"Here you go, Aunt Z," Seashell said as she put another book on the desk.

"Don't call me that," Zipp muttered as she read the current book she was studying.

Seashell cleared her throat, making Zipp look up. She nodded her head to the side.

Zipp looked in that direction to see a guard watching them, before sighing. Right. "Sorry, Seashell. I just didn't realize it was…you." Zipp said, not sure why they were keeping up this charade when it was clear they were lying.

"It's okay," Seashell assured with a shrug. She paused, biting her lip, before asking, "Hey, Aunt Z? Why are you looking at books about history if you're researching Skyronian law?"

"Because," Zipp answered absently, going back to reading her book. "Maybe there was a similar case in the past that could help us with Misty's"

"Oh," Seashell said, nodding.

Suddenly, the two of them heard Hitch yell and Sparky giggling before the two of them ran passed, Sparky blowing dragon fire.

"Hey, uh…Seashell. Why don't you and your…sisters help with uh…your brother so that your…dad can do more research than parenting." That was the weirdest sentence she ever said.

Seashell nodded and ran off, gathering her friends and chasing after Hitch and Sparky. Zipp knew the Pippsqueaks were only doing their best to help, but right now, Zipp really needed to concentrate. She gave up on trying to find anything about Skyronian law. Not for lack of information, but lack of understanding. She didn't know anything about law, and it was a waste of time trying to figure it out.

So, instead, she turned her attention to looking for information about Opaline, Celestia, and Luna, without much luck. Much to Zipp's surprise, she couldn't find out much. Just that King Aeroblade of the Skylands, the king before Skotos, married Queen Ocean Rose of the Riverlands, and had three daughters, Celestia, Luna, and Opaline Arcana. When Celestia, who was the eldest, was five, Opaline was three, and Luna was a newborn, their mother, Ocean Rose was killed by mortals. King Aeroblade was then killed by his brother-in-law, King Skotos, ten years later, and Skotos had remained in power ever since.

It was apparently a tradition since alicorns lived so long. If an alicorn can kill both royal rulers, they become the ruler of Skyros. Though, of course, there were rules. Well, one rule. They can't kill their own blood kin. So if a son wanted to rule, he'd have to wait until somepony killed his father, then kill the alicorn that murdered his father, and he's King.

Pretty barbaric if you asked Zipp. They seriously couldn't think of a better way to distribute ruling power for immortals? But, apparently, it was how they made sure the strong remained in power. Because their motto is strong ruler, strong kingdom.

Zipp sighed, closing her book. That wasn't really much to go on. It only confirmed what they already suspected. It didn't answer any of their questions. Why did Opaline turn evil? Was she responsible for Luna turning evil? If so, why? Why did she hate her sisters so much?

Zipp had Misty text her everything she could remember about the dream. Of course, the dream itself also wasn't much to go on, but it was more than what she found. Of course, it also only added more questions. Why did Celestia and Luna have to leave Opaline behind? Why did the mortals need them?

Zipp opened the book Seashell just gave her, but one scan through and she knew it would be just as helpful as the others. She groaned, dropping her head on the table. Why couldn't answers to great mysteries just fall into a pony's lap for once? Why did everything need to be so damn hard to find?

Zipp slammed the book closed, getting up to fly around the library in hopes of finding something useful. As she flew, searching shelves, she came upon a dead end. Well, kind of a dead end. It was an iron gate that went as high as the ceiling, with a thick chain and lock to bar access. There was a sign that said 'Authorized Personel Only'. Normally, she'd be considered authorized but, well, seeing as she wasn't a princess here by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, she was seen as an enemy, she'd be the last pony to have access.

But she needed to get in there. That might be the only place in the whole library that might remotely have answers. But this place was Skyros. Land of the alicorns for thousands of years. They'd have complicated magic and spells guarding that gate. Not just some measly lock and chain. She needed somepony equally gifted at magic and knowledgeable, as well as have the creativity to think outside the box to break in. Or, ponies.

"Aunt Z?" Zipp heard from behind her.

She turned around, gasping, before sighing in relief. "Peach. It's just you."

"Is everything okay? Why are you staring at that gate thingy?" The orange unicorn filly asked, tilting her head.

"Umm…no reason…" Zipp said absently as a thought began to form in her head. The Pippsqueaks were able to bypass all six ponies and three alicorns by sneaking onto the Marestream and hitching a ride to Skyros, all without any of them noticing. Maybe the Pippsqueaks could be useful after all.

"Hey, Peach? How would you and your friends like to help out?" Zipp asked.

Peach Fizz's face brightened at that, nodding quickly with a huge smile on her face.

"No. Nuh-uh. Bad idea. Just no. Why would you even consider something like that?" Sunny said as soon as Zipp brought up the idea. "Have you lost your mind?"

It was night in Skyros and while everypony was asleep, Misty, Zipp, and Sunny were talking in one of the bathrooms with the door shut so they wouldn't wake anypony up as they talked more in-depth about Misty's dream and what it could mean, and potential information it could've revealed about Opaline's past. Zipp was now more curious than ever after hearing what happened in the town square.

Misty didn't tell them about how she happened upon the entrance to the Fire Lands, but that was the last question on everypony's mind. The first question was what the hell did Opaline do? After Winter's ominous statement about how the fire alicorns used to live there until Opaline happened, he walked away and refused to say anything else. The four mares bombarded him with questions, but his lips were sealed, which, of course, only made them that much more desperate to know.

"Sunny, I combed through as many books as I could for hours while you were selling smoothies. Nothing. I looked through books about Skyronian history, alicorns, and genealogy. Nothing. They are the king's nieces and the three alicorns are barely mentioned. Information about the king's brother is easier to find and he's dead!" Zipp argued, trying to convince Sunny this was a good idea, though even she questioned it a bit. But she just had to know why. Had to have her questions answered.

"Okay, so, instead of questioning other alicorns, castle staff, or even the King, you jump straight to breaking into the restricted section."

"Yeah, that'd work, but if the king wanted it to be public knowledge, he wouldn't put it in the restricted section."

"Okay, but did you ever stop to think how this helps Misty? We don't need any more complications. Our priority is to help Misty, not make things worse for her. The last thing we need is to get on the king's bad side."

"Yeah, but aren't you the least bit curious? I mean, what did Opaline do to the rest of the fire alicorns? Why does she hate her sisters? Did Opaline make Luna go evil? Why did her sisters leave Opaline behind? Why–"

"Of course I'm curious! But I'm putting my own curiosities aside for Misty's sake! We don't need to do this! We shouldn't!"

"Actually…I think we do," Misty spoke up for the first time.

Sunny and Zipp looked at Misty confused. Sunny was the first to speak. "You think we should? What…what do you mean? Do you know what that'll do? How this could make this worse for you if we're caught?"

Misty sighed. "No. I don't think we should. But, I think I need to." Misty paused, taking a deep breath, before continuing. "I know this is going to sound crazy, but I think there's something here that wants me to know about Opaline's past. Something is giving me access to Opaline's memories."

The two mares were silent for a moment before Zipp shrugged. "Eh, doesn't actually sound all that crazy."

"Yeah. We've faced crazier. But…why do you think that? You only saw one memory." Sunny added.

Misty looked away. "I actually saw two."

Sunny and Zipp gasped, their eyes widening. "And when were you planning on telling us?" Zipp asked. "And why haven't you already?"

"I wasn't meaning to keep it from you. Honest. It just happened. It's what led me to the entrance to the Fire Lands. I didn't think it was right to bring it up in front of the others and Winter. Plus…there's something else."

Sunny sighed. Of course there was. There was always something else. "What?"

"Back when you, Izzy, Pipp, and Winter found me…I started hearing some of my own memories. But…bad ones. I started getting flashes of…that night."

Sunny blinked. "That night? What night?"

Misty sighed, looking down. "The night I destroyed the Unity Crystals. I even started getting flashbacks of the day I got my cutie mark, but…only the bad moments."

Zipp was…well, she didn't quite know the word for it. Confused? Guilty? Both? They were all best friends, Zipp, Misty, and Pipp were going to be sisters, but…they all still had their regrets. One of Zipp's biggest regrets was turning her back on Misty so quickly when she dragonapped Sparky. She should've heard Misty out, and not been so quick to jump to conclusions.

Sunny looked away, guilt welling up in her. She regretted the things she said in that fight on the roof of the Brighthouse. She'd spend her whole life making it up to Misty. Both she and Zipp. She'd never forgive herself. She was…she was just so scared for both Misty and Pipp. Sunny had missed her chance to trade herself for Pipp and because of it, Pipp was going to be captured by the ruthless changelings for who knew how long. And without magic, Sunny wouldn't be the alicorn. And if she wasn't the alicorn, she couldn't be there for Misty when Skyros came to take her. She thought she was going to lose two of her best friends, from just a single action. But still, it was no excuse. It'd be her biggest regret for the rest of her life.

"I…I don't know why I thought of those moments but…I…I think it has something to do with Winter," Misty continued, dread building up in her. "I don't have a whole lot of evidence but…when you got his attention off of me, I…I didn't have any more flashbacks. They stopped. Just like that."

Zipp gaped at Misty with wide eyes. "Holy shit." She looked between Sunny and Misty. "This could be like…a whole conspiracy going on. We have to get into that restricted section."

Misty sighed, nodding. "I hate to say it, but I agree. Something deeper is going on here in Skyros. I don't know what, but I'm pretty sure it goes beyond me being brought here because I may or may not know Skyronian secrets."

Sunny looked away. "Yeah. It seems you're right." Sunny reluctantly admitted. "But there's got to be a better way than involving the Pippsqueaks."

"Maybe we don't need to. Maybe…maybe we just need something else. Some way to go unnoticed." Misty thought out loud, an idea coming to her. "There's a spell I've been learning. It'll allow us to pass the guards unnoticed. But…you might not like it."

"Whatever it takes." Zipp took a deep breath. "Ready for another library heist, Misty?" Zipp asked, thinking of the time when she, Misty, Pipp, and Hitch broke into Flurry Heart's secret room in the Research Hall back in the Crystal Empire.

Sunny, Zipp, and Misty entered the library, peeking inside the dark room. They glanced around, before quickly entering, closing the door behind them. Neither Sunny nor Misty used magic yet. They didn't want the guards to sound the alarm before Misty could get to them.

The three mares snuck to the back of the library, trying to make sure they kept themselves hidden from sight by hiding behind bookshelves. Once the guards were in sight, two of the mares turned their eyes to Misty.

Misty gulped nervously before lighting her horn in a coral magical aura and whispering the words, "Fiducia Compelus."

Two coral balls slowly floated out of Misty's horn and towards the two guards. Each ball landed on a guard's forehead, stunning them for a moment. Misty held her breath as she watched the two guards. Coral magic swirled around the guards as their eyes went wide and their pupils and irises turned into pinpricks.

"Dude, what happened? I thought you said you could get them to let us in."

"I can," Misty answered, not even glancing at Zipp. "But Fiducia needs a trigger."

She took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to stand in front of the guards. The other two weren't sure this was right, but they trusted Misty with their lives. So, with only the briefest hesitation, the two mares got up and followed her.

Misty's horn lit up again, but this time, her eyes turned white. "Ponies! Hear my voice and listen!" Misty's voice echoed, startling both Sunny and Zipp. They never heard Misty so…commanding.

The two guards blinked, their pupils still pinpricks, their irises faded. Misty took a deep breath, her heart racing. "Guards. Remove any enchantment that'll keep us out and open the gates."

The guards, with no hesitation, began to light their horns and remove the enchantments. Misty sighed in relief as it felt like everything was going right. Suddenly, the iron gates opened and the guards stepped aside. Sunny, Zipp, and Misty glanced at each other before slowly stepping inside, all without being harmed, much to their relief.

Misty turned to the guards. "Stay here. Don't let anypony enter."

The guards nodded silently and the three mares slowly walked further into the restricted section. Misty and Sunny tried using their horns to help light the way, but they realized they couldn't use magic. So, all three mares pulled out their phones to use the flashlight on them, dispersing to cover more ground faster.

Suddenly, Misty saw a flash of…purple? Not Opaline's magenta, but purple. She glanced around before following it. She walked down the aisle, glancing at book titles. Again, she saw another flash of purple with pink turning down another aisle. Slowly, hesitantly, she followed it. Suddenly, it seemed to disappear.

Misty glanced around, not sure what it was it wanted her to see. Misty leaned into the bookshelf on one side, carefully reading the book titles. That was when she saw it. She wasn't sure why, but that book seemed to stick out to her. Shadow Fang and the Search For The Missing Idol.

Misty looked at it, confused. It didn't look like anything special. Heck, it didn't even look like anything that belonged in the restricted section. It looked like a standard adventure novel. Why would this of all books be here?

She shrugged, and was about to put it back on the shelf when she saw a flash of purple encircle its spine, there one second, gone the next. Misty paused, the book halfway to the shelf. She brought the book towards her, confused. Why would…whatever it was, want her to find it?

Misty clenched her jaw, her heart and mind racing, about to open the book when Zipp came flying around the corner of one of the end bookshelves, stopping her. Misty looked up, surprised to see a panicked look on Zipp's face. "We got a problem."

Misty followed Zipp towards the entrance, ducking behind a bookshelf where Sunny was also hiding. Misty peeked around the bookshelf to see Prince Winter himself standing at the entrance, accompanied by two guards. Misty gasped, hiding her head back behind the bookshelf, but, unable to keep from looking for long, peeked her head back around the corner.

"They're under some kind of enchantment, my lord." A guard said, studying the two guards that were staring blankly ahead, their pupils and irises pinpricks, but they were doing exactly what Misty commanded. They were blocking the entrance.

Prince Winter was standing in front of the iron gate, his gaze impassive, but he was studying the guards as well. Misty, Sunny, and Zipp stayed behind a bookshelf, watching the whole thing with nervous trepidation, their breaths held, their hearts stopped.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Teleport us out of here." Zipp whispered to Sunny and Misty.

"We can't. Unicorn magic doesn't work here in the restricted section. Remember?" Misty responded, watching the prince and the four guards intently.

"Fiducia Compelus." Prince Winter said without much emotion. "A weak spell."

"You don't suppose it was one of the mortals…do you?" One of the guards asked.

Prince Winter shook his head. "I don't believe so, no. This was the third attempt to break into the restricted section. The first two happened before they arrived. This happened to be the only successful one. They may be weak, but I do not take them as stupid. Saving their friend is their top priority. They would not dare do anything to sabotage it."

Zipp scowled. Glad to know they proved him wrong.

"Let's hurry up and check this place. I wish to get this over with. I have better things to do." Winter said, causing Sunny to roll her eyes.

Suddenly, Winter and the two guards entered the restricted section, their horns charged. The three mares' eyes widened in fear, but they breathed a sigh of relief when the king went in the opposite direction, only for their hearts to stop when one of the guards walked right in their direction.

Zipp, thinking on her hooves, picked up a book and threw it across the library, making a clattering noise. The guard looked in that direction, before quickly hurrying off to it. They all breathed a sigh of relief before making a beeline for the exit while trying to stay hidden. As soon as they cleared the iron gates, Misty teleported the three of them out of there.

The three mares appeared in a flash of coral in one of the bathrooms in their bedchambers. They collapsed to the floor, their breaths heavy with both fear and relief. They panted as they all stared up at the ceiling, knowing this call was a close one.

As they recovered from the scare, Misty picked up the book she had gotten from it, staring at the title and the picture. She was sure that there had to be more to this book than the cover indicated. Otherwise, why would it be in the restricted section?

But, still, she just stared at it, as though she was scared to open it and learn the secrets it contained. That was the whole reason she was here, right? That was the reason she was in this mess. Because the Skyronian King thought that Misty knew secrets that could bring Skyros to ruin. By opening this book, by reading it…she'd no longer be innocent of what she was accused of. She'd really know dangerous secrets.

But…whatever was here, whatever force was leading her, clearly wanted her to know. It needed her to know. Know what, Misty wasn't sure, but she'd know it once she learned it.

"Is that from the restricted section? Did you find something?" Zipp asked when she noticed Misty holding a book up with her magic.

"I…I don't know…" Misty muttered, not looking away from the book.

"Was it that 'something' that led you to that book?" Sunny asked, her head tilted.

"Yeah…I…I think so…" Misty answered, thinking of the purple figure that led her to it.

Zipp tilted her head, trying to read the title on the spine. "Shadow Fang and the Search For The Missing Idol? What's so special about that book?" Zipp asked, thoroughly confused.

"Maybe the cover is a trick? To hide what's really inside and throw ponies off?" Sunny suggested.

"That's possible. But…it kinda sticks out in the restricted section though…doesn't it?" Zipp wondered aloud.

"Would you have given it a second look?" Sunny asked, proving her point.

"That's fair." Zipp turned to the blue unicorn. "Well…what are you waiting for? Open it." Zipp urged, waving her hooves towards Misty.

"I…I don't know…" Misty muttered, her voice full of doubt.

She bit her lip, her ears flattening. She wanted to know what was in this book. She wanted to know so badly. But whatever it was…King Skotos wanted to keep it hidden. She knew that much. Once she opened it, once she read the pages inside, she may be stuck here for the rest of her life. And worse, if her friends discovered what was on these pages…

"What do you mean you don't know? Didn't you say that something wanted you to find this?" Zipp asked.

"Yeah, that's the whole reason why we broke into the restricted section in the first place, remember," Sunny added.

"Yes, I know but…once I read these pages, once we do…and if King Skotos found out…we may never get back to Equestria."

"But…Misty, there's a good chance King Skotos won't find out." Zipp argued.

"But if he does?" Then a thought came to Misty. "Equestria needs us…but…Equestria doesn't need all of us." Misty paused. "Obviously, there's something here that wants me to know something. And I don't think it'll stop until I know. I'm already on trial for supposedly knowing dangerous secrets about Skyros. There's already a good chance I won't return. But…the same can't be said for you. You can still go back to Equestria."

"What…what are you saying, Misty?" Zipp asked, fear evident in her voice.

"I'm saying that if anypony should read these pages, it's me. As long as you're in the dark, you're safe."

"But…Misty…what about you? If you read that…you'll be stuck here." Sunny pointed out.

Misty sighed. "I know."

Zipp shook her head. "No. Forget whatever that thing wants you to know. It isn't worth it. It isn't worth the risk. Whatever it is, we don't need to know it. You don't need to know it. We've survived in Equestria for this long without it, we don't need to know now. I'll leave you behind if I have no choice because I made a promise. But don't make that choice for me if you don't have to."

Misty looked away. She had to, though. She knew she did. She needed to know what that thing was trying to show her. It was…important, she could feel it. She didn't know how she knew or why it was important, but she just did. She thought back to the Opaline in her vision. She was so emotionless. So…broken. Misty thought back to the words Opaline said.

"He's not a monster…"

"He's…he's been…good to me."

Those words were a lie, Misty knew it. She lived with Opaline nearly her whole life. Opaline was a pretty good liar when she wanted to be, but it was clear from the tone of her voice that she didn't want to be. That she was forced to lie, because if she didn't, there'd be major consequences. But, still…Opaline was hoping her sister would hear the lie and come save her. But seeing as how Celestia just let Opaline fly away, Misty knew she didn't. There was something so much deeper in Opaline's past, and Misty would never forgive herself if she didn't figure it out. If she failed to see the pony behind the monster once again.

But that didn't mean she needed to condemn her friends to the same fate. She couldn't trap her friends here, not when Equestria needed them most. She couldn't put Equestria in unnecessary harm. Not like she did when she was working for Opaline. She couldn't do that to Equestria again.

"I…do. I'm sorry, but…I can't just leave and pretend none of this is happening. Something bad, something really bad happened to Opaline and I need to know what. I owe it to her."

"Misty, you don't owe that monster anything," Zipp said firmly.

"She's not a monster!" Misty argued. "I…I know that now."

"But, Misty, she tried to steal magic. She took our cutie marks. She…she took you captive for ten years. You can't seriously think–"

"Zipp, if your mother suddenly went evil, and you had a chance to know why…wouldn't you risk everything to take that chance?" Misty sighed, looking away. "I know Opaline isn't my real mother, but…I don't know who my mother is or was and Alphabittle refuses to talk about her. Opaline, on the other hoof…raised me. And since I don't even know who my mother is…Opaline's been more of a mother to me than she has. Granted, a horrible one but…"

Zipp sighed. She understood where Misty was coming from. Kind of. She understood that if the roles were reversed, and it was Zipp's mom they were talking about, Zipp would make the same decision as Misty, even if Zipp knew they couldn't help her mother.

"Look, he may not find out. But if he does…we don't need to give him a reason to keep you all here."

Sunny and Zipp were silent. They didn't like it, but they understood why Misty would need to read it.

Sunny sighed. "Tell you what, Misty. Give us another two days. If we still can't find an alicorn by then, go ahead and read the book. But…if we can…" Sunny sighed, putting a hoof on Misty's shoulder. "Misty, you and I both know Equestria needs you just as much as it needs us. You know that the Elements of Unity won't work without all of us together. If you really need to know, then it's your choice. We can't stop you. But…please…just think about Equestria. Think about us."

Misty nodded. "Yeah. Okay. Two days. I…I won't read it until then." She muttered, putting the book down. She stared at it for a bit, trying her best to resist the temptation.

"Well, on that note, we should probably head to bed. We don't have all that long until our 120 hours are up and we should really get some rest. We'll have another long day ahead of us tomorrow." Sunny said with a sigh.

Zipp nodded, and together, the two of them stood up and walked to the door. "You coming, Misty?" Zipp asked when she realized Misty was still sitting on the bathroom floor.

"Huh?" Misty asked, seeming startled, looking up at her friends. "Y-yeah. I'll…I'll be right there…just…just give me a minute."

Sunny and Zipp hesitated but eventually complied. They left the bathroom, leaving Misty alone. A glint of purple flashed across the book, making Misty all the more tempted to read what was inside it. But…she couldn't. She had a promise to keep with her friends.

Sighing, she stood up and left the bathroom, holding the book with her magic. She slid it under her bed before climbing under her covers and laying her head on her pillow. Slowly, softly, she closed her eyes, but as she slowly fell asleep, she heard two words in a mare's voice she thought sounded vaguely familiar. A voice she only heard once just two weeks ago…

Help me…

Author's Note

The fifth chapter is finished. This chapter was a little more difficult, but I think it turned out alright.

See if you can guess who the voice belongs to.

Also, on a separate note, I've decided to rename the Pitch Saga. I don't think its original name fits anymore because the series isn't just focusing on Pipp and Hitch and their relationship, but also on the rest of the Mane 6. So, I decided to rename the series Heroism, Family, and Friendship.

Also, since I decided to continue the series indefinitely, I've decided to make a group called Heroism, Family, and Friendship. Just a group to keep track of all the stories that are in the series in order, plus, recently, I've been getting PMs for ideas from multiple people, so, I thought, the group would be a great place for you to drop those ideas for future stories in the series, if you have any. Plus, I'll also separate stories into different folders by genres as well as the main folder, when more stories come out. And who knows? I may or may not drop some sneak peeks of upcoming chapters in the forum. You never know.

See you in the next chapter. Or in the new group.

Hakuna Matata!

Link to the Heroism, Family, and Friendship group ⬇

https://www.fimfiction.net/group/218224/heroism-family-and-friendship