Marking the Generations – Part Four

Chapters

Chapter Seven – Party Starter
Chapter Twenty-One – A Recovery Day – Part Two
Chapter Twenty-Two – Water Fight
Chapter Twenty-Three – Saying Goodbye
Chapter Twenty-Four – Back to the Past
Epilogue
Chapter One – Bay Attack
Chapter Two – Vine Battle
Chapter Three – Brighthouse Defence
Chapter Four – Divide and Conquer
Chapter Five – Prisoners
Chapter Six – We’ve got the Magic
Chapter Eight - Dazzling
Chapter Nine – Worrying about Peach Fizz
Chapter Ten – Make your Mark
Chapter Eleven - Reunited
Chapter Twelve – Making the Rounds
Chapter Thirteen – Castle Searches
Chapter Fourteen – A Sunny Rescue
Chapter Fifteen – Castle Treasures
Chapter Sixteen – Visions and Trees
Chapter Seventeen – A Tearoom Family
Chapter Eighteen – Cutting of the Cast
Chapter Nineteen – A Discorderly Meeting
Chapter Twenty – A Recovery Day – Part One

Chapter Seven – Party Starter

Sunny and her friends followed Runcord through the golden portal. As they exited, they all gasped and looked around in shock. They weren’t in the Night Market as they remembered it, they were on a stage looking out over a sea of ponies and dragons. Seemingly everypony in Equestria and every dragon was there.

There were balconies to either side of the stage. On one side, Queen Haven stood waving down at them before she disappeared. On the opposite balcony, Spike Junior was stood grinning flanked by many dragons.

The audience was huge and seemingly endless as it curved around the stage. Those at the back were much higher than those at the front, the floor clearly inclined. Even so, anypony at the back would only see small specs on the stage itself. Therefore, multiple screens were suspended from above, allowing those further back a view.

There were huge buttress roots at the very rear of the crowd which held up the extremely high ceiling. The gaps between them led to seating areas and refreshment stands of all kinds. These were attended by the creatures that had run the Night Market stalls. There were lanes within the audience allowing ponies and dragons alike easy access to the refreshments and other areas away from the stage.

Upon seeing the crowd, Misty’s eyes widened in horror. She gasped and instinctively took a step backwards. However, both Zipp and Hitch stood on either side of her and gave her reassuring looks. She gave a grateful smile before all three stepped forward and joined the others.

“Please be welcoming heroes of Equestria,” Runcord boomed.

“Wait no! That’s not quite right.” Sunny exclaimed. “Everypony and dragon here is a hero too. We couldn’t have defeated Opaline without the help of everypony in Equestria.”

“Especially the Pippsqueaks,” Pipp beamed. “You heard me, you heard us. Without your help bringing everypony together, we wouldn’t be here. You saved us!”

“Unity isn’t just created by a single group of friends,” Sunny beamed. “It’s strongest when all the ponies of Equestria are united. So, thank you. Thank you everypony. Thank you everydragon too. We all played our part.”

“Hoof to heart!” the crowd roared together.

“Spoken like a true Guardian of Unity,” Starlight grinned.

Sunny gasped as she saw Starlight was sitting in a wheelchair. Her leg was covered in what looked like white plaster. Stood behind her with a beaming smile was Sunset. Whilst Peach Fizz, Glory, and Seashell all stood alongside them with Sparky.

Queen Haven smiled as she walked onto the stage, flanked by Zoom and Thunder.

“This is certainly a momentous occasion,” Queen Haven beamed. “As Starlight Glimmer has just mentioned. I want everypony to welcome our new Guardians of Unity. Protectors of the Unity Crystals and keepers of the Elements of Unity. Anypony who is still worried about the risks that the return of magic poses. Know that they are our protectors. I know they will do all they can for Equestria, and they will protect us. Like Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Guardians of Friendship did before them.”

A huge round of applause erupted through the gathered crowd. Punctuated by cries of adulation and whistles of approval. Sunny and her friends looked at each other with a mix of bewilderment, pride, and shock.

Queen Haven grinned as the applause finally abated. “Now, Runcord. I believe you said this was a party?”

Runcord stepped forward, a massive grin on his face. “Queen correct. Party starts now! Enjoy everypony!”

As booming music began to ring out, Runcord led the ponies offstage and up a curving ramp.

“Have special area for you to enjoy party,” he explained. “Suspect you be over popular if you out there.”

“Oh no, we’ve still got to mingle,” Pipp replied. “We can’t hide away for the whole party. Speaking of, Runcord what’s on the playlist? Any chance of some live music?”

“Runcord expected Pipp Pony want to perform,” Runcord grinned. “First act quite Dazzling, you can follow.”

Sunset frowned at Runcord’s choice of words. Meanwhile, Pipp excitedly asked Runcord about the arrangements for her performance.

As they reached the top of the ramp, everypony gasped and fanned out into the VIP area. Along one side was one of the balconies which looked out directly onto the stage. On the other side, there were tables of food and a bar which had a Griffon standing behind waiting to serve drinks. In the middle of the area, there were multiple tables, chairs, and sofas.

Sunset pushed Starlight’s wheelchair towards one of the tables which was next to a sofa. However, as they got there, Sunset gasped and suddenly froze. Her eyes going wide in shock.

“Sunset?” Starlight frowned with concern. “Are you okay?”

“Y...yeah,” Sunset gasped as she shook her head. “I’m fine. I'll go get us something to eat.”

Starlight said nothing more, however, she couldn’t help feeling concerned as Sunset headed towards the food.

Elsewhere, Blaize growled as she spotted a lilac Dragon serving at one of the drink stalls. She waited until the Dragon had finished serving drinks to a group of excited ponies before making her way over herself.

“I thought you were never to be seen by Dragon kind again?” Blaize growled folding her arms.

“That is your fault, not mine,” Whisper responded. “I have not left the Night Market since Runcord took me in. You are the ones that have come to me.”

“This changes nothing,” Blaize grunted. “You are still a traitor.”

“I never said seeing you or the others changed anything,” Whisper replied. “I’m working here, serving ponies and dragons alike. Speaking of, are you going to take a drink or are you going to stand there stopping others?”

Blaize blinked and looked behind her, she gasped as she realised a queue had formed.

“Fine, a cider. Please,” Blaize scowled.

Whisper gave a curt smile as she prepared the drink and passed it to Blaize.

“One Sweet Apple Cider,” she said. “Made from the famous recipe perfected by the Apple family.”

Blaize took the drink and paused for a second before nodding in thanks. Then she walked away, still scowling, and left Whisper to continue serving. However, she didn’t get far as Spike Junior stood in her path.

“Maybe you should be happy to see her?” he commented.

“Not after what she did,” Blaize replied as she sipped her drink.

Spike Junior sighed before looking gravely at Blaize.

“I hate to ask this of you when the party is just starting. However, I have a task.”

“The Dragon Stone,” Blaize guessed.

“Indeed,” Spike Junior sighed. “It must be in our claws.”

Blaize consumed the last of her drink before throwing the paper cup in a nearby bin. “Leave it to me. I will do what must be done.”

With that, she strode off towards the portal to Maretime Bay.

In the VIP section, Starlight grunted as she sat reading a book.

“I’m still surprised there is a book on magic plaster for broken limbs,” she commented. “My leg is going to be fixed in half the time it would normally take.”

“That’s good,” Sunset smiled as she sat on the sofa. “ I don’t think going back with a broken leg would be a good idea.”

Starlight snorted with laughter. “Oh, I don’t know. I can picture the look on Twilight’s face if I did.”

“You’re not thinking of leaving us already, are you?” Sunny asked worriedly as she joined them.

“Not really Sunny,” Sunset smiled. “Partly because we have no idea how.”

“Also, I think there’s still somethings we need to help with,” Starlight added. “I want to see Misty successfully cast a shield for a start. Also, it would be nice to see you teleport yourself and appear the right way up!”

Sunny couldn’t help snorting with laughter. “Oh, that’s a deal,” she smirked. “Only if you can show me how to levitate stuff too.”

“We need to go back to Opaline’s castle,” Sunset commented. “She used artefacts from Twilight and her friends to do what she did to me.”

“Oh yes! She was using those on us too,” Sunny added. “They were part of this system she was using to take our energy.”

“That should be our first stop tomorrow then,” Starlight smiled. “From what Misty has said, there’s lots of books and likely other things you ought to have.”

She blinked as Sunset and Sunny looked at each other with concern.

“Oh no you don’t,” Starlight grinned. “I’m coming and you’re not going to stop me.”

“Fair enough,” Sunny chuckled. “Now, who wants a drink?”

On the other side of the room, Peach Fizz sat in a corner looking concerned. “I don’t deserve this,” she said.

“Of course you do,” Seashell gasped.

“You’ve been through more than most of us,” Glory added. “It must have been so scary being in Opaline’s lair.”

“But...I....” Peach Fizz sniffed as her eyes welled with tears. “I don’t remember anything. I could have done all sorts of bad things for Opaline.”

“Don’t think about it, Peach Fizz,” Misty advised as she joined them. “You have no idea what you were doing for Opaline and honestly, I think that’s a good thing. I helped her for the majority of my life, and I remember most of it. If I started thinking about it now, I’d never be able to forgive myself. But forgiving ourselves is exactly what we both need to do, or it will tear us up inside.”

“You didn’t go to her willingly,” Seashell added.

“But neither did Misty,” Peach Fizz frowned.

“Exactly,” Misty responded. “We were both taken against our will. Don’t keep thinking about what you could have done for her. It wasn’t your fault at all.”

“We’re here for you and your dad will be too,” Glory added.

“Wait, where is Poppa?” Peach Fizz asked. “I need to make sure he understands.”

“It’ll be okay,” Misty smiled. “Hitch and Zipp have gone to find him. They’ll make sure he understands for you.”

Elsewhere, Hitch and Zipp had indeed found Peach Stone. After speaking to him and explaining, they ensured he had a VIP pass. They had just finished and were mingling with the crowd when they bumped into Alphabittle.

“Hey, erm Hitch, Zipp. Can I ask you something?” he said unsurely.

“Of course, you can ask us anything, Alphabittle,” Hitch smiled.

“So, err, that blue mare you were with on stage,” Alphabittle started. “I’ve not seen her with you before. She a new friend?”

“Yeah, she is,” Zipp grinned. “Izzy has been desperate to get her to visit your tearoom. But events kind of started running away with us so fast.”

“We’ll bring her to visit and introduce you properly,” Hitch promised. “She doesn’t remember her family so maybe we can put something together to help her find them.”

“She...She doesn’t remember her family?” Alphabittle gasped, looking shocked. “Why?”

“Opaline,” Zipp answered. “She took her when she was little. She barely remembers Bridlewood at all.”

“Which is why it would be awesome if we could bring her to visit your tearoom,” Hitch smiled. “If we let you know when, maybe you could invite some of the elders who might be able to help her?”

“Y...Yeah,” Alphabittle replied. “Sounds good, let me know when.”

Zipp and Hitch both smiled and nodded before they were suddenly accosted by a group of fans asking for autographs. Alphabittle backed away, feeling quite numb inside. He weaved his way through the crowd and returned to the portal that would take him to Bridlewood. With one last look at the stage through widened eyes, he went through the portal.

“It...It can’t be,” he muttered. “It just can’t.”

Chapter Twenty-One – A Recovery Day – Part Two

After spending the morning at Mane Melody. Sunny, Starlight, and Misty all enjoyed lunch at one of the seafront cafes.

“We need to discuss something,” Starlight sighed.

“Oh?” Sunny said through her daisy sandwich before she swallowed. “What is it, Starlight?”

“When Sunset and I check in our return ticket,” Starlight admitted. “It probably should be sooner rather than later.”

Sunny’s eyes widened before she looked between Sunset and Starlight worriedly.

“Well, you said your leg was the timer,” Sunset replied. “So, it’s when you think it’s strong enough.”

“That’s the thing,” Starlight frowned. “I don’t think that’s going to be long.”

“Well, I have a surprise in store when I think you’re up to it,” Sunset winked. “So, we won’t be going before that.”

Sunny gulped and took a steadying breath. “Okay, when we get back, we should make sure everypony is aware. But we still need to go to the school. I promised Miss Butterscotch ages ago and I feel bad for not going yet.”

“That’s no problem, Sunny. Let’s go make some colts and fillies very happy,” Sunset smiled.

“Yeah, Starlight grinned. “We’re not going to the flower yet. But I think it’s only going to be a few days at most.”

“I’d better get you to take a look at that chest from Opaline’s room then,” Misty smiled.

“Sure thing, Misty,” Starlight grinned.

It was a short time later that they made their way towards the school. Given she had left the wheelchair with Pipp, Starlight was keeping the pace nice and slow as she walked along. “I can’t help worrying that this is a bad idea,” she admitted.

“What? Going to the school?” Sunny gasped worriedly.

“No, that’s a brilliant idea actually,” Starlight smiled. “It’s walking there that’s a bad idea, how much further is it?”

“Why? You getting any pain?” Sunset asked.

“Not yet,” Starlight responded. “But I can’t help feeling this is pushing it. Are you sure this will be okay, Sunset?”

“I am,” Sunset smiled. “You need to build the strength in your muscles again and that’s what the spell helps you to do. But it will only work if you keep exercising your leg.”

“But, no skating,” Misty chuckled.

“I wouldn’t know how anyway,” Starlight grinned.

“That’s okay, you don’t need to,” Sunny laughed. “The school isn’t much further, just around the corner.”

It didn’t take long for the group to reach the school. After speaking to the receptionist, they waited in the front foyer for Miss Butterscotch. It wasn’t long until a light green Earth Pony mare with a yellow mane and tail arrived. “Oh, thank you for coming, Sunny,” she beamed. “I was worried you’d forgotten.”

“Everypony, this is Miss Butterscotch. She was my teacher when I came to school here,” Sunny grinned. “I’m sorry it’s taken us so long to get around to coming, Miss. This is Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn.”

“So, what was it like teaching Sunny?” Sunset grinned.

“Oh, she was a hoof full,” Miss Butterscotch giggled. “Skating in the corridors was always a problem but we had so many arguments over history. Of course, we’ve all been proven wrong, and she’s been proven right. I just feel so bad for my current class.”

“Why?” Sunny asked worriedly.

“Well, obviously the history books we had were all wrong,” Miss Butterscotch explained. “A new textbook has been released but everypony wants one and it’s expensive. We’ve only one copy for the whole class. Oh, but there is no need for you all to worry about that.

“Thank you, thank you all for coming. The number of questions I’m getting from my class about magic is making my head spin. I just don’t know how to answer them all.”

“Kind of difficult for you to do so,” Starlight smiled. “Even in our time, there are specific schools for Unicorns to learn magic.”

“I heard,” Miss Butterscotch smiled, “and whilst the number of Unicorns in my class is low. I still can’t help worrying they aren’t learning enough from me.”

“Well, let’s at least give all your students a bit of a demonstration,” Sunset smiled. “We’ve not prepared anything though so it will all be improvised.”

“Oh, I’m sure that will be fine,” Miss Butterscotch beamed. “Anything will be better than nothing at all. They are due to finish lunch in a few minutes, follow me.”

Miss Butterscotch led them through the school and towards a classroom, happily chatting with Sunny as she did so. As they walked along, Sunny also couldn’t help noticing things that had changed.

Meanwhile, Starlight whispered something to Sunset who gave a beaming smile and nodded in response. Then, Sunset whispered something to Misty who smiled.

As they finally entered the classroom, Starlight couldn’t help grunting.

“Feeling it now then?” Sunset presumed.

“Yeah, but don’t go using that spell yet,” Starlight replied.

“Ooh, that’s a good idea,” Sunset smiled. “Is there a chair she could use?”

“Oh certainly, you can take mine,” Miss Butterscotch replied.

She pulled a worn-looking wooden armchair from behind the desk. Moving it near to Starlight and inviting her to sit.

It wasn’t long later that a bell sounded, and Miss Butterscotch disappeared. She soon returned, leading a line of fillies and colts that all began chatting excitedly as they took their seats. Peach Fizz, Glory and Seashell were among them and sat together around one of the large round tables.

“Why are Sunny and the others here?” Seashell whispered.

“Miss Butterscotch said we’d have visitors this afternoon,” Peach Fizz explained. “So, they must be the visitors.”

“At least you remember that,” a brown colt with a red mane sneered.

“Will you quit that already, Redbolt,” Glory hissed. “Leave Peach Fizz alone.”

Redbolt snorted in response as Miss Butterscotch coughed lightly to clear her throat.

“Okay, okay class,” Miss Butterscotch smiled as she stood behind her desk. “I know you are all excited to see our visitors. So, which of you can tell me who they are?”

A forest of hoofs shot skywards, however Miss Butterscotch sighed as she spotted Peach Fizz’s wasn’t one of them. “Peach Fizz, I’m sure you know who these Ponies are. Can you tell me?”

Peach Fizz gasped and looked around as all her classmates lowered their hoofs. All looked expectantly at her, so she sighed and cleared her throat. “Two are Sunny Starscout and Misty Brightdawn, they’re both Guardians of Unity,” she answered. “The other two visitors are Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer, they’re visiting from Equestria’s past.”

“Well done, Peach Fizz,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “I knew you would know. Redbolt, can you tell me who sent Sunset and Starlight to be with us? We were talking about her yesterday.”

Redbolt gasped and looked at the pair worriedly. Put on the spot, he felt the eyes of all his classmates on him as he struggled to remember. “I...Err....I....”

Miss Butterscotch sighed and shook her head. “Seashell, do you know?”

“They are both students of Twilight Sparkle and she sent them here to help Sunny and the other Guardians,” Seashell beamed.

“That’s right,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “Redbolt, I hope you pay better attention today.”

“Y...Yes, Miss Butterscotch,” Redbolt gasped.

“Okay, that’s enough from me,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “I’ll let Sunny take over and explain why she’s here with her friends.”

“Oh, yes,” Sunny gasped as she stepped forward. “Well, the main reason we’re here is to give all of you a little demonstration of magic. I can already see we’ve got a few Unicorns here but I’m sure the rest of you are curious too.

“Therefore, as they come from a time full of magic, Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer are going to show you some of the wonderful things they can do. Also, Misty is here as she’s proof that a pony from our time can learn more advanced magic. She’s been learning so much from both Sunset and Starlight.”

As Sunny finished speaking, Sunset smiled as she stepped forwards. “There is one important thing you all need to be aware of. Everypony has a different level of magical ability. For some, there will be spells they just can’t cast, no matter how hard they try. As an example, Izzy Moonbow has also been learning from us the same as Misty. However, there are spells that Misty can do, that Izzy can’t.”

“I bet your level will be really low, Peach Fizz,” Redbolt whispered.

He quickly turned away after seeing a warning stare from Glory. However, Peach Fizz couldn’t help sighing.

“Fortunately, that ability tends to be tied to your personality or special talent,” Starlight continued. “Therefore, if you’re a Unicorn who is really interested in painting. You won’t be able to cast really complicated spells. However, you’ll find that your levitation is far more controlled and accurate than others.”

“Of course, we now have Earth Pony magic,” Sunny beamed. “It’s brand new and unique to our time. So, we’re all still finding out its abilities together.”

“Exactly, there are no books on that subject,” Sunset explained. “However, there are lots and lots of old spell books from our time out there. Our advice to all Unicorns is to exercise caution.”

“If you don’t understand something from an old spell book then stop,” Starlight continued. “Magic can be wonderful, but it can also be dangerous. Don’t cast spells blindly, no matter how wonderful they sound. Make sure you fully understand the spell and if in doubt ask others.”

“There are special social media channels that have been set up on all platforms for this purpose,” Sunny beamed. “If you’re unsure about anything then reach out. We all want to explore magic safely, both Unicorn and Earth Pony magic. Check out Princess Pipp’s channels for details.”

Sunset looked around the class, spotting some of the young ponies who looked quite board. However, she knew exactly how to counter that. “So, who’s ready to see some practical demonstrations?”

There was a chorus of excited voices as Sunset moved toward Starlight.

“Yeah, magic is dangerous,” Redbolt sneered at Peach Fizz. “That’s why you shouldn’t use your horn.”

“Then you ought to stop using your hoofs,” Seashell whispered back.

“Quit it Redbolt,” Glory added.

“Or what? You’ll flap at me?” Redbolt chuckled.

“No, we’ll tell Miss Butterscotch and she’ll stop you from being able to race,” Seashell responded.

Redbolt's eyes widened, and he turned to look as Sunset’s horn glowed.

“I can see some hoofs up and we’ll get to questions soon,” Sunset said as she ran her horn over Starlight’s leg as she had done previously. “First though, let’s get Starlight here back on her hoofs.”

“Starlight is recovering from a broken leg,” Sunny explained as Sunset finished. “However, thanks to magic her recovery time is being reduced greatly. Sunset has just applied the spell that’s helping her heal.”

Starlight smiled at Sunset gratefully. She carefully stood up and walked into the middle of the room and turned around.

“It’s not the most spectacular spell to start with,” she admitted. “However, I can assure you it’s working very well. As Sunset says though, enough of the boring stuff. Let’s get some action going here.”

Starlight grinned as she fired a beam at the chair she’d been sitting in. It disappeared and reappeared back behind Miss Butterscotch’s desk.

“Oh my,” Miss Butterscotch gasped as she took a step backwards in shock.

“Teleportation isn’t just for inanimate objects,” Sunset grinned.

Her horn glowed and Sunset disappeared in a flash. The class all gasped as there was a flash at the back of the classroom and she reappeared.

“Teleportation is certainly one of the more advanced things you can do with magic,” Sunset continued. “Those who become more skilled can also teleport long distances.”

Misty nodded as her horn glowed and she disappeared with a flash. The class all looked around, but nopony could see where she had gone.

After a few moments, Sunny gasped as her phone started ringing. She quickly got it out and smiled at Miss Butterscotch.

“It’s a video call from Misty,” Sunny beamed as she tapped on her phone and the picture of Misty appeared. “Oh, she’s back at the Brighthouse.”

Sunset grinned as she picked up the phone in her levitation. Moving it around the class so they could all see Misty waving back at them.

“Okay, you can come back now, Misty,” Sunset grinned.

Misty hung up the call, and then there was a flash as she reappeared in the classroom.

“So, what did Sunset do to show you all the phone?” Starlight asked as she walked around the class.

“Floated it,” Redbolt answered.

“Redbolt, raise your hoof next time please,” Miss Butterscotch reprimanded.

“I suppose floating it is one way to describe it,” Sunset chuckled. “However, the spell is actually known as levitation.”

“Levitation is one of the earliest things that a Unicorn learns to do with their horn,” Starlight explained. “However, even that can be more advanced.”

Starlight's horn lit up and the class gasped as she lifted herself into the air. She proceeded to fly around the classroom above all their heads.

“Levitating herself is one of Starlight’s specialities,” Sunset winked. “Now, do any of you have questions?”

Many hoofs shot into the air as Starlight gently landed. Against her better judgement, Sunset pointed a hoof at Redbolt.

“Peach Fizz keeps telling Miss Butterscotch that she can’t remember things because of magic,” he said. “Is that really possible?”

“Redbolt, we’ve talked about this,” Miss Butterscotch sighed.

Sunset couldn’t help noticing the way Redbolt gave a snarky glance towards Peach Fizz after asking the question. She also spotted the annoyed look that Seashell and Glory, both gave him and how uncomfortable Peach Fizz looked.

“It’s important to understand that while magic can be wonderful there will always be nasty ponies out there,” Sunset explained. “So, whilst there is a lot of good that magic can do. There is also bad too.”

“That’s why we have the Elements of Unity,” Sunny interjected. “To protect everypony from those nasty ponies.”

“Exactly, but sometimes stopping one of those nasty ponies takes time,” Sunset explained. “Before they can be stopped, sometimes they manage to do things to others that put them through horrible experiences. That’s what’s happened to both me and Peach Fizz. We were both subjected to dark magics by Opaline and were made to do things that we cannot remember.”

“Redbolt, I’ve told you all that we need to help and support Peach Fizz,” Miss Butterscotch frowned. “If I hear you’ve been teasing her again, you won’t run in the competition next week.”

Redbolt gasped and immediately looked worried whilst Peach Fizz looked thankfully towards Sunset.

As more hoofs were raised, both Sunset and Starlight continued to answer questions. Eventually, though, Redbolt put his hoof up again. “Could you turn a chicken into a mushroom?” he asked.

“Technically yes for those powerful enough,” Starlight frowned. “However, that raises an ethical question. Would you like it if I turned you into something else? Maybe into something that can’t move?”

“N...not really,” Redbolt gasped.

“Exactly, so using magic comes with its own responsibility,” Sunset added. “Although, transfiguration of inanimate objects is possible to do as Misty will show you.”

“O...okay,” Misty gulped.

Sunny grinned as she placed a used board rubber she’d been given on the ground.

Misty suddenly realised all the eyes of the classroom were on her. However, with a deep calming breath, she put those to one side and focused on the board rubber. She fired a beam of magic at it, and it immediately turned into a table. The classroom erupted with applause.

“Now,” Sunset smiled. “Let’s see something a little more special. Miss Butterscotch, I believe you have a textbook problem?”

“Oh, yes,” Miss Butterscotch gasped as she produced the history textbook. “This is the only copy we have for the whole class.”

“Can I see it?” Sunset smiled.

Miss Butterscotch looked confused as she held out the book and started to move towards Sunset. However, she gasped as Sunset took the book with her levitation, holding it in the air above the class.”

“Oh my, I keep forgetting you can do that,” Miss Butterscotch gasped.

“Now, watch as I make this single copy into many,” Starlight grinned. “Thereby solving your problem.”

She quickly counted the class before firing a beam of magic at the textbook. It immediately began to glow, before beams of magic shot out of it, one for each of the ponies in the class. There were flashes above the heads of each filly and colt as copies of the cover appeared.

Then, copies of each page fired out of the book as it rotated. The pages flew into the covers of the newly copied textbooks, slowly filling them. They all watched the display in awe as Starlight’s horn continued to glow brightly.

Eventually, all the books slammed closed and floated down to each of the students. The whole class clapped and cheered, many picking up their new perfectly copied textbook and started flicking through the pages.

“There we go, no more textbook problem,” Starlight grinned.

Miss Butterscotch stood wide-eyed, and slack-jawed as the original was returned to her. It took her a moment to find her words, “That was truly remarkable. You’ve just made a huge difference to the schooling of these ponies.”

“No problem at all,” Starlight smiled.

Sunset grinned as she walked around the classroom. “Any last questions about magic? No? Okay, anything you want to ask me and Starlight about history then?”

Seashell smiled as she rose her hoof.

“Why does the book say Princess Twilight was both a Unicorn and an Alicorn?” she asked.

“Well, Twilight became an Alicorn,” Starlight smiled. “She ascended to that status through her actions. Before that, she was a Unicorn the same as any other.”

Glory thrust her hoof skywards and waved it around hopefully. She grinned as Starlight smiled and nodded at her.

“Can anypony become an Alicorn?” she asked.

“I bet you have to be a Unicorn,” Redbolt snorted.

“Actually, you don’t have to be a Unicorn,” Sunset responded. “Anypony can ascend to become an Alicorn. You only have to look at Sunny as proof.”

Sunny blinked and stepped forward. “Y...Yeah, that’s true,” she gasped. “I was born an Earth Pony, the same as many of you. But I’ve been given Alicorn powers.”

Sunny took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She jumped into the air as there was a golden orange flash and her wings and horn appeared.

“Does that mean Sunny is a Princess now?” a Pegasus filly shouted.

“Fern Blocks, what have I told you about shouting out like that?” Miss Butterscotch replied sternly.

Starlight however smiled and shook her head. “I think the best way to answer that is times have changed. Certainly, in the time of Harmony, all the rulers of Equestria were Alicorn Princesses. You didn’t just become an Alicorn overnight, you did so after a lot of hard work and achievements. Now, however, you’ve only just returned to having a unified monarchy. Therefore, if future rulers of Equestria will be Alicorns will depend on many things.”

“What’s certain is Sunny is very happy where she is,” Sunset smiled. “So, even if her horn and wings do become permanent, I think the best thing is to let her decide, don’t you?”

The class all excitedly agreed to that, much to Sunny’s relief.

A few more questions were answered before Fern Blocks raised her hoof.

“Erm, is it possible for a Pegasus and an Earth Pony to have children?” she asked bashfully.

“Perfectly possible,” Sunset smiled. “It’s quite common for myself and Starlight to see mixed couples with foals.”

“There’s a couple of Earth Ponies that I know quite well who have had twins,” Starlight grinned. “One is a Unicorn and the other a Pegasus. So, it’s quite common for families to be mixed as well as all one kind of pony.”

There was a lot of happy chatting after that before Miss Butterscotch stepped forward.

“Okay, I’m sorry that’s about all we have time for now,” she informed. “So, what do we all say to Sunny, Sunset, Starlight and Misty?”

“Thank you for coming,” the class chorused.

“You’re welcome,” Sunny laughed.

“Goodbye everypony,” Sunset smiled as they all started to leave.

“Goodbye,” the class all replied.

With that, Miss Butterscotch showed them all to the door and thanked them again.

As they eventually walked out of the school, Sunset couldn’t help smirking at Starlight. “I think that was worth it.”

“Yes, it was,” Starlight grinned. “You know I enjoy showing others my magic. Also, I think you’d make a good teacher, Sunset. How about it?

Sunset almost tripped over in surprise. “Wait, what?”

“Well, you are speaking to a Headmare,” Starlight winked. “You had good control of that class and I know you have excellent experience with friendship.”

“Oh shoot, please don’t make me decide something like that now,” Sunset begged. “Besides, I’ve still got a year to go at CHS.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Starlight smiled. “However, add that to your list of options. I’m going to need new teachers soon. So please consider it, yeah?”

“Don’t worry, I will,” Sunset sighed worriedly as they continued towards Mane Melody.

She daren’t let on that it seemed to be the only concrete option she had right now.

Chapter Twenty-Two – Water Fight

Late one afternoon, a circle of ponies stood outside the Brighthouse.

Sunset couldn’t help grinning excitedly. At her hoofs, there was a bucket which was slowly filling with water. A little way on either side of her were Misty and Sunny who also had buckets which were slowly filling. However, it was the pony directly opposite her that Sunset was grinning at.

Starlight stood apprehensively watching as water spirted from the hosepipe into her bucket. “Sunset, when you said you had a suprise I didn't think this would be it. I’m not sure if it's a good idea.”

“I beg to differ, given the way you’ve been improving the last few days you’ll have no problem,” Sunset grinned. “You’ve come on a long way since we visited the school.”

Starlight flexed her leg unsurely. It did feel a lot better now and Sunset had used the spell less and less on her. In fact, she couldn’t remember needing it at all that morning. However, she still couldn’t shake a feeling this was a bad idea.

Sunny meanwhile could barely contain her excitement. She’d been practising with Misty a lot. Therefore, her control of her levitation had improved considerably. She was visibly shaking with excitement with a beaming smile on her face.

Misty, for her part, was quietly confident. She had been practising her shield spell almost religiously. Asking pretty much anypony who could throw water at her to do so. As a direct result, her ability to cast her shield had significantly increased. She was sure that if she could withstand the randomised bombardment Izzy could unleash, she was ready for this too.

Over on the sidelines, Pipp, Izzy, Hitch and Sparky were excitedly waiting for the game to start. Although, they all hoped they were far enough away to not get wet.

Suddenly, Zipp landed in the middle of the circle. A black and white striped bib around her barrel.

“Okay, listen up. Sunset asked me to ref this game,” Zipp announced. “You cannot take water from your bucket unless it is overflowing. You can’t keep your shield active constantly. You can only keep it up for a maximum of five seconds and can’t raise it unless there is incoming fire. Got all that?”

There was a series of confirmation noises from the four players as Zipp looked around intently.

“We start on my whistle when the first bucket overflows,” Zipp announced before she took to the air.

Everypony stood watching their bucket intently. The tension in the air rose as the water levels in each bucket neared the top. Then, finally, Starlight’s bucket began to overflow and Zipp blew her whistle.

With a small amount of trepidation, Starlight’s horn glowed as she lifted a ball of water from the bucket. She whisked it around before sending it straight at Misty.

Despite having kept her eye on the water ball, Misty couldn’t help squeaking. Her horn glowed as she cast her shield, it appeared immediately and without flickering. The water ball impacted it and splashed harmlessly over it.

Misty couldn’t help grinning as those watching cheered with excitement. However, she squeaked again as another water ball came flying towards her, this time from Sunset. Again, Misty’s horn glowed, and, despite the pressure, she cast the spell perfectly.

The shield appeared and easily withstood the impact from the ball of water. Water splashed off of it everywhere however Misty remained dry.

“Ha, you see. I can do it!” Misty beamed.

Meanwhile, Starlight couldn’t help smirking as water splashed everywhere from her shield. Sunny had lobbed a massive ball of water at her. Seemingly using all the water in her bucket.

“You’re not going to beat my shield with water, Sunny,” Starlight advised.

“Can’t hurt trying though,” Sunny beamed.

“Be a while before we’ll get another from you then,” Sunset smirked.

Sunny blinked as she looked at her bucket which was now almost empty. She looked up towards the others and gasped, suddenly realising that theirs were almost overfilling again.

“Nonono, come on,” she urged the hosepipe.

However, she squeaked as she spotted two balls of water flying toward her. One from Misty, and the other from Sunset.

Sunny raised her shield, Misty’s water ball splashing over it. However, Sunset curved hers away at the last moment. It quickly changed direction and hurtled towards Starlight.

Starlight was watching her bucket. Having seen Misty and Sunset had both aimed at Sunny, she thought she was safe. She was therefore most surprised when a ball of water hit her in the side.

“GAH! Where did?” she squealed.

“Keep your eyes on the balls,” Sunset advised whilst grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Starlight snorted and glared in Sunset’s direction as she raised another ball from her bucket.

On the sidelines, Sparky whooped as he found a brick in the undergrowth. Picking it up, he ran back towards Hitch and the others.

“Sparky? What are you up to?” Hitch frowned.

Sparky said nothing, he just grinned as he blew fire over the brick.

There was a flash as a scoreboard appeared. A depiction of each of the four ponies' cutie marks above a set of flip cards for each one.

“Whoa, Sparky!” Izzy gasped. “You’re getting more and more controlled with your fire, aren’t you.”

“Wait, you meant to make that?” Hitch gasped.

“Yep,” Sparky grinned.

He flipped over the card below Sunset’s cutie mark. Indicating she had scored a direct hit.

“You need to keep your eye on him, Hitch,” Pipp smiled. “He’ll be transforming everything in your office.”

“Like you think he hasn’t already?” Hitch frowned. “Please don’t give him more ideas, Pipp.”

Meanwhile, balls of water whipped back and forth in all directions. Shields were raised and lowered in defence but many times water balls hit their marks.

Those on the side lines watched as the game continued. Sparky did his best to keep score as Sunset started to build a lead.

Eventually, the ground around the buckets was becoming more and more waterlogged. However, it seemed the ground around Sunny was holding the most. She gasped as, not for the first time, she felt one of her hoofs getting stuck.

Sunny looked down and grunted as she wrestled it free, only to find herself being hit by a water ball for her troubles. She cried out in surprise. “No fair! How can I concentrate on the game when I keep getting stuck!”

Zipp blew her whistle, holding up both forehoofs indicating play should stop. Then she flew over to the tap and turned the flow of water off. As she came back towards the competitors, she looked at the scoreboard.

Sunset had the most points, followed by Misty then Starlight and finally Sunny. However, Zipp frowned as she looked around, it was clear that Starlight was the wettest. She had been subjected to the most trick shots from Sunset. Sunset herself, however, was still bone dry. Then she spotted Sunny grunting as she tried to extract one of her hind hoofs from the mud again.

“Okay, empty the buckets,” Zipp instructed. “This is going to be our last round. After the first bucket overflows you’ll have just two minutes of play.”

“A time limit,” Sunset gasped before grinning. “I like the idea of that.”

“Yeah, if we don’t then Sunny’s going to get stuck for good,” Zipp chuckled.

Everypony did as instructed and tipped their bucket out. Sunny though moved hers away to one side before tipping it.

After double-checking each bucket was empty and the hosepipes had been replaced. Zipp headed back to the tap.

Starlight snorted as she flexed her hind leg. It felt fine but worrying about it had been the cause of many a drenching.

She looked down as she heard water starting to fill her bucket, quickly realising it was filling quicker than the others. Frowning, she looked towards Zipp who was fiddling with the hosepipes.

“Those who are most wet get an advantage,” Zipp shouted.

“Sounds good to me,” Sunset replied confidently. “Bring it on everypony.”

Starlight looked back at her bucket and noticed that it wouldn’t be long until it would be full. Glancing up, she spotted the grin on Sunset’s face, she had clearly been enjoying herself. Starlight frowned, she wanted to wipe the smirk from Sunset’s face. Looking around, she noticed Misty looking at Sunset the same way. Therefore, Starlight started to make a plan, hoping that Sunny and Misty would follow her lead.

Zipp grinned as she flew into the centre. Knowing exactly which bucket was filling fastest, she watched Starlight's intently. Then, as it started to overflow she blew her whistle.

Starlight's horn glowed and she lifted water from the bucket as normal. However, as she whipped the ball around and towards Misty she suddenly split it into two balls. Carefully, she ensured that from Sunset’s perspective, it still looked like only one.

Misty squeaked as she raised her shield. Starlight concentrated hard, this would need split-second timing for her plan to succeed.

The ball nearest Sunset impacted Misty’s shield, resulting in a shower of water. Starlight used this to mask the second as she curved it around behind Misty.

Sunset meanwhile was none the wiser. To her, it looked like Starlight's first shot had hit Misty’s shield. Therefore, she was looking at the buckets. Sunny’s was looking to be nearly full so she was getting ready to defend from that direction.

However, suddenly a ball of water hit her in the side of her neck. Water splashed all over her. “Aaah, where did that come from?”

Sunny grinned as Sunset’s instinctive reaction was to turn her head towards where the water had come from. Therefore, Sunset was looking away from her and she had a clear shot.

“GAAH,” Sunset cried as she was hit in the back of her head. Water flew everywhere, completely saturating her mane that flopped forward and over her eyes.

Coughing, Sunset desperately flipped her head backwards to get her mane out of her eyes. However, she was too slow to see Misty’s water ball flying towards her.

Misty grinned as her water ball hit Sunset in her chest. Water shot upwards into her face and Sunset stepped backwards. Her eyes closed as she coughed and spluttered. Completely unaware her own bucket was overflowing.

Having seen Sunset was on the back hoof, Starlight decided to go all in. She lifted the whole contents of her bucket into one massive ball of water. As Sunset stepped backwards it was already on a collision course with her.

Sunset cried out in surprise as the massive ball of water hit her in the neck. Water flew everywhere and completely drenched her. She began to cough and splutter as some went up her nose.

Finally, Zipp blew her whistle again to indicate the game was over.

Sunset shook her head as she looked at the floor, still coughing and spluttering. Eventually, she panted as she looked up at Starlight.

“I never heard anything in the rules about not being able to split balls,” Starlight smiled bashfully.

“Yeah, I dunno,” Zipp frowned. “Maybe we should deduct a point for that.”

“No way!” Sunset panted before grinning. “It was a brilliant idea. I can’t believe I never thought of it before. It took me completely by surprise.”

“Oh shoot,” Starlight sighed. “Looks like I didn’t wipe that smile from your face after all.”

She started laughing, quickly joined by Sunset and Misty. Sunny however looked over to them with concern.

“Erm, little help,” she gasped as she tried and failed to pull her hoofs free. “Little stuck here.”

The others all laughed as they all headed to Sunny’s aid.

Chapter Twenty-Three – Saying Goodbye

After the water fight, Sunny had prepared home-made hay burgers. Everypony was sat in the living area resting and enjoying them as they watched the television. However, Starlight couldn’t help sighing as she looked at her leg.

Sparky meanwhile had already finished eating. Therefore, he was running excitedly around the room. A cuddly crab in his claw as he played. However, he skidded to a stop in front of Starlight as he spotted her expression. “What's wrong, Starlight?”

Starlight gasped, looking down at Sparky’s expecting eyes and suddenly realised the room had gone quiet. She looked up and saw all eyes were suddenly on her. She looked towards Sunset who suddenly looked just as grave as Starlight did, seemingly reading her mind.

“Well, I think this afternoon proved my leg has recovered,” Starlight said carefully before looking down sadly. “So, we probably ought to be checking in our return ticket.”

“Yeah, I agree,” Sunset sighed. “As much as I want to stay here with all of you. I’m also worried about my friends back home. I sort of ran out on them.”

“Ditto,” Starlight groaned. “I’d like to stay here too but I’m the Headmare of a school. I...I can’t just turn my back on that.”

The others looked at each other sadly as they took in what they were both saying. Sunny especially looked the most distraught.

“Sunny,” Sunset ventured. “We mentioned this a few days ago.”

“I know, and I tried to prepare myself,” Sunny breathed. “But I don’t...”

She trailed off and her ears drooped as she looked sadly at the ground.

Sunset sighed, after putting her food to one side she moved over to Sunny. Putting a hoof around her comfortingly. “If we don’t go back, Starlight won’t write the books with Sunburst that have helped us so much.”

“There’s a lot that we need to do to make sure this all turns out okay,” Starlight reasoned. “We...We don’t have much choice.”

“No, no you’re right,” Sunny said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “You were suddenly plucked from your lives to come here. That’s not fair and you really should be returning to them. I tried to get myself ready for this, but I’m not sure what we’ll do without you.”

“Well, you’re all fully fledged Guardians of Unity now,” Sunset reassured. “You’ve been on a bigger journey to get there then Twilight and the others did as well.”

“You’ll all do what you already have done,” Starlight smiled. “Defeating Opaline was you’re doing. Sunset and I didn’t help with that directly. So, I know that you’ll all be fine.”

“I agree, we’ll be fine,” Zipp smiled. “We wouldn’t have stopped Opaline without you though. I mean, we’d never have thought about going to Canterlot and finding the library there. I dread to think how things would have gone in the Dragon Lands too.”

“Getting everypony to unite at the trees was your idea though,” Sunset explained. “Putting out the message on social media, that was you’re doing too. We did what Twilight hoped we’d do, push you in the right direction. I’m completely certain that whatever the future brings you’ll face it together.”

“We’d never understand as much about Magic as we do now,” Misty gasped. “I...I’ve learnt so much from you. Both of you. But I feel confident enough to take what you’ve taught me and apply it myself. So yeah, I think we’ll be okay.”

Pipp’s eyes were wide, glistening with tears as she was clearly struggling to keep them in. “S...So are you going to go now?”

“Tomorrow, let’s go back tomorrow,” Sunset decided.

“A party!” Izzy gasped as she jumped up. “We should totally have a goodbye party. We’re never going to see you again so let’s say goodbye properly.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Starlight smiled. “I hated the idea of just running out on you all. Yeah, I agree Izzy. With a party we get to say goodbye properly.”

Sunny’s ears perked up at the idea of a party and she smiled with relief. “A goodbye party tomorrow sounds brilliant. We’ll get the Brighthouse ready in the morning then the party will be in the afternoon.”

“Then after the party, we’ll walk down to the tree together,” Hitch smiled.

Everypony enthusiastically agreed. The rest of the night was spent playing games and enjoying each other’s company.

The following morning came all too soon, everypony gathered in the living area as they finished their breakfast.

“So, if we’re having a Goodbye Party this afternoon, who’s doing what?” Sunny asked. “I’ll sort the food.”

“Can I help you, Sunny? Misty asked.

“Of course you can, Misty,” Sunny smiled.

“I’ll make the decorations,” Izzy shouted as she waved a hoof in the air excitedly.

“I wouldn’t want anypony else,” Sunny laughed. “I know they’ll be epic with you on the job, Izzy.”

“Are we inviting anypony else?” Hitch asked. “Let me know who and Sparky and I can make and deliver the invitations.”

“YAY, colouring,” Sparky shouted excitedly.

“Good idea, Hitch,” Sunny beamed. “I’ll go through who I think we should invite with you.”

“You can leave the music to me of course,” Pipp grinned.

“Cool, cool, the rest of us can help wherever we can,” Zipp smiled.

“Okay, sounds like we’ve got a party plan,” Sunny giggled. “Let’s get to it everypony.”

With that, everypony started heading off to their tasks. However, Sunset stopped Pipp and Zipp and took them to one side.

“Before you both go too far. Pipp, Zipp, could I speak to you both about something upstairs?” Sunset asked. “You too, Starlight.”

“Sure,” Zipp smiled. “You got a surprise or something?”

Sunset only grinned in response but that was all Pipp needed as confirmation. “Oooh, I love surprises,” she squeaked. “What is it?”

Sunset smiled knowingly. “Well, let’s head upstairs and I’ll tell you.”

For the rest of that morning, everypony was busy preparing.

Izzy was clearly in her element as she decorated the entire bottom floor of the Brighthouse. From streamers to a massive piñata shaped like a bunnycorn. The centrepiece however was a massive banner which said, ‘Goodbye Sunset & Starlight’.

Sunny and Misty meanwhile were extremely busy in the kitchen as they made all kinds of party food.

“I hope Hitch is telling everypony to have a light lunch,” Misty giggled.

“Oh, I’ve made sure of it,” Sunny smiled. “I’m glad we’ve got plenty of time. This party is going to be brilliant, eee.”

“Yeah, it’s an awesome idea,” Misty smiled. “I hope everypony likes my apple crumble though.”

“I know they will, Misty,” Sunny beamed. “Could you check the hay biscuits? I don’t think they’ll need much more time in the oven.”

Elsewhere, Pipp was busy plugging in cables as she set up a sound system. However, Zipp, Sunset and Starlight were strangely absent.

Sometime later, Hitch walked into the Brighthouse with Sparky. Smiling, they headed towards the kitchen.

“Invitations delivered,” Sparky squeaked proudly.

“Queen Haven says she’ll drop in for the start but can’t stay long,” Hitch explained. “Alphabittle will be here though as will Phyllis and Kendi.”

“Peach Fizz, Seashell and Glory coming too,” Sparky smiled. “Sprout and Skywalk can’t.”

“The fillies will be accompanied by their parents,” Hitch clarified.

“I kind of feel bad for not being able to invite more ponies,” Sunny sighed.

“It’ll be fine,” Misty smiled. “A small party to say goodbye feels right to me.”

Hitch sighed at Sunny’s downhearted expression. “Sunny, you’re running around that kitchen enough as it is. If more ponies were coming, you’d not have time to make all the food.”

Sunny let out a sigh of resignation. “You’re right Hitch,” she smiled. “I just... We’ve become such good friends and I hate the thought that I’ll never see them again.”

“Don’t forget you’ll have the journals though,” another voice said.

They smiled as Starlight walked into the kitchen. She looked around all of them warmly.

“I think you’re all in a better position here,” she smiled. “You have the option of picking up what Sunset and I leave behind for you. You can still feel some connection by finding out where we go, and what we do with the rest of our lives. We...err, we...”

She trailed off and looked down sadly, tears building in the corners of her eyes. Misty hurried to her side and put a hoof around her.

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” Starlight smiled after a few moments. “This is just one of the hardest parts of friendship. When your lives diverge, and you end up getting split up. I’m going to miss you all, but at the same time, I know you’ll all be fine. You’ve got each other and I don’t see you splitting up anytime soon.”

“You’ve got friends back in your time you need to get back to,” Sunny replied as she wiped away a tear. “You’re right though, I’m going to miss both you and Sunset, but we’ve got the journals.”

“It’s okay Sunny,” Starlight said as she pulled Sunny into the hug with Misty. “Like I said, sometimes events pull friends apart. I should know, it was losing a friend like that which sent me down the wrong path. That won’t happen this time though. I’m going to make sure the information you all need is out there for you to find. So, keep your eyes out for it, yeah?”

“We will do,” Hitch smiled as he joined the embrace. “But that means you’ll still have some connection to us. Leaving stuff for us to find.”

“Okay, if that’s the case, you all better look out because I’m going to try and leave you all sorts of things,” Starlight smiled.

Sparky had been happily licking one of the mixing bowls clean. However, as he noticed everypony embracing. He left that and hurried over to join the group hug.

When the party got underway, Queen Haven smiled as she landed outside the Brighthouse. Flanked by Zoom and Thunder as always.

“We’ll stand watch, Your Majesty,” Zoom said.

“Aww, I’m hungry,” Thunder sighed.

Zoom shot Thunder an annoyed stare but Queen Haven smiled knowingly as she tapped on the door.

After a few moments, Sunny gave a beaming smile as she opened it. “Come in, come in, I’m glad you could make it, Queen Haven.”

“I’m glad too Sunny,” Queen Haven smiled. “I only wish I could stay longer. You don’t mind if Zoom and Thunder help themselves to some food, do you? I feel so bad making them fly all the way from Zephyr Heights only to drag them all the way back again.”

“Of course they can,” Sunny beamed. “I’ve made plenty for everypony so please help yourselves.”

“That’s fine, we’re on duty,” Zoom replied professionally.

“Zoom Zephyrwing, you are both to have some food,” Queen Haven replied. “That is an order.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Zoom said as she snapped to attention.

As the two Guards headed towards the food, Thunder smiled and mouthed a thank you towards Queen Haven.

“Oh, I don’t know what to do with those two sometimes,” Queen Haven admitted. “Now, Sunny dear, where are Sunset and Starlight? Like I said, I really can’t stay long sadly.”

“Over near the fruit juice, I think,” Sunny smiled.

“Thank you dear,” Queen Haven smiled. “Oh, I see there’s a queue forming. I’d best get out of the way.”

Queen Haven was quite right as she moved to one side to allow Peach Fizz, Seashell and Glory to arrive with their parents.

Sure enough, Sunset and Starlight were standing by the fruit juice. They both smiled as Queen Haven approached.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I can’t stay long,” she sighed. “I’m supposed to be in a meeting. However, I simply had to come and give you both my thanks and say goodbye in person.”

“It’s been an honour to meet you, Queen Haven,” Sunset smiled.

“I admit, knowing Equestria has a Queen in the future kind of feels strange,” Starlight admitted. “But yeah, it’s been an honour and I’m glad we were able to meet you.”

“Oh please, the honour is all mine,” Queen Haven insisted. “You were both whisked here unexpectedly. You’ve both been through so much whilst you were here too. From injury to capture. You’ve done so much to help our new Guardians of Unity, from advice and lessons to standing alongside them in battle. It is I and the rest of Equestria that have had the honour of your presence. I wish there were more I could give you other than my thanks and eternal gratitude.”

“The experience of coming here has been more than enough,” Sunset smiled. “My friends back home and I have done some wonderful things and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to seeing them again. However, this has been the greatest adventure of my life and an experience I am going to treasure.”

“I’ve also done some brilliant things,” Starlight smiled. “I’ve helped save Equestria multiple times even. But getting the chance to come here and guide a new generation was amazing. I think Sunny and Zipp have got some things for us to remember them all by. Apart from that, we don’t need any other rewards.”

Queen Haven smiled as she beckoned them both into a hug. “Again, thank you both. Enjoy your party here and I hope you have a safe trip home.”

“Goodbye, Queen Haven,” Sunset smiled.

“I hope the rest of your reign is long and successful,” Starlight added with a grin.

“Goodbye and Good Luck to both of you,” Queen Haven grinned.

It wasn’t long later that all the guests had arrived. Pipp had set up a party playlist which had been keeping everypony entertained. However, she couldn’t resist stepping in front of the microphone.

“Hey there everypony,” she grinned. “Thank you for coming as we say goodbye to Sunset and Starlight and thank them for all their help. I...I know this is kind of a sad occasion, but I’m determined not to cry. Therefore, I’m going to do what I do in these situations and sing for you all.”

Everypony cheered as Pipp spun around and pressed a button on the sound system.

First thing’s first you gotta look for the spark

That bit of magic way deep down in your heart

It’s the rhythm that connects us

When you find it yeah now that’s a great start

You gotta follow your beat

And then soon you will see

You won’t have that far to go

Until your song starts to grow

All you need is your beat

All you need is your groove

To get them stompin’ their hooves

And then the next thing you know

Imagination will flow

All you need is your beat

All you need is your beat

Wooo!

(All you need is your beat)

All you need is your beat

Everypony in the Brighthouse clapped and cheered as Pipp finished the song. She stood in front of the microphone with a beaming smile as she caught her breath.

“Thank you everypony,” she beamed. “You know me, I can never pass up the chance to sing. Especially when doing so helps me keep hold of my emotional responses, haha.

“However, that was just a warm-up for you all. My sister and I have been working on something with Sunset. She’s got a surprise for you, and we know you will enjoy it.”

The others all looked at each other with mild confusion as Pipp moved away from the microphone.

Sunset smiled as she walked forward and took Pipp’s place. She sat down and adjusted the mic stand to suit before looking around at everypony.

“So, I kind of decided to leave you all with something to remember me by,” she smiled. “I know this could be a really sad occasion as we’re not going to see you all again. But, it doesn’t need to be. We’ve just got to Let it Rain.”

With that, Sunset nodded over to Pipp who pressed a button on the sound system. Everypony stood and listened in awe as Sunset poured her heart into the performance.

It’s all right, yeah

I’m walking right beside you

I feel the way, feel the way that you do, too

Oh, I can’t lie, sometimes

Everything feels like it’s just too much

But you gotta let it in, even if it’s tough

Know it gets better, know it gets better

Push through the weather, weather

Let it ra-a-a-ain

Let it ra-a-a-ain

Don’t be afraid of walls coming down

Sometimes it hurts, you’ll figure it out

Let it ra-a-a-ain

Let it rain, it’s okay

There’s beauty in the breakdown

There’s sun behind those gray clouds

You know, I can’t lie, it’s all right

When everything feels like it’s just too much

But you gotta let it in, even if it’s tough

Know it gets better, know it gets better

We push through the weather, weather

Let it ra-a-a-ain

(There’s beauty, there’s beauty in the breakdown)

Let it ra-a-a-ain

Don’t be afraid of walls coming down

Sometimes it hurts, you’ll figure it out

Let it ra-a-a-ain

(There’s beauty, there’s beauty in the breakdown)

Let it rain, let it ra-a-a-ain...

Sunset sat panting, looking upwards with a tear in the corner of one of her eyes. All around her, ponies were clapping and cheering.

“T...Thank you everypony,” she gasped as she stood up. “That actually felt strange singing that one without a guitar. I didn’t think I’d have time to learn to play with hoofs though. I think it came out okay.”

“More than okay,” Pipp beamed as she gave Sunset a hug. “That was epiiic.”

“Yeah, it was awesome,” Zipp beamed as she joined them. “Pipp and I were filming from both sides and Pipp’s going to edit it together. Then we’ll send it out to everypony.”

“Yeah, we’ll keep it just for ourselves,” Pipp smiled.

“I wouldn’t have a problem with you putting it on your channel, Pipp,” Sunset admitted. “Although I agree, it’s for all of you and I put everything into it for you.

“There are some things that I did in my past that I’m not proud of. Friendship turned my life around and I’m so thankful for my friends back home. However, this truly has been an adventure of a lifetime.

“Thank you, Sunny, Izzy, Hitch, Misty, Pipp, Zipp, and Sparky. Thank you for being so welcoming and thank you for rescuing me. Thank you everypony else here too, it’s been both an honour and a privilege to have met you all.”

As everypony cheered and clapped. Sunset held a hoof out towards Starlight, inviting her up to the microphone. Starlight smiled as she took Sunset’s place before she looked around the room at the expecting faces.

“I’ll start by saying I won’t be singing,” Starlight chuckled. “Sunset suggested making her song into a duet, but I think I would have butchered it. I can sing but I think Sunset’s vocals would have been hard to match there. It was brilliant the way it was.

“I’ve got to say that leaving you all is hard. I also have a past that I’m not proud of and it was losing a friend that set me on the wrong path. However, I’m determined to not let that happen this time.

“I’m saying goodbye to you all but I’m going to look back on this adventure fondly. Having the opportunity to teach magic to a new generation of Unicorns was amazing. I’m going to do all I can to ensure there are books out there that will help you all safely rediscover magic.

“So, I’m going to say thank you as well. Sunny, Izzy, Misty, Hitch, Zipp, Pipp, Sparky. You all have welcomed me, helped me through the shock of being here and helped me back to health not once but twice. To everypony else here, it’s truly been brilliant to have met you and I wish you all the best for the future.”

Yet again there was a round of applause from everypony. Starlight smiled gratefully as she stepped to one side and Sunny took her place.

“O...Okay, I wasn’t quite ready for a round of speeches but that’s fine,” she smiled nervously. “Sunset and Starlight, meeting both of you has literally been a dream come true for me. I don’t make it a secret that I’ve grown up adoring my dad’s stories from your time. So, the opportunity to actually speak to two ponies who personally know Princess Twilight was an honour.

“You both have done so much for us whilst you’ve been here. Sunset, you mentioned that we rescued you, but you rescued us first. I dread to think how that first encounter with Opaline would have gone if you hadn’t been there.

“You’ve both taught us so much, from friendship to magic. We’re all so thankful to both of you, it’s an honour to be able to call you both our friends and we’ve got a little present for both of you.”

Sunny stepped to one side as Izzy came forward, two brightly wrapped presents held in her levitation. Sunset and Starlight both looked at each other with surprise as they accepted them.

“You can open them now if you’d like,” Izzy beamed. “I couldn’t resist wrapping them.”

Carefully, they both removed the wrapping paper and revealed a pair of framed photographs. They were identical apart from the frames that Izzy had clearly personalised. The colours of which matched their manes.

“T...This is wonderful,” Sunset smiled. “I’m putting it pride of place at home. Even if it will cause some awkward questions with any humans.”

“Ditto, thank you everypony,” Starlight smiled with a tear in her eye. “Thank you so much.”

“I’ve got another surprise but it’s not one you’ll be able to take back with you,” Misty admitted. “Who’s ready for a piece of apple crumble?”

There was another cheer as Misty and Sunny busied themselves handing out bowl after bowl of apple crumble and ice cream.

The party continued for the rest of the afternoon. Eventually though, they all started making their way down the pathway to Maretime Bay and the Together Flower. Sunset and Starlight took the lead, followed by Sunny and her friends.

Sunset had her saddle bag and the poster she had obtained from the Night Market was attached to it. Starlight meanwhile also wore a saddle bag. Having been packed by Zipp and Sunny, she had promised not to open it until she had gotten back safely. The only thing she knew that was in it was the photo.

As they walked into town, they found the street was lined by ponies. All clapping and cheering as the group walked past.

“How did they all know?” Starlight frowned.

“Don’t underestimate the power of social media,” Pipp grinned as she flashed her phone. “When used properly it can bring ponies together.”

“If anything, I’d say there are ponies from all over Equestria here,” Hitch gasped. “I hope Skywalk can cope.”

Whilst the occasion was undoubtedly a solemn one. Starlight and Sunset couldn’t help feeling a swelling of pride. They truly had made a difference and were now being given a hero's send-off.

All too soon they reached the Together Tree in the centre of town. The Together Flower with the orange orb was still there, the orb continuing to pulsate with the orange standby glow.

Starlight and Sunset turned back towards Sunny and her five friends. Suddenly, none of them really knew what to say.

“Come on,” Sunset said as she raised a hoof invitingly. “One last group hug.”

With small smiles, they all gathered around and shared a final hug together. As they finally pulled apart, Sunny found her words.

“Thank you,” she said with a tear in her eye. “Thank you for everything. I feel so honoured to have met both of you. Two ponies from the time of harmony who I now see as my friends. It hurts knowing I’ll never see you both again. But...Thank You. I hope you get back safely.”

“I want to say thank you as well,” Izzy said. “Thank you for teaching me magic, Starlight. Thank You for being there for us, Sunset. You’ve both been brilliant and know we’ll always be friends no matter how much time there is between us.”

“Yeah, ditto,” Zipp smiled. “Thank you both for all the knowledge you’ve given us. Not only about Magic but history too. I know the information on the Crystal Empire is going to be a massive help finding Flurry Heart.”

“Kind of feel saying thank you is a given,” Pipp chuckled. “It has been amazing though. I mean, the content for my channels has been amazing but that’s because you guys are amazing. Getting to know you both has been a blast, and I can only wish you all the best for your future.”

“Well, I’m still saying Thank You,” Misty gulped as she wiped away a tear. “You’ve both taught me so much in such a short time. I never imagined that I could do any magic at all, let alone all you’ve taught me. It's not just that though, your stories of redemption, they inspire me. I know I can rely on my friends despite my past. Thank you, thank you so much.”

“Well, it’s been a blast,” Hitch smiled. “Sunset guiding us through the ruins of Canterlot and Starlight helping us in the Dragon Lands. You’ve both played your parts despite your own setbacks and misadventures. All the best.”

“Sunset and Starlight awesome,” Sparky squeaked.

Sunset and Starlight both looked at each other with a mix of gratitude and sadness.

“Oh boy,” Starlight sighed. “Sunset keeps saying this was the greatest adventure of her life and I admit it’s well up there for me too. Getting myself hurt, twice, wasn’t great but helping all of you was. I know, this timeframe is in very, very good hoofs now. Remember, rely on each other and together you can do anything.”

“Keep your eyes out,” Sunset smiled. “You’ve already got one of the journals we use to communicate between my world and Equestria. If you want to know how we do through the rest of our lives, look at those. You’re my friends, I’ve no issue with you seeing what I’ve got to say.”

“I suppose that’s it then,” Starlight sighed. “Goodbye. Goodbye, all of you.”

“Yeah, Goodbye and farewell,” Sunset sighed. “Look after yourselves and each other.”

With a series of Goodbyes, not only from Sunny and the others but all the other gathered ponies as well. Sunset and Starlight approached the flower.

Starlight slowly raised a hoof and carefully placed it upon the orb. It immediately stopped pulsing and glowed brightly.

Sunset was about to do the same before she gasped. With widened eyes, she opened her saddle bag and pulled out her phone. Quickly and a little clumsily she unlocked and opened the camera app before holding it up towards Sunny and the others.

“One last photo!” she shouted. “Squeeze up everypony!”

There was a sudden burst of activity as all the gathered ponies moved to try and get into the photo. Sunny and her friends stood in the middle whilst the others gathered around in the background. After a few attempts, Sunset grinned and showed Starlight the photo.

“I’ll print off a copy for you,” she winked as she put the phone away before she turned back to the crowd. “Thank you everypony.”

With that, and to a round of cheers and farewells. Sunset raised her hoof and placed it on the orb.

There was suddenly a blinding white flash. A circle of white energy appeared on the floor around Sunset and Starlight. After a moment, this rocketed skywards in a huge cylinder. Depictions of clocks and gears spiralled around within the energy.

The light from the cylinder of energy was so intense, that everypony had to cover their eyes. Eventually, the huge cylinder disappeared, and Sunset and Starlight were no longer there.

Everypony stood in shock. Seemingly taking in the fact that the pair had gone.

“I hope they made it back,” Zipp sighed.

“I’m sure they will have,” Hitch responded.

Sunny sighed as she looked at the ground. Suddenly, her ear twitched. Then the other twitched. Then she felt it, the familiar draw of the Together Flowers. She looked up and gasped. As soon as she saw the orb, the pulling sensation became stronger than she’d ever felt previously. Before she could say anything, she looked vacantly at the flower and started walking forward.

“W...what?” Misty gasped.

“Sunny?” Hitch exclaimed. “What’s going on?”

They tried to move forward with her. But they barely made a step when they felt an invisible barrier in front of them. No pony could do anything as Sunny walked towards the flower.

“Maybe there’s one last secret,” Zipp guessed.

As she reached the flower, there was a flash as Sunny’s element necklace appeared around her neck. Misty couldn’t help gasping with surprise.

“Th...That shouldn’t be possible,” she breathed. “The chest Runcord gave us. It’s locked and enchanted. There should be no way anything could remove the elements, magical or otherwise.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t question the forces that gave us the elements in the first place?” Hitch smiled.

Sunny meanwhile stopped before the flower. The orb was still glowing brightly, and she raised her hoof and touched it.

There was a blinding orange flash. As it receded, a heart-shaped pendant appeared, hooked to the bottom of Sunny’s element below the charm. It was red in colour with a gold frame.

Sunny’s eyes were completely white as she turned around to face the crowd.

“I am Sunny Starscout,” she said in an ethereal voice. “I represent the Element of Hope. Hope for all Equestria and all pony kind. Hope for the future and hope for the past. The Elements of Unity have been bestowed on their Guardians. May all those who have come before help and guide them via the rainbow.”

There was one final flash as Sunny collapsed. Behind her, the Together Flowers wilted, their multi-coloured petals dropping off and floating away. Each petal floated a short way before they faded and vanished. Once all the petals had gone, the rest of the flowers also faded away.

Sunny groaned as she lay on the floor. Her friends felt the barrier holding them back disappear and immediately ran forward towards her.

Izzy was fastest and shot to Sunny’s side as she opened her eyes and started to push herself up. Skidding alongside Izzy put a hoof over Sunny’s shoulders and prevented her from rising too much. “Steady Sunny, that looks like a whopper of a dizzy whizzy spell.”

“W...what happened,” Sunny groaned. “What’s...”

She lifted a hoof to her neck and felt her element was there. She closed her eyes again as her mind continued to spin.

“Steady Sunny,” Zipp advised as she came to Sunny’s other side. “Let it pass, there’s no rush.”

“W...Why’s?” Sunny groaned.

“I think we’ve just been given the final gift from the Together Trees,” Hitch advised.

Sunny groaned again as her vision finally stopped spinning. She looked down at her neck and finally spotted the new heart-shaped pendant. “W...What?”

Author's Note

Pipps song is All you need is your Beat https://youtu.be/puoNbvr_w9Y?si=dY1pdChFBQaA1Z9s

Sunset's song is Let it Rain: https://youtu.be/XfBuWrbJ0nQ?si=cZVpNtj4LPmbBLmi

Chapter Twenty-Four – Back to the Past

Sometime after the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle as ruler of Equestria.
Seconds after Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer were ‘abducted’ by the Cutie Map.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she stared toward the now deactivated cutie map with shock.

“T...Twilight,” Spike gasped. “What happened? Where are they?”

“I...I don’t know,” Twilight replied in shock. “Nononono, this shouldn’t happen. How did this happen? Why did it happen?”

She rose to her hoofs and started walking towards the map, her mind spinning. She didn’t get far when suddenly there was another blinding flash from the ceiling.

Twilight shielded her eyes with a wing as a cylinder of white energy shot downward and joined the edge of the map table. The same inscriptions of clocks and gears appeared in the energy. Spiralling downwards this time as the energy appeared to enter the table.

Spike gasped as he realised there was no rushing wind this time. Therefore, he ran forwards alongside Twilight. Both looked on in hope as the energy dissipated. Their breaths got caught in their throats as their prayers were answered.

Both Sunset and Starlight were lying on the map table. Their eyes were closed as they lay on their stomachs. Sunset groaned as she began to move, soon followed by Starlight. Slowly, their eyes opened, and they took in their surroundings.

“We...We made it back then,” Sunset groaned.

“Looks like it,” Starlight replied with a small sad smile.

They both turned their heads towards Twilight and Spike who both burst into beaming smiles of relief.

“Starlight, Sunset,” Twilight beamed. “You’re okay, what happened?”

“It’s kind of a long story,” Sunset admitted as she rose to her hoofs.

“A long story?” Spike frowned. “But you were gone for less than a minute.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t for us,” Starlight responded as she also rose to her hoofs.

Both carefully walked towards the edge of the table before they hopped down. Twilight hurried over and put her hoofs around them both.

“I’m just glad you’re both okay,” Twilight sighed. “Now I’ve got a chance to think straight. The clocks and gears, was that some kind of time spell?”

“Yeah, it was,” Starlight replied. “Nothing to do with me, I swear.”

“Where did you go? How did you get back?” Spike asked excitedly as he hovered next to them.

“Well, we went to the distant future,” Sunset replied as she opened her saddle bag and smiled. “We made some new friends.”

She lifted out the framed photograph. Looking at it warmly before turning it for Twilight and Spike to see.

It was a photo of all of them, Sunny in the middle flanked by Sunset and Starlight. Laid down at their hoofs were Misty and Sparky then hovering above them were Pipp and Zipp. Finally, on either side were Izzy and Hitch.

Twilight and Spike both looked at the photo in awe.

“So, they’re from the future, how far?” Twilight asked.

Sunset and Starlight looked at each other before Sunset turned to respond. “Actually, we don’t really know…”

She trailed off, gasping as her eyes widened and she froze, seemingly staring into nothingness.

“Sunset?” Twilight asked worriedly.

Sunset grunted as she suddenly blinked. Shaking her head violently as if she were shaking something from her mind. “Shoot,” she groaned.

“What was it?” Starlight asked knowingly.

“I…I need to be getting back to CHS,” Sunset sighed. “I don’t think Principal Celestia is best pleased I’ve cut class.”

“Wait, how?” Twilight frowned before her expression softened. “Actually, if you need to get back to CHS you can explain later, Sunset. In fact, you both can when there is more time. I assume you’ve got a school to look after too, Starlight?”

“Yeah, sort of,” Starlight replied thoughtfully. “I have a little time as Sunburst and Trixie thought I was going on a quest. Actually no, I think they would be happier to see me back at the school as soon as possible.”

“Well, we kind of did go on a quest,” Sunset grinned before she sighed and looked worriedly at Starlight and Twilight. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say it would be nice to stay here for a bit. But the more I think about it, the more I think getting back as quickly as possible would be the best idea.”

“A teleport back to the portal then,” Twilight assumed which got a confirmatory nod from Sunset.

“I can’t remember how long it’s been since I left,” Sunset explained. “Wait, I think there was a bell as I entered the portal. So, if I hurry, I might only miss one class, or maybe just the two morning classes.”

“Okay, it still baffles me that you’re talking like it’s been ages since you were here,” Twilight admitted. “But you can explain later. Are you ready?”

“Let's arrange to meet in Canterlot as soon as possible,” Starlight smiled as she pulled Sunset into a hug.

“Yeah, we can get that journal sorted that we discussed,” Sunset smiled. “Good Luck with the School of Friendship, I’ll totally keep that offer in mind.”

“Good luck with Principal Celestia,” Starlight winked.

After they finally broke off the hug, Sunset moved closer to Twilight and nodded.

“We’ll be in touch, Starlight,” Twilight said as her horn glowed.

With that, there was a flash and Starlight found herself alone. She sighed and looked around the empty throne room. “Yeah, this place is way too lonely now,” she muttered.

Suddenly, Starlight gasped and blinked with realisation. She opened her saddle bag and grinned as she saw her copy of the photograph Izzy had given her.

However, she also blinked at seeing a few bound manuscripts. Withdrawing one, she gasped at what she saw on the first page.

Dear Starlight,

Discord popped in and suggested that this would be important for you to have. Therefore, we got it photocopied for you. We hope it doesn’t break anything in the timeline.

Good Luck with the School of Friendship, we’ll always remember you. We’re already looking for messages from you.

You’re friends,

Sunny and Zipp.

Starlight frowned as she opened the pages and flicked through. Gasping she realised it was Mage Meadowbrook’s instructions on the magic plaster cast and muscle treatment.

“Why would I need this?” she pondered.

Then she remembered Discord’s words about helping Sunset when she needed it.

“Oh, Celestia I hope not,” she blinked.

Principal Celestia walked with purpose through the hallways of Canterlot High School. As she neared a classroom she frowned as a bell rang out. It was the end of the second period and the girls she wanted to see were just about to be dismissed.

Sure enough, the classroom door opened and the six girls in question walked out. “Girls, a word please.”

Twilight gasped and turned towards the principal, quickly followed by Rarity, Fluttershy and the others.

“Yes, Principal Celestia,” Twilight said through a plastered-on smile that was fooling nobody.

Principal Celestia’s expression immediately hardened as she crossed her arms. “Care to explain where Sunset Shimmer is? I’ve heard conflicting reports.”

“In what way?” Rainbow Dash replied with a nervous grin.

“Well, the absence reports say she’s sick,” Principal Celestia explained. “However, I saw Sunset arrive this morning and she looked completely fine. Also, Vice Principal Luna mentioned seeing her in the corridor, running towards the exit just before first period this morning.”

Twilight looked to the others with concern. Their silence only caused Celestia to look more sternly at them.

“Look, I know there is often a lot happening with you girls,” Principal Celestia sighed. “Whatever is going on with Sunset I need to know.”

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening behind the group of girls made them all look in that direction.

“I’m here, I’m here,” Sunset panted with one hand on the door.

“Ah, Sunset,” Principal Celestia smiled. “Care to explain where you’ve been all morning?”

Sunset took a deep breath and shakily took a step forward as she opened her bag. “It’s kind of hard to explain,” she responded.

“Honestly, most things are with you,” Principal Celestia sighed as her expression softened. “However, you can trust me Sunset, what’s going on?”

Sunset couldn’t help giving a small smile as she withdrew the framed photograph. “I kind of had a summons from Equestria,” she explained. “Like an idiot, I told my friends to cover for me instead of just telling you the truth.”

She passed the photo to Principal Celestia who blinked in confusion at the group of ponies who looked back at her.

“It’s going to take a while to fully explain,” Sunset smiled at both her principal and friends. “Could I explain to everypony, err, everyone at once?”

“Okay, let’s head to my office then,” Principal Celestia responded as she handed Sunset the photo.

Sunset couldn’t help smiling as she looked at the photograph as she and her friends followed their principal. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait to tell them all about her adventure.

Epilogue

Discord grinned as he reclined in his comfortable chair. The many monitors in front of him depict Sunny and her friends coming to terms with Sunset and Starlight’s departure. The room around him rotated around and around the same as always.

However, he grunted as he heard a portal in the mirror behind him activate.

“Oh, Sunset, I wish you would let me know when you’re coming,” he grumbled as he snapped his fingers.

Sunset’s head was poking out of the mirror. She smiled as the room immediately stopped spinning and settled into a normal position. Carefully, she stepped forward and out of the mirror. Her hoofs clicking on the floor as she walked forwards.

“Well, it’s not a surprise if I tell you I’m coming, is it?” she winked.

“Oh, I know,” Discord grumbled. “And I do enjoy your company. However, I wish you would give me a chance to prepare.”

“The same as you give everypony else a chance to prepare for your arrival?” Sunset smirked.

“Touché,” Discord smiled. “Well, what brings you back here from the human world then? I hope you haven’t gotten tired of seeing your latest group of friends age whilst you don’t.”

“Oh no, they’re all fine,” Sunset smiled. “No, I’m just wanting to check where things are at here. Have they made it back yet?”

“What? You mean Starlight and the younger you?” Discord smirked. “Yes, they’ve just left.”

Sunset smiled as she looked at the monitors, seeing Sunny investigating the locket.

“That’s good, that’s very good,” Sunset smiled. “It won’t be long now.”

“What? Will you stop speaking in riddles already,” Discord groaned. “I can never get a straight answer out of you when it comes to time. What won’t be long?”

“You’re one to talk about riddles,” Sunset smirked. “You will find out along with everypony else in due time. The clock is ticking now so I’ll be back soon enough.”

With that Sunset turned and started heading back towards the portal.

“Wait? That’s it? You’re going already!” Discord gasped as he spun around in his chair. “At least stay for some cucumber sandwiches.”

Sunset stopped and looked back over her shoulder with a smile. “Okay, fine. I will stay a while.”

Discord couldn’t help grinning with glee. He snapped his fingers and a plate of cucumber sandwiches appeared before he offered Sunset a seat.

Fin

Chapter One – Bay Attack

Peach Stone frowned as he hurried through the streets of Maretime Bay. His head was turning this way and that as he searched for his daughter. A feeling of worry building inside of him.

Peach Fizz hadn’t come down to breakfast that morning. When he’d gone to her room, she hadn’t been there either. Now he was making his way through town looking for her or her two friends, Seashell and Glory.

Finally, he spotted Glory and Seashell as they made their way towards the school. However, his frown turned to a look of concern as he realised Peach Fizz wasn’t with them.

“Morning you two,” he said as he approached. “Have you seen Peach Fizz this morning?”

“No, Mr Peach Stone,” Seashell answered as they stopped. “We’ve not seen her at all.”

“We thought she was grounded,” Glory added.

“She is,” Peach Stone replied looking at them gravely. “But how do you know? I hope you’re not covering for her?”

Seashell and Glory looked at each other with confusion whilst Peach Stone studied them carefully. All three completely missed Nightmare Shimmer along with Lava and Jade flying overhead as they headed towards the Brighthouse.

“She sent us a message,” Glory explained. “We’re not covering for her, honest.”

“We’ve not seen her this morning. Actually, we’ve barely seen her at all recently,” Seashell added. “Not even at school.”

“You…You haven’t?” Peach Stone blinked as he looked more worried. “Whenever I’ve asked her, she said she’s been with you. She came home very, very late last night and said she had been with you.”

Glory and Seashell looked at each other with confusion and shook their heads.

“We weren’t with her last night,” Glory responded. “We were both at home.”

“When we’ve seen her, she kept saying she had things to do at home,” Seashell explained.

“We’ve not seen much of her since we got lost in the mist,” Glory added looking worried.

Peach Stone looked at the two fillies with concern. “We need to speak to Sheriff Hitch,” he decided. “Peach Fizz has sneaked out this morning and what you’ve told me has me worried. We need to find her.”

“But school is starting soon,” Seashell gasped.

“We need to find Peach Fizz though,” Glory reasoned. “I’m worried too, none of this is like her at all.”

“Don’t worry about school, I’ll speak to your teacher,” Peach Stone reassured. “Let’s head to the Sheriff’s Office.”

The two fillies agreed and with that, all three started walking together.

As they neared the Together Tree, Glory suddenly stopped as she spotted something.

“What’s that doing there?” Glory gasped pointing to the base of the tree.

A large purple seed sat at the foot of the tree, behind the two blooming flowers. It was as large as a watermelon and had a sickly purple aura around it.

Before Peach Stone nor Seashell could say anything, a vein of purple energy suddenly shot through the ground between them. All three shouted in surprise and shock as they jumped back and away from it. Then, they watched in surprise as it headed straight towards the seed.

Glory whipped out her phone, pointed the camera at the tree and put it on record. When the vein reached the seed, it immediately began to glow bright purple, like it was absorbing energy from the vein.

After a few moments, the seed melted into the ground. Suddenly, a flash of purple streaked through the bark of the tree. From the base all the way to the tips of its branches. As it did so, the tree took on a sickly purple aura, its flowers wilting and the foliage becoming brown and lifeless.

“This can’t be good,” Seashell said worriedly.

“I’m posting my video to Princess Pipp's feed,” Glory replied. “She’ll know what it is.”

“Or Princess Zipp will,” Seashell agreed.

Suddenly they heard voices heading towards them from around the corner. All three gasped as Peach Fizz appeared with a large number of ponies in tow.

“Look, I told you,” Peach Fizz said. “Something’s happened to the tree.”

“And how exactly did you know that, Young Lady?” Peach Stone demanded as he walked towards his daughter.

“I...I saw it happen, Poppa,” Peach Fizz replied.

“No, you didn’t,” Peach Stone responded crossly. “It’s only just happened, and you weren’t here to see it. You also couldn’t have found all these ponies in such a short amount of time. What is going on with you lately? Where have you been this morning? I’ve been worried sick!”

“I...I....I,” Peach Fizz stammered as she cowered under her father’s accusing gaze.

“Peach Stone, maybe you should take her home and deal with this in private?” Phyllis suggested.

“No,” Peach Stone responded. “She sneaks out of the house. She tells me she’s with her friends but tells her friends she’s at home. Peach Fizz, honey, I’m worried about you. What have you been doing? Where have you been going? Please, tell me. Whatever it is we can work through it together.”

Peach Fizz stared back at her father with wide eyes, her bottom lip trembling as she struggled to form a reply. She looked around, realising she was cornered. Sprout stood behind her, a questioning expression on his face. Meanwhile, the other ponies were also all watching and waiting for a response. Peach Fizz gulped as she felt the pressure on her to reply growing by the second.

However, everypony’s attention was suddenly diverted as there was another flash from the tree. Multiple veins of purple energy shot through the ground from the base of the tree, spreading out all over Maretime Bay. Cries of confusion and panic quickly spread through the gathered ponies.

“E...Everypony stay calm, d...don’t panic.” Sprout shouted. “Nobody form an angry mob!”

The others looked at Sprout with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. He looked just as panicked as the rest of them. Even if his guard training was starting to kick in.

Suddenly, there was an ominous rumbling sound before vines of purple energy began sprouting from the ground. They burst through the pavement and cobblestones along the path of the purple veins.

Ponies screamed and cried as the vines whipped around towards them. They tried to run. However, the vines were very fast. One by one they found themselves slapped on the flank. As the vines touched them, each felt a tingling sensation before they felt extremely weak.

Phyllis groaned as she looked up at the vine that had just slapped her. To her shock and dismay, she saw her cutie mark trapped within a ball at the tip of the vine.

Sprout meanwhile had been one of the first to lose his cutie mark. However, despite his weekend state, he was trying his hardest to protect the other ponies. Bucking at the vines and trying to put himself between them and the others.

Glory meanwhile was doing her best to avoid the vines. Flying around, phone in hoof whilst she livestreamed. “Please help us Princess Pipp,” she said. “We need you and your friends.”

Meanwhile, at the Brighthouse, Starlight and Sunset had just been helped onto the large sofa. Starlight sat at one end whilst Sunset lay on her side at the other. Everypony suddenly 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.”

She turned her phone so the others could see. Glory’s stream was still playing as she desperately tried to avoid the purple vines. They all gasped as they saw Peach Stone’s cutie mark being taken as he tried to protect Peach Fizz.

Then, Glory shrieked in surprise before the phone tumbled to the ground and the feed went dead.

“Nooo!” Pipp gasped in dismay. “We need to help them!”

“But we can’t leave Starlight and Sunset like this,” Sunny replied worriedly.

“Yes you can,” Starlight responded. “You need to go and help everypony. You’ve got everything you need now.”

Sunny looked down at her necklace, her element. However, she then looked around at her friends and smiled.

“We’re going to defeat Opaline,” Sunny said resolutely. “Not because I’ve got my element. Because we’re friends and we’ll do it by working together in unity.”

“Sparky!” Hitch called. “Stay here little buddy and look after Sunset and Starlight.”

Sparky smiled and gave a salute. “Kay,” he squeaked.

“We know we can count on you Sparky,” Misty smiled as she rubbed his head affectionately.

With a final nod between them, Sunny and her friends ran out of the Brighthouse and towards Maretime Bay.

After watching them go, Sunset groaned and let her head flop onto the sofa before closing her eyes. Sparky looked at her, then he looked at the flask, the cup, and finally back to Sunset again.

“Straw,” he squeaked. “Need straw.”

With that, he scurried off towards the kitchen as fast as his little legs would go.

Starlight meanwhile grunted as she tried to make her leg more comfortable.

“Trust me to get hurt again,” she muttered.

“A fine pair we are,” Sunset groaned. “Is this what being Princess Celestia is like?”

“What? Waiting around for Twilight to save the day with her friends?” Starlight snorted with laughter. “Unlikely, we actually put up a fight.”

“I don’t remember putting up a fight,” Sunset moaned.

“Well, what do you remember?” Starlight asked with concern.

Sunset opened her eyes as she frowned, trying to remember.

“The Night Market,” she said at last. “Splitting up to find Misty. I’d suddenly gotten a headache, so I went to the portal to return to Maretime Bay.”

“Why?” Starlight asked looking confused.

“So I could become a pony again and use my pain relief spell,” Sunset smirked. “I don’t remember casting it though. I went through the portal, then the next thing I remember was being in Opaline’s throne room. Trapped in a huge sphere.”

She closed her eyes again and grimaced.

“You don’t need to say anymore,” Starlight advised.

“I couldn’t get out,” Sunset continued, ignoring Starlight. “I tried, I really tried but she’d thought of everything. I played right into her hoofs too. I completely exhausted my magic reserves trying to escape. Then she…she…”

Sunset trailed off, her face screwing up in pain at the memory.

“It’s okay. It’s okay Sunset, you don’t need to tell me anymore,” Starlight reaffirmed. “It’s over now, you’re safe.”

“There isn’t any more anyway,” Sunset answered. “The next thing I remember is waking up here. Seeing them stood with their elements,” she opened her eyes and smirked. “I presume rainbow lasers were involved in saving me.”

“Maybe,” Starlight replied with a small smile. “The most important thing right now is, they saved you. It’s all okay now.”

Sunset sighed and closed her eyes again, snuggling her muzzle into the soft cushioning. She remained silent, seemingly processing what had happened. However, after a short time, her eyes snapped open with a start.

“Peach Fizz!” she cried.

“Peach Fizz?” Starlight echoed. “What about her?”

Starlight gasped as Sunset tried to get up, grunting with exertion.

“We...we have to help her,” Sunset grunted as she pushed upwards with her forelegs.

“No, Sunset rest!” Sparky squeaked as he hopped onto the sofa with a straw in his claw. “No go, stay.”

Sunset panted and panted as she looked at Sparky in both confusion and amazement.

“Seems I’ve missed a lot,” Sunset chuckled.

“Well, whilst I missed the ruins of Canterlot, you missed out on the Dragon Lands,” Starlight responded. “Now, lay back down and tell us about Peach Fizz. What’s wrong?”

“She didn’t escape Opaline,” Sunset clarified as she laid back down. “Opaline did something to her. I don’t know what, all I know is it made her loyal to her. That was why there was static when I read her memory. That’s….That’s how Opaline captured me too.”

Starlight frowned with thought. Meanwhile, Sparky had been struggling with the lid on the flask. He whooped with joy as it finally loosened, and he was able to insert the straw.

“Drink,” he squeaked as he offered It towards Sunset. “Sunset drink.”

Sunset smiled, accepted the straw, and started drinking. Starlight meanwhile sighed with resignation.

“I think this is all up to Sunny and the others now,” she sighed. “I suspect Peach Fizz will be the least of their concerns for the moment. We’ll have to help her later.”

Sunset suddenly smiled. “Maybe there is one thing we could still do...”

Chapter Two – Vine Battle

Sunny gasped in shock as she and the others arrived in Maretime Bay. Ponies were running everywhere as they tried to escape the purple vines. These were sprouting from the ground all over the town.

Toots cried in dismay as a vine slapped his flank. The others watched helplessly as his cutie mark flashed and appeared within an orb at the end of the vine. Almost immediately, Toots groaned and collapsed to the ground, his eyes turning grey.

Sunny blinked and shook her head. “Come on everypony,” she cried. “We need to help!”

“B...But our cutie marks!” Pipp cried worriedly.

“It will be fine,” Misty replied as she turned around. “We just have to be careful.”

However, Misty cried in surprise as she felt something tap her flank. She whirled around to find a vine right behind her. Worriedly, she checked her flank to find her cutie mark was still there, before breathing a sigh of relief.

“The elements must be protecting us,” Zipp exclaimed. “Come on, let’s get these things.”

Feeling more confident, they all ran forward and started to attack the vines. Stomping at them with hoofs or blasting at them with magic.

“We need to find out where they are coming from,” Sunny instructed.

Hitch cried with surprise as a vine suddenly swiped at him. Impacting him in the side, he was flung through the air.

As he hit the ground he tumbled along the floor and into an alleyway. He tried to get up but his head was spinning so much he had to sit back down.

“You decided to turn up then?” a familiar voice said.

Hitch turned to see Phyllis was cowering in a corner, her cutie mark already missing.

“Har, Har,” Hitch groaned. “Unfortunately, we were dealing with another problem. Seems this was a coordinated attack on the town.”

“It’s not just here,” Phyllis replied gravely.

Meanwhile, Sunny was at the front and blasting away at vines as she fought her way forward. Ahead, she could see Glory, Seashell and Peach Fizz who were being protected by Sprout and Peach Stone. As Sunny got closer, she could see that Peach Fizz was laid on the ground, unconscious. Seashell meanwhile still had her cutie mark, but Glory did not.

Sprout and Peach Stone were doing their best, but it was clear the vines were being drawn towards Seashell specifically. For each one they bucked away, another seemingly appeared.

Sunny jumped and flew forward, firing a blast of magic from her horn she destroyed multiple vines easily. She landed the other side of the fillies as Sprout and Peach Stone formed a defensive triangle with her.

“Show off,” Sprout groaned as he bucked another vine away.

“You’re doing fine,” Sunny responded as she blasted another. “Where did these things come from?”

“The tree,” Seashell replied. “They’ve taken Glory’s and Peach Fizz’s cutie marks already.”

“But not yours,” Peach Stone responded.

“We won’t let them either,” Sprout added.

“Wow, look at you Sprout,” Sunny gasped. “Taking the Guard life to heart I see.”

Sprout said nothing in response, he just continued battering back vines as they came near.

“Peach Fizz won’t wake up,” Glory moaned as she nursed a damaged wing. “A vine got her, and she just passed out.”

Sunny blasted another group of vines away before looking down at Peach Fizz. Sure enough, her cutie mark was missing.

“Ugh, we need to get everypony to safely somehow,” Sunny groaned. “To Zephyr Heights or Bridlewood maybe.”

“There will be no help from either of them,” Hitch shouted as he arrived and skidded to a stand.

He gasped and whirled around to deliver a well-aimed buck over Seashell’s head at a vine.

“Vines are attacking both of them too,” he explained. “All of Equestria is under attack!”

“No!” Sunny exclaimed. “It’s too much. We can barely do anything for Maretime Bay. How are we supposed to protect Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights at the same time?”

“We could split up,” Hitch suggested.

“No, we need to be together,” Sunny replied. “Our friendship is strongest when we all stand together united. We can’t do that if we split up.”

“Then rely on your other friends,” a voice said from above them.

Sunny and the others looked up with surprise as Spike Junior glided over them. He landed nearby and proceeded to blast fire at a group of vines which made them wither away.

“Spike,” Sunny gasped. “Thank you.”

“What are friends for?” Spike Junior chuckled. “Blaize is on her way to Zephyr Heights whilst Tumble is going to Bridlewood. We’d have been here sooner, but the same thing was happening back home. Once we’d cleared the vines out I realised we were all better equipped to handle it.”

Sunny looked up to see more and more dragons were arriving. She couldn’t believe it as they started landing and blasting vines with their fire.

“Thank you,” Sunny gasped again. “Thank you so much for coming and helping.”

“Think nothing of it, Princess Sunny,” Spike Junior smiled as he leapt forward. “We’ll beat this together.”

“I…I’m not a princess,” Sunny gasped before frowning and blasting another vine that had sprung up beside her.

Elsewhere, Opaline smiled as she watched the cutie marks within the sphere swirl around and around. “That’s it,” she grinned. “That’s it, just a few more then I should have enough.”

She blinked as she spotted a familiar cutie mark float by before she finally recognised it.

“Oh, my dear Peach Fizz,” she cooed. “Oh well, you served me so well. I wish I’d done that to Misty sooner. She’d have become my herald then.”

Opaline looked to the door of the castle and sighed. “Speaking of it would seem my dear Nightmare hasn’t returned either.”

She looked back at the sphere and watched as another cutie mark appeared in the pool below it. It swirled around within the pool, circulating where the sphere intersected the water. Finally, it was absorbed into the sphere where it joined the others. Frowning, Opaline noted no more cutie marks were appearing.

“Seems I must have them all,” she noted. “Or I need to give it the personal touch to mop up the last. No matter, this should surely be enough to finally destroy that fool Twilight’s barrier spell.”

Opaline spread her wings widely, purple fire erupting from her feathers as she did so. Grinning, her horn flared as she shot a beam of energy at the sphere. Immediately, the cutie marks stopped rotating within the sphere and began being drawn to Opaline’s beam. She cried with joy as she could feel the additional power absorbing into herself.

“Yes! Yes!” she cried. “More! I want more!”

Her hoofs left the ground as she continued to absorb the raw cutie mark energy. Laughing maniacally, she cried with joy as the last of the power was emptied from the sphere. Surrounded by a light purple aura, Opaline grinned as she gave a powerful flap of her wings which shot her skywards.

The ceiling and roof of the castle gave no resistance as Opaline smashed through them. Then, above the castle walls, she cackled as she felt the crackling energy of Twilight’s barrier spell. However, whilst previously it felt like it would deliver a shock of high intensity. In her powered-up state, it was nothing more than a tingle.

“Take this Twilight Sparkle,” Opaline roared.

Her horn flared as she rotated her head, a blast of fiery magic shot forth and impacted the barrier. As with every other time, Twilight’s cutie mark appeared in the barrier’s energy. However, the blast was far too powerful for it to withstand.

With an ear-splitting crack, the barrier shattered. The image of Twilight’s cutie mark fading away.

Opaline laughed and laughed as she hovered in the air for a moment. Purple fire was still emitting from her wings with each flap.

Barely able to contain herself, Opaline flew forward. All too soon, she was beyond the limits of the castle’s walls. “You lose, Twilight Sparkle,” Opaline shouted. “Get ready Sunny Starscout, Misty Brightdawn, Starlight Glimmer, I’m coming for you and your friends!”

With that, Opaline spotted the prisbeam which she could just see on the horizon from her elevated position. With a grin, she flapped her wings and flew off towards it at immense speed.

Chapter Three – Brighthouse Defence

On the balcony of the Brighthouse, there was a flash as a sofa appeared. Sat on it were two battered-looking ponies and a small dragon.

“Owowowow,” Starlight groaned as she held her leg. “I never realised teleporting could be so painful.”

“You sure we’re not like the princesses?” Sunset grunted.

“The princesses wouldn’t be preparing a final defence,” Starlight winked before she frowned. “Wait, actually maybe they would if they were able, like we are.”

“We’re exactly like the princesses then,” Sunset smirked. “We’re battered and bruised but still trying to help. Even though we’re basically waiting for others to save the day now.”

“How would you know that?” Starlight frowned. “You’ve been in the human world for all the world-ending events.”

“Oh, I’ve heard all the stories,” Sunset replied casually as she waved a hoof.

Sunset had been watching Sparky as he turned the pages of the book that was before her. Suddenly, he arrived at the one she wanted. “Stop, Sparky,” she said. “This is the one we need.”

“Good, now Sunset drink,” Sparky squeaked as he offered the flask towards Sunset again.

“Steady on Sparky,” Sunset chuckled. “If I keep drinking, I’ll end up needing the loo!”

“It’s making you feel better though, isn’t it?” Starlight smiled. “Now, what are those instructions?”

Meanwhile, the others had finally made it to the Together Tree, having battled back as many of the vines as they could.

“I…Is that it?” Pipp groaned as she sat down.

“I’m not sure,” Izzy gasped as she looked around.

“I h…hope it is,” Misty panted as she flumped onto the ground.

“I think that’s it,” Sunny replied as she looked around. “At least it is here in Maretime Bay, but what about Bridlewood or Zephyr Heights?”

Pipp produced her phone and proceeded to start checking her feeds. After a few moments, she let out a large groan and slumped forwards, looking at the ground.

“Not good then?” Misty asked as she lifted herself from the floor.

“No,” Pipp sighed as she looked up. “The Dragons are doing their best from the look of it but there’s still a lot of those vines to clear back.”

“Then we’ll go and help,” Spike Junior responded. “Dragons, split into two groups. One to Zephyr Heights to help Blaize, the other to Bridlewood with me to help Tumble’s group.”

“What about us Sunny?” Hitch asked.

Sunny blinked with surprise as all eyes looked towards her. “M…Me?” she gasped. “Hitch you’re the Sheriff.”

“And you’re the Alicorn,” Zipp smirked. “Sorry couldn’t resist. Seriously though, we’ll follow you anywhere Sunny so please just say the word.”

Sunny gulped but looked at the reassuring faces of her friends before smiling. However, whatever thought she had was suddenly made irrelevant as they spotted a purple streak in the air. “Oh no,” Sunny gasped.

“Opaline?” Misty cried. “H…how?”

“The cutie mark energy,” Zipp gasped. “She’s used it to escape.”

“Well, that’s made up your minds,” Spike Junior said as he started taking off. “Leave helping Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights to us. You deal with her.”

“We will,” Sunny smiled. “We’ve everything we need right here. Thank you again.”

Spike Junior nodded as he and the other Dragons flew off. Some headed to Zephyr Heights and others joined Spike Junior as he flew towards Bridlewood.

“Opaline’s headed to the Brighthouse,” Hitch informed as he looked out to sea.

“Then let’s get there as fast as possible,” Sunny replied. “Ugh, if only I’d had more time to practice Teleporting.”

Misty squeaked as multiple sets of eyes suddenly turned towards her. “Don’t look at me! I could maybe get half of us there but that won’t be enough.”

“Then hoof and wing it is,” Zipp responded.

“Yeah, we need to stick together,” Sunny agreed. “Once we’re there we use the elements.”

Pipp groaned as she pulled herself onto her hoofs. “Okay, let’s go before she beats us to the crystals or something else happens.”

With a nod, they all started galloping and flying back towards the Brighthouse.

Meanwhile, Starlight blinked with confusion and disbelief as she realised what the spell that she had just cast was. “I can’t believe he’ll actually let us publish this,” she muttered.

“It worked though, didn’t it?” Sunset responded as she took another swig from the flask of revitalisation drink.

“Yes, it did,” Starlight frowned. “Almost like Twilight expected us to use this to shore up her barrier spell.”

“Hey, time travel remember,” Sunset smirked.

“What happened to being careful?” Starlight grinned.

They were abruptly interrupted by Sparky who’d begun frantically jumping up and down and pointing towards the sky. “Opaline, Opaline,” he squeaked.

Opaline growled as she spotted the sofa and those sitting on it. Her attention was drawn to Sunset specifically. Her being there confirmed it, Nightmare Shimmer had been defeated.

As she neared the Brighthouse, she suddenly started to feel a familiar crackling of energy. Frowning, she came to a stop and hovered, studying the two ponies that sat before her.

Sunset and Starlight watched Opaline carefully. They could see the purple aura that was being emitted from her, and her wings were leaving fiery trails each time they flapped. It was clear to them that she was more powerful than before.

“Oh, I’m surprised to see you’re here,” Starlight smirked. “I didn’t think you liked being outside.”

Sunset held a hoof to her mouth to suppress a laugh. Opaline’s eyes narrowed as she scowled at Starlight. “From what I can see, you’re in no position to make smart comments. Have trouble, did you?”

“Not really,” Starlight smiled sweetly. “Your herald isn’t here anymore.”

“I can see that,” Opaline scowled towards Sunset.

“I said we’d make it back to our time,” Sunset frowned.

“Which doesn’t mean I lose,” Opaline growled.

“Doesn’t mean you win either,” Sunset chuckled.

“Enough smart comments, you were much better off as my herald,” Opaline snarled. “Now you’ll both burn.”

Opaline’s horn flared, then after a moment to build energy, she fired a ball of fiery magic towards the Brighthouse. There was a flash as Twilight’s cutie mark appeared, a ripple of energy emanating out from where the ball impacted a green dome which was now visible.

Opaline smirked. “I knew it, there is another protection barrier here. No matter, I’ll break it like I did the last one.”

“Give it your best shot,” Starlight shouted confidently.

Opaline growled as she charged up another blast, this time a stream of fiery magic shot forth from her horn. It impacted the dome with a flash, Twilight’s cutie mark appearing as before. Opaline growled and poured more energy into the beam, intensifying its power.

Starlight studied the dome carefully. Just as cracks slowly started to appear, she lit her horn up and aimed upwards. She let a blast of magic rocket skywards and it impacted the inside of the dome. A ripple of green energy emanated outwards, and any cracks were immediately repaired. After the ripple impacted the ground the dome flashed, its strength restored.

Opaline cried out in annoyance as she stopped her beam. She hovered, snarling at Starlight.

“Don’t snarl at me,” Starlight grinned. “This was Sunset’s idea.”

“Thank Shining Armour, it’s his spell,” Sunset smirked. ““You won’t be getting anywhere near the crystals.”

“Not whilst we’re here,” Starlight added. “Then when they get here, Sunny and her friends will defeat you together.”

Opaline roared as she began bombarding the dome. Flying around and around as she battered it from all angles. Twilight’s cutie mark reappeared each time the dome was hit.

Every so often, Starlight shot her own beam upwards at the underside of the dome. Each time she did so, it’s strength and resistance were restored.

Eventually, Opaline stopped. Hovering in the air she panted for breath, snarling, and growling with anger and hatred.

“Did anyone ever tell you how annoying you are, Glimmer?” she growled.

“Maybe a certain changeling queen,” Starlight smirked. “ I can’t take all the credit here though. There are three of us sitting here.”

Opaline snarled as she watched Sunset studying the spell book with Sparky’s help. Her eyes narrowed as her nostrils flared, panting as she racked her brain for what to do. However, she was shaken from her thoughts when she suddenly heard a voice.

“Opaline!” Sunny shouted as she flew straight at Opaline from below.

Opaline snarled with surprise as she was suddenly hit by Sunny’s shield. Blindsided, she began to plummet towards the ground. However, her horn flared and there was a burst of purple fire as she teleported.

She reappeared on the path toward Maretime Bay, facing towards the Brighthouse. She growled as she looked up at the group of ponies now standing in her path.

Sunny landed in the middle of her group of friends as they stood in a semicircle. Pipp and Zipp were on either side of her, their wings flared and determined looks on their faces. Next to them were Misty and Izzy. Whilst Izzy had a look of concentration, there was a look of apprehension on Misty’s face. However, Hitch stood alongside her supportively.

“Look, the cavalry is here,” Sunset commented.

“Not a moment too soon,” Starlight smiled. “Almost as if we planned it!”

To be continued…

Chapter Four – Divide and Conquer

Opaline scowled as she looked at Sunny and her friends, studying them. The necklaces around each of their necks were clear to see.

“So that is how you defeated my Nightmare,” Opaline snarled. “Those little trinkets won’t work on me.”

“They might not be the Elements of Harmony, but they’re just as powerful,” Sunny replied. “You’re right, we’ve already used them to defeat Nightmare Shimmer and save Sunset. Our friendship and Unity will prevail Opaline. Whilst we’re together, there is still hope and we can do anything.”

“Really? We’ll see about that.” Opaline grinned with a look of intent in her eye.

Her horn flared as she sent a blast of purple fiery magic towards the group. Sunny gasped and instinctively leapt forward, creating a shield to protect her friends. She had no idea that was the reaction Opaline had been banking on.

Sunny grunted as the fire impacted her shield, it was much stronger than she had been expecting. She was still in mid jump, so she had no purchase on the ground. Therefore, she cried out in surprise as her forward momentum disappeared. She tried flapping her wings, but the blast was too strong, and she found herself being forced backwards.

The others gasped and jumped clear. Powerless to help Sunny as she rocketed past them and slammed into the dome around the Brighthouse. She landed in a heap at the base, completely dazed and stunned.

Gasping, Misty fired a beam of magic toward Opaline whilst her friends scattered. However, Opaline cackled as the shot harmlessly impacted her shield.

“Oh, isn’t this adorable,” Opaline smirked as she fired back.

Misty squeaked as she teleported to dodge, the blast of fire missing as a result.

“Oh, learned a few tricks have we Misty?” Opaline smiled. “I knew you had talent in you.”

“Too bad you didn’t give her chance to show it,” Zipp shouted as she dived towards Opaline.

Opaline laughed as Zipp bounced harmlessly off her shield. Tumbling head over hoof as a result, Zipp ended up crashing into a nearby bush.

“You’ll regret that,” Hitch cried.

Both his forehoofs glowed as he reared up. Slamming them both into the ground, vines sprouted from below Opaline. However, they couldn’t penetrate her shield and therefore began to grow up around it.

Opaline laughed as she created a whirl of fire around herself. Effortlessly burning away the vines. She started shooting blasts of fiery magic at Misty, Hitch, and Izzy who were running around to dodge. Misty was shooting back with her magic whilst Izzy was picking up anything she could and lobbing it at Opaline.

Meanwhile, Pipp was trying to crawl her way towards Sunny. Eyes wide and looking terrified she yelped as she nearly got hit by a burst of fiery magic.

“I’m not cut out for fighting like this,” she gasped. “I’m not a fighter. I’m a pop princess and a social media icon.”

Opaline chuckled, barely breaking a sweat as she continued to shoot fiery blasts at the ponies as they ran around. All the time, she was keeping an eye on Pipp. Therefore, as Pipp finally reached her goal, Opaline grinned and decided it was about time to enact her plan.

Sunny groaned and blinked as her vision cleared. She smiled as she saw Pipp in front of her. Pipp smiled too as she offered out a hoof. However, before either could say anything, Pipp cried out in surprise as a purple vine plant suddenly sprouted from the ground below her. Its tendrils wrapped around her body and legs as she was lifted into the air.

“Nooo,” Sunny cried holding a hoof out towards Pipp.

She scrambled to her hoofs, instantly regretting it as dizziness overtook her. She fell to the ground again, her head spinning with disorientation. Groaning, she looked up and gasped as she saw both Pipp and Zipp were held in the air by purple vine plants, entangled in their tendrils.

Grinning at her success Opaline reared up. Her forehoofs glowed purple before she slammed them both into the ground. Shoots of purple spread outwards through the ground all around her. Hitch, Izzy and Misty, gasped as purple plants suddenly shot out of the ground below them. All three had no time to react as they were entangled and lifted upwards by the plants. They cried out in surprise and began to struggle but it was no use, they were completely ensnared and helpless.

“As fun as that was, it’s time for the five of you to take a nap,” Opaline smirked.

She lifted one of her forehoofs, it glowed purple again before she slammed it into the floor. Purple buds suddenly grew from the vines that were entangling Sunny’s friends. They quickly bloomed into small purple flowers which then ejected clouds of spores.

They all cried out in surprise and concern. Unable to get away they had no choice but to eventually breathe in the spores. One by one, they all fell asleep.

“N...no,” Sunny gasped as she tried to stand again.

Her head was still spinning though, and she tottered unsteadily on her hoofs. Therefore, there was nothing she could do as Opaline slammed another glowing hoof into the ground. This caused the plants that were holding Sunny’s friends to pull them downwards. One by one, they disappeared into the ground completely.

To Sunny's dismay, there was barely any trace of her friends left on the surface. Just five patches of bare earth. Shaking her head as it finally cleared, Sunny growled with annoyance as she spread her wings. “What have you done with them?!” she demanded.

“Oh, don’t worry, they’ve taken a little trip,” Opaline smirked. “You’ll be joining them soon enough.”

Sunny gasped as Opaline flared her wings and took to the air. Scowling, Sunny took to the air herself and set off in pursuit. Before long they were both engaged in a dogfight. Swirling around the Brighthouse as they jockeyed for position. Opaline laughed as she took the lead, letting Sunny’s blasts of magic bounce harmlessly from her shield.

From their position on the balcony, Sunset and Starlight watched on with concern.

“She’s toying with her,” Sunset commented.

“I think deep down Sunny will know that,” Starlight responded. “The only chance they had were the elements.”

“Opaline’s played the old divide and conquer routine,” Sunset sighed. “Sunny’s no match for her alone. Not after she’s gotten all that cutie mark magic.”

Starlight frowned before trying to move. She grunted and closed her eyes as pain shot through her body from her leg.

“Yeah, I’m not going anywhere,” she sighed.

“Me neither,” Sunset groaned. “The drink has helped but I can still feel it. My magic is drained.”

They both looked on helplessly as the aerial battle raged above.

Sunny frowned as she followed Opaline into a cloud. Tears were slowly welling in the corners of her eyes. What hope was there now her friends had been taken and she was alone? She remembered their first fight with Opaline, how despite working together with Starlight and Sunset they’d barely gotten away.

Sunny blinked back the tears and frowned with determination as her cutie mark glowed. “No, there is always hope,” she said.

That was it, she would find them, she would save them, then together they’d beat Opaline.

Sunny burst out of the cloud and her eyes widened. “What? Nonono,” she gasped. “Where is she?”

Opaline had disappeared completely. Turning sharply, Sunny scanned the sky in desperation. Her head turning this way and that as she tried to catch sight of Opaline. However, she didn’t look down, and that would be her undoing.

Opaline laughed as she slammed into Sunny from below. Sunny cried out as her world was suddenly spinning as she tumbled head over hoof. Desperately she tried to regain control, but with so little experience everything she did seemed to make matters worse. Soon, she became completely disorientated as she plummeted towards the ground.

Whilst it would have been easy to let Sunny fall, it seemed Opaline had other plans. Therefore, there was a flash as she appeared on the ground in front of the Brighthouse. She reared up as both her hoofs glowed purple again before she slammed them both into the ground.

There was a rumbling sound as a huge purple vine burst through the ground. It grew upwards at great speed as Sunny fell towards it. Its tendrils reached out and grabbed Sunny, stopping her from falling but also wrapping around her legs and body, entangling her.

Sunny gasped and panted. Her head was still spinning, and she couldn’t move. Then, her powers flickered and disappeared as she passed out completely.

Opaline cackled as Sunny went limp in the grasp of the vine. “Too easy,” she laughed as she once again slammed the ground with a glowing hoof.

Above on the Brighthouse balcony, Sunset and Starlight watched helplessly as the vine pulled Sunny down into the ground. Then, they looked at each other as Opaline took off and flew upwards so she was level with them, a huge triumphant grin on her face.

“Whatever you are up to, you won’t get the crystals,” Starlight snarled.

“From where I’m flying it’s only a matter of time,” Opaline grinned. “Let’s see how you get on once I’ve gained the power of those elements.”

With that, she turned and flew away at breakneck speed towards her castle. Meanwhile, Sunset, Starlight and Sparky looked at each other with concern.

Chapter Five – Prisoners

“S…Sunny? Everypony, I think she’s waking up!”

“Your right Misty, she is waking up. Sunny?”

“Are you okay, Sunny?”

“Please be okay, Sunny?”

“Speak to us, Sunny.”

Sunny let out a groan as her eyes fluttered open. “I…I’m here,” she groaned. “I’m here.”

“Don’t move Sunny,” Zipp advised.

“What do you mean?” Sunny grunted as she raised her head and blearily looked around. “Where are we?”

“Opaline’s throne room,” Izzy informed.

“What?” Sunny gasped as her eyes snapped fully open. “No, we…”

Despite what she’d been told, in her half-awake state, Sunny immediately started moving. Or at least trying to, her legs and body were being held by something. She cried out as whatever it was tightened its hold.

“Sunny, don’t move. It only makes you weaker,” Hitch advised.

“Don’t try magic either,” Misty added.

Sunny grunted and started to take more notice of her situation. The purple vine that had caught her earlier was still holding onto her. Its tendrils were wrapped tightly around her body and legs, restricting her movements. This also meant she was being held a few feet from the floor, suspended by the plant in mid-air.

Carefully, she looked around and felt some relief as she realised all her friends were there. However, they were in the same situation as she was. Restrained by purple vines which held them above the floor. They were all covered in dirt and dust from their trip through the ground.

The vine plants were growing in a circle around Opaline’s caldron pool. Each pony was being held so they were looking at the pool and had one of their friends directly opposite. They were also spaced out so nopony could reach and help one another.

Purple lines in the ground led from each vine to small spheres which were located on the very edge of the pool. Within these spheres, were a series of familiar objects.

“They’re artefacts from Twilight Sparkle and her friends,” Zipp advised having spotted where Sunny was looking.

“The hat and jacket that was stolen from Kendi, they’re both here,” Hitch added.

Sunny said nothing as she now looked at the pool itself, the water was a deep shade of purple. However, it was the sphere above the pool that Sunny noticed the most. She didn’t know it, but it was the same one that Opaline had trapped Sunset and collected the cutie marks in.

What was drawing Sunny’s attention were the six small balls within the sphere, each containing one of their cutie marks. These were flying around inside the sphere, leaving trails of purple energy behind them. Like shooting stars streaking across a night sky. The trail behind the one with Hitch’s cutie mark was the longest, closely followed by Zipp’s, then Misty’s. Sunny gasped as she felt herself getting weaker, noticing the trail behind the ball with her cutie mark grew as a result.

Sunny looked back at Hitch, Zipp and Misty. Their breathing was getting noticeably slower and more laboured. The purple vines holding them were glowing, streaks of energy travelling through them from each Pony into the ground.

“We have to break this somehow,” Sunny frowned. “There has to be a way to get out of this.”

“It’s no good,” Zipp gasped. “If we try to escape, we get weaker faster.”

“Save your energy,” Hitch implored. “Don’t try to struggle.”

Sunny frowned; she couldn’t resist trying to carefully move one of her legs. She grunted as the vine holding her tightened its grip and she felt her energy sapping away into it quicker. Her heart sank and she closed her eyes and grimaced. It suddenly felt like they were in an impossible situation.

“D...Don’t use your powers,” Misty begged. “I tried magic already, but it didn’t work. It only made me weaker.”

Sunny opened her eyes and saw Misty’s sorrowful expression.

“She’s doing this on purpose,” Misty groaned. “She always liked strange punishments.”

“Don’t worry Misty, I wasn’t trying my powers. I…I just...” Sunny trailed off and then frowned with determination. “No! We can’t just give up. There’s got to be a way out of this, there has to be.”

“That’s it Sunny,” Izzy smiled. “If anypony can stay positive it’s you. I agree, we will get out of this, somehow.”

Sunny looked around again as she tried to come up with something, anything that would help. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “Zipp, your wings,” she gasped. “They’re not held by the vine, can you...”

Meanwhile, Pipp had been slowly working to get something that she hoped would help. Despite her situation, she’d done it! With small movements from her wings, she’d managed to get her phone in hoof.

In the meantime, Zipp had been arguing with Sunny. She’d tried using her wings to escape already and nothing had worked. However, she stopped as she suddenly spotted her sister looking at her phone.

“Oh, come on, Pipp,” Zipp sighed with exasperation. “What is it with you and your phone? This isn’t…”

“Yes, it is,” Pipp responded. “We need help.”

“So, how will your phone help us?” Hitch asked. “I bet you don’t even have a signal.”

“She will have,” Misty answered. “I always did, not super strong but it was enough to watch that cooking show you made.”

“Okay, so please tell us how it’s going to help?” Hitch asked.

“Unity,” Sunny gasped. “Opaline may have used the Together Trees against us. But we can use them against her too.”

“Wait, wait that’s right we can!” Zipp cried excitedly.

She cried out as the vine holding her tightened its grip. The amount of energy being pulled from her noticeably increased. The others cried in shock as Zipp grimaced and took deep breaths to calm her excitement before explaining.

“The roots of the Together Trees are connected together,” she explained. “They spread all over Equestria, so the ponies are all connected. If these vines are the same as those that she took the cutie marks with...”

“She’s connected us directly to the trees and therefore with everypony else too,” Misty gasped.

“We’re all strongest when we stand together in unity,” Sunny smiled.

“Oh, what a delightfully redundant statement.”

They all gasped as Opaline slowly flew down from the hole in the ceiling. A huge smile on her face as she surveyed the scene before her.

“I could keep pounding that shield around your silly Brighthouse until that fool Starlight can’t shore it up anymore. But where is the fun in that?” she smirked as she landed and began walking around. “You can’t stand together in unity when you can’t even stand. You’re powerless to do anything and if you try, you’ll just become weaker.”

She laughed hysterically as she continued to walk around the outside of the restrained ponies. “I’ll drain you all dry, and then you will all become my new heralds,” she grinned. “Together, we will beat down that barrier, take the Unity Crystals and root out any of the last remaining cutie marks there are out there. How does that sound?”

“Terrible,” Misty responded as she glared at Opaline with defiance.

“Oh Misty,” Opaline cooed with mock hurt. “You used to be so diligent and devoted, I thought we were family. don’t you remember when you were sick? Or that time when you broke your leg? I cared for you night and day until you were better.”

Misty gulped as her eyes widened. Memories of Opaline caring for her flashed in her mind. Had that been actual care and worry?

The others gasped as they felt the vines hold on them tighten, clearly Opaline didn’t want them to interfere. However, that didn’t stop Sunny.

“Misty,” she groaned. “Remember how you got your cutie mark? How you got your element? You’re our friend and we can be your family now. She took you, stole you away from your actual family. We’ll help you find them if you want, she won’t.”

Misty closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. “Nice try Opaline,” she frowned as she opened her eyes. “I’ve seen what being your herald is actually like. I don’t want to be your Nightmare Brightdawn or whatever you’d call me. It doesn’t matter if you looked after me at times. You still only had one goal and you used me like a tool to reach it.”

Opaline scowled as she stared at Misty. Then she stared at Sunny with utter hatred before looking at the sphere.

“Well, Misty,” she spat. “You may not want to be my herald but none of you has a choice. Your friend Sunset found there was no escaping me. It’s only a matter of time until you are all nicely drained and I can start the treatment.”

With that, she turned and walked towards the ramp to head upstairs to the study.

“Why are you doing all this Opaline?” Sunny asked suddenly. “Why do you want all the power in Equestria?”

Opaline stopped, chuckling she turned back to look at Sunny directly.

“Simple, I want what was supposed to have been mine and what was promised to me,” she smiled. “I tried playing the good pony game long ago. However, it didn’t work. Ponies looked at me with fear. So, I’ll rule them all with an iron hoof and then they can both fear and love me.”

As she turned to continue to the ramp, out of the corner of her eye Opaline spotted Pipp holding something. She looked at Pipp more closely and frowned at the phone with confusion. She rolled her eyes and continued upstairs towards her study. Leaving the six ponies to their fate.

Meanwhile, in Maretime Bay, Glory and Seashell gasped and smiled as Peach Fizz finally started to move.

“W...What happened?” Peach Fizz groaned as her eyes fluttered open, and she slowly lifted her head.

“It was Opaline,” Glory said. “She’s taken everypony’s cutie mark.”

Peach Fizz blinked groggily before looking back at her flank to see it was now empty.

“You blacked out when yours was taken,” Seashell added. “We were worried about you.”

Peach Fizz groaned again and closed her eyes. Placing a hoof to her head in pain.

“I...I can’t remember anything,” she moaned. “I...I don’t...”

Seashell and Glory looked at each other with concern. They knelt down and put their hoofs around Peach Fizz.

Peach Fizz smiled as she felt her friend's embrace before gasping as she opened her eyes. “O...Opaline,” she gasped. “The mist, she took me. I couldn’t get away and she made me drink some yellow liquid. It did something to me. I don’t remember anything after that.”

Peach Fizz closed her eyes again and screwed up her face.

“It’s okay,” Glory gasped as she hugged tighter.

“We’re here for you,” Seashell added.

Peach Fizz opened her eyes as she rose into a seating position. She flung her legs around both her friends. “I…I think I’m okay now,” she replied. “I know I’ve got you both to look out for me. Can we stick together, please?”

They shared a long embrace before each got a notification on their phones, one they had heard many times before.

Frowning, they broke off the embrace and extracted their phones. Glory’s sporting a cracked screen following her fall. They looked at each other with confusion as they saw it was a livestream from Pipp.

“Why’s she livestreaming?” Glory asked. “Wait, do you think they’ve defeated Opaline?”

“I hope so,” Peach Fizz grinned.

“There’s only one way we’ll know,” Seashell answered.

They each opened the stream and gasped as an image of a dishevelled and dirty Pipp appeared.

“Pippsqueaks,” Pipp hissed. “My friends and I need your help, all of you.”

The quality of the stream wasn’t good, and it was clear that Pipp was trying not to be heard by somepony. However, what was also clear were the purple vines that were wrapped around Pipp's body.

“We’re trapped in Opaline’s castle,” Pipp continued. “We need your help to escape. Get to your Together Tree!”

“By standing together in unity we are all stronger,” Sunny said from off-screen. “You can send your strength to us.”

“Then we can use that strength to escape Opaline and defeat her,” Zipp added.

“Please, tell your friends, your brothers, your sisters, your parents,” Pipp said. “We need you. If all of you are together at the trees, you’ll help us defeat Opaline. Remember, we’ve got the magic in us. All of us.”

Suddenly, Pipp gasped and looked up with concern. There were hushed and unintelligible voices in the background before the stream ended abruptly.

To be continued...

Chapter Six – We’ve got the Magic

After watching Pipp’s livestream, Glory, Seashell and Peach Fizz looked at each other with a mixture of concern and confusion.

“What did she mean?” Peach Fizz asked.

“I...I think I get it,” Glory responded suddenly as she looked at the tree.

“Me too,” Seashell smiled. “Come on, I know what we need to do.”

With that, Seashell got up and started running. Glory quickly followed, leaving a confused Peach Fizz behind. However, after a moment she got to her hoofs and started running after her two friends.

“Wait for me,” she cried. “I want to stay with you!”

Seashell and Glory were soon running all around town, speaking with everypony they met. Peach Fizz puffed and panted as she tried to keep up. Her head was still hurting, and she couldn’t hear what her friends were saying to everypony. As time went on, she got increasingly confused. “W...what are we doing?” she shouted.

“Getting everypony to the tree,” Seashell replied.

“Why?” Peach Fizz groaned.

“Because Princess Pipp said everypony needs to be at the tree to help them,” Glory explained.

“But how’s that going to help?” Peach Fizz asked. “I want to help Princess Pipp and her friends, but I don’t understand.”

“Everypony being together will help,” Seashell explained. “We’ve got the magic.”

“But we don’t though,” Peach Fizz responded. “She’s taken our cutie marks just like she took my memory.”

“We’ve got magic that nopony can take,” Seashell grinned.

“When we’re together, nothing can stop us,” Glory added. “We can do anything.”

“Peach Fizz, go back to the tree and wait for us,” Seashell advised. “We’ll come to you. We promise we won’t be long.”

Peach Fizz said nothing more. She panted and grunted while she continued to struggle to keep up. She still didn’t understand, but she knew she needed and wanted to be with her friends. However, they didn’t realise she was still following.

Eventually, after running all over town, Glory and Seashell finally stopped.

“I think that’s everypony,” Glory said.

“Let’s get to the tree then,” Seashell replied.

As they both turned and started heading towards the tree, they gasped as they saw Peach Fizz was running towards them.

Peach Fizz groaned as she saw them heading toward her. She turned and tried to keep up as they passed her but soon found herself being left behind again.

“I thought you’d be at the tree Peach Fizz,” Seashell said with concern.

“Come on Peach Fizz,” Glory encouraged. “You can do it.”

“I…I’m trying,” Peach Fizz gasped. “Please w...wait up.”

“We don’t have time,” Seashell grunted as she started to speed up.

Glory gasped, she didn’t want to leave Peach Fizz behind but knew Seashell was right. They needed to get to the tree. She went slower than Seashell and kept an eye on Peach Fizz.

As Seashell passed under the bridge, she was surprised to find a worried-looking Sparky. He was looking around town, seemingly lost and confused. However, his eyes widened with relief as he saw them. “Friends gone, taken,” he squeaked. “Need help.”

“Princess Pipp sent instructions on a live stream,” Seashell informed as she skidded to a stand.

“Everypony needs to get to the Together Trees,” Glory added as she caught up.

“Okay,” Sparky smiled. “Go, I get Sunset and Starlight.”

“Sunset?” Glory gasped.

“Sunset saved,” Sparky grinned. “You go tree. I fetch.”

Peach Fizz groaned as Glory and Seashell began running again just as she caught up. She watched Sparky running in the opposite direction but continued after her friends.

“Please slow down,” Peach Fizz shouted.

“We’re going to the tree now,” Seashell shouted back.

“Take your time,” Glory added. “We’ve got this.”

“N...No,” Peach Fizz panted. “W...We’ve got th...this together. I don’t want to be on my own!”

Glory and Seashell looked at each other with concern and nodded, Peach Fizz was right. They skidded to a stop before they looked back and waited until Peach Fizz finally caught up to them. Then, together they continued towards the tree.

Eventually, Seashell, Glory and Peach Fizz made it back to the tree. They squeezed their way through to the front of the crowd to find Phyllis was stood being questioned by Toots.

“So why are we all here again?” he asked.

“I told you Toots. I don’t know why we’re all here,” Phyllis sighed. “I’m not in charge, I’ve just resigned from the council this morning.”

“We’re here to stand together in unity,” Seashell shouted.

“We’ve got the magic in us,” Glory added.

“Together we’re stronger and we need to send that strength to Princess Pipp and her friends,” Seashell smiled.

“And, just how will standing here do that?” Toots asked.

Seashell and Glory looked at each other unsurely as there was a flash nearby.

A sofa appeared with two ponies and a dragon sat atop it.

“I see you two haven’t lost your cutie marks,” Phyllis commented.

Starlight grunted with pain as she held her leg. “Oh sorry,” she frowned. “Maybe you would like to have been thrown through a wall instead?”

Phyllis blinked before spotting Starlight’s swollen leg along with the cuts and bruises all over her body. “Oh my, I’m so sorry Starlight I didn’t realise. Toots, you used to be our first aider at CanterLogic.”

“Oh, yes,” Toots gasped looking surprised. “I can help with that.”

Whilst Toots started to help Starlight. Peach Fizz gasped as she hurried over to Seashell and Glory. “Some of the ponies are starting to leave.”

“But they can’t,” Glory gasped. “We need everypony here.”

“Then they need a reason to stay here,” Peach Fizz responded. “I don’t get why Princess Pip wants us here and many others don’t either. If we did something everypony can join in with, it would keep everypony here.”

Seashell gasped as her eyes lit up with glee. “I know what we need to do!”

She ran over to the tree. Raising a hoof, she began to tap on one of the roots. Glory smiled and ran over before they both started to sing.

Hey ponies, listen to me
You gotta hear what I'm sayin'
You've got that sparkle deep inside
You've got a talent worth displayin'

One by one, other ponies within the crowd began to join in. Before long, everypony was singing.

We just need a little hope
We just need a little unity
We just need to find the magic that's inside of everypony

In Zephyr Heights, Queen Haven stood by the Together Tree in the castle garden. Flanked by both Zoom and Thunder who were looking very concerned. The garden was full of ponies and there were others all around. Everywhere that was close to the garden was full of ponies.

“Your Majesty, respectfully, this isn’t a good idea,” Zoom said. “There are too many ponies here. It’s too big a risk to your safety.”

“Your concern is noted Zoom,” Queen Haven replied. “However, my darlings Pipp and Zipp are in trouble and said we need everypony here to help them.”

“But how do we do that?” Thunder asked. “The Dragons had to leave to help Bridlewood and we can’t fly without our cutie marks.”

Queen Haven looked back with concern before her ear twitched. “Is...Is that singing?” she asked.

“It’s coming from the tree,” Zoom replied.

Queen Haven gasped as her eyes widened in realisation. “That’s how we help them! Everypony join in, sing together.”

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

In Bridlewood, Spike Junior had heard the singing too. He smiled as he and the Dragons started joining in. However, Alphabittle and many of the Unicorns looked quite confused.

Spike Junior walked around, waving his arms up and down. He encouraged the Unicorns until at last they were also all singing together.

With that, the purple glow around the Together Trees began to get duller and duller. Slowly, their normal vibrant green returned and the trees began to look a lot healthier again.

Don't look now, things will get better
So, hold my hoof 'cause we're growing 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

In Opaline’s throne room, Opaline grinned as she walked around watching as each of the cutie marks of her prisoners disappeared. Each one looked at Opaline weakly through greyed eyes.

Finally, there was only Sunny’s left, but she looked very weak.

“You know Sunny Starscout, this is all your fault,” Opaline commented as she stopped beside Sunny. “I knew you’d jump forward to protect your friends. You’re the one that broke your own rule of being together making you stronger.”

Sunny didn’t rise to the bait and only grunted weekly in reply. She glanced back at her cutie mark to see it fade away. Even her element looked dull and lifeless. She felt completely drained of all her energy but frowned defiantly as she looked back at Opaline.

Opaline let out a cackling laugh as she met Sunny’s greyed eyes. “You can look at me like that all you like,” she grinned. “You lose Sunny Starscout. You, and your friends all lose. Now, your powers are mine and soon you will become my new heralds.”

Opaline turned as her horn flared. Grinning, she fired a beam at the sphere and opened her wings wide, ready to receive her new power boost. However, she blinked with confusion after a few moments when nothing happened.

It was Pipp who felt it first, a familiar tune vibrating through the vines that were wrapped around her. She grinned with joy as she started singing. Then, one by one, her friends began to join in.

'Cause there is hope when we're together (ah-ah)
And it grows stronger when we sing
So, raise our voices in unison
Raise our voices in harmony, yeah

“What’s going on?” Opaline demanded. “Why are you singing? You’ve lost! You should be despondent.”

She looked around her six guests and gasped. The purple colour within the vines was slowly fading. Being replaced by a vibrant green.

Eyes wide, she looked at the sphere. To her dismay, the cutie mark orbs within it were fading away. As they faded, she noticed they were reappearing on the flank of the relevant pony.

“HOW? HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS?” Opaline roared.

“We’re not,” Pipp said as the vine slowly lowered her to her hoofs.

“It’s everypony in Equestria,” Zipp added as she was also lowered.

“They’re all behind us Opaline,” Hitch smiled as his hoofs touched the ground.

“They might not have their cutie marks,” Misty said as she stood defiantly.

“But that’s not stopping them,” Izzy beamed as she couldn’t help giving a little bounce as her hoofs touched the floor.

“When everypony is together we’re unstoppable,” Sunny beamed as she also stood on her own hoofs. “Together we’re united, united in friendship and united in harmony.”

Opaline roared with annoyance as the vines fell away from Sunny and her friends completely. Before she could react, they all ran so they were together. Holding hoofs in a semicircle, an aura surrounded them as their cutie marks began to glow.

Don’t look now, things are getting better
So, hold my hoof ‘cause we’re growing 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 growing stronger, growing together
We’ll always have each other forever
‘Cause we’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us (don’t look now)

Desperately, Opaline fired a blast of fiery magic at Sunny. However, this time Sunny didn’t move, she knew they were ready. The aura that surrounded her and her friends deflected the blast for her.

“That won’t work this time,” Sunny shouted. “You may have defeated Twilight Sparkle, but you did it when she was alone. We’re not alone Opaline. We’re united together in friendship and that gives us hope. Hope makes us stronger together, and together we have unity. We’re the Guardians of Unity and you will never beat us whilst we’re together.”

Sunny’s eyes went white as she began to focus. As with Nightmare Shimmer, an orb of rainbow energy began to gather at the end of her horn. One by one, beams shot from the necklaces of her friends to the orb. The energy from their glowing cutie marks intertwining with that from the elements.

Yeah, we’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us (don’t look now)
We’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us (don’t look now)
We’ve got the magic
We’ve got the magic in us (don’t look now)
We’ve got the magic, we’ve got the magic in us

Opaline’s eyes widened and she tried to turn and flee. However, she grunted as she found she couldn’t move her hoofs. Looking down, she gasped as she saw the swirling wisps of magical energy that encircled them.

Looking up again she spotted a smirk on Misty’s face as her horn glowed.

“MISTY!” Opaline roared.

Before she could say or do anything more, Sunny fired. A beam of rainbow energy shot straight at Opaline, and she cried in dismay. There was a blinding flash as all the power she’d stolen rocketed skywards.

The beam of power speeded into the high atmosphere where there was another flash. A rainbow suddenly shot outwards in a massive expanding circle.

As the rainbow extended out over Equestria, the ponies gasped as they felt their energy returning. Each looked at each other's flanks and grinned as their cutie marks all returned. Their magic and flight abilities quickly restoring as well.

Meanwhile, Sunset suddenly felt a surge of power and energy as well. She gasped as she easily got back to her hoofs and smiled as her horn glowed.

“Okay, that doesn’t make sense,” she admitted. “I didn’t think I had magic left for Opaline to take.”

“Don’t question it,” Starlight smiled. “Honestly, a bit of your pain relief spell for this leg wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Oh yes,” Toots smiled. “Then it will make bandaging it much easier.”

Starlight shot Toots a withering look which made Toots squeak with surprise. “Please don’t blast me with your horn laser miss Starlight,” he exclaimed. “I know it hurts.”

Sunset couldn’t help laughing as she duly obliged.

Opaline meanwhile cried out as she was forced backwards into the trunk of the Together Tree. As she impacted, she felt the bark of the tree becoming fluid and realised she was being absorbed into it.

“What? No!” she cried. “You will all pay for this!”

As Opaline disappeared into the tree completely, a green flash shot through the tree. It travelled all the way to the very tips of its branches and downwards into its roots. The purple foliage flashed as it became a luminous green and multi-coloured flowers began to open throughout its branches.

Sunny gasped as the last of the element’s energy exited the orb. She stumbled forward, being caught by Zipp and Izzy who had been on either side of her.

“Is…Is that it?” Misty gasped. “Is Opaline really gone?”

Before anypony could reply, there was an ominous rumbling sound, and the castle began to shake. They looked up and gasped in shock as they realised the roof was collapsing.

“Everypony, out. Now!” Hitch shouted.

They didn’t need telling twice. They all hurried towards the exit as fast as they could. Once they were safely outside, they turned and watched as the last of the roof collapsed in on itself.

“T…That was close,” Pipp gasped.

“Y…Yeah,” Zipp agreed. “Too close. But I think you’re right Misty. We did it, Opaline is gone!”

They all stood, taking in the information together as they looked at the now vibrant and colourful Together Tree that was growing from the remains of the castle. Suddenly, a golden doorway appeared in its trunk and a familiar Yak appeared.

“Ponies did it,” Runcord smiled. “Come, invited to party all dragons and ponies. You come! You guests of honour!”

Author's Note

I don't think you can have the final battle with Opaline without Magic in Us :pinkiehappy:

https://youtu.be/7fzuaUuou7k?si=A_nwa39jBjitghmr

Chapter Eight - Dazzling

Adagio was standing behind stage, peering through a small gap in the curtain at the crowd. A look of apprehension on her face as her two sisters stood a little way behind her.

“Do you see her?” Aria asked.

“No, I don’t,” Adagio sighed. “The crowd is huge and I’m not sure if she’ll be in human form again. There was a pony on stage earlier that had her skin and hair colour. I couldn’t see the cutie mark though.”

“Sunset pony here,” another voice said suddenly. “In VIP section.”

Adagio cried out in surprise and practically jumped out of her skin. She turned around to find Runcord was stood directly behind her.

“Can you please stop appearing like that Runcord!” she gasped as she held her chest. “I’m nervous enough as it is.”

“Normally I’d poke fun at you for admitting that,” Aria frowned. “But you have good reason. This isn’t exactly a good idea.”

Sonata nodded in the background. “Remember what happened the last time we sang to ponies. We’re reformed. We don’t want to cause trouble.”

“Sirens powers left long ago,” Runcord reassured. “This chance to tell ponies your story. Explain how you changed.”

“What about Sunset Shimmer?” Adagio asked. “With everything that has been happening, I doubt her new friends have had chance to deliver my message.”

“It can be surprise,” Runcord smiled. “She will need it to help her.”

“Help her?” Adagio blinked. “What do you mean help her?”

Meanwhile, Sunny and Izzy grinned as they made their way through the crowds of ponies and dragons. Runcord had been correct in saying they were popular. However, Pipp had also been correct that just giving ponies a chance to meet them was going down well.

“I’m glad we’re doing this together,” Izzy commented to Sunny as she signed her autograph for the umpteenth time.

“Me too,” Sunny agreed. “I think this would be too overwhelming if we went alone.”

“E…excuse me,” a Unicorn ventured. “Will Sunset Shimmer be coming to meet us too?”

“Why should she?” a Pegasus growled. “She’s not a hero, she destroyed my shop.”

“No, no, no, you’ve got that wrong,” Izzy gasped.

“No, I haven’t,” the Pegasus answered. “Cutie marks are unique, the pony that attacked Zephyr Heights was definitely her.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Sunny defended. “Opaline made Sunset into what attacked Zephyr Heights. Sunset wasn’t in control and has no memory of it at all.”

“We rescued her,” Izzy added.

“W…What do you mean? Made?” the Pegasus gasped. “How?”

Sunny gulped, suddenly realising how closely ponies were now crowding around her. They were listening intently to what she had to say over the music.

“W…we’ll explain when we can,” Sunny said at last. “Come on Izzy.”

She made to leave, but the Pegasus stepped in her way. “No, no we need to know,” he demanded. “It’s all fine for the Unicorns, they weren’t attacked.”

“Of course we were,” the Unicorn answered. “We were attacked by those vines that took our cutie marks. Everypony was.”

“You didn’t get your homes destroyed,” another Pegasus shouted. “We want answers.”

“What’s stopping somepony else turning evil?” another voice shouted. “Could it happen to anypony?”

Shouts and cries rippled through the crowd all around Sunny and Izzy. Some demanding immediate answers, others recommending they let the pair leave. Sunny and Izzy moved closer together as the crowd got increasingly closer and more hostile.

“Okay everypony, give them some space,” a commanding voice said.

Sprout forced his way through the crowd, before standing so he was between Sunny and Izzy and the Pegasus that had started the commotion.

“If you’ve got questions, there will be answers given when they can be,” Sprout explained. “Right now, this is a celebration. A celebration of what we all achieved together. Let’s not start arguments over who was and was not attacked. Ultimately, we’re not Zephyr Hights, Bridlewood or Maretime Bay anymore. We’re Equestria and we’re united. An attack on one town is an attack against all of us, no matter where we live.”

A cheer of approval rippled through the crowd, and it finally parted, allowing Sprout to lead Sunny and Izzy back towards the VIP area.

“Thank you Sprout,” Sunny gasped.

“No problem at all,” Sprout smiled. “Just doing my job.”

Sunset looked at Sunny and Izzy in shock as she was told what had happened. “And here I was thinking about going for a walk,” she commented.

“Yeah, maybe not for the best,” Starlight sighed.

“Okay, so what else did I do?” Sunset asked gravely. “Where else did I attack? Who else got hurt?”

She looked pointedly at Starlight’s leg.

“No, you’re not doing that to yourself,” Sunny said. “It wasn’t you.”

“So, who was it then?” Sunset frowned and turned away. “Remember, this isn’t the first time I’ve turned into something evil.”

“But this time you had no control over it,” Starlight argued. “You didn’t do it to yourself, somepony did it to you against your will. You can’t even remember it.”

“Which only makes it worse,” Sunset sighed over her shoulder.

She moved to look out over the balcony. Looking down at the crowd she couldn’t help wondering how many ponies there thought she was a monster. How many had she done harm to. Then, she looked at the stage and saw Runcord was walking out onto it.

“Live music start now,” Runcord announced. “Please be welcoming first special act. The Dazzlings.”

Sunset gasped as the lights dimmed and smoke billowed out onto the stage. “Wait? What? How?” she muttered. “There’s no way they’d still be around.”

She watched the stage intently, three coloured spotlights turned on as the music started. As the intro played, three human figures rose from the stage. Seemingly appearing from the smoke as they started singing the first verse.

Where do we go? Every day's the same
Did we lose the magic, magic, magic?
So ordinary, stuck on repeat
Gotta find the passion, passion, passion

Sunset watched the three Dazzlings in complete and utter shock. She didn’t understand how in Equestria they could be there; it made no sense.

This wasn’t a high energy song, so they weren’t dancing quickly. However, their movements were deliberate and well-rehearsed. They moved around the stage and through the smoke in perfect unison.

The days go round and round, round and round
Gotta break away, find a great escape
Round and round and round
Round and round and round, oh-oh

Sunset suddenly gasped as she realised the smoke surrounding the three of them had taken on a green aura. It looked just like the energy they’d taken from the students at CHS.

However, she then thought back to the last time she’d seen them. How she’d thought they’d been behind the time loop she’d been trapped in and had been wrong.

She looked up, and sighed with relief as she spotted the lights had turned green. That was clearly the cause of the green tint. She shook her head and continued to watch.

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic

“They’re really good aren’t they,” Misty said as she joined Sunset. “When we were last here, they helped me find everypony.”

“They…They did?” Sunset blinked. “Oh, that was…”

She trailed off and Misty looked at her with concern.

Can I find the beauty in the simple things?
Can I learn to see it, see it, see it?

The days go round and round, round and round
Gotta break away, find a great escape
Round and round and round
Round and round and round, oh-oh

“I completely forgot,” Misty gasped suddenly. “Adagio, I think that’s her name. She wanted to speak to you. Let you know they’re still around and doing well.”

“Oh?” Sunset said looking surprised.

“Yeah, she said you were old acquaintances,” Misty explained. “She said they’d turned their lives around whilst working in the Night Market.”

“Honestly, I think they’d already started turning themselves around last time I saw them,” Sunset smiled. “I…I don’t get it though, how are they still here?”

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic (Let's find the magic)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find (Hey!)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh

As the song ended, the crowd erupted into applause. Adagio walked forwards smiling gratefully.

“Thank you Equestria,” she grinned. “I’m Adagio, and I’m going to be honest with you all. The last time my sisters, Aria, Sonata, and I, sang to ponies, it wasn’t for the right reasons. However, that has all changed now.”

“We want to share with you at least part of our story,” Sonata beamed.

“Technically, it was our lowest point,” Aria added. “But it’s from your lowest point that you can sometimes build something greater than before.”

“So, with the help of some special effects. Join us as we show you how we were defeated by none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle, her friend Sunset Shimmer and their human allies The Rainbooms,” Adagio announced.

Sunset gasped and couldn’t help noticing Adagio look in her direction as the music started. Memories came flooding back as the intro played.

Welcome to the show (ah-ah-ah-ah)
We're here to let you know (ah-ah-ah-ah)
Our time is now (ah-ah-ah-ah)
Your time is running out (ah-ah-ah)

A worried looking Sunny and Zipp joined Sunset and Misty. Zipp was looking at her phone, scrolling through and looking concerned. “Sunset, we’ve got a problem,” Zipp admitted.

“Let me guess,” Sunset sighed. “The socials are calling for my blood.”

“Something like that,” Sunny responded. “Honestly, I think they are putting two and two together and making six. Photos of Nightmare Shimmer are flying around but with your name attached.”

“They don’t even realise you were on stage earlier,” Zipp added. “They don’t realise who the real you is.”

Sunset took a deep breath as she looked down at the Dazzlings as they continued performing. “Well, let’s see what they think after this. I bet there are some confused ponies out there right now.”

Feel the wave of sound as it crashes down
You can't turn away
We'll make you wanna stay

There was a burst of special effects which lit up the stage. The three sisters suddenly appeared to be giving off a red aura as the smoke around them disappeared.

Whilst they didn’t sprout pony ears or ponytails like they had in their actual battle, they did start floating. Then, there was another flash as wings appeared on their backs. However, they didn’t flap like actual wings would.

We will be adored
Tell us that you want us
We won't be ignored
It's time for our reward
Now, you need us
Come and heed us
Nothing can stop us now

“Okay, so how are they going to do this next part?” Sunset queried as she looked around expectingly.

“What do you mean?” Sunny asked.

“This is where my friends show up,” Sunset clarified as the beat of the song changed. “The Rainbooms.”

Oh-oh, whoa-oh
I've got the music in me
Oh-oh, whoa-oh

Sunset gasped as large holographic versions of The Rainbooms appeared floating above the audience. They were all wearing the same costumes that Rarity had made for them for the actual battle of the bands.

She couldn’t help smiling as holographic Twilight continued singing. She had to admit, the reproduction of her voice was uncanny. Suddenly she realised, it could even be a recording.

Don't need to hear a crowd cheering out my name
I didn't come here seeking infamy or fame
The one and only thing that I am here to bring
Is music, is the music
Is the music in my soul

“So, where are you?” Sunny asked in wonder.

“Oh, I wasn’t part of this bit,” Sunset admitted. “I was stood at the back. Hoping for the best and hoping my being there was supporting them. If they do it right, get ready for the pony-up.”

Gonna break out (out)
Set myself free, yeah
Let it all go (go)
Just let it be, yeah
Find the music in your heart (ah)
Let the music make you start (ah)
To set yourself apart

As Sunset hoped, each of the holographic versions of her friends took on the pony forms they had during the battle. Each took centre stage as they did so, the holographic nature of the effects meaning their names even appeared in a flourishing display along with their cutie marks.

Once their verse ended, they all appeared again, this time with a shining aura around their holographic forms.

Then it was time for Adagio to play her part. She hovered forwards and upwards, smirking confidently and giving off a convincing evil aura. The only thing showing she wasn’t actually flying was her fake wings not flapping.

“So, looks like the Rainbooms want to make this a real battle of the bands!” she announced. “So, let’s BATTLE!”

What we have in store? (Ah)
All we want and more (ah)
We will break on through (ah)
Now, it's time to finish you

Whilst Adagio and her sisters didn’t have the red eyes they had during the actual battle. The red auras around them did intensify before there was a flash of red over the entire stage.

Three holographic versions of their Equestrian forms appeared from this. Flying around above the crowd they began attacking the Rainbooms with their siren voices. Meanwhile, the Rainbooms attacked back with their instruments. The effects of these clashing and showing neither had the upperhoof.

“I…Is this…” Misty gasped.

“Almost,” Sunset smiled.

“So, when do…” Sunny started.

“…I get involved?” Sunset guessed. “Don’t worry, it’s coming up.”

Suddenly, one by one, the holographic versions of the Rainbooms were defeated and disappeared. Finally, holographic Twilight was defeated. As she disappeared, a large holographic microphone spun through the air towards the rear of the audience. Meanwhile, the three siren holograms moved to the very front above the stage looking very pleased.

Suddenly, all the lights went out completely and the music stopped. The audience gasped and the sound of confused and concerned voices could be heard. Some thought it was a power cut, others thought it was all actually real. Seemingly, the whole Night Market party was shrouded in darkness.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight’s voice boomed. “We need you!”

At the very rear of the audience, the large holographic microphone reappeared. A large hand picked it up before a holographic version of Sunset in her human form appeared.

You're never gonna bring me down
You're never gonna break this part of me
My friends are here to bring me 'round
Not singing just for popularity

As holographic Sunset sang, each of the Rainbooms reappeared and slowly rose to their feet. The last one was Twilight who appeared alongside holographic Sunset and shared the microphone.

We're here to let you know
That we won't let it go
Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow
And you can try to fight
But we have got the light of friendship on our side

As holographic Sunset and Twilight sang together it was clear their song was building in energy.

Spotlights illuminated the three actual Dazzling sisters before their holographic versions also reappeared. They looked worriedly up at the Rainbooms, seemingly having no answer for the song that was now playing.

Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never be afraid of the dark
Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship survives, survives

As with the actual battle, a wave of rainbow light energy was emitted from holographic Sunset and Twilight in an arc towards the Dazzlings. Their red auras diminished significantly as a result.

Then, holographic Sunset finally took on her ponied up form. As with the others, there was a flourishing display of her name along with her cutie mark.

For any sceptical ponies, there was no longer any doubt. Zipp continued checking the social channels and grinned as conflicting messages began appearing. It seemed the tide of opinion was turning.

Got the music in our hearts
We’re here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never be afraid of the dark
Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship survives, survives, survives

As the final verse started, a rainbow of light began shooting upwards from the holographic versions of the Rainbooms.

However, there was no large Alicorn pony appearing in the sky this time. Partly as there just wasn’t space under the ceiling to do it justice. Instead, a ball of rainbow energy swirled around and around as the song came to its climax.

Then, just after the last line. There was a flash as a streak of rainbow energy blasted from the swirling ball. It enveloped the holographic sirens before engulfing the stage entirely.

Finally, there was a blinding white flash from all the lights as a finale and the song ended.

As everypony’s eyes readjusted, they could see the holograms had disappeared completely. Adagio, Aria and Sonata grinned as they stood on the stage. No longer floating and without the fake wings. It also seemed that they had somehow managed to change costume!

After a few moments, there was an eruption of applause throughout the audience.

“Thank you everypony and dragon,” Adagio smiled. “That was a reconstruction of our last defeat which took place many, many moons ago during Equestria’s time of harmony.”

“We’ve not been defeated since then,” Aria smirked.

“Mainly because we’ve not needed defeating,” Sonata responded. “Since then, we’ve turned our lives around.”

“Well, yes,” Aria admitted. “But I wasn’t going to tell them that.”

“Well maybe you ought to,” Adagio grinned. “Second chances are often wonderful things. Anycreature can make mistakes, and we are so fortunate that Runcord decided to take us in.”

“Now, we want to address something,” Aria said seriously. “Some unrest that’s come to our attention regarding a pony that you’ve just seen defeat us.”

“We want to set the records straight,” Adagio continued. “To do that, we’d like to invite Sunset Shimmer herself here to speak to you all, if she would like to.”

Sunset looked at Sunny, Zipp, and Misty with determination in her eyes. She didn’t need to say anything, they immediately knew that there would be no stopping her going to the stage.

“I’m coming with you,” Sunny said. “Somepony needs to explain, and you can’t remember anything about it.”

“Thanks Sunny,” Sunset smiled as her horn glowed and she teleported the pair of them.

Sunset and Sunny appeared on the stage next to Adagio with a flash. Adagio smiled as she covered the microphone. “I knew you’d come,” she said. “Whatever rumours are swirling I know they can’t be true.”

“Depends how you look at it,” Sunset admitted. “Quickly answer me one thing, how are you…”

“…Still here?” Adagio guessed. “Seems if those from Equestria spend enough time in the human world they stop aging.”

Sunset’s eyes widened as more questions formed in her mind. However, she put those to one side as she noticed the audience was getting restless. She smiled and nodded to Adagio as she went to move towards the microphone. However, Sunny got there before her.

“Just before you hear from Sunset herself. I wanted to put things into context for you all,” Sunny announced. “It is true that both Zephyr Heights and Maretime Bay were attacked by a pony who wore Sunset’s cutie mark. Even the Dragon Lands were attacked by this pony. However, that pony was not Sunset, at least not in mind. Know that whatever events took place, Sunset has no recollection of them at all.”

Rumbles of confusion emanated from the crowd. Many unsure of what they were hearing, how could somepony not be there in mind? How could she not remember? Others looked at the photos of the pony on their phones, they looked completely different to the one stood onstage.

Sunny smiled and stood to one side allowing Sunset to gratefully step forwards to the microphone.

“Thank you, Sunny,” she smiled. “Everypony, firstly I want to introduce myself to you all. I am Sunset Shimmer, at one time a student of Princess Celestia and now a pony who lives as a human in an alternate world. You may have seen the livestreams from Princess Pipp, how my friend Starlight Glimmer and I were brought here from our own time. It seems our reason for being here has been fulfilled and soon we’ll be heading back. However, before I go, I wanted to make it clearer to you all what happened to me whilst I was here.”

As Sunset stopped to collect her thoughts, a murmuring sound went through the crowd.

“In short, I was captured by Opaline,” she continued. “I attempted to escape but failed. As a result, she was able to cast a spell on me using historical artifacts. Such spells tend to be extremely powerful and potent. As a result, as Sunny mentioned, I have no memory of what happened from that point. All I know is Opaline turned me into something. What that was, I don’t know. Apparently, there are photos of it flying around on social media. However, I’ve not yet had chance to look at them. Fortunately, Sunny and her friends were able to rescue me.”

She smiled as Sunny returned to the microphone to take over.

“It was using the Elements of Unity that my friends, and I, were able to save Sunset,” she explained. “We used them to defeat, the evil mind-controlled pony that Opaline had made Sunset into and turned her back to normal. The pony that was responsible for the attacks many of you are upset about is Opaline and she has already been punished. My friends and I will also be dealing with the artifacts to ensure that they cannot be used against Equestria in the future.”

“So hopefully that has set the record straight,” Adagio smiled. “Now who’s ready for some more music?”

A round of applause and cheering erupted from the crowd whilst Sunset smiled gratefully at Sunny and Adagio. Adagio winked back before Sunny and Sunset started to make their way offstage so the music could continue.

Author's Note

Here's links to the music used in this chapter :ajsmug:

https://youtu.be/cYa0Um8EG-c?si=-yFAyAPNfDKxEF-X

https://youtu.be/rjmsThcOGTQ?si=f-m72fJiUWpUNLcs

Chapter Nine – Worrying about Peach Fizz

Jazz and Posey made their way through the crowds of partying ponies. They both looked an utter mess after their journey from Opaline’s castle.

They’d had no idea how to get back to Maretime Bay and therefore had followed the purple vein. However, in their weakened state, they hadn’t made it back before the vein eventually disappeared. Then, with no way to tell which way to go, they had gotten lost.

They were covered in mud, leaves, and twigs and were both extremely relieved they made it back. However, Posey was getting more and more agitated at the odd looks they were getting from ponies all around them.

“We should just tell one of the Guards,” Posey moaned. “I don’t want to be here looking like this.”

“No, we need to tell Pipp, or Sunny,” Jazz responded. “They’ll be able to help her.”

“JAZZ!”

Jazz gasped and turned at the sound of a familiar voice. She smiled broadly as Rocky ran up, skidding to a stop before her.

Before Rocky realised what was happening, Jazz had thrown her hoofs around him. He felt confused but gratefully returned the embrace.

“Where have you been?” Rocky asked. “You haven’t been returning my messages. I was worried something happened to you.”

“Well, that’s because it did,” Posey grumbled. “We were pony-napped by Opaline.”

“W...what?” Rocky gasped as he broke the embrace with Jazz.

He held her shoulders with both hoofs as he looked at her all over with concern. “Are you okay? What happened? How did you get away?”

Jazz couldn’t help smiling at Rocky’s concern for her as she placed a reassuring hoof on his leg.

“It’s okay, I’m fine now,” she smiled. “I’ll explain all about it later, right now we need to speak with Pipp or Sunny.”

“It’s kind of urgent,” Posey added.

“Oh, okay,” Rocky smiled as he looked at Jazz with relief. “Well, I think Pipp is getting ready to perform. Sunny I’m not so sure but most of their friends are in the VIP area.”

“Right, we’d better see if we can speak to them then,” Jazz replied. “Please come with us, Rocky. I’m so glad to see you again.”

Rocky’s eyes glistened slightly as he smiled and nodded. He gave Jazz another small hug before he moved away.

“It’s this way,” he smiled.

Queen Haven was walking down the ramp from the VIP balcony. As she reached the bottom, she found Jazz, Rocky and Posey standing talking to the two Guards posted there.

“You don’t understand,” Jazz gasped. “We just need to speak to one of them. We don’t have to go in, they could come here.”

“I’m sorry,” the Guard replied. “We’ve been having ponies coming and asking this all night. We can’t just let anypony up there or get them to come down to everypony who wants to shake hoofs.”

“But this is an important matter,” Posey responded. “It’s about Opaline and those who were working for her.”

“Please,” Jazz pleaded. “We just want to help a little filly who we think was caught up in things she doesn’t understand. We just want to make sure she’s okay.”

Queen Haven frowned as she now approached, coughing as she did so to get the Guard's attention.

“Your Majesty,” the Guard gasped as he saluted. “Apologies, we were...”

“At ease,” Queen Haven smiled. “I heard most of the conversation and I know Jazz and Rocky both work for my dear Pipp. Please issue them with passes to upstairs.”

“Certainly, Your Majesty,” the second Guard replied as she turned to prepare the passes.

“Apologies, we were unaware,” the first Guard added as he bowed.

“That’s completely fine,” Queen Haven smiled. “You were doing your jobs. Now, Jazz, Rocky whatever is the matter? What’s this about a little filly? Also, whatever has happened to you Jazz and your friend here?”

“We were pony-napped,” Posey frowned. “Not that anypony seems to care.”

“We were taken by Opaline,” Jazz clarified. “We’re worried about a little filly named Peach Fizz. She...”

Queen Haven held a hoof up indicating Jazz should stop.

“I’m concerned to hear Opaline took you both and nopony has followed up on your whereabouts,” Queen Haven sighed. “I’m therefore glad to see you are both okay. It’s wonderful to see your first concern is for Peach Fizz. Although, we are fully aware of her involvement in all this, and I can assure you she’s fine.”

“Could I see her?” Jazz asked hopefully. “I just want to make sure she’s okay for myself.”

“She’s upstairs,” Queen Haven smiled. “So that won’t be a problem.”

“Here are your passes,” the Guard answered as she handed them to Jazz and Rocky.

“I’ll leave you to it Jazz, I’m off home for a shower,” Posey groaned. “If Peach Fizz is okay then I think I’ve done my part.”

“If you come round tomorrow morning Posey, I’ll do that hooficure for you,” Jazz smiled.

“Oh, you better make that a mane and tail style too,” Posey replied with a grateful smile.

“Sure, no problem,” Jazz chuckled before turning back to Queen Haven. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“That’s no problem at all Jazz,” Queen Haven smiled. “Now, both of you run along. I’ve got my own matters to look into. Guards, have you seen Alphabittle?”

Whilst Posey walked away, Jazz and Rocky smiled and bowed before they both hurried upstairs. Once there, Jazz smiled as she spotted Peach Fizz sitting with Starlight, clearly receiving some magic tuition.

As she approached the pair, Starlight looked up and gasped. “Oh Celestia, Jazz! We completely forgot about you and Posey! Are you both okay? Where is Posey?”

“We’re both fine, Posey decided to go home,” Jazz smiled. “Opaline used us both as test subjects to make sure her plan to take everypony’s cutie mark worked. She let us go after that.”

“That sounds terrible,” Peach Fizz gasped.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Starlight added with concern. “You look like you’ve been thrown through ten bushes backwards.”

“Let’s just say neither Posey nor I were good Filly Guides,” Jazz smiled. “We got a little lost trying to make it back.”

“Oh, I’m a Filly Guide,” Peach Fizz grinned. “I have my map reading badge too. I bet I could have gotten you back okay.”

“Looks like you’ve fared worse Starlight,” Rocky replied with concern. “I assume it was a tough battle with Opaline.”

“Well, it wasn’t Opaline who did this,” Starlight sighed. “However, I’m okay. Just need to heal a bit, that’s all.”

Starlight smiled at them both before noticing Jazz was still worriedly looking at Peach Fizz. “Jazz, if you’re worried about Peach Fizz, don’t be. She’s completely fine now.”

“Wait,” Peach Fizz gasped. “When you were at Opaline's, I was there wasn’t I? That’s why you’re worried.”

“Well…” Jazz blinked with confusion before looking questioningly at Starlight.

“Yeah, by fine I mean she doesn’t remember what she did for Opaline,” Starlight clarified. “Opaline cast some sort of loyalty spell on her. Therefore, Hitch has already written it up that if anything comes to light, Peach Fizz can’t be held responsible. It will all go onto Opaline and from what Sunny has said, she’s gone and won’t be coming back.”

Jazz breathed a sigh of relief before smiling at Peach Fizz. “I knew it, I knew something was wrong with you.”

“So, I was there?” Peach Fizz asked again.

“Yes, you were,” Jazz replied softly. “But you were acting so strangely. I knew something had to be wrong. I’m glad you’re okay now.”

“I’m glad you’re okay too,” Peach Fizz smiled. “It all feels so strange. Ponies keep telling me about things that I have no memory of. Like, Seashell says we’ve got a new project at school, and Glory said I’ve already started it. The thing is, I don’t remember anything about it!”

“I’m sure Seashell and Glory will help you with that,” Starlight smiled. “Now, let’s see you levitate that orange and apple together.”

Peach Fizz grinned as she looked back to the orange and apple that were on the table in front of her. Jazz meanwhile nodded a grateful thanks to Starlight as she and Rocky headed towards the refreshments.

Meanwhile, Pipp had gathered her five friends backstage. She had a proposal for them and was extremely excited as she finished explaining.

“No way,” Zipp said. “We’ve not even heard this new song of yours. Let alone had a chance to practise and rehearse.”

“Which is no different to the Unity Dance. I wanted you to practice but none of you did. However, it turned out brilliantly in the end.” Sunny grinned. “I think we should do it. It’ll be a blast.”

“But the Unity Dance was just in front of a few ponies,” Misty gasped. “And we were wearing masks. Everypony in Equestria is here.”

“I think we’re already famous now Misty,” Hitch responded. “If anything, doing this will show everypony how strong our friendship is.”

“Or make us a laughingstock when we can’t dance together,” Zipp frowned. “The Unity Dance is completely different to standing on stage in front of all Equestria. We need to practice.”

“I’ll make sure everypony knows you’re all going into this blind,” Pipp grinned. “You all just need to follow my lead.”

“Let’s do it,” Izzy grinned. “We’ll rock this joint and show everypony how close we are.”

“Okay, okay fine,” Misty gasped. “But I’m staying at the back, okay. Where I can follow everypony else.”

“Well, if Misty’s in then I’m in too,” Zipp groaned. “I am supposed to be the Element of Bravery after all.”

“Yasssss,” Pipp squealed with a beaming smile on her face. “As I said, I’ve got one song first and then we’ll Make our Mark. This is going to be epiiiic.”

In the meantime, in the Crystal Tea Room back in Bridlewood. Alphabittle sighed as he sat at a table, pouring himself a drink. The room was dark apart from one candle on the table in front of him. As he lifted the drink to his mouth, Alphabittle sighed as he looked at a photo.

Suddenly, the sound of the bell above the door made him jump. Gasping, he looked directly towards the door but couldn’t make out the figure in the darkness.

“Sorry, sign says we’re closed,” he grunted.

“Oh Alphie, surely that doesn’t mean me as well?”

Alphabittle blinked with shock and surprise. “Haven?”

Queen Haven walked forward into the light, a concerned look on her face.

“I...I’m sorry,” Alphabittle sighed. “I didn’t realise it was you.”

“What’s wrong Alphie?” Queen Haven asked worriedly. “I’ve been looking for you. What made you leave the party?”

Alphabittle sighed and looked at the picture gravely. After a moment of hesitation, he turned it so Queen Haven could see. “This is why,” he said.

Queen Haven looked at the photo. It was of a blue unicorn filly with a teal mane and tail. She was laughing, holding a cuddly butterfly in a hoof.

“Who...Who is she?” Queen Haven gasped.

“My daughter,” Alphabittle sighed. “She disappeared, many moons ago. We searched and searched, but couldn’t find her. It was like she disappeared into thin air.”

“Oh Alphabittle,” Queen Haven gasped. “That’s so sad, I’m so sorry. But, what’s brought this on? You know you can tell me anything.”

Alphabittle gulped as his throat went dry. He sighed as he looked back at the photo. “Even when we believed she’d been taken by Pegasi?”

“Oh my dear Alphabittle,” Queen Haven sighed as she put a reassuring hoof on his. “That is a completely rational and understandable assumption given the times we were living in. Now, please, what has gotten you thinking about her? What’s gotten all these painful memories resurfacing?”

Alphabittle sighed again, his shoulders slumping in resignation.

“The blue unicorn that was with your Pipp and Zipp,” he sighed. “On stage wearing one of the elements with them.”

“Wait, you think...”

“I...I don’t know,” Alphabittle replied as he shook his head. “It is possible though. She would be around their age now.”

“Then come back to the party and meet her,” Queen Haven suggested. “I have a VIP pass for you.”

“If it is her, I doubt she’ll want to meet me,” Alphabittle sighed.

“Alphabittle,” Queen Haven sighed. “From speaking with her. I know Misty is looking for her family. Even if she turns out not to be your daughter...”

“No, that all but confirms it,” Alphabittle gulped. “My daughter's name is Misty, Misty Brightdawn.”

“Then you certainly need to come and meet her,” Queen Haven breathed as she held out the VIP pass. “Don’t make me give you a royal order now.”

Alphabittle gave a small smile at that. Then, giving Queen Haven a grateful look he accepted the VIP pass before rising from his chair. After extinguishing the candle, they walked out of the Tea Room together and headed back towards the portal. Zoom and Thunder, who had been outside, followed a respectful distance behind.

Chapter Ten – Make your Mark

Alphabittle and Queen Haven returned to the party just as Pipp was part way through her first song. Zoom and Thunder took up positions ahead of the pair as they guided them through the crowds of happily dancing ponies.

I’m feelin’ fresh
Like my mane is on fleek
Happiness is all I need
Spreadin’ love from you to me
I’m feelin’ fresh
Magic all around my friends
Celebration never ends
Oh, ‘cause we always attend

“Oh, I do hate missing any of Pipp’s performances,” Queen Haven sighed.

“I’m sorry,” Alphabittle groaned. “That’s my fault.”

“Oh no Alphie,” Queen Haven gasped. “It’s okay, I had to come and find you. I’d much rather you were here with me.”

Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh
I’m my best self, everypony can tell
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh
I’m my best self, everypony can tell

As Alphabittle and Queen Haven arrived in the VIP area, Queen Haven looked around with surprise. She had expected to see Zipp and the other Guardians there but they weren’t. Then, she noticed Starlight and Sunset were sat on the balcony and led Alphabittle towards them.

When did this mirror get so gorgeous? (Gorgeous)
Who’s that? Is that me? (Me)

“Starlight, Sunset,” Queen Haven smiled as she approached. “How are you both doing?”

“Better now,” Sunset admitted. “I think public opinion has swayed now the misinformation bubble has been busted.”

“I’m doing fine,” Starlight replied. “Going to take me a bit to get back on all four hoofs though.”

“I want you both to meet Alphabittle,” Queen Haven smiled. “He’s one of the Elders of Bridlewood and owner of the Crystal Tea Room.”

“I’ll just point out I’m one of the younger elders,” Alphabittle chuckled. “It’s just the term we use for our towns leaders. I presume you are our visitors from the past.”

I got my make-up on
Got that glitter and glam
On this my favorite song
Yeah, they’re playin’ my jam
I feel beautiful, I feel powerful
I feel me

“We are, I’m Starlight Glimmer,” Starlight smiled. “It’s great to meet you Alphabittle. Izzy has been desperate for us to visit your Tea Room and meet you.”

“Sunset Shimmer, we’re sorry events kind of stopped us from coming,” Sunset added. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Hopefully there will still be time for us to visit your Tea Room before we go.”

“There is no need to apologise. I know you’ve been busy with the whole Opaline situation. I’m glad to meet you both too,” Alphabittle replied. “It’s an honour to meet two experts in magic like yourselves.”

“Speaking of, hopefully we can provide you with a bit of knowledge before we go,” Starlight grinned.

“Like what to watch out for,” Sunset added. “Magic can be wonderful but also dangerous in the wrong hoofs.”

I’m feelin’ fresh
Like my mane is on fleek
Happiness is all I need
Spreadin’ love from you to me
I’m feelin’ fresh
Magic all around my friends
Celebration never ends
Oh, ‘cause we always attend

“Any guidance you can give us is more than welcome,” Alphabittle smiled.

“Obviously I know where Pipp is,” Queen Haven ventured. “But, do you know where Zipp and the others are?”

“Backstage,” Starlight replied. “Pipp wanted them for something.”

“Exactly what, we don’t know,” Sunset added.

“Oh that is unfortunate,” Queen Haven sighed. “I wanted to speak with Misty and introduce her to Alphabittle.”

“Oooh, of course,” Starlight gasped. “Alphabittle. Misty was taken from Bridlewood when she was very young. Did you know of any fillies who went missing? It would be brilliant to reunite her with her family.”

“W...Well,” Alphabittle replied uncomfortably. “There might of been.”

Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh
I’m my best self, everypony can tell
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh
I’m my best self, everypony can tell

Alphabittle sighed with relief as Starlight’s attention was taken by the song ending. Queen Haven rested a reassuring hoof on his shoulder as the whole crowd erupted into a loud applause.

Pipp stood panting, still holding the final dance pose. She had a huge smile on her face as she finally gave a bow.

“Thank you everypony,” she beamed. “It sounds like you enjoyed that and I hope you enjoy this next new song as well. However before I start, I want to invite my friends out here to join me.”

There was another applause as Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Zipp and Misty walked out onto stage. Pipp introduced each of them in turn, giving their full names as the crowd applauded loudly.

“Now, I admit I’m being a little mean here,” Pipp announced. “I’m kind of throwing the five of them in at the deep end. They’re going to be my backing dancers despite not having any practice and having not heard the song before.”

A ripple of comments went through the crowd. None really intelligible from the stage but Pipp took them in her stride.

“I know, I know. You could say I’m being mean or unreasonable. However, hear me out,” Pipp smiled. “I want to show you all how good friends we are. That we will follow each other anywhere and trust each other completely. They will be following my lead as we Make our Mark.”

The lights dimmed and the six ponies were illuminated by spotlights as the intro played.

Hey, you gotta let it glow
Hey, you gotta let it shine
Hey, show me how you sparkle, everypony unite
Hey, you gotta let it glow
Hey, you gotta let it shine
Hey, show me how you sparkle, everypony unite

Alphabittle gasped as he watched. His eyes were trained on Misty as she danced between Zipp and Hitch at the back of the group. After an unsure start, she was soon starting to look happier as she kept up with what those around her were doing.

Hoof to heart, let's make our mark
Our cutie marks help find our spark
Glowin' bright with inner light, we make mighty friends alright
Oh, let's make our mark together
Just riding on forever
Just keeps on getting better, better, better

Pipp was undoubtedly being kind, keeping the dance moves simple and easy to follow. Izzy and Sunny were directly behind her and it was them which Zipp, Misty and Hitch were following. It made for a ripple effect and the crowd were undoubtedly loving it.

Hey, everypony everywhere
You can feel it in the air
Find your spark and just glow and shine
Make a mark that you can share
Hoof to heart, you know we care
Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite

Misty giggled and laughed as she continued dancing. She all but forgot that there was a huge crowd made up of thousands of ponies in front of her. She couldn’t see them for the lights anyway.

Memories of the Manesquade Ball came flooding back to her. She had enjoyed that night so much and she’d only agreed to this due to that memory.

Tail shaking, hoof stompin' on the floor
Yeah, gonna make our marks some more
Shinin' cutie marks galore
And let's hoof stomp right out the door
Let's make our mark together
Just riding on forever
Just keeps on getting better, better, better

As they continued to dance, their cutie marks began glowing brightly. Magical energy began to radiate from them, wisping away into the stage. To anypony watching it would have just looked like a smoke effect.

However, back in Maretime Bay, the energy was having an effect on the final Together Flower orb. It suddenly flashed, transitioning from its dormant state. A continual orange glow began radiating from it.

Back on stage, Sunny felt one of her ears twitch. However, she dismissed it immediately and concentrated on keeping up with Pipp.

Everypony everywhere
You can feel it in the air
Find your spark and just glow and shine
Make a mark that you can share
Hoof to heart, you know we care
Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite
Yeah, ponies, come on, let's all unite

Queen Haven sighed as she put a reassuring hoof on Alphabittles as he watched. He looked at her gratefully.

“T...This is tearing me up,” he said softly. “She’s so happy right now. Do I really want to bring up the past tonight? Maybe another time would be better.”

“How do you know meeting you will upset her?” Queen Haven reassured. “It could easily be the icing on the cake.”

“What would?”

The pair turned to look at Sunset who had clearly heard the last part of their conversation as she held two glasses of drinks out towards them.

Ponies unite
Everypony, make your mark and find your glowin' spark
You can do it, hoof to heart
Our bright inner light
Gonna let it glow, gonna let it shine
Gonna show you how I sparkle
Bring it in, now let's unite, let's unite, let's unite

“Y...You’re...” Sunset gasped.

“Yes, I’m certain of it. Misty is my lost daughter,” Alphabittle sighed.

“This....this is brilliant,” Sunset beamed. “She’ll be so happy to meet you, to reunite with you. I’m sure of it.”

“You’re certain?” Alphabittle asked. “She could hate me for loosing her.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Starlight responded. “She’s been talking about wanting to find you. She’ll be elated that you’ve found her.”

“It wasn’t your fault that she went missing,” Sunset reassured. “It was Opaline who took her. Misty has been through so much, she’ll be elated. Reuniting with you will hopefully put all that has happened to her to rest.”

Everypony everywhere
You can feel it in the air
Find your spark and just glow and shine
Make a mark that you can share
Hoof to heart, you know we care
Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite (let's all unite)

As the song started to reach its climax, Pipp couldn’t help adding in a few more advanced moves. Fortunately, her friends were almost expecting this as they laughed and giggled.

However, it was a spin that was the biggest challenge. Pipp reared up onto her hind legs and spun around. Sunny and Izzy took this in their strides, executing perfect spins that were almost in unison.

Behind them, Zipp also preformed a perfect spin. Her agility in the air clearly coming into play. Hitch meanwhile wasn’t as graceful but he still managed a full rotation.

It was Misty who didn’t fair as well. She got half way around and then got her hoofs crossed. She didn’t fall but had to stop half way around, ending up looking the wrong way.

However, whilst a previously nervous Misty would have been mortified. Misty laughed and her horn lit up. There were two successive flashes as she first disappeared and then reappeared looking the right way again. Immediately getting back into step with her friends.

Needless to say, the crowd loved it.

Everypony everywhere
You can feel it in the air (oh yeah, yeah)
Find your spark and just glow and shine (just glow and shine)
Make a mark that you can share
Hoof to heart, you know we care (let us shine)
Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite (let's all unite)

Once again there was a huge round of applause as the song ended. Pipp and her friends had gathered together into a friendship pose. Hoofs around each other as they grinned and laughed with each other. There were flashes in the front row as their photos were taken.

“Thank you everypony,” Pipp beamed. “We all enjoyed that, did you?”

There was another huge round of applause and cheers of approval. However, before Pipp could say anymore. Runcord walked out onto stage.

“Thank you Pipp Pony and Unity Guardians,” he said. “On behalf of Night Market I have special surprise for you.”

They all watched as Whisper walked out carrying a large ornate chest in her arms. She placed it down between Runcord and the ponies before moving to open it.

“This special enchanted chest,” Runcord explained. “Keeping elements safe important. This will help.”

They looked in astonishment as Whisper opened the chest, sure enough it had a shaped interior. Spaces that were clearly designed to fit each of their elements perfectly.

“Can’t be going around wearing them all time,” Runcord chuckled. “Instructions inside, am sure Misty Pony will be able to follow.”

“Thank you Runcord,” Sunny beamed. “Don’t worry everypony. We promise to take good care of not only the Elements but the Unity Crystals too. Together we’ll be ready for any threats that come our way in the future.”

There was another round of approving applause as Pipp and her friends started heading offstage whilst Runcord moved to the middle.

“Sorry say live music over but glad say party not. Ponykind and Dragonkind welcome to stay or start leaving. Remember, use same portal or have long walk home.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd as ponies and dragons alike spread out again. Some headed to the refreshment stands whilst some indeed started heading back to their homes. Especially those with young foals.

Meanwhile, in the VIP section, Alphabittle steeled himself as he watched the ramp nearest the stage. He could hear Sunny’s voice along with some of the others as they made their way up. Then he heard Misty’s voice and his eyes widened, his breath getting caught in his throat.

Queen Haven again put a reassuring hoof on Alphabittle’s shoulder. He gasped and gave her a thankful smile before he looked back at the ramp just as Sunny’s head appeared.

To be continued...

Author's Note

So the first song is 'Fresh' which I presume is actually a Tell your Tale song but I like it so used it. :rainbowwild:
https://youtu.be/BFphx-tK6N0?si=pfWpfYD3yUi9Dt_k

The second is the full version of Make your Mark:
https://youtu.be/sYqtGGfTpik?si=B2QGsTrOX8oGkAW7

And yes I am evil for that cliffhanger! :rainbowlaugh:

Chapter Eleven - Reunited

Alphabittle could barely breathe as first Sunny, then Izzy, then Pipp and Zipp appeared from the top of the ramp and walked into the VIP area. All looked confused for a moment as they felt the anticipation in the room. Everypony there was looking expectingly at the ramp they had just come up.

However, before they could ask what was happening. Hitch appeared alongside Misty who was carrying Sparky in her hoof.

“Misty great, Hitch great,” Sparky squeaked.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it Sparky,” Misty beamed. “I saw you busting some moves at the back.”

“Would that be when you ended up looking the wrong way?” Hitch smirked. “Don’t you think we didn’t notice?”

“I’m pretty sure all Equestria noticed,” Misty blushed.

She looked up as she realised the room seemed quiet and gasped as she saw Alphabittle. Immediately she froze, her eyes widening and her breath getting caught in her throat. Sparky suddenly squirmed out of her grasp and hopped onto Hitch’s back before watching with confusion.

Time seemed to stop for the pair of them. Alphabittle also suddenly didn’t know what to say. All the things he’d thought of had suddenly disappeared from his mind. He’d been watching her for ages, why had he frozen now she was right in front of him?

Meanwhile, Misty’s mind raced. She’d seen the photo of this stallion in Queen Haven’s safe room. She’d thought she’d recognised him then but hadn’t been sure. Now, however, he was standing right there in front of her and in her heart she knew.

Misty’s cutie mark began glowing as she gulped. However, her throat was dry, and she couldn’t find any words. Around her, her friends looked back and forth with a mix of confusion and concern.

“M...Misty?” Alphabittle croaked at last.

Finally, tears started to well in the corners of Misty’s eyes. She immediately bound forward as Alphabittle’s cutie mark began glowing as well. He raised a hoof towards her welcomingly.

“D...Dad,” Misty croaked as she wrapped her hoofs around him.

Alphabittle fell backwards onto his bottom as he wrapped both hoofs around his daughter. Both started weeping as the joy and relief washed over them. Both their cutie marks glowing brighter and brighter as a result.

“What...What’s happening?” Zipp gasped. “I...Is...”

“Alphabittle...” Izzy breathed, her eyes wide in disbelief.

“Y...you remember me, Misty?” Alphabittle whispered. “You really remember me.”

“S...sort of,” Misty admitted as she pulled back slightly. “I...I know though. You’re my dad. I’m sure of it, I remember your face.”

“Remember my beard?” Alphabittle chuckled. “It wasn’t quite so white back then. But you enjoyed running your little hoofs through it as I rocked you.”

Misty smiled as she held a hoof to Alphabittle's chin and stroked his beard. “Y...yeah, I think I remember that.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay my little Mistywhisty,” Alphabittle smiled as he pulled her close again. “You were so little when you disappeared. I...I don’t expect you to remember much. I’m just glad you remember me at all.”

Sunny bounded over to Sunset and Starlight with a beaming smile on her face. “This is brilliant, eee he he,” she squealed. “I’m so glad you got to see Misty find her dad. Who would have guessed it was Alphabittle.”

“Just think if we’d had a chance to go to the tearoom earlier,” Sunset commented. “Would Misty have remembered him then?”

“Possibly not,” Starlight frowned. “For certain she’s remembering more since she was trying to remember the mist to save Peach Fizz.”

“Who knows if Opaline did something to her when she was little,” Sunset pondered. “Could be that’s wearing off or it really is just old childhood memories resurfacing.”

“Yeah, Sunny, you had better keep an eye on Peach Fizz in the future,” Starlight advised.

Sunny blinked and nodded understandingly before she looked back at the happy reunion before them.

Elsewhere, Spike Junior smiled as he spotted Blaize. Following behind her were Lava and Jade.

“Found them wandering the streets of Maretime Bay,” she commented.

Spike Junior smiled with relief at the pair.

“We can’t remember leaving the Dragon Lands,” Jade sighed. “Just waking up in this strange lighthouse.”

“Was alright for you,” Lava moaned. “I was stuck for ages until you woke up.”

Spike Junior sighed as he noticed Blaize’s angry expression. “We know what happened Blaize,” he said. “The ponies had bigger issues than worrying about them.”

“It’s not our pony friends I’m angry with,” Blaize frowned.

Spike Junior followed Blaize’s gaze and sighed again before shaking his head. “Did you...”

“...Get the Dragon Stone?” Blaize finished. “Of course.”

She produced the stone, holding it up for Spike Junior to see.

“Excellent, well done Blaize,” Spike Junior smiled. “We’ll say our goodbyes to our pony friends and take our leave. That is unless you want to stay? You’ve missed most of the party.”

“I’m not interested,” Blaize replied as she continued looking over to where Whisper was manning her drinks stand. “In fact, the sooner I get home the better.”

It was a short time later that Sunny looked out from the balcony and realized the number of partygoers had reduced dramatically. She looked around the VIP area, Sunset and Starlight had been joined by the Dazzlings and of course, Misty and Alphabittle were sitting happily talking. Everypony else seemed to be happily chatting as well. Therefore, she decided to go on one last walk around on her own before they left.

After exiting the VIP area, Sunny grinned as she found it was much easier for her to move around. Ponies still came up to meet her, but it wasn’t the overwhelming crowd it had been earlier.

Suddenly she gasped as she walked through one of the seating areas. Sat at a table in the corner was Kendi, slowly drinking a drink.

Sunny beamed as she made a beeline towards her. However, this disappeared as she noticed Kendi’s sorrowful expression.

“Aunt Kendi,” Sunny said as she arrived. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, Sunny,” Kendi gasped. “I am sorry, I know this is supposed to be a joyful occasion. A celebration of what you and your friends have achieved. But, I cannot be more upset right now.”

“Why?” Sunny asked worriedly. “You know you can tell me anything.”

Kendi gave Sunny a thin smile. “I can not remember if I mentioned this before, I’ve been working on starting a museum. I thought I was close, but I no longer have the two items that would have been the centrepiece.”

“The hat and jacket,” Sunny gasped.

“Yes,” Kendi sighed. “I have many wonderful items, but it was those that were driving my case for grant money. Now I don’t have them...”

Kendi blinked with surprise as Sunny’s eyes suddenly lit up.

“Don’t worry Aunt Kendi, I know exactly where they are,” Sunny grinned. “Along with items from the other Guardians of Friendship including Princess Twilight’s crown.”

“W...what?” Kendi gasped. “But I was told that Opaline had them.”

“She did,” Sunny smiled. “We’re going to Opaline’s castle tomorrow to get them back. Along with anything else that Opaline had.”

“So, is she truly gone?” Kendi asked. “That is not one of those part truths said to make everypony feel better.”

“I zapped her myself,” Sunny beamed. “With the help of my friends and everypony else in Equestria that is. She’s gone Aunt Kendi, and you ought to come with us tomorrow. I’ll send you a message when we’re about to leave.”

Kendi smiled gratefully as her eyes glistened.

“Thank you, my dear Sunny,” she breathed. “If that is the case, I shall return to my hotel. It sounds like there could be more to find in this castle and I want plenty of energy.”

Sunny beamed as she and Kendi shared a hug before Kendi took her leave.

Meanwhile, Izzy sighed worriedly as she watched Alphabittle and Misty talking. She wanted to go over and speak to them, but she didn’t want to interrupt them too soon. However, Alphabittle suddenly got up and looked like he was getting ready to leave. Sure enough, he shared a hug with Misty before he started heading towards the exit.

Gasping, Izzy hurried after him but only caught up as he descended the ramp. “Alphabittle,” she called worriedly from the top.

“Oh, Izzy,” Alphabittle smiled as he stopped and turned around. “Sorry, I was just going. I can’t stay any longer or I won’t be up to open the Tea Room tomorrow.”

“A…about that,” Izzy stammered as she came down to meet him. “Did you still want me to come and see you like normal?”

Alphabittle’s eyes widened in realisation. “Wait, that’s in a few days isn’t it!” he gasped. “Of course I do, but could you bring Misty too?”

Izzy’s worried expression suddenly turned into a beaming smile. “Of course I will, I’m sure she wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“Thank you, Izzy,” Alphabittle smiled. “I…I can’t believe I’ve found her after all this time.”

“I know,” Izzy responded, the worried expression returning. “Is there still room for…”

“Of course there is,” Alphabittle smiled warmly. “I’ll see you soon.”

Izzy smiled again and couldn’t help giving Alphabittle a hug before finally allowing him to take his leave.

Not long later, Sunny and the others were finally leaving the Night Market as well. They chatted happily as they entered the portal to Maretime Bay.

As they exited, Sunny looked around and sighed with relief as she found herself where she expected to be, in Maretime Bay and not someplace else. However, as she walked down the curving golden path from the portal, she suddenly became aware of something. As she reached the bottom, she turned and looked at the two together flowers and froze.

“What is it Sunny?” Izzy asked as she bounded alongside.

“The...the flower,” Sunny gasped.

The others also stopped and looked at the flower with the orange orb. The orb was glowing, much like it had when it had first appeared.

“N...No,” Sunny gasped as she turned her head away.

“What’s wrong Sunny?” Starlight asked.

“The orb, it's calling to me,” Sunny admitted. “I...I don’t... We have our elements, the only thing I can think...”

“Time for us to go?” Sunset questioned.

“I hope not,” Starlight admitted. “I’d kind of like to get rid of this cast first.”

Sunny grunted, the draw of the orb was increasing, and she couldn’t resist any longer. “I don’t want you to go!” she admitted just before she turned towards the flower.

A vacant expression took over Sunny’s face as she started walking towards the flower. Sunset and Starlight looked between them all worriedly as she came to a stop before it.

“Just in case, this has been the greatest adventure of my life,” Sunset blurted. “It’s been an honour to meet you all. Say goodbye to Sunny for us, yeah?”

“Ditto,” Starlight said as Sunny raised her hoof towards the orb. “It’s been a blast and I know you’ll all do fine without us. I’m proud to call you all my friends.”

Sunny couldn’t hear either of them as she placed a hoof on the orb. There was a blinding orange flash before Sunny fell backwards.

Sunny shook her head as she looked up in surprise, being projected from the orb was an image of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“Sunny Starscout, if you are seeing this then you and your friends have succeeded. Opaline has been defeated and Equestria is finally safe from her evil,” Twilight said. “I hope that sending you Sunset and Starlight helped you in your quest. Speaking of, tell them their return ticket is ready. All they need to do is touch the orb together and they will return as if they never left. I’m not sure why but Starlight was quite insistent I didn’t just whisk them away from you.”

Sunny shot Starlight and Sunset a happy grin. Starlight smiled back and shrugged.

The image suddenly blinked, and Twilight grunted. “It seems I don’t have long. So, I’m sorry, this will be the last time you hear from me. However, I urge you, Sunny. Seek out Princess Flurry Heart, she needs your help to save the Crystal Empire. Also, remember whatever happens, your friends will be there to help you. Good luck, I know Equestria is in good hoofs.”

With a final smile, the image faded and the glow from the orb subsided. It took on a flashing glow, as though it was on standby.

“Think she’d mind if we spent a few moons here?” Starlight smirked.

“You sure?” Sunset said as she cocked her head. “I think our Twilight would freak if we reappeared a few moons older.”

“Ah, that’s true,” Starlight sighed. “That would be quite hard to explain to my students back at the school too.”

“Afternoon class, just ignore the fact I’ve become an old mare in the course of a morning,” Sunset chortled.

“I’m just glad we get to say goodbye properly,” Misty beamed. “Not a rushed one.”

“Okay, so this thing us our timer,” Starlight said tapping her cast. “Once I’m back on all four hoofs then we’ll need to be heading home.”

“Okay, so let’s go get some sleep, today has been crazy,” Pipp grinned. “Then, we can take stock of things.”

“Like the huge holes in the Brighthouse?” Zipp questioned.

“Oooh, I’d actually forgotten about those,” Pipp mused as they all walked off together.

Chapter Twelve – Making the Rounds

Despite the holes in the walls, everypony was so exhausted they managed to get a good night’s sleep. The next morning, Sunny groaned as she surveyed the damaged kitchen.

“No breakfast this morning then,” Izzy sighed as she appeared.

“We’ll just have to go into town once everypony is up,” Sunny replied. “I can’t be upset Iz. I’m the one who demolished it.”

“You don’t want to see the storeroom then,” Izzy chuckled. “It’s like an Izzy bomb landed in there. Oh wait...”

Sunny and Izzy both laughed whilst they waited for the others.

A while later, they were all sat on a table outside one of the seafront restaurants in Maretime Bay. All had suitable breakfast meals and were laughing and joking as they consumed them.

“I...I still can’t believe it,” Misty beamed. “Opaline is gone, and I’ve found my dad! My actual dad.”

“Totally feeling you on not believing it,” Zipp replied. “Yesterday feels like it was a whirlwind.”

“Says you,” Sunset grunted. “I still feel like I’ve lost countless days.”

“That’s because you have,” Starlight frowned. “Don’t go beating yourself up again. You couldn’t do anything about it.”

Sunset grunted but smiled at Starlight gratefully.

“Okay, so what’s our plan for this fine day?” Hitch asked.

“As much as I’d like to start on fixing the Brighthouse. I kind of promised Aunt Kendi we would head to Opaline’s,” Sunny explained.

“The artefacts need recovering,” Sunset agreed. “You don’t want them to fall into the wrong hoofs.”

“Exactly,” Sunny responded. “Plus, who knows what else she has there.”

“Well, I kind of have an idea,” Misty replied thoughtfully. “Firstly, she’s got a library full of spell books. Also, her storeroom always had lots of stuff. All sorts of old things and also dried plant leaves and flowers. She was always telling me to go and pick plants. I never knew why until we started making potions.”

“Some of those could be rare,” Sunset pondered. “So, it would be worth clearing the place out.”

“Is there anything you would want to pick up, Misty?” Pipp asked. “Did you have anything in your room?”

Misty frowned, placing a hoof on her chin in thought. “I didn’t have much,” she replied at last. “I’ll take a look, but my room was on the top floor, so the roof falling likely squished anything. Oh, actually, we ought to check Opaline’s study too, but it’s likely in the same state.”

“Are you sure you want to come, Starlight?” Zipp ventured. “Shouldn’t you rest?”

Starlight gave Zipp a withering look whilst she sipped her glass of orange juice. Sunset smirked back at Zipp knowingly.

“It’s not worth it Zipp,” Sunset replied. “I’ve already tried, she’s coming and there’s no stopping her.”

“Too right I’m coming,” Starlight said as she put her glass down. “Broken leg or no, I’ll be fine in this wheelchair.”

“Oh look, it’s Equestria’s heroes,” a voice said.

They turned to see Phyllis was walking towards them. A beaming smile on her face.

“Good morning, Phyllis,” Hitch said as he tried not to groan. “What can I help you with?”

“Oh, please don’t say that’s your default reaction to seeing me Hitch,” Phyllis blinked. “I actually wanted to ask if there was anything I could do for you? My new construction business that is.”

“Construction business?” Sunny echoed.

“Yes Sunny,” Phyllis smiled. “Sargent Skywalk mentioned I needed a new challenge and I agree. I’ve got big plans but first I have to walk before I can run. I heard the Brighthouse suffered a bit of damage yesterday.”

Starlight grunted whilst Sunny blinked with surprise.

“Well, yes,” Sunny replied. “There are a few large holes in the walls which need repairing.”

“New kitchen,” Sparky squeaked.

“And the bookshelves,” Izzy added.

“Don’t forget the door,” Pipp chuckled. “Oh, and the rest of the furniture being strewn all over the place. It basically looks like a battleground.”

“Well, it kind of was,” Zipp chortled.

“D...Did Opaline really get that far?” Phyllis gasped.

“No, she didn’t,” Sunset replied. “But Nightmare me did.”

“With two brainwashed dragons,” Izzy added.

“Okay,” Phyllis said unsurely. “I’m glad we have you to protect us then. As a thank you, I’ll come over later today with my new business partner and assess what needs doing.”

“That sounds brilliant,” Sunny beamed. “Thank you, Phyllis.”

“No problem at all,” Phyllis smiled before she nodded and headed away.

Once Phyllis was out of earshot, Starlight looked pointedly at Sunset. “What does Nightmare you mean? She wasn’t you,” she maintained.

“I know and you don’t need to keep reminding me,” Sunset groaned. “It’s still a correct statement, what else should I call her? Say, could anypony humour me? Can you show me some photos of Nightmare me?”

Pipp blinked with surprise as all eyes fell on her. “What? I didn’t get any, we were always too busy. There are some on Ponygram though.”

She whisked out her phone and started tapping. Sunny meanwhile looked at Sunset with concern.

“It’s okay Sunny. I’m sure I want to see this,” Sunset affirmed. “It’s part of putting my mind at rest.”

The others said nothing as Pipp held her phone towards Sunset. Frowning, Sunset took it and started flicking through the photos. Giving a half laugh as she did so. “Yeah, if it wasn’t for the cutie mark, you’d think that was a different pony.”

“That’s because it is,” Starlight sighed. “Are we going to keep doing this now?”

“No Starlight, we’re not,” Sunset groaned. “Technically, it’s still my body, but I agree, this is not me. Nightmare Shimmer is, no. Was, her own pony.”

“You’re not worried she’ll come back, are you?” Misty asked worriedly.

“Not really,” Sunset smiled. “I’ve dealt with this sort of thing before. I become a raging she demon and she’s never come back. My friend, Twilight. Err, human Twilight that is. She turned into an evil version of herself called Midnight Sparkle and I saved her. Afterwards she felt like Midnight Sparkle was returning, but my other friends and I helped her. I know I can count on you all to help me now, and them when I return, if I need it.”

She smiled and held Pipp’s phone out to her. “Thanks, Pipp.”

“No problem,” Pipp grinned. “So, when are we heading out? Could I maybe pop by Mane Melody first? I wanted to check in on Jazz.”

“Oh, yes please do,” Hitch replied. “I’m still mortified we didn’t search for her and Posey.”

“Well, we didn’t really get chance,” Zipp responded. “Like I said, yesterday was a whirlwind.”

“Ooh, actually I want to check my cart too,” Sunny smiled. “It’s been too long again, and I want to make sure my fruit stocks are still okay. I’ll probably need to replace some.”

“You ought to get somepony part time to run it for you,” Sunset suggested. “Not every day and then you can do the days that they aren’t there.”

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea,” Sunny gasped. “I’ll need to think about it and make sure that will work first.”

“Okay, Pipp to Mane Melody. Sunny to her cart and I’m going to check in at the Sheriff’s Office,” Hitch smiled. “I need to check what’s happening with Skywalk and her detachment.”

“Oh, please don’t say they’re going back to Zephyr Heights,” Zipp gasped. “I’m sure they’ll still be needed here.”

“I know, they’ve been a godsend,” Hitch sighed. “I need to speak with her and find out what is happening.”

“So, what are the rest of us doing?” Misty asked. “I kind of want to go see Dad again but we’ve already got a date agreed.”

“Well, you can come with Starlight and me,” Sunset smiled. “Let’s do some shield practice.”

“Oh, okay,” Misty smiled.

“And I’m going to make a start on tidying,” Izzy grinned. “I bet I’ll be able to do all sorts with anything that’s broken.”

“Okay, I’ll come and give you a hoof,” Zipp replied.

“It’s settled then,” Sunny grinned. “We’ll all meet up at the Marestream. I’ll send Aunt Kendi a message to meet us there.”

Pipp smiled as she entered Mane Melody. Rocky was busy attending to Posey who looked to be having a full mane shampoo. On the other side of the salon, Jazz was busy preparing one of the stations. She grinned as she looked up and saw Pipp.

“Oh, Pipp. How are you this morning?” Jazz beamed as she hurried over to give Pipp a hug.

“Oh, I’m fine,” Pipp smiled as she returned the hug. “How are you though? I’m so sorry we didn’t come to help you.”

“That’s an understatement,” Posey said from across the room.

Pipp shot Posey an annoyed look before turning back to Jazz.

“Please don’t worry about it Pipp,” Jazz smiled. “I’m fine now and from what you said last night, you and your friends had it far worse. I’m just glad you were able to defeat Opaline.”

“We couldn’t have done it without everypony else though,” Pipp smiled. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You looked a total mess last night.”

“I gave her the works this morning,” Rocky explained. “Speaking of, you looked awful on that stream yesterday and your mane still doesn’t have its usual dazzle.”

“Sunny said we all got dragged through the earth or something, ” Pipp explained. “Honestly, I don’t remember. Opaline put us to sleep outside the Brighthouse and then we woke up trapped in her castle.”

“Wait, so what did she do with you?” Posey said suddenly. “What do you mean trapped?”

“We were trapped in these freaky purple vines that were slowly draining the energy out of us,” Pipp explained. “Unlike everypony else, the elements protected us. So, she had to take our cutie marks slowly or something. Anyway, enough about all that. It’s ancient history now. All I wanted to do is make sure you were okay Jazz. If you need anything, please do tell me.”

“I will Pipp, thanks,” Jazz smiled gratefully.

“Excellent,” Pipp beamed. “Well, we’re off to pick through the remains of Opaline’s castle. I’ll likely be back later.”

“I’m sure we can make space for you,” Rocky winked knowingly.

Pipp grinned and waved a wing as she headed out the door. Meanwhile, Posey began complaining that nopony seemed to be worried about her.

Elsewhere, Sunny had arrived at her cart. She walked all around the outside and was pleased to see there was nothing out of place. She unlocked the door and had just opened it when she heard a voice, “Please tell me you’re reopening Sunny?”

Sunny turned and saw Sweets was walking towards her. A hopeful look on her face.

“Oh, err, not really right now,” Sunny replied worriedly before looking inside. “I could maybe...”

“Oh, I didn’t mean right away,” Sweets replied bashfully. “I meant, if you were opening more regularly again in the future.”

Sunny smiled with relief. “I hope to,” she chuckled. “Kind of need to find out if I’ve still got fruit in here first.”

“That’s awesome news,” Sweets grinned. “Please do let us all know when. N...no pressure or anything. Just so we all know when to come.”

“Sure, I can do that,” Sunny smiled. “No problem.”

“Thanks, see you later Sunny,” Sweets beamed as she headed off.

“Bye, Sweets,” Sunny smiled before she entered the cart.

Sunny was pleased to see the inside of the cart was just as she’d last left it. She was soon going through the cooler draws, making note of what stock she had. Suddenly, she opened a draw and spotted a basket.

“I completely forgot about this,” she gasped.

Lifting the basket, Sunny smiled at the berries she’d obtained from the Night Market. To her relief they still looked and smelt fresh. She blinked as she spotted a note between the jam jars.

Placing the basket down she pulled out the note and began reading. “Zap Apple Jam,” she repeated. “Wait, Discord! Of course, now I remember.”

Sunny smiled and looked around. “Can’t hurt to give the jam a try,” she chuckled.

Meanwhile, Hitch and Sparky had arrived at the Sheriff’s Office. As Hitch expected, Skywalk had arrived and was sitting at her desk going through some paperwork.

“Morning, Skywalk,” Hitch grinned. “How are you doing?”

“Oh, morning Hitch,” Skywalk sighed as she looked at her bandaged wing. “Let’s just say I won’t be flying for a while yet.”

“Any idea on how long?” Hitch asked with concern.

“Why, worried I can’t carry out my duties?” Skywalk smirked. “You are still my commanding officer.”

“Am I? Opaline’s threat has passed,” Hitch frowned. “Don’t get me wrong here. If you’re staying, then I’ll be extremely happy. However, I can’t say I wasn’t worried you will be leaving.”

“Well, I was worried too,” Skywalk admitted. “However, I got this this morning.”

She passed Hitch a letter. He took a moment to read it before he grinned widely. “So, you’re staying along with two others, who?”

“Sprout of course, and Frost Wing has taken to living here as well,” Skywalk smiled. “The plan is to keep promoting the Equestria Guard and recruit more Earth Ponies. You can’t do that without at least some presence here. Our numbers will be reduced for now, but I doubt we will need round the clock patrols anymore.”

“I agree there,” Hitch smiled. “I’m just glad of the continued help. You’ve been so good since you came here.”

“Mind putting that in a letter to Captain Zoom?” Skywalk smirked. “A bit of good news about us being here would be nice.”

“Wait, what?” Hitch gasped.

“Phyllis,” Sparky squeaked.

“Yeah, I’m afraid so,” Skywalk sighed. “Honestly though, her last letter was a glowing report and is part of the reason some of us get to stay.”

“Leave that with me,” Hitch smiled. “I think Phyllis has turned her own corner anyway. But, I know two ponies who can have words if needed.”

Skywalk chuckled. “Got to be nice being friends with princesses.”

“It’s fun,” Sparky squeaked before they all laughed.

Elsewhere, Misty frowned as she looked at Sunset with confusion. At Sunset’s hoofs was a large bucket with a hosepipe pointed into it. Nearby, Starlight was also looking quite confused.

“Okay, I’ll bite,” Starlight said at last. “What’s going on?”

“This is how Princess Celestia made sure her students learned shields double quick,” Sunset smiled.

“Okay, so what’s the bucket and hose for?” Starlight asked.

“Ammo,” Sunset winked.

“Why don’t I like the sound of this?” Misty gasped.

“You’ll be fine, Misty,” Sunset smiled. “The worst that can happen to you is getting a little wet.”

“So, what are you going to do?” Starlight asked.

“We’re going to have a magical water fight,” Sunset chuckled. “Princess Celestia used this to help her students with their shields. Right up until I tried it on my cousin and I kind of soaked him so much my aunt complained.”

“Okay, I really don’t like the sound of this,” Misty grimaced.

“Trust me Misty, I’ll go easy on you,” Sunset reassured. “Now, this is the Student and Teacher version. I’m the teacher so I get the ammo. This can be done with as many students as you want. If you do that, everypony would get some ammo.”

“Okay, I see where this is going,” Starlight said at last. “You’re going to pick up the water and throw it at Misty and she has to use a shield to protect herself.”

Sunset’s beaming smile was all the confirmation that Starlight needed.

“So, what’s stopping me from moving?” Misty asked.

“Nothing really,” Sunset smiled. “If it were you v Sunny then you’d be moving away from your ammo though.”

She looked over to the tap and turned it on with her magic. Slowly, the bucket began to fill.

“You have until the water reaches the top to cast your shield,” Sunset informed.

Misty gulped as she watched the bucket. Sunset had turned the water on very slowly, therefore she realised she had plenty of time. Taking a deep breath, Misty closed her eyes to concentrate.

“Can’t she check the incantation?” Starlight asked.

“Nope,” Sunset answered. “From what you’ve told me, she’s had plenty of time to study that.”

Misty took another deep breath as Starlight watched unsurely. Eventually, Misty’s horn glowed, and a shield appeared. It flickered and flashed before stabilising.

Which turned out to be a good thing as the bucket began to overflow. Sunset grinned as her horn glowed and she picked up a ball of water.

With lightning speed and accuracy, Sunset whipped the ball of water around and flung it towards Misty’s shield. It impacted with a splash, the shield remaining intact.

Misty grinned as she opened her eyes which made the shield flicker and fall. “I...I did it!” Misty squeaked.

“Yes, you did,” Starlight beamed. “Way to go Misty.”

“Yep, well done,” Sunset smirked as she watched the bucket.

All too late, Misty realised it wasn’t over. The bucket started to overflow again, and Sunset picked up another ball of water.

Squeaking, Misty tried to cast her shield again. However, now under more pressure she couldn’t manage it. Sunset threw her water ball and Misty cried out as she was drenched.

“Okay, I celebrated too soon, didn’t I,” Misty groaned as she shook the water from her mane.

“Don’t stop,” Starlight urged.

Misty squeaked as she saw the bucket was refilling. She took a few steadying breaths before concentrating again. Her horn lit up and her shield appeared. As with the first time, it deflected the water ball, but this time it dropped immediately afterwards.

“That’s it Misty,” Sunset grinned. “You get it now, we’re not stopping.”

Inside, Izzy had long since realised why Zipp had offered to help tidy up. She was busy going through all the books. Not only checking them but also seemingly looking for something.

Not that Izzy minded, she had started in the kitchen and was putting things into two piles. The broken pile was getting very large indeed and Izzy was already getting lots of ideas.

“Sunny really ought to go into demolition,” Izzy chuckled. “She really was a wrecking ball when she demolished this place.”

“Hmmm,” Zipp murmured in reply.

Izzy frowned and looked over to see Zipp had her nose buried in a book.

“Okay, what are you looking at?” Izzy asked as she hopped over.

“Say what?” Zipp said as she finally looked up at Izzy. “Oh, this is a book that Kendi dropped off with a few others. Twilight mentioned Princess Flurry Heart in her final message. This book is all about the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh yeah, we got to find her don’t we,” Izzy gasped. “Maybe Starlight and Sunset could help.”

“I’m not so sure, Iz,” Zipp sighed. “I’ve got a feeling even finding the Crystal Empire will take us a long time. They really ought to be getting home.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Izzy sighed. “We ought to enjoy their company whilst they’re here.”

They both gasped as they heard shouting from outside. Standing, they walked over to one of the holes and couldn’t help chuckling.

Sunny had arrived and Sunset had wasted no time in adding her into the water shield game. Now, both Misty and Sunny had buckets and hoses along with Sunset.

Misty gasped as she was hit by one of Sunset’s water balls. Grinning, she picked up her own and returned fire. Sunny meanwhile was struggling, she grunted with annoyance as she yet again failed to pick up her own ball of water. “Throwing me in at the deep end much,” she sighed.

“Just concentrate,” Sunset advised.

Starlight sighed, it was clear Sunset had enough to do with Misty and therefore took matters into her own hoofs. She fired a beam of magic at a nearby brick and turned it into an orange. Smiling she placed it on the ground in front of a confused Sunny.

“Okay, keep your eye on Sunset and Misty and be ready with your shield,” Starlight advised. “Levitation crash course. Look at the orange, concentrate on it and picture it moving.”

Sunny frowned before looking up at Sunset’s bucket to take note of how full it was. Then she looked at the orange. She stared at it as she did as Starlight had instructed. A golden orange aura appeared around it as it slowly began to levitate from the ground. As Sunny held it in the air, she found moving it around got easier and easier.

“I...I’m doing it,” Sunny gasped. “I’m really doing it, eee he he.”

“Heads up Sunny.”

Sunny gasped at the sound of Sunset’s voice. She looked up and squeaked as she saw the ball of water flying toward her. Thinking fast, she created her shield whilst she was still holding the orange. The water splashed over the shield harmlessly.

Sunny beamed and couldn’t help hopping as she squealed with joy. “I did both! I really did both, eee!”

“Okay good,” Starlight grinned. “Now drop the orange and concentrate on the water. Wipe that smile from Sunset’s face.”

Sunny blinked and looked at her bucket that was still overflowing. She carefully put the orange down before concentrating on the bucket.

On her first try, she lifted the whole bucket. After a little more tuition from Starlight, Sunny beamed as eventually she lifted a ball of water into the air.

“Concentrate on keeping the water swirling,” Starlight advised. “Doing that will help you hold it together.”

“Okay, okay I’ve got this,” Sunny muttered. “Do I literally throw it or...”

“NO, keep hold of it until its almost at your target,” Starlight guided. “If you let go too soon it will break apart. The only thing holding it together is your magic. You need to move it quickly or she’ll dodge or block it.”

Sunny frowned with concentration as she made her water ball fly towards Sunset.

Sunset meanwhile was fully aware that she was being targeted. However, she was impressed and pleased with Sunny so decided giving her another boost wouldn’t be a bad thing. Therefore, she purposefully kept her eyes on Misty as Sunny’s water ball hurtled towards her.

Sunny squeaked as she finally let go of the water just as it reached Sunset. The ball broke apart but was close enough that it still showered Sunset with water.

Sunny’s eyes widened as she grinned with joy. She could barely believe she’d done it and looked at Starlight as though she were seeking confirmation.

“Well done, Sunny,” Starlight beamed. “You did it.”

“I...I did it? I did it! Eee he he he!” Sunny squealed as she hopped from one hoof to the other.

Sunset smiled as she shook the water from her mane. She looked at her bucket and then Sunny, getting ready to return fire. She completely missed the water ball that was flying at her from Misty.

Misty had had more practice. Having already successfully bounced many water balls from Sunset’s shield. Therefore, she flung the ball faster and held onto it until the last possible moment.

Sunset cried out in surprise as Misty’s water ball impacted her. She coughed and spluttered as water managed to get up her nose.

“Touché,” Sunset gasped at last. “Well done, well done both of you.”

“I can see why Princess Celestia moved away from this method,” Starlight laughed. “You’re completely soaked.”

“Oh, she wouldn’t have been as involved like I was,” Sunset laughed as she shook her mane again. “I see Hitch and Pipp coming with Kendi, so I think it’s lesson over.”

“Wait, so she only got directly involved if you couldn’t fight back?” Misty frowned.

“Pretty much,” Sunset answered. “She was ruler of Equestria though so after the lesson would be off to some important meeting. She couldn’t exactly turn up sopping wet like I am now.”

“You and me both,” Misty giggled as she shook her mane.

“Come on water foals,” Zipp smiled. “If we’re all here let’s head to Opaline’s and see what we can find.”

With that, everypony agreed and they all boarded the Marestream.

Chapter Thirteen – Castle Searches

The group slowly made their way across the bridge towards the ruins of what had once been Opaline’s Castle.

“You weren’t kidding when you said the roof had collapsed,” Sunset commented as she pushed Starlight’s wheelchair.

“The tree looks a lot healthier too,” Starlight noted. “Is it really a Together Tree, Zipp?”

“I think so,” Zipp answered. “It’s certainly got the same colour now. Both in the leaves and the flowers.”

“None of the nasty purple anymore,” Pipp grinned. “The whole area looks far brighter and less menacing somehow.”

“Could this be one of the castles from your time?” Kendi asked hopefully.

“Well, we know where the Canterlot Castle is,” Sunset responded. “The only other castle’s I can think of are Twilight’s and the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

“It’s not either of those,” Starlight replied. “This is nowhere near where Ponyville should be. At least I don’t think so.”

“I really think something happened to reformat the land,” Sunset sighed. “I’ve not travelled between Canterlot and Ponyville much. But I agree Zephyr Heights feels like it’s in completely the wrong direction from here.”

As they entered the castle, they noticed much of the debris from the roof collapsing had already been moved. There was therefore a large clear area with one large pile of debris.

“Spike Junior said Blaize had been here and rescued the Dragon Stone,” Hitch frowned.

“That’s fine,” Sunny smiled. “It’s better off with the Dragons. It belongs with them.”

Sunset frowned as she spotted the sphere above the caldron pool. Starlight sensed her unease and looked back at her with concern.

“Is that what she trapped you in?” Starlight asked.

“Yep,” Sunset growled. “Kind of annoyed it’s not been damaged.”

Starlight looked at the sphere and noted many of the largest beams from the roof had fallen onto it. Other roof beams had then been stacked up against these. This meant the sphere was partly covered by debris. However, it showed no sign of damage.

Suddenly, an image flashed in Sunset’s mind, causing her to freeze. She’d already seen it once before, at the party. However, now it was more vivid and seemed to line up perfectly with what she saw before her. Blinking as it disappeared, she shook her head violently.

Looking back at the sphere, Sunset gasped as she spotted Sunny was right next to it. Picking up the hat from the edge of the pool before giving it to Kendi.

“Sunny, whatever you do, don’t go near that sphere,” Sunset insisted.

“Why?” Sunny asked. “It’s not going to jump out at us.”

“Call it a feeling,” Sunset responded. “I have no idea how Opaline got me into it or how she got Nightmare me out. All I do know is I couldn't escape it once I was inside.”

“But the artefacts are around the edge,” Sunny advised. “Half of them are berried under all this.

“We need to recover them,” Kendi added. “Having items that all the Guardians of Friendship had, it is my greatest hopes and dreams coming true.”

“We can’t leave any of them behind Sunset. It’s too much of a risk,” Starlight reasoned. “You heard what Cozy Glow tried to do with relics back in our time. Trust me, that was a close call. Therefore, these need to be protected so nopony can use them for evil.”

“Okay, okay, you’re right Starlight but let’s just be careful,” Sunset advised as she moved forward. “I agree Sunny, it shouldn’t jump towards us, but I really don’t trust it. Please be careful.”

“O…Okay,” Sunny replied unsurely.

Starlight frowned as she watched Sunset. She couldn’t help feeling something was wrong.

Meanwhile, Zipp was looking around with a little confusion.

“Zipp, while they’re doing that. I’ll show you the library,” Misty advised. “You can see what Opaline had that could help with future mysteries.”

“Oh cool, I was just wondering where that was,” Zipp beamed. “If anything, we ought to just load everything into the Marestream. Even if I have to make multiple trips let’s get everything we can. We don’t know what could be useful in the future.”

“That’s true,” Misty smiled. “There’s a lot to carry though.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll help,” Izzy beamed. “I bet I can carry more books than anypony else.”

“Thanks, Iz,” Zipp grinned. “With both you and Misty using your magic it shouldn’t take too long.”

With that, the three of them followed Misty towards the library.

As Misty, Zipp and Izzy disappeared, Pipp looked around with concern. She had wanted to livestream, however now she was here she wasn’t sure. Did she really want to remind everypony about Opaline? As she pondered this, she moved towards the tree. Suddenly her eyes widened, and she shrieked with surprise.

“Pipp?” Hitch gasped as he hurried to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Please tell me she can’t see us,” Pipp gasped as she pointed at the trunk of the tree.

Hitch gasped as he saw the shape of Opaline’s face. She had seemingly been absorbed into the tree and had become part of it.

“Woah,” Hitch gasped. “I honestly don’t know.”

As he moved closer to inspect, it was soon clear this wasn’t just a covering of bark. Only her face was visible, the rest of her body wasn't to be seen.

Hearing the commotion, Starlight grunted as she wheeled herself over and took a look as well.

“Oh yeah, she’ll be able to see and hear us,” Starlight advised.

“Really?” Pipp gasped.

“Based on what Discord told me about being trapped in stone,” Starlight responded. “I think that’s quite the fitting end actually. She used this tree against us and now she’s a part of it. I wouldn’t worry about it Pipp. She can’t escape.”

“You’re sure?” Hitch asked.

“Perfectly,” Starlight reaffirmed. "She’s not just covered in bark. She's become one with the tree."

“Okay, as long as you’re sure,” Pipp smiled.

She turned around and raised her phone. After a bit of adjustment to get the right angle, she posed and took a selfie with Opaline in the background. Starlight looked confused as Hitch grinned and posed alongside Pipp. She grinned as she took another selfie of the pair of them in front of Opaline.

“I really don’t get what you’re doing waving those things around like that,” Starlight sighed. “It was the same when I visited Sunset in her world.”

“We’re taking selfies,” Pipp responded.

“Which are?” Starlight blinked.

“Oh, come on Starlight you must know,” Pipp grinned. “I’ll show you.”

Starlight cried in surprise as Pipp suddenly spun her wheelchair around.

“Just smile up at the phone,” Pipp instructed.

She held her phone up as Hitch got on Starlight’s other side. They both gave Starlight some instruction on where to look and soon enough Pipp had snapped the selfie of the three of them.

“See, you look amazing,” Pipp beamed as she showed Starlight the photo.

“Wait, so you’re just taking photos?” Starlight frowned. “Why not use a proper camera? Why mess around holding that phoney thing at hoofs length?”

“Because these have already gone viral,” Pipp squealed with joy. “Okay fine, livestream time!”

As she fluttered off to start her stream. Starlight looked at Hitch with even more confusion.

Meanwhile, Sparky had been getting the artefacts that were under the pile of debris. He grunted as he squeezed under one of the fallen roof beams. Carefully pushing some of the broken roof tiles away as he did so. Slowly, he was making his way along the edge of the pool towards the final artefact.

Sunny meanwhile was behind Sparky. She was under the pile of roof beams and debris too. However, she was in as far as she could go due to her larger size. Squeased in under a number of beams, she barely had enough space.

“Be careful Sparky,” she advised.

“Kay,” Sparky squeaked. “Got it!”

“You have?” Sunny grinned. “Way to go Sparky, eee.”

Sunny giggled with excitement and bumped into some of the debris. Outside the pile, Sunset was waiting apprehensively with Kendi. She gasped as she heard a creaking sound and looked around the pile with concern.

“Sunny, don’t move like that,” Sunset advised. “I don’t think this lot is very stable.”

“This is the last one,” Sunny called back.

“We know,” Kendi smiled as she looked over the five items that had already been recovered. “You are both doing very well.”

“Just follow your own advice and be careful please,” Sunset replied. “I don’t know why I agreed to letting you go in there.”

“Because Sparky needed help,” Sunny reminded. “He couldn’t get the sewing machine out on his own. It was too heavy.”

“You also did not want to risk moving the debris,” Kendi recalled. “In case it disturbed the sphere or crushed the relics.”

Sunset only groaned and grumbled in response.

Meanwhile, Sparky whooped as he pushed the crown out towards Sunny. Sunny couldn’t help squeaking with delight as she picked it up with her newly learnt levitation and sent it upwards, through a gap towards Sunset.

Sunset stopped grumbling and couldn’t help grinning as the crown appeared. She took it in her magic and passed it to an overjoyed Kendi.

“Okay, now get out from under that lot. Away from that pool and the sphere,” Sunset advised.

Sunny beamed as Sparky squeezed out from under the beam and grinned at her. “One Sparky incoming,” she advised.

Sparky looked at her with confusion until he felt Sunny pick him up with her levitation. He squeaked with joy as Sunny sent him upwards through the same hole and out of the pile.

Sunset gasped as Sparky appeared. She grabbed him with her magic and directed him towards herself. Sparky laughed as he flew gracefully through the air. He grinned as Sunset grabbed him in her hoofs.

“Okay, good idea,” Sunset conceded. “Now, be careful as you extract yourself.”

Sunny was fully intending to be careful. With no room to turn, she began carefully shuffling herself backwards. However, she had forgotten about her wings and gasped as one got caught. Grumbling, she began trying to extract it but found that to be harder than expected. Suddenly, she found the other wing was getting trapped as well.

“Sunny?” Kendi said with concern. “What is going on. You are making the pile wobble.”

“I’m fine,” Sunny replied. “Just having a little wing trouble.”

“Well turn them off or something,” Sunset panicked. “You’re being too rough.”

Suddenly, Sunny squeaked with surprise, and everything seemed to happen at once. One moment the pile was there, then there was a massive cloud of dust and a clattering sound. Sunny made another surprised squeak as more and more dust filled the air.

Sunset, Sparky, Starlight, Pipp and Hitch all coughed and coughed. Their eyes stung from the dust which made finding out what had happened difficult.

“Sunny! What...” Sunset coughed. “Where are you?”

“Are you okay Sunny?” Hitch shouted with concern.

“Speak to us Sunny,” Kendi coughed.

Pipp meanwhile flew upwards, above the dust cloud and readdressed her livestream.

“Okay Pippsqueaks,” Pipp said. “I...I’ll be back shortly once this dust has settled, and we’ve confirmed what’s happened here.”

“Sunny!” Sunset shouted worriedly before coughing. “S…Speak to us!”

To be continued...

Chapter Fourteen – A Sunny Rescue

Sunset, Sparky, Starlight, Pipp and Hitch all coughed and coughed. Their eyes stung from the dust which made finding out what had happened difficult.

“Sunny! What...” Sunset coughed. “Where are you?”

“Are you okay Sunny?” Hitch shouted with concern.

“Speak to us Sunny,” Kendi coughed.

Pipp meanwhile flew upwards, above the dust cloud and readdressed her livestream.

“Okay Pippsqueaks,” Pipp said. “I...I’ll be back shortly once this dust has settled, and we’ve confirmed what’s happened here.”

“Sunny!” Sunset shouted worriedly before coughing. “S…Speak to us!”

“I’m okay,” Sunny said at last. “Sort of.”

“What do you mean, sort of?” Starlight wheezed. “We can’t see you.”

“Please, be more specific Sunny,” Kendi urged anxiously as she coughed heavily. “The dust is too thick.”

“Hold on everypony,” Pipp said. “I’ve got an idea.”

Pipp began to flap her wings, sending a gust of wind towards a nearby window. Slowly, the dust was drawn away and began to clear.

As it did so, Sunset’s eyes widened, and she stood frozen in place. Before her was an image that had flashed in her mind at the party, then again when they entered the castle. One she had still hoped she’d been imagining. However, now there was no denying it, it was there right in front of her.

The sphere had moved, it was no longer above the caldron pool. Instead, it was hovering above where the pile of debris had been. Debris which was now strewn all over the place.

However, the sphere was no longer empty. Stood inside was a very confused, and now powerless, Sunny. “Urm, for the record. I have no idea how this happened,” she said meekly.

As Sunny started inspecting the inside of the sphere. Sunset stood staring at it, her breathing getting quicker and quicker. Noticing this, Starlight looked at her with concern. “Sunset?” she ventured.

“I...I told her to be careful,” Sunset growled. “I shouldn’t have...”

She trailed off and her face started to turn red. Turning abruptly, she headed towards the door of the castle. Sunny gasped and held a hoof up towards her.

“Sunset?” Sunny called worriedly. “No, please don’t go… I...I’m sorry...”

However, Sunset didn’t hear her. Zipp and Misty were just re-entering the castle and she pushed past them both as she exited. They watched her go with confusion before turning back to the others and spotting Sunny’s predicament.

“Okay, that is a new one,” Zipp commented. “How’d this happen?”

“I...I have no idea,” Sunny replied worriedly. “Seriously, I have no idea at all.”

“I bet Opaline is laughing at us right now,” Hitch commented as he turned to look back at her petrified form.

“So, how do we get Sunny out?” Misty asked.

“No clue,” Starlight admitted. “The only one of us who has any experience with this thing just went off in a huff.”

“I’ll go speak to her,” Pipp offered.

Before anypony could respond, she had fluttered out the door. Just as Izzy came in from the library and looked around with confusion, “Did I miss something?”

Outside, Sunset was stood on the drawbridge trying not to blow her top. Her face had turned a deep shade of red as she held her breath to stop herself from shouting.

“Come on Sunset, breathe,” Pipp coaxed as she approached. “It’s okay, we’ll find a way to get her out.”

Sunset finally gasped and started taking in deep breaths as she tried to calm down. “Why did I let her get that close to it?” she growled. “I shouldn’t have let her go under that pile.”

“Sunset, it’s going to be okay,” Pipp soothed.

“Is it?” Sunset replied as she rounded on Pipp. “How could you possibly know that Pipp?”

“Because I’m confident in what we can all do,” Pipp replied calmly. “I know you couldn’t get yourself out of that prison sphere. But you were alone then. This time you’re not alone, you’ve got friends around you. There’s no need to be angry with Sunny.”

Sunset groaned as she closed her eyes and sat down dejectedly. Pipp put a calming hoof around her as she breathed deeply and tried to get a hold of herself.

“I’m not angry at Sunny,” Sunset said at last as she opened her eyes. “I’m angry with myself.”

“Why?” Pipp asked as she rubbed Sunset’s back reassuringly. “You didn’t know what would happen.”

Sunset opened her eyes and looked up at the clouds in the sky. Feeling calmed, she took a deep breath and stared as though she were contemplating something. Eventually, she let out a deep sigh and smiled at Pipp. “Thank you Pipp, I’m sorry for getting so angry.”

“It’s fine,” Pipp smiled. “You should see how angry Zipp gets sometimes. Calming her down is one of my specialities. Although, come to think of it, winding her up is too.”

“Heh, I bet,” Sunset sighed. “Come on, I bet Sunny’s getting stressed and it’s not fair on her if I keep her waiting.”

Inside, Sunny was indeed starting to get more and more frantic. She kept turning around in the sphere and banging her hoofs on the inside. Trying to find a weakness which wasn’t there.

“Calm down Sunny,” Starlight urged.

“But I can’t use my powers in here and I’ve upset Sunset,” Sunny whimpered. “She told me to be careful and I didn’t listen.”

“Sunny, it’s going to be okay,” Misty reassured. “Sunset won’t be mad at you for long.”

“But I should have listened,” Sunny cried as she banged her hoof on the inside of the sphere in frustration. “This thing is completely solid. I don’t know how you’re going to get me out.”

“Well, you got in there so we should be able to get you out,” Starlight reasoned. “Sunset won’t stay mad for long, she’ll come and help.”

“Exactly,” Zipp responded. “Don’t worry, Sunny, we’ll get you out of there.”

“A…Are you sure?” Sunny blinked.

“Yes, we are,” Sunset said as she and Pipp walked in. “I’m sorry for running out on you Sunny. Trust me, we’ll get you out, leave it to us.”

Sunny took a deep breath and sat down. “I…I’m sorry Sunset,” she blinked. “I should…”

“Sunny no,” Sunset interjected. “I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at myself. I knew that prison sphere was dangerous. This is my fault.”

“It’s okay Sunset,” Starlight replied. “It’s understandable after what you went through.”

“So, you were stuck where Sunny is now?” Kendi asked.

“Yes, I was,” Sunset sighed. “As Opaline’s prisoner.”

“So, the difference is, Sunny has friends on the outside,” Kendi smiled.

“Exactly,” Sunset responded. “Sunny, stay calm, we’ve got you. We’ll get you out.”

“Speaking of, Opaline got you into it Sunset,” Starlight pondered. “So, she must have had some way of doing so. There must be a way to control it”

Sunset took another deep calming breath and nodded. “True, and I don’t think Opaline would have known how to on her own,” she reasoned. “She said she’d designed it. But there must be a book that told her how, somewhere.”

Zipp let out a groan in frustration, “We’ve got half the books loaded already. It will take ages to unload them so we can look through them.”

“We won’t have to,” Misty advised. “If it’s one she’s been using it will be in the study.”

“Okay, so where was that?” Sunset asked.

“Upstairs,” Misty advised. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

With that, Misty started to head up the ramp whilst Sunset, Zipp, Hitch, and Kendi followed behind.

Meanwhile, Pipp gasped as she heard a notification. She immediately whipped out her phone and started tapping before looking nervously at Sunny. “Sooooo, Sunny, err, how do I say this?” she grinned meekly.

“Why do I feel I’m not going to like this?” Sunny frowned.

“Welllll, just before you’re, err, accident I was streaming,” Pipp explained. “I paused the stream and right now it’s got thousands of ponies tuned in wanting to know if you’re okay.”

“Oh brilliant,” Sunny sighed. “So right now they have no idea what’s happened to me.”

“And they’re thinking the worst,” Pipp confirmed.

“Okay, this is why that streamy thing is a bad idea,” Starlight responded.

“You’re going to need to tell them something,” Izzy gasped. “I mean, Sunny’s not hurt or anything. Just a little bit stuck.”

“True, but if we show everypony it will make Sunny a laughingstock,” Pipp said sadly. “She could even become a meme.”

Sunny sighed and looked at Pipp reassuringly. “I think I’d rather that then having everypony worried about me,” she replied. “I’ve borne the brunt of many jokes and the like when my campaigning attempts failed. So I’m not too worried about that. I’ve seen some posts saying I should be made the new Princess of Equestria. This might actually work to show why I shouldn’t.”

Starlight snorted as she tried to supress a laugh, “You’ve never seen half the situations Twilight got herself into. Being a princess isn’t about being perfect. Everypony makes mistakes and needs help from time to time.”

Pipp’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Wait, that’s it! That’s our message here. Okay, I’m going live again.”

Pipp held her phone up and selected her front camera so the stream couldn’t see Sunny. She took a calming breath before putting on a smile and resuming the stream.

“Hey there Pippsqueaks,” she grinned. “So, I know you’re all worried about Sunny and what’s happened to her. Now I’m pleased to say that she’s not hurt in anyway. However, she has gotten a little bit stuck.”

Pipp smiled as she swapped cameras and angled the phone at Sunny who grinned sheepishly.

“Yeah, just a little stuck,” Sunny chuckled as she banged a hoof on the inside of the sphere. “So, for the record, I have absolutely no idea how this happened. It was all too fast.”

“Just to be clear,” Pipp interjected. “This sphere is basically a prison. You all know that Opaline captured Sunset, well this is what she was trapped in. So, Sunset isn’t exactly best pleased right now.”

“Especially after continually warning everypony to stay away from it,” Izzy added.

Sunny looked uncomfortably back at the camera as Pipp noticed the chat responses she was getting. She tapped her phone and swapped the camera back to herself.

“Okay, okay chat there is no need to worry,” she smiled reassuringly. “Some of our friends are already looking up how to help Sunny. I’m confident they will find what we need and we’ll get Sunny out in no time. The moral of all this is, everypony makes mistakes from time to time.”

“Then, if that mistake lands you in a bit of a jam you can count on your friends,” Izzy grinned as she jumped into shot beside Pipp. “We’re not perfect, no pony is.”

“Exactly, Iz,” Pipp winked. “We are all Ponies at the end of the day and even the Guardians of Unity make mistakes. Now, we don’t actually know how long it will take to rescue Sunny. So, I’m going to sign off completely for now. However, don’t worry Pippsqueaks. I’ll make sure you all know when this little adventure is over. Pipp Pipp Horray.”

With that, Pipp tapped her phone and ended the stream before giving Izzy a big hug. “Iz, that was brilliant,” she squealed.

“I still don’t understand what you were doing,” Starlight muttered to herself.

Upstairs, unlike the throne room which had been tidied somewhat already, the study was a complete mess. Here, roof trusses and roofing tiles lay all over the place, covering everything that had been within the room. Misty couldn’t help groaning as she tried to make sense of the carnage that lay before her.

“G…Give me a moment,” Misty gasped as she saw Sunset’s stony expression.

“It’s okay Misty,” Sunset sighed. “I’m not angry with you. I’m angry with myself.”

“But, I thought you’d calmed down,” Hitch answered.

“Still simmering,” Sunset admitted. “I knew... I knew this was going to happen.”

“How?” Kendi frowned. “How could you know?”

“Err, lets call it a feeling,” Sunset replied awkwardly.

“Okay, so given the amount of time and the fact she was working on collecting everypony’s energy. The book wouldn’t be on the desk anymore,” Misty explained. “She would have put it on the bookshelves.”

“Which bookshelves?” Zipp frowned.

“The one’s that have fallen over and are under half the roof,” Misty sighed.

“Oh of course it is,” Hitch groaned.

“It’s okay,” Sunset said as she stepped forward towards the mass of debris. “Misty, I’m going to try lifting this lot. You get ready to pull out as many books as you can.”

“Oh, o…okay,” Misty stammered unsurely.

“Are you sure you can do that?” Kendi gasped.

“The way I feel right now, I’m going to give it a shot,” Sunset admitted.

She took a wide stance and took in a few deep breaths to prepare herself. After a few moments, her horn glowed and the crimson aura of her magic grabbed the remains of the roof and the bookcase. Then, Sunset grunted as she slowly began to lift. She closed her eyes to maintain concentration as she exerted more effort.

The others watched in astonishment as the debris began to slowly rise. Sunset grunted and groaned as sparks of magic flew from her horn. Misty gasped as she knelt down and started moving books. However, she suddenly realized that teleporting them would be faster. Therefore, she began firing beams at as many books as she could see.

Hitch and Zipp both gasped as they suddenly found themselves catching books as they appeared above him. Kendi looked astounded before she started helping. Stacking the books as quickly as she could.

Meanwhile, Sunset gritted her teeth and let out a groan of effort. “P…please say you’re almost done,” she grunted as she began to tremble.

“Nearly,” Misty replied as she teleported the last few books. “Okay, you can put it down now.”

It seemed Sunset’s interpretation of ‘put it down’ was ‘drop it’. She gasped as she let go of the debris, sitting down panting as sweat dripped from her brow.

Misty squeaked with surprise as the debris suddenly fell. A cloud of dust being kicked up as it fell to the ground.

“S…sorry,” Sunset panted. “I couldn’t hold it anymore.”

“It…It’s okay,” Misty smiled. “I’m just surprised you could lift that much.”

“W…well,” Sunset panted. “Magic is often fuelled by emotion, and I feel a lot of emotion right now.”

“So wait, you channelled your anger,” Misty gasped.

“Yeah, just be careful if you ever try doing that Misty,” Sunset advised. “Anger is a powerful emotion. I’ve...well, kind of had a lot of experience channelling it.”

Meanwhile, Hitch, Zipp, and Kendi had already started looking through the piles of books that had been collected. Kendi was astounded by some of the titles but gasped as she found one that looked promising. She showed it to Zipp who smiled.

“Conjurations of Containing and Confinement,” Zipp read aloud. “That sounds about right to me. What about you Sunset?”

“That sounds something like it,” Sunset blinked as she held out a hoof. “Let me see?”

Kendi passed the book to Sunset who flipped it open and started scanning the pages.

A short time later, Sunset grunted as she stood in front of Sunny. She was holding the book in her levitation as she studied it intently.

“So? Is that it?” Izzy whispered to Misty.

“Yep,” Misty smiled as she whispered back. “Though Sunset’s not at all happy.”

“Why?” Izzy replied a little too loudly.

“Because it’s annoyingly too simple,” Sunset grunted before sighing. “Although, now I’ve read it more. It’s actually impossible to escape from inside so that’s something I suppose.”

Sunset studied the ground below the sphere and noted the amount of debris directly below it. Grunting, she grabbed the sphere in her levitation.

“Woah,” Sunny gasped as Sunset moved the sphere.

“You need to be above clear ground,” Sunset advised. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Prepare yourself Sunny.”

She snapped the book closed suddenly before looking back at Misty and offering it to her. Misty smiled and took the book as Sunset took a wider stance and focused. After a moment, her horn lit up and a beam of crimson magic shot towards the sphere.

As it impacted, the sphere seemed to wobble. Then, Sunny cried out in surprise as she found herself falling through the sphere’s membrane and landing in a heap on the ground below.

“Ow, okay, I’ll be ready for that next time,” Sunny groaned. “Wait, no. There isn’t going to be a next time!”

Sunset smirked as she cut the magical beam. The sphere’s membrane immediately stopped wobbling and went solid again. “There won’t be a next time because I’m going to make sure of it,” Sunset smiled. “You’d better get back.”

Sunny scrambled to her hoofs as Sunset’s horn lit up again. After giving Sunny chance to get clear, Sunset fired another beam at the sphere. This time, the membrane wobbled before there was a flash and it vanished completely.

“There, it’s gone for good now,” Sunset smiled. “Well, that one is. That book has lots of different ways to make containers. Not just spheres but boxes too, you can put anything inside.”

“Like things you want protecting?” Sunny asked.

“Especially things you want to be protected,” Sunset smiled as she looked pointedly at the artifacts.

“Excellent,” Starlight smiled. “So, with all that excitement over. Why don’t we get back to what we came here for?”

“Just a second,” Pipp grinned as she put a hoof around Sunny and held her phone up. “Smile Sunny.”

Sunny grinned as Pipp also smiled and took a selfie of the pair of them.

“Thanks Pipp,” Sunny smiled. “Hopefully that will close off the social media side of things too.”

“You know it,” Pipp chuckled as she tapped on her phone, posting the selfie onto her feeds.

Chapter Fifteen – Castle Treasures

After all the excitement of extracting Sunny from the prison sphere, the group split up. Sunny was pushing Starlight’s wheelchair as they followed Kendi towards the study.

Misty followed someway behind but didn’t follow them into the study. She headed further down the hallway and turned a corner before stopping and sighing. She’d wanted to check her room, but her way was blocked by a great deal of debris. Therefore, she headed back and joined the others in the study.

“Wait, Sunset decided to lift this lot?” Starlight frowned as she looked at the pile of debris.

“Indeed,” Kendi responded. “It was quite amazing, but she ended up dropping it.”

“She should have gotten help,” Starlight sighed. “She can be so stubborn when she’s angry. Wait, what’s out the window?”

“Nothing but a big drop,” Misty replied as she walked in.

“Okay, and there is nothing at the bottom?” Starlight questioned.

“I could go and take a look if you want?” Sunny suggested as she opened her wings.

“Yes please, Sunny,” Starlight smiled.

Sunny shrugged and headed towards the window. She pulled herself up onto the window ledge and took a moment to balance. She tried to open her wings but found they banged into the window frame, quickly realising she’d need to jump.

After looking down and taking a deep breath, she jumped out and opened her wings. Instantly feeling more confident as she felt them supporting her. She circled around before carefully diving downward and out of sight of the others.

“I do not understand,” Kendi frowned. “Why are you asking her to check down there?”

“Because rather than lifting this lot, we’ll teleport it out the window,” Starlight smiled.

Misty’s eyes widened with realisation. “We could have teleported all of it away before,” she gasped.

“Honestly, I only just thought of it,” Starlight said bashfully. “It would have probably saved Sunny from getting stuck earlier. So, let’s not mention it to Sunset.”

Misty couldn’t help looking back towards the corridor. Maybe she’d be able to reach her old room after all. Then, she remembered another room in that direction and bit her lip apprehensively.

It wasn’t long before Sunny reappeared at the window. She hovered awkwardly as she tried to work out how to land on the small window ledge. “T…There’s nothing down there,” she confirmed.

“Just come in through the non-existent roof,” Starlight smirked as she pointed upwards.

“Oh, yeah,” Sunny giggled. “I’d forgotten about that.”

“Incoming, Sunny,” Misty replied as she fired a beam of magic at the first beam.

It disappeared with a flash and reappeared outside the window. Sunny couldn’t help watching as it then fell into the abyss below. Clattering off the rocks as it did so.

“Okay, I’m getting out of the way,” Sunny blinked as she flew upwards.

Once Sunny had joined them, it didn’t take long for the room to be cleared of the debris. Sunny grinned as she successfully teleported the last beam.

“I think I’m getting the hang of this,” she giggled.

“Apart from everything you teleported appearing the wrong way up,” Starlight smirked.

“But there isn’t a wrong way to this stuff,” Sunny frowned.

“And that’s your problem right there,” Starlight chuckled. “You’ve forgotten about making things appear in the same orientation. Don’t worry, we’ll work on it.”

Meanwhile, Kendi had already started busying herself looking at all the objects that Opaline had left behind. As Starlight moved to help, Sunny looked around and frowned with confusion. “Wait, where’s Misty?” she blinked.

“Not sure,” Starlight frowned as she looked around. “I thought she was near the door. Maybe she went through it.”

Suddenly, there was a flash outside the window as a beam appeared. Quickly followed by another and another.

“Looks like wherever she went, she found more debris,” Starlight smiled.

“I’ll go find her,” Sunny chuckled. “She can’t be too far.”

“Don’t get stuck in any prison spheres,” Starlight smirked.

“Har, har,” Sunny responded as she walked out the door.

Sunny didn’t need to go far. In the hallway, Misty was busy clearing a path. She was so focused on firing teleporting beams; that she didn’t notice Sunny appearing behind her.

“Misty?” Sunny ventured. “What’s that way?”

Misty squeaked with surprise and gasped as a beam shot from her horn and teleported the door at the end of the corridor.

“Oh, Sunny,” Misty gasped. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“No, no, I’m sorry I startled you,” Sunny responded. “Why are you desperate to go this way?”

“Well, the door on the left is to my room,” Misty explained. “Then the one on the right is the Bathroom. But the one at the end, that’s not there anymore, that goes up to Opaline’s room.”

“It...It does,” Sunny gasped as she looked up at the tower through the non-existent roof. “Have you ever been up there?”

“O...Only once, a really long time ago,” Misty stammered before teleporting the last of the debris.

“Okay, well let’s go and see what’s in there together,” Sunny smiled.

Misty hesitated as Sunny walked carefully forward. Squeaking, she hurried to catch up as Sunny reached the door and started heading up the curving staircase.

As they reached the top, both were surprised to find the roof within the bedroom hadn’t collapsed. The curtains were drawn which made the room dark and gloomy as a result. Misty suddenly froze as her eyes widened and her breathing got quicker.

“Misty?” Sunny said carefully. “Are you okay?”

“Y...Yeah,” Misty gasped. “It’s just, this one time when I was little. I woke Opaline up and she was really, really mad. That was the only time I’ve ever been in here. I...I never had the courage to even look in here after that.”

Sunny put a hoof over Misty’s shoulders and pulled her close reassuringly. “It’s okay Misty,” she reassured. “She’s gone.”

“I...I know,” Misty sighed. “It’s silly, she can’t do anything to me now.”

“Misty no, it’s not silly at all,” Sunny responded reassuringly. “Take your time.”

They stood quietly for a while before Misty took a deep breath. With a determined look, she took a step forward into the room. As she did so, her horn lit up and the room was suddenly flooded with light.

They both looked around the room with awe. There was a huge bed, and fabric drapes hung down from the ceiling to the four corners. These, along with the bed sheets, were purple with dark blue edges.

There was one window, and the curtains were similar colours. Sunny moved towards them, grabbing both with her magic and drawing them back. Misty smiled and cut her illumination spell before heading towards the large dresser on the other side of the room.

Above the dresser was a huge mirror. A mane brush sat on top along with various bottles of liquids. Misty frowned as she recognised some of the bottles, realising that Opaline had made her fill them in the past.

Carefully, she pulled open one of the drawers. Gasping, she found a set of fetlock guards. They were a different style to those Opaline normally wore, with inlays of gold and red. With widened eyes, she closed the draw and looked towards Sunny.

Sunny meanwhile had moved over towards a bookcase. She pulled out a couple of books, gasping at the covers and titles. However, disturbed by its neighbours disappearing, another book fell to one side which caught her attention. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the cover.

Misty walked over as Sunny placed the first two books down. She lifted the book that had fallen and looked at the cover with astonishment. In the centre was a familiar six-sided star, surrounded by a golden horseshoe.

“Isn’t that...” Misty gasped.

“Twilight Sparkle’s Cutie Mark,” Sunny said with wonder.

Carefully, Sunny opened the first page. Her eyes widened further, and she gasped as she read the first paragraph. Her hoofs shook with excitement.

“What is it?” Misty asked with concern.

“It...It’s a journal,” Sunny gasped. “It’s Twilight Sparkle's Friendship Journal.”

“What are these purple bookmarks?” Misty breathed.

“I’m not sure,” Sunny replied. “I...I think we need to take all these books though. I think they are all detailing Equestria’s history.”

“But, why would she have these?” Misty gasped. “I don’t remember her ever talking about Equestria’s history. She barely mentioned her past in any detail.”

“No, she did mention something,” Sunny frowned. “Playing the good pony game or something. Maybe these are memories of that which she couldn’t bear to get rid of.”

“Maybe,” Misty replied unsurely. “There is a lot of dust on them.”

Misty looked around the room again. Suddenly spotting a large purple and blue chest in a corner. She walked over to it and found it was locked. Frowning, she studied the lock and noticed there was no keyhole.

“Urm, I think we need to take this chest too,” Misty said unsurely. “I can’t see how to unlock it. It could be locked by magic. Whatever’s inside could be important.”

“Okay,” Sunny said as she placed the journal in her saddle bag. “We’ll take everything. But first, didn’t you want to check your room?”

Back in the study, Starlight groaned as Kendi continued to study every item she found carefully.

“You realise we can study everything back at the Brighthouse,” she complained. “There will be plenty of space on the Marestream. Zipp will make as many trips as needed.”

“Oh, of course!” Kendi gasped. “I am sorry, I am so used to only being able to bring so much back with me. Although, what do you make of this?”

Kendi lifted a strange six-sided chest that had six keyholes. Starlight frowned as Kendi set it down before her, grunting with effort.

“Twilight mentioned something about a chest like this once,” Starlight explained. “But, it being here makes no sense.”

“In what way?” Kendi asked.

“After Twilight and her friends unlocked the chest, her castle of friendship grew from it,” Starlight explained.

“Grew from it?” Kendi repeated looking confused.

“Yeah, it’s a long story,” Starlight sighed. “It’s from before I knew them too. So, I’m not completely sure of the exact details. Certainly, I’ve never seen the chest they mentioned, but this looks like the one Twilight described to me.”

“So, this could be that one or a completely different one,” Kendi replied.

“Exactly,” Starlight confirmed. “We have no way of knowing.”

“This is the best part of archaeology,” Kendi grinned. “Finding items and then trying to identify their historical significance. Like you say, let’s get everything outside so it can be safely loaded.”

“Sure, but where are Sunny and Misty?” Starlight asked. “We’ll need their help. I’m not going to be much help with carrying right now. I mean, I can lift stuff fine but actually moving with it will be difficult.”

As if on cue, Sunny and Misty appeared in the doorway. Misty had a saddle bag strapped over her barrel.

“Sorry, we were getting some things from my room,” Misty explained.

“And checking out Opaline’s tower,” Sunny added. “We’ve got lots to move from there too, let’s get to it.”

Emptying everything from the ruins of Opaline’s castle took some time. Misty was quite insistent that they should collect everything from the storeroom. Despite a lot of it looking like dried plants.

Eventually, the majority of the group remained at the Brighthouse. Kendi chose to stand guard at the castle and prepare items to be transported. Meanwhile, Misty, Sunset and Zipp travelled back and forth in the Marestream, loading, and unloading at either end.

The rest of the group proceeded with the task of tidying the Brighthouse. However, they started by moving some items up to the Crystal Chamber. Where they would be safe given the holes and lack of a door.

Therefore, as he headed down the ramp, Hitch gasped as he spotted a familiar face at the doorway.

“Phyllis,” he smiled. “What brings... Oh, wait I remember. You were coming to assess what needs doing to repair this place.”

“Y...yeah,” Phyllis gasped as she looked around. “I have to admit, this is worse than I expected.”

“You should have seen it before we started tidying up,” Hitch chuckled.

Phyllis blinked as she looked around at the piles of objects strewn around the entire bottom floor. “Is it as bad as this upstairs?” she asked worriedly.

“Oh no,” Hitch grinned. “The battle never got up there. Only the bottom floor got trashed. A lot of the stuff here is actually from Opaline’s. We’re slowly getting it moved elsewhere.”

“Oh, okay that makes more sense,” Phyllis admitted. “Hold on, where’s the kitchen?”

“Over there,” Hitch pointed to the pile of destroyed cabinets. “Yeah, Sunny kind of got thrown into it like a wrecking ball.”

“I’m surprised she wasn’t hurt then,” Phyllis gasped as she looked at the scene before her. “Wait, that means you have no way to cook!”

“Nope,” Hitch replied. “Looks like it will be eating out or takeouts for a while.”

“Oh no, we can’t have that,” Phyllis responded. “A new kitchen will need to be a high priority.”

“What? Along with a new set of doors and repairs to two walls,” another voice said. “I’d say it’s all high priority, Phyllis.”

Hitch turned to see a large grey Pegasus standing in the doorway. With a red mane and a cutie mark depicting a brick with a trowel. He was holding a large tablet device which he was tapping away on.

“Hitch, allow me to introduce Cobalt Blocks,” Phyllis smiled. “My new business partner.”

“Pleased to meet you, Sheriff Hitch,” Cobalt smiled. “Don’t worry, my team will have this place as good as new in no time.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Hitch smiled. “So, I assume you’re the practical one and she’s the business brain?”

“You got it,” Cobalt laughed. “I’m an excellent builder but I’ve always failed when it comes to the actual business side of things.”

“Which is where I come in,” Phyllis grinned. “I win the work, keep the customers happy and the accounts in order. After seeing the work Cobalt has done in Zephyr Heights, I can assure you the Brighthouse couldn’t be in better hoofs.”

“Excellent,” Hitch smiled. “So, what do you need?”

“Oh, not much,” Cobalt smiled. “Take some measurements, make a list of works that need completing, that sort of thing. Then we’ll start as soon as everypony is ready.”

“Sounds great,” Hitch smiled. “Why don’t you make a start on getting that whilst I get Sunny? This is still technically her building after all, despite her saying it belongs to all of us.”

With that, Hitch hurried upstairs whilst Phyllis and Cobalt started making their plans.

Author's Note

So, Opaline's bedroom. I thought it had appeared in Make your Mark but I can't remember where and can't find it. If I've got the description wrong then please let me know where it appeared and I shall edit accordingly. :unsuresweetie:

Also, just to be clear. The Friendship Journal that Sunny finds is not the original one. It's one of the copies.

Chapter Sixteen – Visions and Trees

Over the next few days, despite Phyllis and Cobalt starting to make the repairs to the Brighthouse, things finally seemed to quieten down. However, as the ground floor quickly turned into a building site. Many spent as much time as possible away from the Brighthouse or on the upper floors.

Zipp was very pleased with the calmness, she spent a lot of time studying books that they had gotten from Kendi and from Opaline's about the Crystal Empire. She was fixated on learning as much as she could about Princess Flurry Heart but so far all she had found were fleeting mentions. The books either detailed the history before Flurry Heart’s birth or not long after it. She didn't even know what her cutie mark looked like.

However, she was also starting to make plans for an expedition to the Crystal Empire. She soon realised it wouldn’t be as easy as just hopping on the Marestream and flying north. From her investigations, it sounded like there were huge natural obstacles they would need to overcome. Therefore, she needed more time to plan.

Meanwhile, Misty continued with her water fight training with whoever she could. As a result, her ability to use shields was improving at a considerable rate. Although, she was still getting very wet in the process.

Sunny meanwhile reopened her smoothie cart. She was as good to her word in putting posts on social media. Much to the delight of many, she included new recipes using the berries and fruits that she had obtained from the Night Market. Additionally, she experimented with growing her own versions with her Earth Pony Magic and was overjoyed with the results. Even if she couldn’t seem to create the ‘Zap Apples’ used in the jam.

Pipp was busy too, she returned to Mane Melody which had suddenly become more popular than ever. She was run off her hoofs along with Jazz and Rocky as they tried to cater for everypony. Even so, they had a huge waiting list.

Izzy meanwhile was happily Unicycling as many broken items as she could from the Brighthouse. She made regular trips to and from her home in Bridlewood given she had more space to work there. Hitch of course had his Sheriff duties to attend to and was happy that he could finally get back into a more regular routine.

Starlight however found her lack of mobility was an issue. It was difficult for her to get through the building site downstairs, despite the eagerness of the construction ponies to help her. She also didn’t want to keep teleporting due to the stress it put on her leg.

Therefore, she spent much of her time on the balcony of the Crystal Chamber. Others would come to see her though and she enjoyed their company immensely. When alone, she spent most of her time going through the items from Opaline’s. Unlocking the chest Misty had found in the bedroom turned out to be a challenge she had yet to overcome.

Sunset meanwhile couldn’t stop thinking about something. Therefore, she kept herself busy, spending as much time with the others as possible. Hoping that it would take her mind off of it. However, it wasn’t long until she realised that just wasn’t working. She needed to talk to somepony about it.

Sunset made her way up the lift to the Crystal Chamber, giving Sunny a knowing smile as she met her at the top.

“Been getting some teleporting practice then?” Sunset smiled.

“Yeah,” Sunny grinned. “Still not there yet but I need to go and find Zipp. She wants me for something.”

“Well, you’ll be glad to hear Misty isn’t outside. You won’t be dragged into throwing water at her,” Sunset winked.

“Oh, I don’t mind doing that, I enjoy it,” Sunny giggled. “See you later.”

They said their goodbyes as Sunny entered the lift before descending. Turning, Sunset smiled as she headed towards Starlight who was sitting on the balcony. “I hope you’re happy to have some more company?”

“Always happy to have your company,” Starlight grinned as she fiddled with her cast.

“You need to stop doing that you know,” Sunset commented as she sat down.

“It’s so itchy though,” Starlight groaned. “How long’s left?”

“Two days, I think,” Sunset replied as she picked up a book from one of the nearby piles. Flicking through she came to the relevant page.

“Yep, two days until the enchanted cast comes off,” she said. “Then you need to exercise it to return to full movement.”

Starlight let out a big sigh and looked down dejectedly.

“It would have taken far longer with a normal cast,” Sunset frowned. “I thought you wanted it off?”

“I did, until I realised that means it’s nearly time to return home,” Starlight sighed. “I think I’m going to miss Sunny, Misty and the others.”

“Me too,” Sunset admitted. “I...I wanted to talk to you about something. If that’s okay?”

“Of course it is,” Starlight replied with a confused expression. “I’d like to think we’ve become good friends throughout this adventure together.”

“Yeah, we have,” Sunset smiled warmly. “Sorry, it’s just…. I’m kind of worried about how it makes me sound.”

“Well, I’m sure it can’t be worse than some of the things I got told when I was councillor at the school,” Starlight smiled. “Don’t worry, whatever it is, I won’t judge you. You can tell me anything.”

Sunset gave a grateful smile before looking out over the bay thoughtfully. “So, at the party, we had just gotten to the VIP area. I sort of, well, froze.”

“I remember that actually,” Starlight responded reassuringly. “It looked like you saw something that took you by surprise.”

“Sort of, it wasn’t something I actually saw though,” Sunset explained. “It was…”

She trailed off, frowning as she thought of the right way to describe it. “It was an image,” she said at last. “An image that only appeared in my mind.”

“What? Like a vision?” Starlight blinked.

“Possibly,” Sunset breathed.

“Well, what was it?” Starlight coaxed. “Can you describe it?”

“I don’t need to describe it,” Sunset revealed. “You’ve seen it.”

“I have?” Starlight frowned with confusion.

“Sunny, inside the prison sphere,” Sunset sighed.

“W...wait, that’s why you got so angry,” Starlight gasped.

Sunset nodded, “I knew it was going to happen but couldn’t prevent it. I just don’t understand why I saw the image in the first place.”

Starlight took a deep breath, her brow furrowed in thought.

“This isn’t the first time you’ve seen things in your mind though is it,” she answered. “You read, err, people’s minds all the time. That’s your power back home.”

“But that tells me their memories or what they’re thinking,” Sunset argued. “This was an image of the future that just randomly appeared. When that dust cleared, and Sunny was looking back at us stuck in that sphere. It was exactly the same as the image, every detail.”

“You sure?” Starlight frowned. “I mean, memories can be vague at times.”

“No, this was more visceral than just remembering the image,” Sunset sighed as she shook her head. “It was exactly the same.”

Starlight sighed thoughtfully, “Have you ever cast any spells to look at the future?”

“I haven’t. But then I’ve no idea what Nightmare me was doing with my body,” Sunset said unsurely before she smirked deviously. “Don’t worry, I was a wayward student, but I wasn’t stupid. I knew not to go playing around with time spells.”

Starlight couldn’t help giving Sunset a deadpan look before she turned and looked thoughtfully out to sea. As though she were searching for inspiration.

“One thing has crossed my mind,” Sunset admitted. “But it feels too farfetched.”

“Oh, go on?” Starlight coaxed. “There are no farfetched theories until you can dismiss them.”

“I…I can’t help wondering if I now have some sort of hybrid of Harmony and Unity magic,” Sunset explained. “Opaline didn’t take my magic, I used it all up on my escape attempts. Yet, when everypony was given back their cutie marks, my magic was restored.”

Starlight frowned in thought. “This future image,” she said at last. “It’s only happened once hasn’t it.”

“No,” Sunset groaned as she closed her eyes.

“No?” Starlight questioned.

“I saw another image yesterday evening,” Sunset answered as she opened her eyes. “Sunny again, this time stuck in a tree.”

“Stuck in a tree,” Starlight frowned. “Any idea which one?”

“Not sure,” Sunset admitted. “It’s looking up at her and there’s no other landmarks other than the tree itself.”

“And it’s not like you go around staring up at trees,” Starlight smiled. “Well, for all we know, it won’t come true.”

“Starlight, Sunset,” a familiar voice called.

They both looked out from the balcony as Pipp flew into view. “It’s Sunny,” she gasped. “She’s in trouble and needs everypony’s help.”

Sunset couldn’t help shooting Starlight a knowing look before turning to Pipp, “Let me guess…”

A short time later, Sunset and Starlight were standing at the foot of a tree along with Pipp, Zipp, Hitch, and Sparky. They were all looking upwards, surrounded by many ponies who were doing the same.

All were staring up at Sunny who was trapped within the tree’s branches. She was resting awkwardly, supported by multiple branches.

Sunny panted as she tried to keep herself calm. Every time she tried to move, there were ominous creaking and groaning sounds from the branches. She glanced around the dense web of branches that was all around her. Clearly, there wasn't enough space to use her wings. Even if they hadn't already disappeared given the stress of the situation.

“So, is this?” Starlight whispered to Sunset.

“Yep,” Sunset whispered back. “Down to the exact detail.”

“So, Zipp. How’d this happen again?” Hitch asked.

“Well, I was trying to give Sunny some flight training,” Zipp replied. “She kind of lost control and ended up in there.”

“Err, could we explain later maybe?” Sunny asked. “Kind of feel a bit uncomfortable up here. Lots of creaking happening.”

She squeaked as a branch under one of her hind hoofs began to snap. She tried to reduce the pressure on it by lifting the offending leg. However, that made others under her body begin to protest.

“Could she teleport?” Pipp asked. “She’d likely be upside-down but that wouldn’t matter, would it?”

“See the thing there is she could end up bringing the tree with her,” Starlight grimaced.

“Teleporting when you’re touching something often means it comes too,” Sunset explained. “It’s possible, but only with experience.”

“Especially when she’s got so many points of contact with the tree,” Starlight added. “Given she can’t even make things appear the correct way up. I’d say we’d end up with an upside-down Sunny in an upside-down tree.”

“Well, could either of you teleport her from here?” Hitch asked.

“Not really,” Starlight frowned. “I don’t see a clear shot through all those branches.”

“We could levitate her,” Sunset suggested.

“I would say that’s the way forward,” Starlight agreed. “I don’t see a clear path though.”

Sunset squinted up at the tree again, as though she were planning something. “Okay, we’re going to need to do a bit of pruning,” she said at last. “Also, Pipp, Zipp, you’re both going to need to help.”

“H...how?” Pipp gasped.

“By putting your wings to work,” Sunset responded. “Hitch, we’ll need some rope too.”

“Okay, let me just widen the cordon here,” Hitch gasped. “Make sure everypony is back at a safe distance.”

“Back, back please,” Sparky squeaked as he started walking around. Waving his little arms as he ushered the crowd of ponies back from the tree.

A short time later, Starlight grunted with annoyance from the other side of the cordon. “I’m sorry Starlight,” Hitch sighed. “You’re not exactly the most agile right now.”

“Yeah, and don’t I know it,” Starlight grunted. “Looks like this is the Sunset Shimmer show.”

Upon hearing that, a few of the gathered ponies began talking excitedly and taking photos.

Sunset was standing on the ground whilst Sparky had climbed his way up into the tree. He had already tied a rope around Sunny’s barrel. The other end of which was tied to Zipp as she hovered above.

Sparky was now tying another rope around a large branch. The other end already having been tied to Pipp who was also hovering above the tree.

“Make sure that’s nice and tight, Sparky,” Sunset advised.

“Kay,” Sparky squeaked.

“Remind me what to do again?” Pipp asked worriedly. “I’m worried what this rope will do to my coat.”

“When Sparky’s clear, I’m going to cut that branch away,” Sunset advised. “You’re going to stop it falling too far before I can grab it with my levitation. We can’t risk the rope slipping out of your grasp Pipp.”

“But isn’t that holding me up?” Sunny fretted.

“There are plenty of others and Zipp is there to hold you,” Sunset advised. “We need that one out of the way first. Then, we’ve got to prune a few of the smaller ones.”

“Once there’s enough space, Sunset will bring you down,” Zipp added.

“O...Okay,” Sunny replied unsurely.

Meanwhile, Sparky had been climbing back towards the tree trunk. He scrambled around to the opposite side before raising a claw.

“KAY!” he shouted.

“Get ready, Pipp,” Sunset advised.

With a nod from Pipp, Sunset aimed carefully and fired a beam at the branch. It cut through effortlessly and the branch fell away.

Pipp gasped as she suddenly took the weight. However, she quickly steadied herself and even helped as Sunset grabbed it and lowered it to the ground.

Slowly, more branches were dealt with. Eventually, there was enough space to finally free Sunny herself. Pipp’s rope had now been tied around Sunny’s barrel for extra safety. His tasks completed; Sparky was slowly climbing down whilst Sunset kept an eye on him.

“Okay, I’m really not comfortable right now,” Sunny gasped as she felt the remaining branches wobble. “What’s next again?”

“We’ve got you Sunny,” Zipp advised. “You’ll be fine.”

“If you do start to fall, Zipp and Pipp are your safety net,” Sunset reassured. “Once Sparky’s down, I’m going to lift you down nice and gently. Okay?”

“O...okay,” Sunny replied unsurely.

Meanwhile, Hitch and Starlight watched as Sparky neared the bottom of the tree.

“I’m glad to see Zipp and Pipp with the ropes,” Hitch smiled.

“I think they’re there for Sunny’s sake, to be honest,” Starlight smiled. “Sunset will easily be able to bring her down safely.”

“No, the safest way would have been a ladder,” Hitch frowned. “I still can’t believe the Fireponies said they couldn’t help. I’ll be having words about ensuring they can rescue wayward Pegasi from trees.”

“Actually, I wonder if that Earth Pony plant magic of yours would have helped,” Starlight pondered.

“You know, I’m not sure,” Hitch frowned. “I’d need to test it and see.”

As Sparky ran clear, Pipp and Zipp nodded to each other. Sunny gasped as she felt the ropes going taught. Then, Sunset’s horn glowed as she grabbed Sunny in her levitation.

“Woah,” Sunny gasped again as she started to float out into the clear space that had been created.

“Stop kicking your legs,” Sunset advised. “It’s okay Sunny, I’ve got you.”

“R…Really hard to not kick when it feels like you’re floating,” Sunny gasped.

“Well, you kind of are,” Pipp chuckled.

“Not helping,” Sunny snapped as she willed herself to stop kicking her legs.

Despite Sunny’s kicking, Sunset carefully guided her though the clear path they’d created. Then, gently, she brought Sunny down to the ground.

As her hoofs touched the ground, Sunny collapsed, hugging it gratefully. In the background, a cheer went up from the gathered ponies now it was clear Sunny was safe.

“Oh, thank you,” she gasped. “Thank you everypony. That was an experience I don’t want to repeat. I think I’ll have a bit of time keeping my hoofs on solid ground for a while Zipp.”

“No problem,” Zipp smiled as she landed. “Just don’t give it too long. Often the best thing after a setback is to jump back in.”

“I’ll keep that in mind Zipp,” Sunny smiled. “Thank you, Sunset, you really knew how to take charge there.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Sunset smiled. “I’m sure Misty would have been perfectly capable of playing my part if she’d been here.”

“Oh yeah, has anypony seen Misty and Izzy?” Pipp asked. “They haven’t even seen the messages I sent.”

“They went to Bridlewood,” Zipp replied. “Iz said something about an extra special important meeting. You don’t need to be a detective to know they’ve gone to see Alphabittle.”

“Well, I think some thank-you smoothies are in order,” Sunny giggled. “Oh, and you need to try the jam I got from the Night Market. It’s brilliant, come on.”

With that, Sunny gratefully led her friends towards her smoothie cart.

Chapter Seventeen – A Tearoom Family

Misty and Izzy walked through Bridlewood together as they headed towards the Crystal Tea Room. Izzy couldn’t help giggling as she skipped along. However, Misty gulped and looked around nervously.

“I still can’t believe that Alphabittle is your dad,” Izzy beamed.

“I...I can barely believe it either,” Misty replied.

“Are you okay Misty?” Izzy gasped. “I thought you’d be excited.”

“I…I was, but now I’m here in Bridlewood I've gotten really nervous,” Misty admitted. “Why does he want to see me today?”

“Well, today has always been an extra special day,” Izzy smiled. “I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed it. Let’s go in, I know you’ll love it.”

Misty gasped as she realised they were already at the door to the tearoom. Izzy placed a hoof on the door and looked at her reassuringly.

Misty took a deep breath before nodding. With a grin, Izzy pushed the door open and led the way inside.

“Why’s it so dark?” Misty gasped.

“I...I don’t know,” Izzy frowned.

They both tried to look around the darkened room. However, they could barely see their hoofs in front of their faces.

“Alphabittle?” Izzy shouted. “We’re here!”

“D...Dad?” Misty stammered.

Suddenly, the lights turned on. “Surprise!” Alphabittle shouted.

Misty and Izzy gasped as their eyes adjusted. The tearoom was decorated with balloons and streamers. On a table behind Alphabittle, there was party food and a large birthday cake.

Misty and Izzy walked forward in surprise and spotted the writing on the birthday cake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISTY

“I know you will probably not remember,” Alphabittle sighed as he saw Misty’s surprised and confused expression. “I’m not sure if or when you celebrated your birthday but trust me. Today... Today is the right day.”

Misty gasped, tears welling in her eyes as she bounded forward and hugged Alphabittle.

“I...I didn’t know,” she gasped. “Opaline didn’t let me celebrate any birthdays.”

Izzy meanwhile stood wide-eyed in shock. “Today is Misty’s Birthday!” she exclaimed as she danced from hoof to hoof in excitement. “We...We need to celebrate with everypony! We need to have a huge party!”

“Maybe next year, Izzy,” Misty replied. “I think a little party with you and my dad will be perfect for this year.”

Suddenly, Izzy’s expression went from one of great excitement to one of realisation and then sadness.

“Wait, Alphabittle,” she gulped. “You...You always said this was our special day.”

“Oh Izzy,” Alphabittle gasped. “It still can be if you want.”

“I...I don’t understand,” Misty blinked as she looked between Izzy and Alphabittle with confusion.

As quickly as Izzy had looked sad, her expression swapped back to one of realisation before returning to one of excitement.

“Misty, Misty, Misty, this is amazing!” She shouted as she skipped from hoof to hoof.

“W...What is?” Misty gasped.

“Alphabittle,” Izzy beamed. “He’s, my uncle.”

“He’s…He’s…” Misty blinked as she sat down in shock. “Wait? What?”

“Not directly,” Alphabittle gasped. “I have no brothers or sisters, but Izzy’s father was my best friend.”

“Was?” Misty gasped looking worriedly at Izzy.

Izzy gulped, sitting down as her continued flip-flopping of emotions started to catch up with her.

“Y…Yeah,” she gasped. “I… He… They...”

“They were killed in a fire,” Alphabittle sighed. “I’m sorry, maybe this wasn’t the best time to bring all this up?”

“No, no, we need to,” Izzy gasped before she smiled. “I’m so happy that Misty’s your daughter. I’m so happy for Misty too that we’ve found her family. We just need to go through everything.”

“Yeah,” Misty smiled. “If I’ve got more family, directly related or not, I want to meet them. The idea of being cousins with Izzy sounds amazing.”

“Y…Yeah, ooh,” Izzy stammered before closing her eyes as she tried to hold back the tears that were welling in them.

“I…Izzy,” Misty gasped worriedly.

“I…I’m okay,” Izzy replied. “Just memories coming back.”

“I’m sorry,” Misty sighed as she pulled Izzy into a hug. “I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay Misty,” Izzy said as she returned the embrace. “I just get surprised by what I remember sometimes. I wasn’t little when my parents passed away, but I wasn’t quite old enough to live by myself either.”

“So, I took her in,” Alphabittle continued as he wrapped his hoofs around them both. “Just long enough for her to be able to live on her own.”

“That settles it then,” Misty smiled as she felt the embrace around her thankfully. “We’re a family.”

“Yeah, yeah we are,” Izzy beamed.

All three closed their eyes as they continued to share the embrace for a while.

Sometime later, the three of them sat around a table as they enjoyed the birthday cake.

“I…I don’t think I’ve ever had a time I’ve felt so happy,” Misty said. “I’m over the Luna Moon.”

A breath got caught in Alphabittle’s throat and he looked down sadly. This earned him a concerned look from both Misty and Izzy.

“I’m so sorry I lost you, Misty,” Alphabittle sighed at last. “I’ve never forgiven myself. If I’d just stayed that little bit closer.”

“Oh, please don’t be upset,” Misty replied worriedly. “I don’t think you would have stopped it. That mist came so quickly, and then there was this shadow that chased me.”

Suddenly, she frowned with confusion and looked back at Alpahblittle questioningly, "What do you mean by staying closer?"

Alphabittle sighed dejectedly, "When you went out to find crystals. I kept a short way behind you, clearly, I wasn't close enough to keep you safe."

Misty screwed her eyes shut for a moment before looking back at Alphabittle gravely. “Even if you’d been closer, I’m sure Opaline would have made sure you lost me,” she said. “I’m certain, it wasn’t your fault. There was nothing you could have done.”

“Oh Misty,” Alphabittle sighed. “I don’t deserve you being so kind-hearted.”

“Well, she is the Element of Heart,” Izzy grinned.

“It took me so long to come to terms with you disappearing,” Alphabittle sighed. “What with first your mother and…” he trailed off at seeing Misty’s surprised expression. “Hold on.”

Alphabittle got up from his chair and walked behind the counter. After a few moments, he returned carrying a photo. Misty watched with bated breath as Alphabittle passed it to her. “This is your mother, Luna Brightdawn.”

Misty looked at the photo of the sky-blue Unicorn Mare with wonder. She had the same green eyes she had but her mane was a light pink with white highlights. Misty couldn’t help looking at the light pink colouring around her hoofs in wonder.

“She was my little Luna,” Alphabittle sighed. “So many said you should have been a Bittle. But we both knew you were a Brightdawn.”

“So, you didn’t…” Izzy started.

“Get married?" Alphabittle chuckled. “We tried so many times, but something always stopped the ceremony for one reason or another.”

“W…What happened to her?” Misty asked, her eyes glistening.

Alphabittle took a deep breath and sighed. “She…She became ill. Very, very ill,” he explained. “We did all we could for her, but…”

Misty placed a reassuring hoof on Alphabittle’s and gave him a small smile. That was all she needed to say, he just smiled and understood.

However, Misty’s ear twitched as she heard Izzy sigh. Turning to look at her, Misty couldn’t help feeling worried at Izzy’s sorrowful expression. “What’s wrong Izzy?”

“I’m sorry, it’s seeing that photo," Izzy sighed. "It reminded me that I don’t have anything to remember my parents. No photos or anything like that.”

“Y…You don’t,” Misty responded worriedly.

“Nope,” Izzy breathed. “I had nothing left after the fire.”

“I’m so sorry,” Misty replied sadly.

Izzy gave a small smile, “Don’t be Misty, it was an accident. There wasn’t anything anypony could have done.”

“Yes, there is,” Alphabittle frowned. “I should have stopped your father from running into that inferno.”

“Alphabittle, no,” Izzy gasped. “We’ve been over this.”

“Silver Moonbow would still be here if I’d been more assertive,” Alphabittle frowned.

“Why?” Misty asked worriedly. “What happened?”

Izzy took a deep breath before looking at Misty with a determined expression. “Silver Moonbow was my dad,” she explained. “He’d collected me from school, and we were on our way home. I was excited, my mum had promised she’d have something waiting for me. I…I never found out what that was.”

Izzy closed her eyes and looked down with anguish. Gasping, Misty pulled her into a hug.

“It’s okay,” Misty gasped. “You don’t need to tell me if it makes you sad.”

“I…It’s okay,” Izzy replied as she hugged Misty gratefully. “I want you to know what happened.”

“Well, I can fill in more here,” Alphabittle responded. “You see, I was on my way back to the Tea Room after running an errand. I was nearing Silver’s treehouse when I spotted an orange glow from the windows. The next thing I knew, there was an explosion of fire, the whole tree was suddenly ablaze. I shouted and shouted, ponies ran from everywhere and we started trying to fight the fire together.”

“I remember the explosion,” Izzy continued. “And the shouts. Dad had always told me to run to help if I heard shouts of fire. So that’s what we did, I just didn’t expect it to be our house.”

“When I saw him, Silver was beside himself with worry,” Alphabittle explained. “He said Izzy’s mother, Amethyst, was inside. I grabbed him, tried to stop him from going in. But he, he somehow wiggled out of my grasp. The next thing I knew, he was running inside. I went to follow but then I heard Izzy shouting behind me. I turned around and realised she was going to follow her dad. So, I grabbed her instead.”

“I’m glad,” Izzy said, her cheeks wet with tears. “I’m glad you grabbed me Alphabittle, I don’t know why I tried to follow him. But if you hadn’t stopped me…”

She trailed off, Misty hugged her tighter, tears collecting in the corners of her eyes as well.

“We never did find out what happened,” Alphabittle sighed. “Whatever caused that fire, we’ve no clue. All I know is, after that the Elders established a properly trained fire response team.”

“There’s been fires after that,” Izzy sniffed. “But nopony else has lost their lives."

“I’m so sorry Izzy,” Misty sighed. “Thank you for telling me, you didn’t have to.”

Izzy sniffed again before pulling out of Misty’s embrace. She wiped away the last of the tears before looking back at Misty gratefully.

“I wanted to,” she explained. “It hurts to remember it but at the same time, I wanted you to know. To understand why I’ve now got this connection with Alphabittle. He’s your dad but he’s always been my uncle too.”

“And now, you’re both my special girls,” Alphabittle smiled as he pulled them both into a hug. “You’re both strong and independent mares who have good friends. I’m so happy that we’ve been reunited Misty, and Izzy you will always have a place in my heart too.”

“We’ve each got a place in our hearts for each other,” Misty smiled.

“Hoof to heart,” Izzy giggled.

“Hoof to heart,” Misty grinned.

“Hoof to heart,” Alphabittle said thankfully.

Chapter Eighteen – Cutting of the Cast

A few days passed and Phyllis was stood outside the Brighthouse, a clipboard in hoof. She smiled as she saw Sunny hurriedly skating towards her.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Phyllis,” Sunny panted as she skidded to a stop. “My cart has become more popular than ever. You should have seen the queue.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Sunny,” Phyllis smiled. “I spotted it on my way here, you were really run off your hoofs this morning. Shall we get started?”

“Yes please,” Sunny giggled as she started taking her skates off. “Obviously I’ve already seen the progress you’ve made but having the chance for you to explain sounded great.”

“All part of the service from CanterBlocks,” Phyllis smiled. “I’m pleased to say this is the final sign-off too. Cobalt finished the final details in the kitchen this morning.”

“R...Really,” Sunny stammered with surprise as she removed her last skate. “That’s brilliant news!”

“I told you we’d fix it before Sunset and Starlight returned home,” Phyllis smiled. “Now, we’ll go through each item on my list here and make sure you’re happy with what you see.”

“Okay sure,” Sunny grinned. “Where do we start?”

“Easiest place would be the door,” Phyllis winked.

“Oh okay, I hope it’s adoorable,” Sunny snorted with laughter. “Get it? A-door-able?”

Phyllis smiled and rolled her eyes as Sunny continued to chuckle.

They made their way to each item on the list, checking it off as they went. Eventually, after walking around the whole bottom floor of the Brighthouse. They finally reached the final item on the list, the kitchen. Sunny was overjoyed as she checked out the new cooker.

“It’s brilliant, Phyllis,” she beamed as she opened the oven and looked inside. “Wait, this looks bigger than the old one.”

“That’s because it is,” Phyllis smiled. “You said you needed to cater for at least six ponies. So I made sure to get a cooker that would do that for you.”

“It’s perfect, it’s all perfect,” Sunny beamed as she turned around. “Thank you, Phyllis. Are you sure you don’t want payment?”

“Not from you Sunny,” Phyllis replied. “Honestly, I managed to get it paid for by Equestria. Not Queen Haven specifically but contributions came from Zephyr Heights City Council, the Elders of Bridlewood and Maretime Bay Council. You and your friends saved us all and everypony thanks you for it. Now, if I could just get your signature on here, we’ll be all done.”

Sunny gave a small smile as Phyllis passed her the clipboard. She scanned down the list of checked-off items before signing her name at the bottom.

As she passed the clipboard back her smile wavered. Suddenly, it felt like the weight of all Equestria was on her back. However, she took a deep breath and smiled with determination, she wouldn’t let anypony down.

“Thank you, Phyllis,” she said again. “I’m glad to see you’ve got a new business challenge. Do you have any other projects?”

“Oh, I’m working on a big one,” Phyllis beamed. “However, I can’t say much about it currently. What I can tell you is planning for Kendi’s new museum is going very well. I’m still sorry that I never believed your father about Equestria’s past, or you.”

“Phyllis, you have nothing to be sorry for,” Sunny smiled. “We’re past that now. We all believed what we were taught. We’re all together now and that’s the important thing.”

Phyllis chuckled and smiled, “I think you’ve turned into a wonderful Guardian of Unity. I think Argyle would be so proud of you.”

“I know he would,” Sunny smiled before she stepped away from Phyllis. “I’m not going to give up hope though. Someday I’ll find out what happened to my dad.”

There was a flash as Sunny jumped into the air, her horn and wings appearing. Phyllis couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You knew that would happen didn’t you,” she smiled.

“Pretty much,” Sunny admitted as she looked back at her wings. “To be honest, I’m starting to feel a little naked without them.”

“Well, it seems to me that they are just as much a part of you as your cutie mark,” Phyllis smiled. “Now, I’ve got more work to do and I’m sure you’ve got plenty to be getting on with as well.”

“Goodbye Phyllis, thank you again,” Sunny grinned.

As Phyllis nodded and trotted towards the door, Sunny couldn’t help feeling pleased with how things had turned around between them.

Later that afternoon, Starlight was at Zipp’s workstation. They were looking over an old map of Equestria as Sunny came bounding up the ramp.

“Ah, there you are, Starlight,” Sunny grinned. “Sorry Zipp, could I borrow her?”

“Oh, sure,” Zipp replied knowingly. “Borrow away.”

“Wait? What do you mean borrow?” Starlight blinked.

“It’s a surprise,” Sunny giggled.

Starlight squeaked as Sunny suddenly pulled her wheelchair backwards. Spinning her around, Sunny proceeded to push her towards the ramp. Starlight looked back at Zipp, almost as though she were looking for help. However, Zipp only smiled and returned to her studying.

“Okay, could you please tell me where you’re taking me, Sunny?” Starlight insisted as they started descending.

“I told you, it’s a surprise,” Sunny giggled.

“Right, but I don’t like just being hijacked like this,” Starlight groaned.

“Well, hopefully we won’t be able to do that for long,” another voice said.

Starlight blinked as they came to the bottom of the ramp. Sunset stood before her along with a white Unicorn mare in a nurse’s uniform.

“This is Nurse Flutterheart from Bridlewood Hospital,” Sunny introduced. “She’s part of a team investigating how they can reintegrate magic into medicine.”

“She’s here to help us take off your cast,” Sunset winked.

Starlight looked wide-eyed around the room and noticed a hospital bed that had been placed in the centre. Next to it were various hospital implements that were sat on a white clough that had been placed on the coffee table.

Nurse Flutterheart smiled kindly as she stepped forward. “We’ve spoken at length with your friends here,” she said. “The cast is a magical one and we’ll have no way of cutting it off without magic. Nopony at any of the hospitals is skilled enough to do that yet.”

“Which is where I come in,” Sunset grinned. “We’ve both studied Mage Meadowbrook’s book on these casts.”

“It’s really quite remarkable,” Nurse Flutterheart beamed. “There’s almost no need for any medical intervention. I’m primarily here to see how it works first hoof but also to give you some piece of mind.”

“W...Well, shouldn’t we go back to the Night Market for this?” Starlight asked worriedly. “I mean, that is where I had it put on.”

“Do you know when the Night Market opens again?” Sunset asked.

“Well, no,” Starlight frowned. “But are you sure you’re qualified for this?”

“All she will be doing is cutting off the cast,” Nurse Flutterheart explained. “I’ll carry out the examinations to make sure your leg is healed. However, as it’s a magical cast I think Sunset is far more qualified in that department than I am. I was told you had read the book yourself?”

“She has,” Sunny interjected. “Starlight, you said it was simple and we wouldn’t need to go anywhere.”

“Y…yeah it is,” Starlight responded. “And I know that using it will only cut the cast and not me. But that’s beside the point!”

“No, it’s exactly the point,” Sunset smiled reassuringly. “It’s a simple spell for a reason, so it’s hard to mess it up.”

Starlight let out a deep sigh, “Fine, I trust you, Sunset.”

“Don’t worry,” Sunset said reassuringly. “You’re in good hoofs. We’re going to follow the steps in the book exactly.”

“First things first, let’s get you onto the bed I borrowed from Maretime Bay General,” Nurse Flutterheart smiled. “Much better to have something comfortable for you to lay on.”

Sunset, Sunny, and Nurse Flutterheart all moved to help Starlight stand. However, she held up a hoof, “No, no, I’ve got it.”

Starlight's horn glowed and slowly she began to levitate herself out of the wheelchair. She glided over to the bed and sat down on it.

“W...Wow,” Nurse Flutterheart gasped.

“Yeah, that’s a Starlight special,” Sunset laughed.

Starlight sighed as she lay down and covered her eyes with her hoofs, “Could you make it quick, please? WAIT NO! Careful! Make it careful.”

Sunny couldn’t help giggling as she came over and took one of Starlight’s hoofs. “It’s all okay Starlight,” she reassured. “Like you said, you trust Sunset.”

Starlight couldn’t help smiling as she kept her eyes on Sunny whilst Sunset and Nurse Flutterheart made a start.

Removing the cast didn’t take long at all. Starlight couldn’t help feeling a little foolish having made such a fuss earlier.

Nurse Flutterheart smiled as she inspected the leg and carried out her normal checks.

“The joint mobility is almost like the cast has been off for a week already,” she beamed. “Oh, but you still need to take it carefully, Starlight.”

“According to the book, your leg muscles will still need time to recover,” Sunset smiled. “So, take it nice and slowly.”

“Since when did you become the medical professional?” Starlight smirked.

However, she still took Sunset’s advice as she carefully moved to the edge of the bed. Then, both Sunset and Sunny held her up as she carefully slid off the bed and onto her three good legs.

“Steady now,” Sunset smiled.

“I know, I know,” Starlight frowned as she started to feel a little frustrated. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it and no more.”

“Well, put your hoof down carefully, then slowly transfer some weight onto it,” Nurse Flutterheart instructed. “If there is any pain then tell us.”

Over the next few minutes, Starlight was as true to her word as she followed the instructions given to her. Before long, she was slowly and carefully walking around the room. Sunset and Sunny walked either side of her for support, allowing Nurse Flutterheart to study her leg's movement.

Starlight snorted with annoyance. Her leg’s movements felt awkward, her muscles shaky and uncooperative. After a few laps, she frowned and started to grunt with each step. “Okay, I’m feeling it a little now,” she confessed.

“Feeling it in what way?” Nurse Flutterheart asked. “Pain or something else?”

“Pain, just a little though,” Starlight admitted.

“Okay, let’s not overdo it then,” Nurse Flutterheart advised. “If anything, take a seat in the wheelchair and rest it for now.”

Starlight grunted and groaned as she was helped back into the wheelchair. She couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. “I’d hoped to be rid of this thing as well,” she admitted.

“Better to stop early then push it and set yourself back,” Nurse Flutterheart comforted.

“You’ve done really well, Starlight,” Sunny consoled. “I broke my leg once when I was a filly, and it took months to heal.”

“You’ve just got to take it carefully and build the strength slowly,” Sunset advised. “Here, this will help.”

Sunset angled her horn towards Starlight’s leg. It lit up and Sunset carefully ran it back and forth along the leg. After a few passes, Starlight sighed with relief as the spell took effect.

“That didn’t feel like your normal pain relief spell,” Starlight blinked.

“Nope, it’s a spell from the book especially for this treatment,” Sunset grinned. “It doesn't remove the pain directly, it treats the reason for the pain and that's why it disappears. I need to apply it regularly and it will speed up your recovery even more. Mage Meadowbrook really knew what she was talking about.”

“I keep forgetting that’s one of her books,” Starlight responded. “But it’s got to be later than our time. I don’t remember it at all.”

“Maybe she will get the idea to write it from us?” Sunset winked. “To develop spells like this must have meant she had help though.”

“That’s true,” Starlight frowned. “Kind of hard to develop a spell without a horn.”

“It’s just remarkable,” Nurse Flutterheart smiled. “Starlight, you may feel like you’ve not gotten anywhere, but you are so much further on than anypony I’ve seen before. This will revolutionise the way we treat broken limbs.”

“Kind of sounds strange given it's a book from the past that’s doing it,” Sunny laughed.

“I’ll give you a hand taking your equipment back to the Hospital, Nurse Flutterheart,” Sunset offered. “As a thank you for all your help.”

“Oh, yes please,” Nurse Flutterheart smiled. “Although, if you could spare a little more time this afternoon as well that would be marvellous. We’ve had a large number of books arrive from an expedition from Canterlot’s Library. We’re worried they’ve gotten out of order and want to start with the simplest whilst we all learn what magic can do to help us.”

“Sure, I can spare some time this afternoon,” Sunset grinned.

“Oh wonderful,” Nurse Flutterheart beamed. “The message from Queen Haven was most insistent we be careful, and we can only agree.”

“Sounds good,” Sunset smiled. “We’re both happy to help whilst we’re still here.”

“After we return to our time, we’ve been teaching Misty what to look out for in spellbooks,” Starlight explained. “The important thing is not to try anything you don’t understand.”

“Oh, I completely agree with that advice,” Nurse Flutterheart smiled.

With that, they all said their goodbyes before Sunset and Nurse Flutterheart headed towards the door with the hospital bed and equipment.

Chapter Nineteen – A Discorderly Meeting

Whilst Sunset was off helping Nurse Flutterheart. Misty and Izzy both walked into the Brighthouse together. They immediately spotted Starlight still sitting in the wheelchair talking to Sunny.

“Oh, Starlight, you’re not up then,” Misty said worriedly.

“Almost,” Starlight smiled. “I’ve just got to take it carefully.”

“If she stresses it too much now it’ll take longer to get better,” Sunny explained.

“And that’s excellent advice,” a voice that seemingly came from everywhere said.

The group was immediately split in two, those who recognised the voice and those who did not.

Izzy squeaked as she jumped into the air. After landing, she looked around in fright as she tried to spot where the voice had come from. Picking up the nearest small objects that she could throw with her levitation.

Misty squeaked as well but didn’t jump in the air like Izzy did. Instead, she got into a ready stance, her horn glowing as she scanned the room. Ready to zap whatever the source of the voice was. Despite these bravado actions, her eyes were wide, and her breathing was ragged and rushed.

Whilst Sunny was surprised, she recognised the voice. Therefore, after getting over the initial shock, she grinned happily as she looked around the room for the source. She completely overlooked her two friends and didn’t realise they were getting ready to defend themselves.

Starlight also recognised the voice. However, she didn’t start scanning the room for the source, she was wise to that. Therefore, she sighed as she spotted Izzy and Misty’s reactions.

“Discord, could we do away with the theatrics for once?” she said. “I’m not in the mood to see Misty start shooting and damage the newly repaired Brighthouse. Nor Izzy throwing stuff everywhere.”

“Huh? Aah, Misty, Izzy,” Sunny gasped as she finally spotted her friend's reactions. “It’s okay, he’s not a threat.”

Both Misty and Izzy looked at Sunny’s reassuring expression. Blinking, Izzy returned the items back to where they’d been. Misty relaxed her readiness but still looked nervous.

“Wait? Discord?” Misty gasped as she looked around.

“Who?” Izzy frowned with confusion.

“Oh, you’re no fun at all, Starlight,” Discord's voice said.

“I’m sorry, Discord,” Starlight said with a thin smile. “I just don’t have the energy right now.”

Suddenly, the table lamp in the corner began to move. Misty couldn’t help squeaking with surprise as the lampshade lifted and revealed the lamp had become a tiny version of Discord.

“Ah, too soon after being freed from your cast, is it?” Discord smirked.

“You could put it that way,” Starlight sighed as she rubbed the leg in question.

There was a flash as tiny Discord disappeared and was replaced by the lamp. The lampshade fell and wobbled around before settling back into place. Then, there was another flash as Discord appeared sitting in one of the chairs. His feet resting on a hoofstool as he reclined comfortably.

“Well now,” Discord smiled. “Isn’t this nice, I do like that newly decorated smell.”

“Discord,” Sunny beamed. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Sunny,” Discord smirked. “Didn’t you do well, finding all the elements. I have to admit, I was worried about Pipp’s element of confidence. However, you made sure she pulled through, didn’t you. Then there was your spark, realising you needed to stand together in unity. Oh, it was brilliant.”

“Wait?” Sunny frowned. “Did you…”

“Oh nonono,” Discord interrupted as he waved a pawed finger. “I didn’t do anything. You listened to the trees and that’s how you succeeded. All I did was watch.”

Suddenly, Izzy popped up next to Discord. She studied him carefully in awe. Moving around the chair and looking from all sides with a big grin on her face. “Wow, you’re amazing.”

With a huge smirk on his face, Discord looked Izzy directly in the eye, their noses nearly touching. Izzy froze in surprise before a beaming smile appeared on her face.

They continued the staring contest for a while until finally, Izzy blinked.

“Oh shoot, you win. I’m Izzy.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Izzy. I knew that already,” Discord chuckled.

“You did?” Misty gasped.

“Of course, Misty,” Discord grinned. “I’m so glad you’ve been reunited with your father.”

Misty gasped and looked at Sunny and Starlight for reassurance.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Starlight said as she waved a hoof. “He’s likely just been watching.”

Discord couldn’t help chuckling at Misty’s shocked expression. “Don’t worry, Misty. I assure you I have benevolent intentions.”

“You sure about that?” another voice said.

They all turned to look towards the ramp, Zipp was stood at the bottom with her wings flared. She had a serious and untrusting look on her face.

Behind her, Hitch was standing a little way up the ramp, holding Sparky. Then, someway further behind him at the top, was Pipp. She had a sour expression which was partly covered by the green mud mask that covered her face.

“What’s going on down there?” Pipp moaned. “I was halfway through filming a beauty tips video but there’s too much noise.”

“Put that on pause for the moment Pipp and come and meet Discord,” Sunny grinned.

“Sunny, I don’t think we can trust him,” Zipp replied.

“Yes, you can,” Starlight responded. “Trust me, whatever you’ve read you are interpreting it wrong, or it’s outdated.”

“What? Like how he let Sombra go and attack the Crystal Empire?” Zipp frowned.

“Who’s Sombra?” Sunny blinked.

“Oh, poo,” Discord grumbled as he folded his arms. “Why does that keep coming back to bite my tail?”

An area of the floor next to Discord’s chair suddenly rippled as though it was a pool of water. A silver piranha with black fins and red eyes appeared and started swimming around this 'pool'.

Then, it suddenly jumped upwards and snapped at Discord’s tail. Discord didn’t even look; he calmly pulled his tail out of the way just in time as the gnashing teeth snapped together. The piranha immediately looked upset as it missed and started falling.

When it reached the floor, the piranha appeared to land back in a pool of water, there was even the sound of splashing. After it disappeared, the rippling effect vanished and the floor returned to normal.

“Could I explain before you lock me up and throw away the key?” Discord asked.

There was a flash as a set of iron bars appeared in front of Discord. He put on a sorrowful expression as he grasped onto them and looked back at the gathered ponies miserably.

“It would be rude not to hear him out, Zipp,” Sunny responded robustly. “He helped me get my powers back.”

“Okay, okay,” Zipp sighed. “But only because I trust you, Sunny.”

Zipp and the others came down to the living area and each took a seat expectedly. Meanwhile, there was another flash as the bars disappeared. Discord sighed and crossed his arms again as he pouted. “Oh, why is it you make one tiny little mistake, and it follows you around for millennia?"

“Well, it wasn’t one mistake, was it,” Starlight smirked. “It was four, you let Cozy Glow, Chrysalis and Tirek out too.”

Discord threw his hands in the air in exasperation. “Oh, throw me to the timberwolves why don’t you, Starlight.”

“Wait, who?” Zipp frowned.

“Three other villains that Twilight and her friends had already defeated,” Discord sighed.

“He had good intentions,” Starlight interjected.

“Yes, until they blew up in my face,” Discord responded, his face seemingly exploding for emphasis.

Many of the others gasped, only to sigh with relief as the smoke cleared and his face was unharmed.

“Look, my ‘plan’ was to give Twilight and her friends one final test,” Discord explained. “I posed as Grogar, a powerful villain from Equestria’s ancient past and rescued Sombra and the other three. But Sombra decided to go off on his own and he attacked the Crystal Empire. I had nothing to do with it.”

“It wasn’t exactly easy, but he was defeated,” Starlight interjected. “Honestly, I can sort of see your point Discord. At a time that Twilight had just been told she was going to take over Equestria, defeating Sombra was a good boost to her confidence.”

“Until I lost control of the other three and she found out about it all,” Discord grumbled. “Rest assured; I will NOT be doing anything like that again.”

“So, what will you be doing?” Hitch demanded.

Sunny grunted with irritation. “I’ve already told you, he helped me! He was a great help working through all my knotted feelings. He's not a bad pony, err, creature."

"Draconequus," Starlight winked.

“Thank you, Sunny. I'm glad to have helped, you wouldn’t have defeated Opaline all knotted up like that,” Discord smiled. “You six are Equestria’s new hope. Together you are going to do great things.”

“I see you’ve become more philosophical in your old age,” Starlight smirked.

“Starlight, I can’t be described as old,” Discord grinned.

“You’re still a lot older than the Discord that I know,” Starlight winked.

“Okay, okay fine,” Discord snorted. “But rest assured I’m a spring chicken in the grander scheme of things.”

There was a flash as Discord transformed into a chicken and proceeded to fly around and around the room.

“Is this normal?” Pipp whispered to Starlight.

“Oh yeah,” Starlight chuckled. “If anything, this is tame by Discord standards. He’s going easy on you.”

They all watched as Discord continued to do laps around the room. Making sounds like a chicken as he did so.

“....and that’s when Starlight tried to banish me from the school,” Discord laughed sometime later.

“What do you mean, tried to?” Starlight exclaimed. “I did banish you from the school.”

“Not completely you didn’t,” Discord chuckled as he wagged a finger. “Your students just couldn’t see me and thought the school was haunted.”

Starlight grunted as she frowned with annoyance.

“But why would you keep doing those things in the first place?” Hitch asked.

“Because he felt left out,” Starlight revealed. “Nopony asked him if he wanted to help with the school. Although, Discord could have also done a better job of saying he wanted to help.”

“Oh alright,” Discord groaned. “I admit I’m still not good at doing that.”

“That’s okay,” Misty smiled. “I often feel like I can’t just ask for things too.”

“Ooh yes, how’s life being famous Misty?” Discord grinned.

“W...What do you mean?” Misty gasped.

“Being a Guardian of Unity of course,” Discord smiled. “You did very well at the party. Not only standing on stage in front of all those ponies but also dancing in front of them too. I’m sure there will be ponies lining up for your autograph soon.”

Misty gulped as she looked worriedly around at everypony else.

“You have little to worry about, Misty,” Starlight soothed. “Twilight and her friends didn’t really get popular until they released their journal. Then it soon calmed down. Everypony knew who they were but very few times did they get hordes of ponies asking for their autographs. Just the odd one or two.”

“I don’t even get that many doing that,” Pipp exclaimed. “And I’m a pop princess with millions of followers on multiple platforms.”

“Actually, you’re right,” Misty smiled. “I maybe had one pony ask for that when I was with Izzy in Bridlewood. But that’s because they saw both of us and there were plenty of ponies around.”

“Okay, enough random talk,” Zipp grinned. “Let's talk Crystal Empire details, Discord. Like what happened to it after Twilight created the Unity Crystals?”

“Oh no, you're not getting a cheat code out of me," Discord said stubbornly as he crossed his arms.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hitch exclaimed.

“It means that is a question you’ll find the answer to in your own time,” Discord responded robustly. “I could have given Twilight all the answers too, but I didn’t. I was a good friend who knew the best thing for her was to learn and grow on her own.

“Now, trust me. If I could tell you everything I most certainly would. However, it will do you more harm than good. So, what I will tell you all is to be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.”

“But that doesn’t sound that helpful,” Sunny gasped. “What do we need to do to prepare?”

“Well, maybe you should take Sunset’s suggestion?” Discord winked. “Getting somepony to run your cart part-time.”

As Sunny frowned in thought, Misty gasped and quickly disappeared with a flash. When she reappeared, she had the strange six-sided chest they had found in Opaline’s study.

“If you can’t tell us about the Crystal Empire,” she said. “Then what could you tell us about this?”

“Well, I can confirm one thing that's on Starlight’s mind,” Discord grinned. “It’s not the one that Twilight and her friends unlocked.”

“Then it’s a different one,” Starlight gasped. “Which means it’s still to be unlocked. How did Twilight unlock hers again?”

“Twilight and the others each faced a situation were living up to their element was extremely hard,” Discord remembered. “Take my dear departed Fluttershy for example.”

Discord clicked his fingers and suddenly the sound of Fluttershy’s voice filled the room.

My experiences with the breezies has helped me to see that kindness can take many forms and sometimes being too kind can actually keep a friend from doing what they need to do. Pushing them away may seem cruel but it’s sometimes the kindest thing you can do.

“So, is that what we’ve got to do?” Izzy said unsurely. “Make the breezies leave the Night Market?”

“I don’t think Runcord would be too happy if you did that,” Starlight responded as she glanced at Discord.

“No, I get it, Fluttershy was the element of kindness,” Sunny explained. “She realised in that case it didn’t mean being kind to the breezies. She actually had to be mean in order to be kind to them. So, for me, I’ll face a situation when inspiring hope in somepony will be difficult.”

“Like that will be hard for you, Sunny,” Pipp smiled. “You’re always full of hope and it's infectious."

“But that might not be the same for us,” Zipp pointed out. “This chest might not even be for us to unlock. We have no idea where Opaline got it from. It could have been ment for some other group of ponies that never unlocked it."

“And those are questions that you will have to answer yourselves another day,” Discord said as he started to get up. “Now, a favour if you don’t mind concerning Sunset. Please don’t tell her you’ve met me.”

“Why?” Izzy frowned. “You’re brilliant!”

“Oh, I know that Izzy,” Discord laughed. “But Sunset’s not met me yet.”

“But what’s wrong with that?” Sunny frowned. “You could wait and meet her now?”

“Better she meets him when we get home,” Starlight explained.

“Exactly, I’d like to avoid any awkwardness when we finally meet. Which is why I’m going to take my leave before she gets here,” Discord smiled. “However, don’t you all worry. I’ll be watching and if I’m able to help you, I will. TTFN.”

With that, everypony said their goodbyes before Discord snapped his clawed fingers and disappeared with a flash.

However, Starlight blinked as she heard a whisper in her ear. “Thank you for keeping my little Runcord secret,” Discord’s voice whispered. “You’ve a long and full future ahead, Starlight. Just know this, look out for Sunset. Give her a helping hand when she needs it, no matter what she says.”

Starlight said nothing, she only frowned in confusion as the door to the Brighthouse opened and Sunset walked in.

Author's Note

To be fully honest here, I have no idea what the G5 Mane6 could gain out of the Chest of Harmony here.

They don't need a castle, they have a Brighthouse.
They have their elements, so they don't need rainbow powers.
There is the possibility of Sunny becoming a full alicorn but I think that shouldn't just be given. She needs to grow and improve organically.

Therefore, I'm leaning toward this actually being from a different group to G5s cast.

However, thoughts and ideas are welcome.
What could they be given?
What could each of them do that would earn them their key?

Chapter Twenty – A Recovery Day – Part One

Starlight grunted as she slowly got out of bed. She’d spent most of the previous day exercising her leg. Taking laps of the Brighthouse between resting it. However, that morning it felt stiff and uncooperative, the exact opposite of what she’d hoped after another night’s rest.

She carefully got to her three good legs, standing with her back to the door. Carefully, she put her hoof down and transferred weight onto her bad leg. The same way that Nurse Flutterheart had instructed when the cast came off two days ago.

“At least that feels fine,” she muttered. “What’s happened to it? It felt better last night.”

She snorted as she tried moving it, lifting her hoof, and bending the joints. It didn’t feel right at all, and she grunted in annoyance. “I’ll be back in the wheelchair at this rate,” she muttered.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door before it opened, and Sunset’s head appeared. Her eyes widened as she spotted Starlight standing. “Whoa there speedy,” she gasped as she hurried in.

“Speedy?” Starlight snorted. “I’m not even sure I could walk this morning, let alone gallop.”

“Well, that’s because you need the spell treatment,” Sunset grinned.

She bent down as her horn lit up. Slowly she moved it along the leg, from the hoof upwards and then back down again. After repeating it a few times Sunset smiled as she looked back at Starlight.

“Try it now,” Sunset coaxed.

Starlight snorted, unable to feel any difference. That was until she lifted her hoof and bent her leg. “O...Okay, that is so much better,” she admitted.

“Knew it would be,” Sunset grinned. “You just need to trust me.”

Starlight sighed again, Discord's last words ringing in her ears.

“So, do you trust me too?” she asked before thinking.

Sunset blinked with surprise. “Of course I do,” she responded. “I think we make a great team.”

“Sorry, I just, well, feel so unsure right now,” Starlight covered. “I want my leg to feel better, but I know that will mean heading home.”

She took a deep breath and started to turn around carefully. Sunset watched, not saying anything as it was clear she was being cautious.

“I do trust you, Sunset,” Starlight smiled. “You’re right, we’ve made a great team.”

“Even when we’ve both had misadventures,” Sunset winked. “I know it’s no fun recovering. Come on, let’s head downstairs, I can smell Sunny’s cooking already.”

Starlight smiled gratefully, “Okay, I’ll stop and let you know if it starts hurting.”

Slowly, Starlight walked out of her bedroom and towards the ramp. Sunset followed and as they slowly descended, Starlight was surprised to see Sunny waiting expectedly.

“I knew you’d be walking this morning,” she squealed with delight. “Sorry, it’s just I wanted to see how well you were doing yesterday but had to open my cart.”

“I nearly wasn’t,” Starlight admitted as she looked at Sunset gratefully.

“She’s just got to remember to let me apply the spell regularly,” Sunset winked. “Especially in the morning.”

“Okay, I’ve got a pair of breakfasts with your names on them coming up,” Sunny grinned. “Also, Zipp’s been waiting for you, she’s in the living area.”

Starlight couldn’t help but sigh as she spotted Zipp with a map laid out on the coffee table. “Thank you, Sunny,” she smiled.

“Any plans for today, Sunny?” Sunset asked knowingly.

“Err, yes, if you’ll both be able to come with me that is?” Sunny asked hopefully.

“Come with you where?” Starlight frowned.

“First Mane Melody for a bit of relaxation,” Sunny grinned before looking nervous. “Then after that, I kind of suggested to Miss Butterscotch that we could show her class some magic.”

“Who’s Miss Butterscotch?” Starlight frowned.

“My old schoolteacher,” Sunny grimaced.

Starlight gave Sunny a deadpan expression whilst Sunset couldn’t help grinning.

“If you don’t want to go to the school I can always go on my own,” Sunset smirked.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t go,” Starlight frowned. “But are you sure I’m up to it?”

“You were doing well yesterday, so I’d say you’ll be up to it,” Sunset smiled. “Maybe not as much as walking to town. However, giving it more exercise is exactly what the book says you need to do.”

“Okay fine,” Starlight sighed as she flexed her leg instinctively before smiling. “We’ll both go and wow some little ponies with what magic can do.”

Sunny couldn’t help squeaking with joy. “Thank you, Starlight. I’d completely forgotten I’d promised Miss Butterscotch. What with the rushing around to stop Opaline.”

Starlight smiled as Sunny hurried excitedly towards the kitchen. She turned and gave Sunset a sideways glance as she carefully walked towards the living area.

Zipp grinned as the pair approached. “You guys have got to see this.”

“But that’s the same map you showed me before,” Starlight frowned.

As Starlight sat down, she tried to stop herself from grunting.

“Okay, sorry Zipp, one moment,” Sunset said. “Starlight, that was a grunt, wasn’t it?”

“Only because I should have sat down slower,” Starlight confessed.

“Doesn’t matter why,” Sunset advised. “If you get any pain, I need to know.”

Sunset moved in again, her horn lighting up. She ran it up and down Starlight’s leg the same as she had before.

“Remember, it’s not a pain relief spell,” Sunset advised. “It takes the pain away because it’s treating the reason for the pain.”

“Sorry, I keep forgetting,” Starlight conceded.

“It’s fine, I know it’s not easy recovering like this,” Sunset smiled. “Sorry Zipp, what did you want to show us?”

“This,” Zipp smiled as she pushed a button on a remote.

Her drone flew into view above the table. After moving around to align itself, it projected another map of Equestria over the older one.

“So, the projection is current Equestria,” she smiled. “I’ve managed to align it with the old map. Given what we know about the location of Canterlot and what I’ve learnt about the Dragon Lands.”

“It’s completely different,” Sunset gasped. “Even the coastline doesn’t match up.”

“A whole lot smaller too,” Starlight blinked. “Look, most of the area of the old map isn’t even shown on the projected one.”

“Yeah, and that’s the problem,” Zipp sighed. “There’s a whole lot of unknown between here and the Crystal Empire.”

“There's no trace of the railway at all,” Starlight sighed. “It feels so strange that getting to the Empire will be so hard for you. I’ve been there so often by just hopping on the train.”

“Sunset, I’ve been meaning to ask. What do you know about the Crystal Empire?” Zipp grinned. “Starlight has told me lots, but I’ve not had the chance to ask you.”

Sunset sighed and looked down uncomfortably. “Sorry Zipp, I’ve not really been there.”

“You must have,” Starlight frowned. “I thought that was where Princess Celestia kept the mirror.”

“Yeah, after I went through it for the first time,” Sunset sighed. “My only visit to the Crystal Empire was looking for a certain crown.”

“Oh,” Starlight gasped.

“Say no more,” Zipp added understandingly.

After they’d eaten breakfast. Sunny, Sunset, and Starlight all headed to Mane Melody. To rest her leg, Starlight opted to ride in the wheelchair for the walk into town.

As they entered Mane Melody, they were surprised to find that Pipp, Jazz and Rocky were all busy with customers. Therefore, the music playing was one of Pipp’s pre-recorded songs, not a live performance.

“Oh hey,” Pipp waved with a beaming smile. “Take a seat everypony, we’ll be with you as soon as we’re finished.”

Starlight grunted as she carefully lifted herself out of the wheelchair.

“Think I’ll stand for a moment,” she advised. “I’m starting to think that stopping actually makes my leg worse.”

“From what the book said, it can do that,” Sunset advised. “Here, more treatment coming up.”

Sunset’s horn lit up and she repeated the same steps as before. Much to the interest of Pipp’s other customers.

It wasn’t long before Pipp was finally able to tend to her friends. With a big grin, she fluttered over towards them. “Okay, so do any of you want anything different today? Anypony interested in a new mane style?”

“Just the usual please Pipp,” Sunny smiled knowingly.

“The last time I changed my mane was when I was reinventing myself and I’m happy with the way it is now. But thank you for the offer, Pipp,” Starlight chuckled as she carefully took a seat. “Besides, I think Rarity would have words if I appeared with a new style that she wasn’t involved in.”

“Honestly, I daren’t change my mane style,” Sunset admitted.

“Why?” Pipp asked. “I can think of so many that would work with your specific two-tone colouring.”

“Oh no, it’s not that,” Sunset chuckled. “I used to experiment all the time when I was little. I just don’t know what would happen to my human hairstyle if I did.”

“You ought to experiment sometime then,” Starlight smirked.

“Yeah, I will,” Sunset agreed. “I’m hoping to spend more time swapping between home and Equestria. Especially as it’s my final year at CHS and I don’t know what to do afterwards. I want to keep my options open.”

“Okay, no style changes but that’s no problem,” Pipp grinned. “I can’t remember what you tried last time you were here so here’s a list of all of them.”

Pipp passed Sunset a tablet. Sunset smiled as she immediately started tapping away on the screen. Looking through all the various treatments that Mane Melody had on offer. However, Starlight couldn’t help feeling worried as she watched.

“Here you go, Starlight,” Pipp grinned as she handed her a tablet as well. “Now, let me help you go through what we’ve got here.”

“Thanks, Pipp,” Starlight sighed. “I’m not at all used to this technology of yours.”

“It’s completely fine,” Pipp beamed. “You’d be surprised how many other ponies don’t understand. Especially Unicorns, Bridlewood seems to be quite slow to pick up technology.”

It wasn’t long before all three had chosen their treatments and were sat back relaxing. Misty had also joined them to get her mane and tail re-dyed.

“I was worried it would need redoing,” Misty admitted whilst Pipp worked away. “I’m sorry for making you more work, Pipp.”

“Hey, it’s completely fine, Misty. I knew it would need redoing at some point,” Pipp smiled. “I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t want to do it for you.”

“It’s funny how a change of mane style can help you reinvent yourself,” Starlight grinned whilst Rocky worked away on her hoofs.

“So, Sunny, I’ve been wondering something,” Sunset ventured. “The other day you mentioned you broke your leg when you were a filly?”

“Yeah, I did,” Sunny responded. “I did it whilst skating.”

“Really?” Misty gasped. “I thought you were a good skater.”

“I am now,” Sunny chuckled. “But that’s only because my dad was really supportive when I was a filly. Even when I did get hurt.”

“Well, you can’t keep teasing us like this, Sunny,” Rocky grinned. “What happened?”

“Oh, it’s really silly really,” Sunny sighed. “I mean, I fell over a lot when learning. It’s one of those things that you don’t learn unless you fall.”

“If you don’t want to tell us Sunny then it’s okay,” Misty reassured.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I brought it up,” Sunset added. “You fell over whilst learning to skate, that’s enough for me.”

Sunny let out a deep sigh. “No, I broke my leg because I should have taken my skates off before going to the loo,” she admitted before chuckling. “I told you it was really silly.”

“Wait? Really?” Pipp exclaimed.

“Yeah, really, Pipp,” Sunny laughed. “I should have listened to my dad about skating in the house. But I didn’t and slipped over in the Bathroom.”

“The things you do when you're little,” Sunset chuckled.

“I know right,” Sunny giggled. “You should have seen my dad’s face when he found me. It took me months and months until I could walk normally again. Even longer before I could try skating again. I never went into the bathroom with my skates on again.”

“So, you still skated in the house?” Starlight smirked.

“Oh yeah,” Sunny grinned. “All the time.”

They all laughed at that and continued to enjoy each other’s company.