed to her necklace with a hoof. However, Queen Haven looked far from reassured.

“You don’t remember the ethereal voices, do you?” Hitch asked Misty.

“The what voice now?” Misty frowned.

“Yeah, didn’t think so. Don’t be alarmed Queen Haven,” Hitch advised. “I assure you, despite what it will seem, they’ll be completely fine.”

Sunny grunted as she banged into the invisible barrier like she had in Bridlewood. It prevented her moving forwards despite how strongly she felt drawn to the flowers. She tried moving her hoofs and once again found them rooted to the spot.

Her wings were folded so she decided to open them in case she was thrown away again. However, she gasped as she suddenly found them stuck to her sides. It felt like an invisible band had been placed around them.

“Okay, I don’t like where this is going,” she admitted.

“You’ll be fine,” Starlight reassured.

Sunny said nothing more as she watched Pipp and Zipp reach the flower buds. There was a flash as both simultaneously opened, the large multi-coloured petals of each flower flopping open together.

Both Pipp and Zipp stared into the grey orbs that were revealed. As before, one had Pipp’s cutie mark, the other Zipp’s. Together, they both started to lift a hoof and extend them towards the orbs.

Queen Haven gulped as she watched. She wanted to tell her daughters to stop, to come to her and away from the strange flowers. However, she also trusted them and knew they wouldn’t be doing what they were doing if it wasn’t the right thing.

Pipp and Zipp both touched their orb at the same time. There was an intense flash from each orb as they disappeared and were replaced by a necklace around the necks of each of the sisters. As with Izzy and Misty, the necklaces were golden in colour with inscriptions that intertwined around the bands. They both had a charm in the centre which resembled the cutie mark of the sister wearing it.

Pipp and Zipp’s eyes had also turned completely white, they both turned towards each other and looked directly at Sunny, who was looking extremely apprehensive.

“I am Pipp Petals,” Pipp said in the ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Confidence.”

“I am Zipp Storm,” Zipp said in a similar ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Bravery.”

Sunny felt more and more anxious as Pipp and Zipp looked directly at her. It felt like an age before they finally continued to speak in unison.

“Sunny Starscout,” they said. “You think you know what you must do to save your friend, you are incorrect. Have a think.”

There was a final pair of flashes from both Pipp and Zipp and they both fell to the ground. Meanwhile, Sunny gasped as she felt herself being thrust skywards. She tried to open her wings but found they were still held tightly to her sides and cried out with surprise.

It felt like there were rockets attached to the bottom of her hoofs as she moved them around. She quickly realised she had some rudimentary control of her trajectory but didn’t quite know what to do with it. As she burst through the top of the clouds she gasped as she saw the sky. It was lit up with a fiery orange glow as the sun made its way over the horizon.

Finally, she felt like she wasn’t gaining altitude anymore, however she still couldn’t open her wings. She was so high up that the air was thin which made it hard to breathe normally. However, the sight of the sky was inspiring.

“Have. A. Think,” she panted.

She thought back to when she was battling Midnight Shimmer. She’d wanted so badly to rescue Sunset. However, as she replayed the battle in her mind she realised her opponent had held back. Also, she'd been afraid. Afraid of hurting Sunset. Her eyes widened in realisation, Starlight had already given her the answer.

“T…The. Elements,” she panted. “We. Need. To. Use. Them. To. To.”

She stopped as she started to feel lightheaded. However, her left ear twitched as she felt something near it. “Good,” an ethereal voice whispered.

The rocket feeling suddenly disappeared and Sunny squeaked as she began to fall. She tried her wings again, but they were still stubbornly stuck. The clouds rocketed up from beneath her and she burst into them.

Then, finally, her wings opened, and she was able to slow her descent.

Back in front of the Together Tree, Pipp and Zipp were being helped to their hoofs. Queen Haven was looking extremely shocked.

“Are you sure you’re both okay?” she fretted.

“We’re fine,” Zipp insisted.

“Just a little dizzy,” Pipp added.

“But it was like you were being controlled,” Queen Haven responded.

“They were,” Starlight replied. “However, it’s a benevolent force that’s responsible.”

“But Sunny?” Queen Haven gasped as she looked to the sky.

“Is okay,” Hitch chortled as he pointed upwards.

Sunny laughed and whooped with joy as she came spiralling down. However, as she tried to land she was going far too fast. As her hoofs touched the grass she skidded. She cried out in surprise and left four trenches behind her as she careened into the flower border at the edge of the lawn. Flowers and leaves were thrust everywhere as she stopped with a thud.

“I think she needs more landing practice,” Zipp commented as others rushed to Sunny’s aid.

"I'm okay," Sunny groaned.

Author's Note

In case you weren't sure, the song Pipp sings here is the 'remix' version of Magic in Us:
https://youtu.be/XvuaczJhq2c?si=S7XVuYqZ8s-LTMH1

Chapter Eleven – Nightmare Dragon Attack

It had been a very busy day at Mane Melody. After a shaky start, Pipps latest line of treatments had started selling well. So well in fact that both Jazz and Rocky were finding themselves run off their hoofs. Especially as Pipp hadn't had much time to be there recently.

“Are you sure I can go?” Rocky asked.

“That’s the fifth time you’ve asked,” Jazz chuckled. “I told you it would be fine, go make sure your parents are okay.”

“But there’s still…” Rocky started.

“One customer,” Jazz finished. “I know but it’s only a hooficure, I’ve got it covered.”

“Thanks Jazz,” Rocky smiled appreciatively as he opened the door. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Get out of here!” Jazz chuckled as she shooed him with a hoof.

With a grateful smile, Rocky went through the door and immediately took to the air. Jazz sighed as she continued cleaning up. It wasn’t long before the bell above the door tinkled as her last customer of the day entered.

“Evening Posey,” Jazz smiled. “I understand you’re wanting a touch up.”

“Yeah, I managed to get a chip at work,” Posey sighed. “Hey, have you heard Pipp’s latest song?”

“The one she sang from the rooftop at Zephyr Heights?” Jazz asked. “Of course I have.”

“It’s too catchy,” Posey complained. “It’s going to be stuck in my head for days.”

Jazz chuckled as she showed Posey to her seat. However, no sooner had Posey sat down the door was thrust open.

“HELP!” Peach Fizz cried, looking terrified. “They need help!”

“Peach Fizz,” Jazz gasped as she hurried over to the panicked looking filly. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Glory and Seashell,” Peach Fizz cried. “They’re in trouble.”

“Well, have you told one of the Guards?” Posey asked as she walked over. “That’s what they’re here for as Sheriff Hitch is never around.”

“I couldn’t find any of them,” Peach Fizz said as tears welled in her eyes. “Please, you’ve got to come.”

“Lead the way,” Jazz replied.

“Seriously?” Posey frowned. “I thought…”

“Yes, but how can you say no to fillies in need?” Jazz retorted.

Posey furrowed her brow further before groaning. “You’re right I can’t. Lead the way Peach Fizz.”

“This way,” Peach Fizz replied as she hurried through the door, the two mares following closely.

Jazz and Posey gasped as they tried to keep up. Peach Fizz led them around corner after corner, before long they’d lost all sense of direction.

“Slow down,” Posey gasped. “How can we help if you lose us.”

Suddenly, they followed Peach Fizz around a corner and gasped when she wasn’t on the other side. They looked around the square they now found themselves in with confusion. They couldn’t see Peach Fizz anywhere, it was like she had disappeared.

“I…I don’t get it?” Jazz gasped. “Where are we?”

“I’m not sure?” Posey answered. “I’ve gotten all turned around. Everything starts to look the same in the dark.”

They continued to look around, each looking in different directions and walking in a circle.

“Peach Fizz?” Jazz shouted. “Where are you?”

“Seashell?” Posey shouted. “Glory?”

“Which way’s the sea?” Jazz asked.

“N…not sure,” Posey replied. “It’s so dark, I didn’t think the sun had set yet.”

Suddenly, two dragons landed on either side of the square, cutting off the two ponies. One was a dark red, the other light pink. Their eyes were an odd shade of purple whilst their irises were faded.

Jazz and Posey jumped in fright and began to cower in the centre of the square. Their eyes widened in fear and still panting with exertion from the running.

“W…what do you want?” Posey asked.

The two dragons said nothing, they bared their claws and opened their wings wide. Then, the light pink one started to move and opened a gap between her and an exit.

It was all the invitation that Posey needed. “Run,” she gasped.

Jazz squeaked as she felt Posey move from beside her. She whirred around and desperately tried to keep up. They both just made it through the exit and into another alleyway, but the light pink dragon wasn’t far behind. The dark red dragon snarled and also began running after the fleeing ponies.

“H…hurry,” Jazz urged as they galloped along the alleyway.

“I’m trying,” Posey replied.

They turned a corner, then gasped at what they saw ahead of them. “I…I can see the sea,” Jazz gaped.

“Really?” Posey blinked. “All I see is the setting sun.”

“The sun sets over the sea,” Jazz explained.

The sun was indeed setting over the sea and was right ahead of them. It’s very last rays were shooting straight down the alleyway and directly into the faces of the two ponies, practically blinding them. Despite this, they continued to gallop as they could feel the two dragons snapping at their hind hoofs.

Suddenly, a shadow streaked from the sky and landed directly in front of them.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Jazz and Posey screeched to a stop, eyes wide and panting hard. They couldn’t properly see the figure ahead of them as it was back-lit by the setting sun. However, Jazz thought she recognised the voice.

“S…Sunset Shimmer?” Jazz asked hopefully.

“No,” Nightmare Shimmer chuckled. “I am your nightmare.”

Nightmare Shimmer’s horn flared, and Posey and Jazz cried for help as they found themselves enveloped in purple flames. All too quickly, they were struggling to breathe and collapsed.

“Too easy,” Nightmare Shimmer sighed.

“STOP!”

Nightmare Shimmer turned at the sound of a voice and smirked when she saw Skywalk, Sprout and another Guard stood at the entrance to the alleyway.

“Release those two ponies and come quietly,” Skywalk ordered.

“If you do, there’ll be no trouble,” Sprout added.

“Oh, but I like trouble,” Nightmare Shimmer smirked. “Lava, Jade, take them. I’ll deal with these three.”

Lava and Jade said nothing. They each picked one of the pair of prone ponies up in their arms before they jumped into the air.

“HALT!” Skywalk shouted. “Frost Wing follow them. Sprout, with me.”

Frost Wing nodded and jumped into the air to follow the dragons. However, he didn’t get far as Nightmare Shimmer grabbed him with her fiery levitation magic. She effortlessly threw the surprised Pegasus down the alleyway where he collided with a wall.

Skywalk and Sprout leapt forwards towards Nightmare Shimmer, going opposite sides and hoping to flank her. However, Nightmare Shimmer laughed.

“You really believe you have a chance against me? Even Starscout couldn’t do anything to oppose me. Oh well, may as well have some fun.”

Skywalk gasped as Nightmare Shimmer stepped in front of her and spun around. In response, Skywalk leaped and spread her wings but couldn’t prevent Nightmare Shimmer from planting her hind hoofs on her breastplate.

Skywalk cried as she was thrust upwards, gasping as a bolt of fire quickly followed. She angled her wings to dodge this, but the alleyway was narrow. She collided with the eves of one of the buildings.

Sprout meanwhile delivered a buck towards Nightmare Shimmer. He winced as Nightmare Shimmer teleported, his hoofs sinking into the fireball that erupted around her.
Suddenly there was a whump beside him as Skywalk came crashing to the ground. Sprout’s eyes widened as he looked directly at Skywalk and didn’t see the bin that was floating behind him.

Nightmare Shimmer laughed as she poured the contents of the bin over Sprout. He cried in dismay and disgust before shrieking as she slammed the now empty bin down on top of him.

“Oh, that was fun,” Nightmare Shimmer laughed. “I hope we can play again some other time.”

With that, purple flames enveloped her as she teleported away.”

Chapter Twelve – Element in Maretime Bay

The Marestream streaked its way through the darkness towards Maretime Bay. Inside was a group of very worried ponies.

“It's okay. It's okay. Everything's going to be okay,” Pipp gasped as she held her hoofs to the sides of her head.

“What happened to all your confidence?” Izzy asked.

“Oh, don’t be confused, this isn’t fear,” Pipp replied. “I'm just stressed. This is suddenly getting way too crazy. First Zephyr Heights and now Maretime Bay is attacked."

“It’ll be fine,” Sunny replied. "It doesn’t sound as bad as Zephyr Heights."

“I don’t know Sunny,” Hitch sighed. “Skywalk sounded pretty bad on the phone.”

“I know,” Sunny responded. “But we’ll both get our elements then we’ll be able to save Sunset and defeat Opaline.”

Starlight sighed but said nothing. Deep down she didn’t think it would be so simple. She looked at Sunny, noting she still hadn’t dropped her powers. She couldn’t help wondering if Sunny was becoming more comfortable as an Alicorn than Earth Pony.

Zipp took the Marestream directly into town and landed outside the Sheriff’s Office. As Sunny looked out the windscreen, she could see there were now two flowers by the Together Tree. The new one being in bud and had the flashing glow like the others. She completely missed the orange orb in the centre of the other had no glow at all.

As soon as the door opened, Hitch exited the Marestream and headed straight into the Sheriff’s Office. He gasped at the sight of the three ponies he found within.

Sprout had stains from the rubbish still stuck to his uniform, coat, and mane. He was tending to Frost Wing, who clearly had a large bump on his head.

Skywalk meanwhile was laid on a makeshift bed and appeared to be sleeping. She had a bandage around her head whilst one of her wings and legs were bandaged and splinted. Hitch couldn’t help looking shocked.

“Okay, tell me how this happened?” Hitch gasped after a moment.

“It was an attack by a fiery Alicorn,” Sprout replied. “I…It sounded like Sunset Shimmer though.”

“With two dragons,” Frost Wing added.

“That wasn’t Sunset,” Zipp responded as she stopped beside Hitch. “It was Nightmare Shimmer.”

“What’s the difference?” Skywalk croaked.

“Steady Sargent,” Sprout advised.

“At ease,” Skywalk chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Something has happened to Sunset,” Hitch advised. “It’s not her who did this to you.”

“It’s not just that though,” Sprout sighed. “It’s Jazz and Posey, they were taken.”

Hitch’s eyes widened. “Taken?” he echoed.

“The dragons took off with them,” Sprout replied.

“Okay, describe what happened,” Zipp said as she got her phone out. “Leave out no detail.”

A short time later, Hitch and Zipp exited the Sheriff’s Office. Hitch frowned as he saw the number of ponies that had gathered. “Sheriff Hitch,” Phyllis said as she walked towards him.

“I’m sorry Phyllis, I have something of great importance I need to do,” Hitch replied. “The wellbeing of many ponies is at stake. Just like it was when Glory and Peach Fizz were missing.”

As Hitch said this, the flowerbud’s flashing green glow changed to a continual one. Hitch immediately looked straight at it with a vacant expression. Sunny meanwhile could feel the draw from the flower too, but she became concerned.

“Hope,” she said. “Hope for a brighter future full of friendship and unity.”

That seemed to do it as both Hitch and Sunny started to walk forwards alongside each other. Phyllis and the other townsponies looked on with interest as they progressed directly towards the flowers together.

However, just before Sunny got within touching distance, she found an invisible barrier. She shook her head as the trance was broken. Trying to move, Sunny found her hoofs were for a third time rooted in place. “W…What?” she gasped. “N…No we need all the elements. Why?”

Hitch meanwhile had no such impediment. He walked straight up to the flowerbud and there was a flash as it slowly opened. The same multi-coloured flower flopped open to reveal a grey orb with Hitch’s cutie mark. Without hesitation, Hitch reached out and touched the orb which disappeared with a flash. Around Hitch’s neck a necklace the same as the others appeared. The same golden band with intertwined inscriptions with his cutie mark as the charm at the centre. Hitch’s eyes had turned completely white, and he turned to face Sunny alone.

Sunny meanwhile was struggling as hard as she could, twisting her body this way and that in an attempt to free her hoofs.

“I am Hitch Trailblazer,” Hitch said in the ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Wellbeing.”

Sunny stopped struggling and looked at Hitch with dismay. “What about the Element of Hope?” she cried.

“Sunny Starscout,” Hitch said in the same voice. “It does not work that way. You need the spark.”

“Spark?” Sunny repeated with confusion. "What spark?"

There was a blinding flash from Hitch, and he immediately fell to the ground.

Sunny meanwhile screamed as she was flung away with such force and speed that she quickly found herself over the sea. She tried to open her wings, but just like in Zephyr Heights they were stuck to her sides.

Eventually, she started falling as the momentum wore off. She cried out as the black inky sea seemingly came rushing up to meet her. Just in time, her wings opened and slowed her decent, but this wasn’t enough.

Meanwhile, Izzy and Misty had run to Hitch’s side. They all heard a splash as Sunny impacted the sea. Pipp and Zipp looked to each other with worry before taking off to find Sunny.

“I thought you said these flowers weren’t dangerous?” Phyllis asked Hitch.

“They’re not,” Hitch replied as he shook his head.

“Apart from if your name is Sunny Starscout and you’re being judged by some magical force,” Izzy responded. “We’re pretty sure there’s only one pony that’s happening to.”

Elsewhere, Peach Fizz paced around and around in her bedroom. Scowling and looking at the floor as she breathed deeply trying to calm down. “I’ll show Poppa,” she scowled. “He won’t stop me speaking with Mistress Opaline.”

She walked over to her little dressing table which had a mirror above it. Her horn glowed as she activated the spell Opaline had implanted in it and touched it on the mirror.

Her reflection within the mirror started to swirl, after a few moments it cleared to show an image of Opaline.

“Ah, Peach Fizz darling,” Opaline cooed. “What have you to report? You look upset.”

“I’m sorry Mistress Opaline, Poppa grounded me so I can’t leave the house,” Peach Fizz replied. “I won’t be able to come and help you without him knowing.”

“Ah, I wondered how long it would be before he became suspicious,” Opaline responded. “Fortunately, the plans are well advanced now, therefore your need to keep up appearances will be lessened.”

“I have something else to report too,” Peach Fizz added. “Nightmare Shimmer failed.”

“Oh?” Opaline blinked looking surprised. “How so?”

“Her attack on Zephyr Heights, it didn’t sow fears as hoped,” Peach Fizz explained. “Princess Pipp turned them into confidence and hope. The ponies are more united than ever.”

“That is unfortunate,” Opaline sighed. “That means the ponies may still have some fight in them. Fortunately, I know what to do to counter that, maintain your cover for this evening. Tomorrow will be a different story.”

“Certainly Mistress,” Peach Fizz answered.

The mirror swirled again as it returned to normal. Peach Fizz looked at her reflection for a moment before sighing. “Sorry Poppa, I must be there for my mistress tomorrow.”

With that, she headed to the bathroom to start getting ready for bed.

Author's Note

So Hitch. Why Wellbeing instead of Kindness? :applejackunsure:

Well, this is mainly due to my desire to try and combine his Make your Mark and Next Generation personalities. It's no secret that he changed between the two.

I believe to truly care for someone's wellbeing you also need to be kind. Therefore, Hitch is still supposed to be kind here but also has that harder edge to him we saw in the movie.

Please do tell me what you think here. Have I been successful or should I just followed the Kindness route. All feedback and comments on this most welcome. :twilightsmile:

Chapter Thirteen – Testing

The sun had not long risen when Opaline stepped out into her castle garden. It was the only space she could venture outside without running into the barrier that trapped her within her castle. The wall around the outside of the garden being the extent of her freedom.

She looked around at the various vegetables and fruits that were growing there. She had to admit, since Misty had left it had become less productive. She especially missed the Apple Crumbles that Misty used to make. She looked at the little apple tree, sighing as she noted it was bare.

She put those thoughts from her mind as Lava and Jade came out of the castle from another entrance. It led to a lower level where Jazz and Posey had been kept for the night. Lava carried Jazz ahead of Jade who carried Posey. They walked out into an open area and deposited the two struggling ponies on the ground before retreating to perch on the castle wall.

Opaline smirked as she immediately attached purple magical leashes to the pair. Attaching them to a large ring that was imbedded in the end of the pathway she was stood upon.

“W…What do you want with us?” Posey cried.

“Oh, not much,” Opaline smiled. “You’re just my little pony test subjects.”

“T…Test subjects,” Jazz gaped.

“Yes, and you should be happy,” Opaline grinned. “You’re both going to undergo the procedure that everypony will go through.”

Posey frowned. She didn’t like the sound of that at all. She raised her right forehoof and it started to glow.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Opaline smiled as her horn flared. “We can’t have that.”

A bubble suddenly appeared, covering the two ponies. Posey’s hoof stopped glowing just before she tapped it on the ground. She gasped and tried again a few times before lifting her hoof and looking at it with confusion.

“That’s better,” Opaline smiled. “I see I need to take more precautions.”

“I’m here Mistress,” Peach Fizz said as she ran into the garden. “I hope I’ve not missed it.”

“Oh, I thought you weren’t coming today,” Opaline gasped. “What about your father?”

“I sneaked out before he woke up,” Peach Fizz replied proudly. “I wanted to be here for your glorious moment. Poppa will understand once your plans have been enacted.”

“Oh, aren’t you the most loyal assistant a pony can have,” Opaline grinned.

Posey and Jazz looked at each other with shock and disbelief.

Suddenly, there was a whirl of purple fire nearby as Nightmare Shimmer appeared. She looked down at Posey and Jazz with contempt before walking over to Opaline.

“The tasks have been completed,” she smiled. “The seeds are in place as you requested.”

“Excellent, and nopony saw you?” Opaline beamed.

“None,” Nightmare Shimmer responded. “Starscout and her friends are at their little clubhouse.”

“Perfect,” Opaline laughed. “They’re just where I need them to be.”

“If the test is a success,” Nightmare Shimmer sniffed.

“Oh don't worry Nightmare, I’m confident,” Opaline smirked. “Peach Fizz dear, you know what I’ll want to hear.”

“Certainly, Mistress Opaline,” Peach Fizz smiled.

Opaline’s horn flared and wisps of magical energy appeared around Jazz’s and Posey’s hoofs. They gasped as they suddenly found them rooted to the spot.

With her test subjects restrained from using their magic, Opaline removed the bubble. Then she turned and looked up at the tree that grew through her castle. “Today will be my day,” Opaline laughed.

Her horn flared brighter then it had previously, a fiery beam of magic shot forth and impacted the trunk of the tree. From the impact point, a purple glow grew through the tree. It extended right to the very tips of the branches and began growing downwards into the ground.

Purple veins of magical energy suddenly spread out from the tree towards the struggling forms of Jazz and Posey. They gasped as they were seemingly surrounded by these veins before the ground beneath them started to rumble ominously.

Posey shrieked as the ground burst open between them. Two thick purple vines of energy leapt forth. Jazz was equally surprised as she watched the two vines waving around.

They fearfully looked at each other then back to the vines as they swayed from side to side. They continued to struggle but a combination of the wisps around their hoofs and the leashes around their necks held them in place.

Then, the vine nearest Jazz suddenly whipped around in a long arc. Its tip tapped her right flank, and she gasped as a tingling sensation ripped through her. Posey shrieked as the vine nearest her did the same thing. She desperately tried to move to make it miss but she couldn’t. It tapped her flank too and she cried out as she felt the tingling sensation.

Panting, the pair looked at each other before looking up at the vines. Their eyes widened in shock as they spotted a ball at the end of each of the vines. Within the balls were their cutie marks.

Jazz checked her right flank in disbelief and gasped when she found it empty. Posey meanwhile looked completely dumbstruck as she watched her cutie mark be taken away.

Then, both cutie marks began travelling down the vines. To the pairs dismay, they disappeared into the ground. Almost immediately after that, Jazz and Posey started to feel completely exhausted. The colour in their eyes faded and they began to wobble on their hoofs. Opaline laughed as her horn flared, the wisps of energy disappearing and allowing them to fall to the ground in exhaustion.

Peach Fizz grinned as she ran inside the castle. It wasn’t long until she came skipping out, a huge grin on her face.

“It’s worked Mistress Opaline,” Peach Fizz beamed. “Their cutie marks are in the sphere over the pool. The collection system works perfectly.”

Opaline beamed before laughing maniacally. “Wonderful,” she replied before turning her attention to Posey and Jazz.

“Let it be known that I am fair,” Opaline grinned as her horn glowed and she removed the leashes. “If I were you two, I would run.”

Posey and Jazz gasped and looked at each other. Weakly they scrambled to their hoofs before they hurried away as fast as their weekend bodies could.

Opaline laughed again as she watched the pair go. “Nightmare Shimmer, Lava, Jade, to me.”

Nightmare Shimmer frowned as she walked to Opaline’s side. Lava and Jade meanwhile glided down from where they’d been perched on the castle wall.

“The time is now,” Opaline grinned. “This is where you help me undo the wrongs of the past. The three of you, fly to Starscout’s Brighthouse, you’ll know what to do when you get there.”

“Cause havoc,” Nightmare Shimmer grinned, an evil twinkle in her eye.

“Exactly,” Opaline smiled.

“What about me Opaline?” Peach Fizz asked hopefully.

“You my dear will return to Maretime Bay. Lava will give you a lift,” Opaline smiled. “Gather as many ponies as possible at the Together Tree. Then their powers will be collected that much quicker.”

Peach Fizz grinned as she bowed. “You’ll soon be the rightful ruler of Equestria.”

Opaline gave a huge grin as Lava picked up Peach Fizz. Barely able to contain her excitement she looked at her little group of brainwashed allies. "Go!" she shouted with glee. "Go and make this day mine!"

Lava and Jade both bowed before they took off. Nightmare Shimmer meanwhile walked forward from Opaline and gave a sideways glance over her shoulder. Then, with a smirk, she flared her wings and took to the sky. Opaline watched them go for a moment before turning toward her castle.

Opaline giggled with excitement as she entered her throne room. She looked at the sphere that a short time ago had been Sunset’s prison. Circulating within it, were the two cutie marks of Posey and Jazz.

“This is it,” Opaline giggled. “This is when I rise.”

Her horn flared as she lifted the Dragon Stone from its holder next to her throne. Then, she positioned it between herself and the exposed part of the tree. Barely able to contain her excitement, she fired a beam of energy at the Dragon Stone. It glowed brightly before amplifying the beam and firing it at the tree.

The whole castle shook as the purple glowing within the tree magnified. Opaline placed the Dragon Stone back in it’s holder and let out a long laugh. She knew she only had to wait now.

A short way away, Jazz and Posey were laid on the ground. They were already completely exhausted, even though they hadn't gone far.

"We...we have to warn e...everypony," Jazz panted.

Posey didn’t respond right away, she had her head laid on the ground as she panted. Finally she lifted her head and was about to reply when Jazz squeaked in dismay. Posey turned her head and saw what Jazz had seen, the tree in Opaline’s castle was glowing with a bright purple aura. Veins of purple energy were rippling out from the base of the tree in all directions. Four larger ones rocketing through the ground at great speed.

Jazz gasped as one of these rocketed past them and towards Maretime Bay. "I...I think it’s too late," Jazz sighed.

"If only they hadn't taken our phones," Posey moaned.

The pair could only watch helplessly. Opaline’s plan was well underway.

Chapter Fourteen – Battle at the Brighthouse

Zipp groaned as she stared into the book she’d read twenty times. It was getting to the point that she could almost recite the whole thing from memory. However, she was still sure she’d missed something.

“Spark,” she groaned. “What spark? Where's the spark?.”

Her heavy eyelids suddenly closed, her head falling forwards a second later before impacting roughly with the desk in front of her with a loud bang.

“Zipp?” Pipp said as she came over from her bed.

She entered Zipps workstation area and gasped when she saw her sister’s head on the table. “Zipp, wake up.”

“Huh? Whassat?” Zipp groaned as Pipp shook her.

“Come on, you can’t sleep like that,” Pipp said. “Have you been up all night?”

Zipp groaned as she lifted her head, she looked back at Pipp with dreary bloodshot eyes. “I can’t find it Pipp,” Zipp moaned. “There’s nothing, no mention.”

“No mention of what?” Pipp asked.

“The spark,” Zipp replied. “What it is or how to create it or find it. I've looked through all the books on Together Trees and Flowers.”

“Starlight said that it would come to us,” Pipp responded “Or to Sunny at least. She said that’s what happened for Twilight.”

Zipp only groaned in reply, her eyes blinking and looking heavy again.

“Okay, somepony is going to get forty winks,” Pipp sighed. “Come on.”

Zipp said nothing as Pipp began helping her sister back into bed.

Elsewhere, Starlight had decided it was high time Sunny got a crash course in teleportation. It seeming to be the most obvious combat spell she currently couldn’t cast.

“Couldn’t I at least try levitation?” Sunny moaned. “I’ve always wanted to float things around.”

“I told you,” Starlight answered. “Levitation and transfiguration will need to wait.”

“Do we really have time for this?” Misty asked from nearby. “Posey and Jazz are in trouble.”

“We had this conversation,” Sunny scowled. “We can’t save them without the elements.”

“You mean your element,” Izzy responded from the kitchen. “We’ve all got ours.”

Sunny’s scowl deepened and she shot a dirty look at Izzy.

“Okay, no distracting my student,” Starlight sighed.

“Sorry,” Izzy replied worriedly. “I didn’t mean to upset you Sunny.”

Sunny closed her eyes and sighed. “I know Iz, I just wish I understood these riddles.”

“Well solve the riddle that’s in front of you,” Starlight responded. “Orange. From there, to here.”

Starlight pointed at an orange that was on the coffee table and pointed to a spot on the floor nearby. Sunny closed her eyes for a second. “Focus,” she whispered.

She opened her eyes and stared determinedly at the orange. Then she fired a golden orange beam of magic from her horn at it. There was a flash as it disappeared and then another as it reappeared where Starlight had pointed.

“Good,” Starlight smiled. “Now, move it back to the table then back there again.”

Sunny frowned and did as she was told. She teleported the orange back onto the table and then back to the same spot on the floor.

“If this is a crash course,” she ventured. “Does that mean I can try teleporting myself now?”

“You can certainly try,” Starlight shrugged. “However, only within line of sight and you must focus. Like with the orange, start by identifying where you want to go.”

Sunny took a deep breath and focused on a spot nearer the front door.

“Then focus on yourself and being there,” Starlight instructed.

Sunny did as instructed, and her horn lit up. There was a flash as she disappeared and another as she reappeared.

Sunny gasped as she realised everything was upside down. Before she could react, she fell in a heap on the floor with a yelp.

“Looks like you need more fruit-based practice,” Starlight sighed. “Pears are a good stepping stone. They have to appear the correct way up too.”

Sunny groaned as she picked herself up, just as the door opened.

“Brighthouse mean friends,” Sparky squeaked. “Apple please.”

“Sparky, you’ve just had breakfast,” Hitch frowned.

“Breakfast tasty, apple tasty,” Sparky smiled.

“At least somepony is learning today,” Sunny laughed.

“Yeah, he’s been talking about apples all morning,” Hitch responded. “He’s picking up more and more words really quickly.”

“Words fun, apple crunchy, apple please,” Sparky squeaked.

“Well, my head’s not only spinning but also aching from my lessons,” Sunny giggled. “So why don’t I make Sparky an Apple Blast Smoothie?”

Sparky’s eyes lit up as he bobbed up and down with excitement. “Yay! Apple blast! Sunny best!”

“Sure, I think a break is called for,” Starlight sighed as she followed them into the kitchen. Once again spotting that Sunny was keeping her powers active.

They walked into the kitchen and Sunny began opening cupboards and getting out the items she’d need. Suddenly, there was a massive crash as the doors to the Brighthouse were thrust open and smashed from their hinges.

“Oh, make mine a strawberry and apple,” Nightmare Shimmer smirked. “Or are you only serving your friends?”

Sunny and the others gasped as Nightmare Shimmer walked past the destroyed doors. Lava and Jade appearing on either side of her.

“Lava, Jade, destroy them,” Nightmare Shimmer ordered. “I’ll deal with the crystals.”

“No, you won’t,” Sunny shouted as she ran headlong at Nightmare Shimmer. “I won’t let you anywhere near the crystals.”

There was a flash of fire as Sunny’s shield connected with Nightmare Shimmer’s. Sunny gasped as she was bounced away and her hoofs left the ground. She flared her wings and regained control before hovering.

Meanwhile, Nightmare Shimmer growled as a shot from Starlight impacted her shield. “Two against one?” she snarled. “That’s not exactly fair, is it?”

Meanwhile, the dragons advanced on the others. Izzy frowned and picked up the bag of apples before she started throwing them at Lava.

“Bad dragon,” Izzy shouted. “Very bad dragon.”

Lava flinched as apples bounced off his head, he snarled in annoyance before opening his mouth to breath fire. However, his eyes widened as an apple landed inside it, getting caught in his teeth.

“Where are Pipp and Zipp?” Hitch asked.

“Upstairs,” Misty replied. “Zipp’s workstation I think.”

Hitch cried in surprise as he ducked to avoid a burst of fire from Jade. “Sparky, go warn Pipp and Zipp.”

“Okay,” Sparky squeaked in reply as he scurried away.

Jade snarled and watched Sparky go. She was about to breath fire at him when a blast from Misty’s horn impacted her wing.

“Over here,” Misty shouted, waving a hoof.

Jade growled and ran at Misty, fire shot from her mouth as she got close enough. However, before it could impact her, Misty teleported. The fire impacting the wall directly behind where Misty had been stood, leaving a blackened scorch mark.

Appearing the other side of her opponent, Misty fired a beam of magic into Jade’s back which made her tumble forwards. Right into the wall that she’d just burned. Jade groaned as she slid down the wall and collapsed in a heap.

Meanwhile, Hitch and Izzy were dodging burst after burst of fire from Lava. One of Hitch’s hoofs began to glow green as he tapped it on the ground. Vines burst through the tiled floor and grabbed Lava’s leg.

However, Lava whirred around and shot fire at the vines, burning them away and freeing himself. He turned back to Hitch and snarled.

“Have some GLITTER!” Izzy shouted.

Lava grunted in surprise as a ball of glitter impacted him in the face, blinding him. Hitch tried again with his vines, this time entangling both Lava’s legs and his arms.

Lava snarled but before he could breathe fire to release himself again, colourful streamers suddenly whipped around his snout. Izzy grinned as she tied a pretty bow in the streamers, slamming the dragon’s jaw shut and preventing him from shooting fire. All Lava could do was squirm and growl in annoyance.

Panting, the three friends looked at each other with triumph before gasping as the whole building shook.

Nightmare Shimmer snarled as she picked herself up from the wall she’d just been slammed into and partly demolished. She watched as Sunny flew around in an arc to get another angle before spotting Sparky, Pipp and Zipp hurrying down the ramp from upstairs. She grinned as she disappeared in a ball of flame.

Sunny grimaced as she watched Nightmare Shimmer disappear, then the next thing she knew Sparky was flying straight at her. His eyes widened in fear and his little arms and legs flailing helplessly.

“I’ve got you Sparky,” Sunny gasped.

She spun around in the air, catching Sparky safely in her forehoofs. However, that was exactly what Nightmare Shimmer expected. She appeared high above Sunny and fired a blast of fire.

Sunny’s eyes widened as the fire shot straight for her. She barely had time to spin around to shield Sparky, curling her wings around herself. She was thrust by the fiery magic straight into the kitchen where she demolished the cabinets.

The others cried in dismay but knew they needed to focus on their opponent. They ran forwards in an attempt to attack all together.

Nightmare Shimmer laughed as she flew straight at the onrushing opponents. Zipp, in her half-asleep state, was quickly diverted from her flightpath and out of a window. There was a crash as she slammed into a tree before falling into the bushes at its base.

Hitch and Pipp meanwhile cried in surprise as they found themselves lifted into the air by Nightmare Shimmer's magic. She threw Hitch over a sofa and into the wall behind. The sofa toppling right over and landing on top of him.
Pipp faired little better, being thrust upwards into the ceiling where she impacted and fell to the ground in a heap.

Izzy gasped but put up more of a fight, she threw a pot full of glitter at Nightmare Shimmer. It burst apart as it impacted but Nightmare Shimmer laughed as she burned the small particles away with a burst of fire.

“How creative,” Nightmare Shimmer chuckled. “Tricks like that won’t work on me.”

Izzy gasped as her hoofs suddenly felt hot. She jumped as she found the floor beneath her had caught on fire. Before she could do anything else, Nightmare Shimmer grabbed her as well and threw her into the supply cupboard. The door slamming shut behind her.

Throughout this, Misty had been teleporting around the room. Keeping out of trouble whilst also firing shots at Nightmare Shimmer. Nothing had worked though as they all just impacted her fiery shield. She gasped as she looked around, finding she was the last one standing.

“Aren’t you getting skilled all of a sudden,” Nightmare Shimmer commented as she hovered. “Come on then, let’s see what you’ve really got?”

Starlight groaned as she tried to extract herself from the bookcase that had landed on top of her. Her charged-up shot had thrown her backwards just as much as it had thrown Nightmare Shimmer forwards. “Should have braced more,” she muttered.

She looked up and gasped as she saw Misty was taking on Nightmare Shimmer alone and redoubled her efforts to extract herself.

For all Nightmare Shimmer’s gloating, Misty was holding her own as they traded shots. However, whilst Nightmare Shimmer relied on her shield. Misty was relying on teleporting and keeping herself moving. Nightmare Shimmer grinned as she realised Misty was moving in a pattern.

“Oh, you are so silly Misty,” Nightmare Shimmer cooed. “Opaline was correct to replace you.”

“If you’re what Opaline wanted me to become, I’m glad I left,” Misty grunted. “We’ll defeat you and rescue Sunset.”

“You’ll have to get better then,” Nightmare Shimmer grinned.

As Misty teleported again, Nightmare Shimmer blasted the carpeted floor where she expected Misty to appear. When she did, Misty suddenly found her hoofs became stuck to the sticky carpet where it had melted.

Nightmare Shimmer grinned as she landed, Misty gasped and fired another shot at her opponent. However, it impacted her shield like all the others.

“I’ll give you a chance to learn,” Nightmare Shimmer smiled. “Cast yourself a shield. I’m sure you must be working on them.”

Misty’s eyes widened, she felt it was a trick of some kind. However, she then remembered that Sunset was still there, deep inside her opponent. Panting, Misty closed her eyes to remember the incantation. Then her horn glowed, and a flickering shield appeared around her which, after a moment, stabilised.

“Now that is impressive,” Nightmare Shimmer smirked. “Sunset took years to learn that spell. Let’s test it.”

Misty gasped as Nightmare Shimmer quickly fired a burst of fire at her. She gulped and closed her eyes to concentrate on maintaining the shield. However, nothing impacted her shield. Hearing a cry of surprise, Misty opened her eyes to see Starlight was stood between her and Nightmare Shimmer, her own shield taking the blast.

“No offence Misty,” Starlight grunted. “But I don’t think this is the best conditions to learn in.”

“Me neither,” Misty smiled gratefully.

With that, Starlight lunged forward as she fired a shot straight at Nightmare Shimmer.

To be continued…

Chapter Fifteen – Brighthouse Blast

“You just won’t stay down will you, Glimmer,” Nightmare Shimmer snarled.

“No, not when my friend needs help,” Starlight replied.

The two opponents were now locked in a heated one on one battle. One that neither of them appeared to have an upper hoof. Shots of magic and fire streaked back and forth and impacted shields.

Misty meanwhile was slowly working to extract her hoofs from the melted carpet. Desperate, not to become a sitting duck to be used to Nightmare Shimmer’s advantage. Elsewhere, the others were slowly stirring from where they’d landed.

Nightmare Shimmer grinned as she stood near the ramp, she’d stopped flying around and was just trading blows. “You never noticed your friend had disappeared did you,” she chortled.

“Oh, we knew she’d gone,” Starlight replied grunting as she took an impact on her shield. “I had an inkling where too, there was just nothing we could do about it.”

“Oh, I’m sure you could have done something,” Nightmare Shimmer replied. “She tried so hard to escape. Completely drained herself.”

“If you’re telling me this,” Starlight panted. “Then she’s still in there. She can fight you from within.”

Nightmare Shimmer laughed as she fired another blast of fiery magic at Starlight. “Don’t you get it?” she chortled. “I am Sunset and she’s me. We are one and the same.”

“No,” Starlight replied confidently. “You’re not.”

“The cutie mark doesn’t lie,” Nightmare Shimmer grinned.

They both fired shots at the same time which collided in the centre with a flash. Before Starlight knew what was happening, she was locked in a power struggle with Nightmare Shimmer. Both pouring effort into their beams of magic and fire as they tried to overpower each other.

Meanwhile, Sunny had extracted herself from the kitchen, looking battered and bruised. She flexed her wings and stretched one of her hind legs whilst Sparky hugged her gratefully.

“It’s okay Sparky,” she soothed. “I had you, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“None of us will,” Misty added as she walked over, having released herself.

“Speak for yourselves,” Pipp groaned. “Think I’ll stay right here.”

“You can’t,” Zipp yawned from the window. “We have to stop her from reaching the crystals.”

“But we couldn’t do anything, she’s too strong for us,” Izzy sighed as she appeared from the storeroom.

“We’ve just got to keep trying,” Hitch explained as he pushed the couch off of himself. “If we don’t then Opaline wins.”

Sunny looked around her battered and bruised friends. Then she looked at the power battle that was happening between Starlight and Nightmare Shimmer. Suddenly, she felt a spark of realisation within her.

She gasped as she saw Zipp, Hitch and Misty were starting to spread out, preparing to fight individually again.

“Stop! Stop everypony,” Sunny gasped. “We need to be together.”

“What? Attack at the same time?” Zipp asked.

“No, we need to stand together,” Sunny clarified. “Stand together in unity.”

Meanwhile, Starlight had her eyes closed and her body was trembling slightly as she grunted with effort. She’d always had lots of magical reserves. However, to her dismay she was starting to feel those reserves were depleting. Suddenly she heard Nightmare Shimmer laughing with glee.

“You know this is fitting,” Nightmare Shimmer giggled. “I can feel it, you’re running lower and lower on magic. Just as Sunset did as she tried to escape that sphere, it’s only a matter of time.”

Starlight grunted again. She could feel the collision of the two blasts getting closer to her. She panted as she realised Nightmare Shimmer had been pacing herself. She mentally berated herself for not playing the longer game as well.

She racked her brain for a way out of the situation she now found herself in. She was determined to not use all her magic completely. However, the epicentre of the two blasts was now so close she wasn’t sure if she’d have time. With a deep breath, she made her decision.

Nightmare Shimmer gasped with surprise as Starlight suddenly jumped backwards. Her beam of magic ended, and Nightmare Shimmer grinned as her fire blast streaked towards her opponent. Starlight’s plan was to create a crystalline shield, like she had when practicing with Twilight. However, she quickly realised the fire blast was already upon her.

Starlight diverted her energies into holding the front section of the shield as the blast of fire hit it. As a result she was still floating in the air from her jump, and she was forced backwards. To make matters worse, the shield hadn’t fully formed behind her either.

As she was flung backwards toward the wall behind her, Starlight opened her eyes. She just saw Sunny and the others gathering together. With a small smile, she impacted the wall.

Sunny and the others gasped as they saw Starlight being blasted into the wall. There was a huge explosion of dust and fire as the wall was obliterated. As the blast of fire receded, a massive hole was left in the side of the Brighthouse.

Nightmare Shimmer grinned as she looked through the hole. “So much for Glimmer,” she laughed. “Who’s next?”

“We are,” Sunny said defiantly.

Nightmare Shimmer turned to see Sunny stood in a semicircle alongside her friends. Their hoofs were all touching as they stared their opponent down.

“Back again?” Nightmare Shimmer laughed. “And you’re making yourselves such a nice compact target standing like that.”

“No, we’re not,” Sunny replied. “We’re standing together because that’s what makes us stronger.”

“HA! What foolish nonsense,” Nightmare Shimmer laughed. “Unlike Twilight and her friends, you don’t have all your elements.”

“Yes, we do. Because we’re friends!” Sunny responded determinedly. “By being united together in friendship we have hope. Hope makes us stronger together, and together we have unity.”

There was a flash from each of Sunny’s friends as their necklaces began to glow brightly. A magical aura suddenly emanating from the entire group.

Then, one by one, a beam shot from each of the charms on each necklace towards Sunny’s neck. Hitch’s first, then Izzy’s, then Zipp’s, then Pipp’s and finally Misty’s.

As the beam from Misty’s collided with the others there was a final flash as the sixth and final necklace appeared around Sunny’s neck. It looked more ornate than the others. With a band of both gold and silver which intertwined in a pattern. The charm in the centre however was the same as the others, a depiction of Sunny’s cutie mark.

Sunny stared determinedly at Nightmare Shimmer who suddenly looked a lot less confident. However, in desperation, she fired a blast of fiery magic at the group. But it was deflected away by the aura that surrounded them.

“You are going to disappear and give us our friend Sunset back,” Sunny demanded.

Sunny’s eyes turned completely white as her horn started to glow. Beams shot from each of her friends again towards Sunny’s horn. Their cutie marks all glowing as they did so, the cutie mark energy intertwining with that from the elements and quickly forming a large rainbow coloured orb at the tip of Sunny’s horn.

Having been mesmerised, Nightmare Shimmer shook her head and suddenly decided to run. However, it was too late, before she could move a rainbow-coloured blast of magical energy erupted from the orb. It streaked towards her, moving faster than anypony had seen something move.

“Nooooo,” Nightmare Shimmer screamed as she was enveloped in the blast.

As the rainbow blast dissipated, it was no longer Nightmare Shimmer that stood before Sunny and her friends. In her place, Sunset Shimmer laid on the floor groaning as her eyes fluttered open.

Sunset blinked, her vision was blurry, but she could make out six ponylike shapes. As her vision cleared, she realised it was Sunny and the others. She couldn’t help smirking as she spotted the necklaces around their necks.

“Y…you found them?” she croaked. “When…”

Sunny and the others all looked at each other with confusion. Then they were all filled with elation as they hurried forwards.

“Sunset,” Sunny grinned. “We did it!”

“We saved you!” Misty exclaimed.

Sunset tried and failed to lift herself from the floor as they arrived. She was suddenly surrounded with a cacophony of voices as she was helped up. She found herself clinging onto whoever was nearest, unable to support herself.

“W…What happened?” Sunset croaked. “I...I can’t remember. W…Where’s Starlight?”

“Oh my hoofness? What happened to her?” Pipp exclaimed.

They all looked towards the hole that had been created in the wall. Then, breathed a sigh of relief as Starlight slowly appeared. “I’m here,” she groaned. “I’m here.”

Zipp and Hitch hurried over to Starlight’s aid. It was clear that she was limping as one of her hind legs dragged behind her.

“Hold on,” Misty said as she started moving debris with her magic.

Righting one of the larger sofas, they soon helped Sunset and Starlight onto it.

“I’m going to feel that in the morning,” Starlight gasped.

“I’m feeling it right now,” Sunset groaned as she laid on her side. “What happened? I don’t remember anything.”

“We saved you Sunset,” Sunny replied. “That’s all that matters right now.”

Sunset groaned again as she held a hoof to her head. “I feel completely drained,” she moaned.

Suddenly, Sparky came running over, a dinted flask and a chipped cup in his hands.

“Drink, energy,” he squeaked.

Hitch chuckled as he took the flask. “Way to go Sparky, I bet finding this in the mess of the kitchen took some doing.”

“Yeah, this is going to take some tidying up,” Zipp commented as she looked around.

Suddenly, they all jumped as Pipp started screaming. They looked over to see she was looking at her phone.

“Pipp, if the screen’s cracked you’ll just need to get a new one,” Sunny sighed.

“It’s not cracked,” Pipp exclaimed, turning to them with wide eyes. “It’s Maretime Bay, it’s under attack! Everypony’s in trouble and we need to help them...”

To be continued in: Marking the Generations – Part Four

Author's Note

Image by jhayarr23 on Deviantart

Hope there were enough clues that Sunset would be saved. There's no way she'd be left a Nightmare forever :ajsmug: