Pony Tale: Journey of the Dark Arts

by FlutterDash777

Rating: teen
Tags: Shining Armor, Princess Celestia, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Romance, Princess Luna
Length: 17518

When Twilight discovers a spell that transforms her, what will become of her, and Equestria?

Twilight Sparkle has always been Celestia's most faithful student. Her magical skills are at the top of the ranks, and she is such a great and caring friend. But one day, as Twilight studies a mysterious dark book, she will learn a spell that will transform her into a great, and powerful alicorn. Twilight sees that the spell is more than just difficult, but she tries it for practice. When Twilight's magic prevails, and she becomes a lean alicorn, she is overcome with joy that her magic has increased. But what will happen when Twilight becomes overcome with a surge of evil, dark magic that takes over her very soul?
It's up to the rest of the mane six to stop the new, powerful, and evil Twilight. Can they save their dear friend from the dark arts?

This story includes obvious hints to FlutterDash, Rarijack, and Twinkie Pie!

Published 2012-12-07 15:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-16 06:06:03 UTC

The Advantages of Being an Alicorn

-The Advantages of Being an Alicorn

The enlightened Twilight Sparkle trotted around her library. Her searching was not to end until she retrieved what she was indeed trying to find. Her mane was tangled slightly, and her eyes were rounded with dark circles resting under them. She was truly frustrated. Her nights had been unpleasant, and brief, and she couldn't seem to fall into that deep desired sleep. Her brain was racked with questions about a particular magic that just seemed to not be very agreeable with her. No matter how hard she tried, she could not in the name of Celestia, transform an apple into a simple orange!

Her options were up, and she was completely overwhelmed with her failing attempts. Her eye slightly twitched as she continued to pace the floorboards. She accidentally turned a bird, and a frog into an orange, due to Pinkie's rambunctious self. So why was it so difficult to do the same on an apple?

Twilight's ordeal wasn't much of an ordeal after all, but to her it was the end of Equestria. Over one little trick she couldn't eat, or sleep. Spike was starting to notice Twilight's odd behavior, but he was too wrapped up in errands for Rarity to actually ask Twilight if she was alright.

Twilight's exaggerations were driving her little purple self insane. She was starting to feel her blood pressure rising, and as soon as the door to her library slammed open, she was positive it had.

A little hyper, pink earth pony busted into Twilight's home without hesitation. She hopped on in, and with a smile greeted Twilight.

Pinkie Pie suddenly took a good long look at Twilight, and realized that she was extra crazy looking today. She gasped a little more than she needed, and her pink mane bounced.

"Twilight are you okay?! You look silly!" Pinkie softly snorted. Twilight was not the slightest amused by this, but she was quite pleased that somepony dropped by to check up on her.

"Oh I'm fine....except for the fact that I'm magically losing my touch! I can't even do a simple spell. Not one! It's driving me crazy! I don't know what to do! I've read all the books on simple spells, and increasing magical skill, but nothing is working!" Twilight breathed heavily. She clenched her teeth, and her eyes became beady.

Pinkie Pie looked at Twilight. Her mouth was open slightly, and she flicked her ear. She looked passed Twilight at all the books that were scattered about the ground. Piles and piles of books were disorderly stacked upon each other. The pink party pony observed the stacks carefully, and contently.

"Then what's this!?" The pink pony rushed behind Twilight to a mound of books, and grabbed one that was stuck under a pile, and was hidden slightly behind the bookcase. Pinkie Pie held out a black book in Twilight's face. It was a book that Twilight had never seen before. The cover was old looking, and was lined with a golden plate. The center piece was of a golden alicorn. The title was Dark Arts.

Twilight looked uncertainly at the book. She was very skeptical of it for it seemed a tad bit sketchy. But reluctantly, Twilight reached her hoof from Pinkie, and started turning through the pages. Pinkie did always seem to find helpful books at the most needed times. Twilight suddenly slammed it shut, and tucked it under her leg.

"Thank you for pointing this one out, Pinkie. It seems quite promising. I hope it does help me with my situation." Twilight gave a sheepish smile to the earth pony who started to bounce up and down.

"Oh you're very welcome! I hope it works out too! That would be great, you know?" Pinkie smiled as largely as her muzzle made possible.

"Mhm...yeah." Twilight timidly swallowed, and looked at Pinkie with a fake grin.

Pinkie, oblivious to Twilight's silent plea for her to leave, started to laugh.

"Ahah.....Would...ahah....would you like to go to Sugar Cube Corner with me...ahaaha..." The pink pony tried to control her giggles as she continued to bounce.

Twilight looked around hopelessly. She searched for a way to let the pink pony down easily.

"Um....I'm terribly sorry, but I have a lot of work to catch up on for my studies..." Twilight attempted to laugh, but aimlessly failed.

Pinkie suspiciously looked at Twilight's obviously fake smile, but then returned her with a larger smile than before.

"Okie dokie loki then! Your studies come first, of course!" Pinkie looked at Twilight with caring eyes before she headed out the door.

"Wait, Pinkie!" Twilight called out.

Pinkie stopped halfway through the door, and turned her head to Twilight. Her puffy pink mane swayed to the side.

"Yes?" Her blue eyes lit up, and her teeth shinned a blinding white.

"What did you come here for? Just wondering.." Twilight let out a slight giggle of her own, and rubbed her leg with her right hoof.

"Oh nothing really, just wanted to check on my bestist, and goodist friend!" Pinkie giggled, and she playfully drew one hoof up in the air.

Twilight felt herself blush. She embarrassingly turned her head over, letting her mane cover up her shameful red cheeks.

"Well thanks for thinking of me, Pinkie." Twilight said in response, she then quickly turned around to her books as if she were studying. She waited until she heard the door close behind her, and then she turned her head to the window next to the door. Twilight could slightly see Pinkie hopping away. She felt herself softly smile as she watched her friend.

'Whoa whoa whoa Twilight, focus!'

Twilight shook her head of all thoughts, and returned to thinking about her magic. She lifted the dark book from under her arm, and swiftly studied the cover. She lined the sides with her hooves, and then set the book down, and she began to turn its pages.

She flipped through the first couple of pages. The spells were all quite odd, and unfamiliar to Twilight. Resurrecting, destroying, killing, restoring, taking, giving, loving, hating.....

She kept on turning the pages rapidly as the spells got more deeper, and deeper. She turned one more page, and she stopped. The title of this spell caught her little eyes. Ultimate Power. Power, magic! It was what Twilight was searching for all along! An increase in her magical abilities. Twilight studied the page, she read every word.

The ultimate sacrifice must be made, to hold the power that you seek. To gain a pegasi's wings, and a unicorn horn's peak. If you want to gain the skill, and magical abilities of a goddess or god. All that's needed is to cast the spell of a dark odd.

Twilight looked peculiarly at the words she was reading. It sounded like something Zecora might say except Twilight couldn't translate a word from it.

Under the rhyme Twilight could see the recipe for a magical spell. It looked extremely difficult to do. What was it for anyways? Twilight read farther along the spell until she reached where it described what it would do exactly.

The spell that has been desired by pony folk for all the ages. The spell that transforms oneself into the most powerful form of all ponies. A transformation spell that turns one into an alicorn. The individual is given unspeakable powers, and is level with the most highest form in all of Equestria.

Twilight was now completely intrigued by this spell. Although it looked extremely hard to accomplish, Twilight was sure that if she tried hard enough she would be able to do the spell. It would just be for practice of course! She would even write a special letter to the princess telling her that she was able to temporarily turn herself into a powerful alicorn! Princess Celestia would be so proud of her! Twilight would be the most high ranked unicorn in all of Equestria if she were able to pull this magic off! She was confident in herself.

Twilight set the black book down on her podium, and read over the casting spell several times. She concentrated all her thoughts into her magic, as she prepared her body for this powerful, and dangerous spell.

"You can do this Twilight! Just think of how the princess will react when you tell her that you can transform into an alicorn like herself. She would be so impressed with you! And besides, it would be pretty cool to be able to see how it's like to be an alicorn, even if it is only for a short period of time." Twilight smiled with confidence. She was prepared to perform this spell that would most definitely change her life.

As Twilight started to perform the spell, she was unaware of the dangers that she was going to face. Twilight's life was indeed about to change, for better or for worse.

A Dark Evil Rises

-A Dark Evil Rises

A magical spark lit up on Twilight's horn. At first it was a mear flick of sparkles, but it ultimately exploded into a fit of sparks, and smoke. Twilight squinted her eyes trying to avoid any harmful magic to get into them. The spell wasn't over yet though. She had to force more than just a simple cloud of smoke; the spell called for a magical fire to burn within her. This she had never experienced before, but from her studies she had heard of such a magic. It was quite dangerous, but if preformed correctly it couldn't harm her, or anything around her.

She cleared her way anyways as the magic started to surge through her limbs. Twilight pushed the magic harder. Every bone in her little body started to burn painlessly. It was a sensational feeling rather than a hurtful one. Twilight began to smile as she saw that her magic was working. The spell was starting to cause a painless infliction upon her like no other. Her fur started to raise on end, and it felt as if every vain in her body was twitching.

The last phase of magic was almost over. Twilight could feel the surges working. She could see her legs lengthening, and her body became stronger, and leaner. It was as if she was aging rapidly. Was she preforming not only a transformation spell, but an aging spell as well?!

Twilight's eyes grew larger as she felt her magical horn growing in size. She felt herself become ever so powerful. Her muscles were tightening, and her mane was flowing out.

Finally the final part of the spell was activating. The purple, and now older filly felt her back begin to tingle. A ripping sensation began to fill her body. Pain was now being felt, but Twilight indured it as much as she possibly could. Two gaping holes in her back started to form. Twilight cryed out in pain as her purple skin began to rip apart. It was unbearable but Twilight knew that she couldn't stop now. She was already so close!

Blood began to gush down her sides as the two holes grew wider. As soon as Twilight sent out her last spark of magic, the wings started to form.

Twilight watched in agony as her skin started to become elastic. Wing shaped bones suddenly appeared inside the holes that was torn into Twilight's body. Twilight's skin started to stretch over the newly formed bones. The bleeding stopped as soon as they were completely covered with a layer of purple skin.

All of the magic left in Twilight's feeble body left her. The pain started to fade away quickly, and Twilight regained her strength to stand on her own.

She was twice the size she normally was. Her mane had trippled in length, and was now flowing magestically. Two large, amazing wings flapped behind her. They were feathered perfectly, and almost resembled Princess Celestia's. Actually Twilight felt as if she were a princess. She looked so regal, and she felt so powerful.

Twilight felt happiness flow throughout her body. She childishly jumped up and down with joy.

Twilight turned to her podium. An apple was sitting there where she was trying to preform her changing spell on it. She focused on it, and let the magic do the rest. The apple had indeed turned into an orange. Twilight smiled triumphatly.

"Finally!!!"

Spike had arrived home later that evening, and to his surprise saw the alicorn Twilight. She had explained everything to him, and even though she was quite content in her story, Spike was still unsure of what had actually happened to his friend. Despite his confusion, he had written a letter requested by Twilight to the princess.

"Dear Princess Celestia,
I am very happy to announce that I have achieved a very high level of magic. I had come across a spell, rather difficult if I must say, though I tried it, and succeeded in my first attempt. My excitement is overwhelming from my increase in magical abilities. I must say I do rather like this state I am currently in, but I do know that it can not last, and I will somehow have to reverse it soon. Yet, I wanted to inform you that I have very well succeeded in transforming myself into a much more powerful body. More easier to say, I have transformed myself temporarily into an alicorn! It does sound rather odd, but I have indeed achieved a very high magical skill. I will soon turn myself back once I have figured exactly how.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle"

Spike scribbled down the words that Twilight spoke aloud to him. Once he was done writing, he rolled up the scroll, and a blast of fire sent it off to the princess. Peculiarly, Spike's eyes searched the new Twilight up and down. It was as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. As if it were all a dream that had seemed all too real. But of course it wasn't, and Spike didn't ask anymore questions.

His little dragon feet carried him up the staircase, and into his bed. It was still daylight, but Twilight knew that the baby dragon was probably tired from all the unspeakable errands Rarity had most likely given him to do. She also knew that Spike would do anything for Rarity. So there was no telling how tired he really was, however Twilight let him sleep, and she headed out the door.

She wasn't quite ready to say "goodbye" to this new form just yet.

Overhead a cyan pegasus was cleaning up clouds. She was also preforming pretty impressive tricks, obviously because another pegasus below was watching.

Rainbow Dash had weather duties to catch up on, and she had let Fluttershy come along. The two seemed to get along particularly well lately, and they were both always together. Everypony else didn't seem to be bothered much by this, most likely because they were all too busy to question their new behavior, but it was all the better.

Rainbow Dash kicked the clouds away, spinning, and looping around in the process. Her multicolored mane flowed amazingly in the wind that she was causing. The daredevil grinned, and lowered her brow. Her eyes traveled downwards towards the creamy yellow, earthbound Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash saw with anticipation that the little pegasus was watching her intently, and Rainbow took this advantage.

There was one last cloud in the sky. Rainbow sped over to it at full speed. Her heart rate increased rapidly with her speed as she approached the lone cloud, but instead of annihilating it completely with one blow, the cyan pegasus slightly moved upward. She missed the cloud by about an inch, and began to circle it. The cloud began to spin quickly as the pegasus played around with it.

Rainbow dashed passed the spinning cloud, and circle back to it facing Fluttershy. Without stopping, Rainbow flew straight for it. She ran straight into it, and it dissolved into the air, and trickles of water washed over Rainbow's body. The pegasus dove straight for the ground right in front of the timid pegasus below. Rainbow Dash erected herself with the ground, and slid to a stop before Fluttershy. The trickles of water splashed out behind the cyan pegasus, and created a slight rainbow.

Fluttershy stared in amazement. Her large turquoise eyes shimmered as the looked into Rainbow's. The shy little filly began to smile.

"Woohoo....you rock." She attempted to cheer for Rainbow.

Rainbow was pleased with Fluttershy's feeble cheering. If it was from her, anything made Rainbow happy.

The multicolored pegasus lifted her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. She gave a cheesy grin, and winked at the cute yellow mare.

"Thanks!" Rainbow said with gratitude. The pegasus was done with her "job", and was now ready to do something more fun, and exciting with Fluttershy. She led the yellow pony back in the direction of Ponyville. Maybe something promising was awaiting them there.

Rainbow had a content feeling, that something would indeed happen. Fluttershy smiled as she walked next to the filly of her dreams. The secret couple walked side by side back to town.

Spike had awaken from his brief rest. Indigestion filled his stomach, as he hopped out of his bed. It felt has if something were stuck in his throat. He gagged substantially. The little purple dragon choked on a letter. After a short while of coughs, and gags he finally spit up a return letter from Princess Celestia to Twilight.

Spike opened up the letter, knowing Twilight would be mad if he had seen it before her, but did it anyways. He was curious to see what the princess had to say about Twilight's powerful magic.

Green eyes widened more than ever as they skimmed across each word. Spike looked up form the letter, and quickly rolled it back up. He scurried down the stairwell as fast as his little feet could take him. He was out the door quicker than lightning.

Pinkie Pie had gathered Rarity, and Applejack for some cake down at Sugar Cube Corner since Twilight couldn't make it. The three filly friends conversed as they all enjoyed a delicious cake that Pinkie herself had prepared for them before their arrival. Rarity had earlier finished up the last of her dress orders for the week, and she was glad to relax with two of her greatest friends, and Applejack was just as happy. They never really got the chance to have a peaceful get together like this very often, so it was a very pleasing one particularly this evening.

"Have you ever eaten a cake so delicious in your lifetime, Applejack? This was quite a delicacy Pinkie! Great job, if I do say so myself." Rarity dabbed her muzzle with a small white handkerchief lined with a pink lace that spelled out Rarity.

She smiled graciously at Pinkie for the cake. Two blue eyes glared at Applejack, forcing her to be grateful as well to their great host.

"Uh...yeah...that there's some good eatin'! Thank ya kindly, Pinkie." Applejack returned the favor with a smile, and she glanced over at Rarity who seemed quite pleased for the moment.

Applejack rolled her eyes at the prim pony. Rarity ignored this, though she did see it, and continued to talk with Pinkie.

"So where is Twilight Sparkle this evening? I myself have not heard a peep out of her since yesterday. Have you seen her, maybe?" Rarity turned to Pinkie with concern. Applejack forced her way into the conversation.

"I haven't seen, er heard from her since yesterd'y either. Strange of her don't y'all think?"

Pinkie's expression changed when she heard the concerning thoughts from her friends. She turned her head glancing at both ponies, and her mane softly moved to the side.

"I went to go see her earlier actually! She was really busy with her studies, so I didn't bother her long, though I did want her to come join us..." Pinkie looked down. Her usual cheerful self began to look more depressed than ever before. The two fillies noticed this.

"Eh....well I'm sure she is very busy, but just you wait! I'm positive she will turn up." Rarity tried to lift Pinkie's spirits. She smiled with confidence that Twilight would eventually turn up. Her perfectly curled mane bounced as she moved her head. Applejack watched as Rarity continued to fill Pinkie with happy thoughts, but she didn't hear not one word. She tuned them both out for two reasons. One, she didn't really care. Two, she was too busy looking at Rarity.

Twilight pranced in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner. She was eager to show Pinkie what she had accomplished, and wanted to thank her for pointing out the book for her.

Everypony stopped and stared as Twilight trotted passed them. They didn't know what to think. Who is that mare? Is she a princess? Why does she look a lot like Twilight Sparkle?

Question after question racked the minds of everypony that Twilight passed by. She didn't even begin to notice all the attention she was drawing. She was only focused on getting to Sugar Cube Corner, and seeing Pinkie Pie.

As she arrived in front of the sweet shop, she heard Spike calling out to her from behind.

"Twilight! Letter! Princess! Now!" Spike caught up with the alicorn, and was panting uncontrollably. He dropped to his knees, and weakly lifted his arm to Twilight. A letter from the princess! Twilight took it in her large hoof, and unraveled it to spill it's contents upon her eyes. She read the letter aloud, as Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity walked outside to see what all the commotion was.

"My most faithful student, Twilight,
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I need you to come see me at once! It is a dire emergency. If it is not too much to ask I would like to request that your friends come along as well. It is very urgent that you get here as soon as you possibly can. Hesitate not! I'm expecting to see you no later than tomorrow. Please hurry, and I will be awaiting your arrival.

Princess Celestia"

Twilight's eyes dropped. She needed to leave now! The princess was waiting for her! It must be something important! What if Discord had come back? Or Chrysalis?! Twilight looked up from the letter frantically. Three of her friends were standing in front of her. All three of their eyes glanced at her in complete shock. They had no words. They knew not what to say. They knew not how to react. They didn't know what had happened to Twilight, and they didn't know why the princess needed them so badly. All they could do was stare, and say nothing.

"Spike where is Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy!!??" Twilight turned to the purple dragon who was still bowing on his knees. He was still short of breath.

"I...I don't....know..." He lifted his head in the direction of Twilight. Her eyes were bulging, and her ears were twitching. She turned to her three friends for answers. They all looked at her with confusion, and none of them spoke a word.

"Did someone ask for me?" Rainbow Dash was flying towards them, and Fluttershy was slowly following her. Rainbow landed next to Rarity. Fluttershy however glanced upon the alicorn, Twilight. She quickly crashed into Rainbow.

"I....I'm so sorry!" She was muzzle to muzzle with her fillyfriend. Rainbow got up, trying to act as if nothing were going on between them, and helped Fluttershy up. She smiled at her, and then turned around to where all the attention was being directed.

For the first time Rainbow had now noticed what was so breathtaking. Twilight was twice their size. Her mane was flowing just like the princess' did, and she had wings just like her!

"Whoooaaa! Wicked!" Rainbow snarled playfully at Twilight unaware of the conflict she was having.

"We have to leave now! The princess wants to see us immediately!"

Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were both taken aback by this. What was going on? However the five confused mares followed Twilight to the train station, leaving Spike half awake on the ground.

The train ride seemed as if it were taking forever. Everypony was getting antsy, and as awkward enough as it already was, nopony said a word the whole ride to Canterlot. Nopony knew exactly what to say. They were all confused, and dumbfounded by the new Twilight.

Pinkie Pie kept catching herself staring at Twilight. She would stop herself, but it only took a little amount of time before her eyes would travel over the the beautiful alicorn once again.

What was going on?

That was the golden question that was going through everyponies mind all at once. Nopony had any answers as to what they were doing exactly, and why the princess called for them. All they could do was endure the silent ride to Canterlot.

For what seemed like an eternity, the train finally came upon arrival. Everypony stretched their sleeping legs, and trotted out of the train, glad to be able to move around once again. Twilight did not stop to stretch like the rest of her friends. She had already ran passed them. The rest of the ponies stood around, and eyeballed each other. Silently sending each other questions with their facial expressions.

They all exchanged looks before they followed behind Twilight.

She was already far ahead of them all. She stopped quickly to let them catch up.

"Hurry! The princess needs us now!" Everypony began to pick up there speed once they finally saw the importance of their travel.

The six fillies finally made it to the castle. As they entered Celestia's chambers, they were greeted by Princess Luna.

"Oh my. My dear....We have summoned you all for a meeting of great importance! Hence shall we begin momentarily!" Luna opened the doors wider, letting each pony enter in. All of their expressions were thrown upon Twilight. What had she done?

They followed Luna, until she turned around, and stood by her sisters side.

"Greetings my little ponies! Thank you for being able to come on such short notice." Celestia's gaze was ultimately upon Twilight now. She studied her completely before continuing.

"I'm sure you're all wondering what has brought you all here today. I'm intending to tell you now...."

Twilight winced. A painful banging was making her head throb. Her heart felt as if it were slowing down rapidly. She began to feel dizzy, and she stumbled over Applejack, who helped her back to her hooves.

"Are you all right sugar cube?" Applejack looked up into the familiar eyes of her once smaller friend. She was concerned.

"Yes...." Her head began to throb harder. Twilight cried out in pain this time. Everypony stepped back slightly at the sudden outburst of cries. What was happening?

"Oh no...." Princess Luna looked in horror. Celestia seemed as if she was keeping calm though.

Twilight's heartbeat was now very subtle. She could hardly feel it anymore. She couldn't breath! She gasped for air, but she couldn't gain any. She desperately looked around at all her friends. They were all surrounding Celestia. They looked as if they were begging to her. Twilight couldn't hear them though. Her eye sight was blurring intensely. She could barely see now, and she couldn't hear. The outlines of her friends, and her beloved princess' were fading. Her breaths were now very short, and limited.

Celestia arose in front of her. Twilight was unresponsive.

"Don't you dare give up just yet Twilight Sparkle! Fight it! Fight it now!"

Pinkie Pie's eyes began to blur with tears. It wasn't long before they were flowing down her face. She wasn't the only one though. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, even Rainbow Dash was crying. They didn't know what was happening to their beloved friend. They were all terrified by what they were witnessing. Fluttershy buried her face into Rainbow's mane.

Princess Luna stood by Princess Celestia. They were both now shouting words at Twilight.

"Don't you give up! Fight it Twilight Sparkle! Fight the darkness!"

Twilight's eyes began to open. Everypony started to feel relief, but suddenly she jolted up, and a surge of magic sent the two princess' flying through the air. They both hit the stain glass windows, and toppled each other.

The five shocked fillies turned to the princess', then they turned to Twilight who was now on her hooves. A dark aura surrounded her. Black plates began to form around each of her hooves.

"This is my kingdom now! Alas! The new queen has risen!" With a shot of a black magical force, Twilight levitated Princess Celestia's crown from her very head, and settled it down upon her own.

Princess Celestia lifted her head, but with a glare from Twilight's evil, dark eyes, she lost all consciousness.

The evil alicorn stomped her large black hooves in front of the five terrified mares. With a grin of darkness, she saw that she had control.

"Bow down to your new queen!"

Fluttershy was shaking in fear. Her head was still buried within Rainbow Dash's mane, and the alicorn saw this, and was not pleased at all.

With a spark of black magic, the evil alicorn directed it towards the creamy yellow pegasus. Fluttershy screeched in pain, and Rainbow ran straight into the magic. It went right through her. Rainbow felt no pain, but she heard Fluttershy still screaming. The cyan pegasus' magenta eyes widened with fear. She charged Twilight with anger in her heart, not caring who she was aimlessly attacking.

Twilight now took her magic away from Fluttershy, and used it on Rainbow as she was about to attack. She threw Rainbow to the side, and she didn't even move a muscle.

Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all stood in fear. They wanted to help their friends so badly, but they feared that Twilight would turn to them. What were they going to do?

"Learn your place!" Twilight boomed. Her voice didn't even sound like her anymore. This wasn't Twilight. This was a monster!

"I am your new queen! I am the new ruler over all of Equestria!"

Pinkie looked up in complete desperation. Her once puffy mane suddenly straightened out completely. Her eyes were full of tears, and her mind was full with sorrows. What had become of her beloved Twilight? Could she ever save her?

Pinkie Pie had no idea how they could save Twilight from this evilness that had controlled her. How could the Elements of Harmony work if they were fighting against their sixth, and most powerful element?!

A Matter of Time

-A Matter of Time

The three remaining conscience mares watched in terror as their friend towered over them. Twilight's dark eyes pierced through their souls.

"I am your new queen! I am the new ruler over all of Equestria!"

An evil fit of laughter began to come from Twilight. She arched her head upwards as she let out her evil cachinnation. Rarity looked over to Applejack. She was standing tall, and firmly as if she were protecting Pinkie, and herself. She hid her fearfulness with her deep green eyes. She lowered her brow angrily as she looked over to Dash, and Fluttershy.

Rarity was frightful that Applejack would charge Twilight like Rainbow Dash did. Attacking her would only make matters worse, and Rarity did not want to risk losing the last powerful mare standing here between the three.

Rarity always had the ability to notice petty things, and even in a situation like this, Rarity was still able to look around at what was surrounding her.

She noticed that Rainbow Dash was passed out, and Fluttershy was resting atop of her. She also noticed that Princess Celestia had slightly awoken, and Princess Luna was quietly waking up as well. Rarity then saw that Pinkie's mane was straightened, and her eyes were clenched shut; tears running down her pink cheeks. In all of these small things, Rarity noticed the two princesses the most. They had risen! Rarity was certain that they would overtake Twilight, and return her to her normal self. It was only a matter of time.

It seemed that Rarity was not the only one to notice Luna, and Celestia.

"Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to awaken!" Evil eyes glared upon the white, and purple alicorn. Twilight turned her notches, and her black plated hooves worked their way over to the princesses heap.

Luna was the first to arise. Her eyes were somewhat stricken with fear, but she stood her ground, and waited for her sister to stand. With every aching bone in her great body, Celestia finally found herself to stand up. She tried not to wobble, for her legs were extremely weak at the moment. She arose, and stepped slightly in front of her younger sister.

"Stop this at once! You know not what you do!" Princess Celestia shot a commanding look upon the evil alicorn. Twilight shook the words from her presence. She did not care to hear such unimportant filth.

"Silence! Your words reek through the very essence of my ears. Begone at once!" Twilight threw her hoof in the air directing it to the door. She mockingly rose her head, and gave a quick hmph! Her eyes lowered to Rarity, and smiled an insulting smile.

She wasn't just evil, she was down right mean, and nasty! Rarity could not believe how rude this new alicorn Twilight was. So unbecoming.

"Twilight Sparkle, step down!" Celestia soothingly said. Her words however could not sooth the three mares, frightened to their cores.

"Step down? Who are you to tell me to step down?! I said, BEGONE!" With this, Twilight's magic began to rage. A black lightening bolt shattered every window, along with every prophecy they held. Twilight jerked her head, lowering her horn to face Princess Celestia. A magical bolt circled around Celestia. Black bars began to rise from the ground, and soon they completely sealed the princess.

Her pink eyes widened, but she was yet to loose her calmness. She merely lifted her head, and gazed straight into Twilight's hazed eyes. They were no longer the eyes of her most faithful student.

"If you do not stop this at once, you are sure to regret it. You will not be able to accomplish what you seek." Celestia no longer addressed the alicorn as Twilight Sparkle. This was not Twilight.

"But I already have, Princess." A grin formed on the side of Twilight's muzzle. Celestia's eyes glared back from her sarcasm.

Princess Luna finally stepped forth. Fear entangled her body, but she was no longer going to sit back, and watch this evilness.

"You will not succeed in such a thing!" Luna lifted from the ground. Her giant wings flapped in the air. A wave of magical energy started to form over her horn. A blue midst grew larger, and larger. Soon the air was filled with a blinding blue light. Twilight lifted her hoof to her face to cover her eyes.

With a swift lunge of her head, Luna sent the blinding stream of magic in the evil alicorns direction. During all this, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie had made their way over to Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, whom had both awaken. They were all watching the magical duel between Princess Luna, and their once was friend.

Twilight sent a beam of magic out to block Luna's. The two magical surges met with a defying clash. Fire, and sparks flew across the room as the two alicorns were horn to horn.

Exhausted from the great amount of magic she was using, Luna's blast died down. Twilight retreated hers as well.

"I see you are tired. Maybe I should take you somewhere to rest!" Twilight plunged forward, and sent another magical shock to Luna, who was too weak to block it.

"Luna!!!" Princess Celestia called out from her prison. She drew back in shock as her sister had disappeared into thin air.

Twilight began to chuckle at Celestia's reaction. The five fillies in the corner were all terrified at the display set in front of them. How could this be happening??

"What have you done! You monster! What have you done to my sister!? What have you done to Twilight?!" For the first time, Celestia was showing pain, and fear.

"I've simply taken her away. Didn't you see how exhausted she was? Aren't you a good sister?" Twilight smiled derisively. Her laughter pierced through Celestia's royal ears.

"Where....Where is she!?" A tear....yes, a tear ran down Celestia's white cheek. This was something that never happened.

"The moon. Where she belongs! Wouldn't you know?" These words struck through Celestia's heart. How could she say that? It was different then! It wasn't the same! She had to!

Twilight saw that the princess was now completely in pain. Perfect! Now it was time for the rest of those menacing little ponies. Her long dark mane flowed as she turned around to where the ponies had been standing.

Where were they?!

They were gone! Twilight quickly turned in all directions trying to find them. Where had they gone? Did they run away? Twilight saw that they were no where in sight. Fear drove them off when she wasn't looking. This didn't bother her too much though. They were nothing threatening. Even if they had run off, that would not affect Twilight! She was already so powerful! Nopony could stop her! Now that the two princesses were sealed away! Nothing was standing in her path!

The new alicorn made her way to the royal balcony that looked down upon all of Canterlot. It looked too peaceful. Too happy. Twilight looked to the skies, and with hardly any concentration at all, she sent a dark streak of magic above. All of the ponies below were all staring at the sudden darkness that began to surround them. The sky was turning black, and a face appeared in the clouds.

This happened all over Equestria. In every city. Every town. Every country. The sky was darkened by their new ruler, and her face appeared in the clouds. Ponies from all over Equestria stopped their everyday lives to stop, and fear under the face of Twilight. Suddenly her voice boomed all over the world.

"Be still! Listen to your new queen! I, Twilight Sparkle, ruler of all Equestria, command you to listen! Your sun, and your moon have failed you! They have given up on you! The goddess of day and night....have fallen!!! No longer will you see the light of day, or the glare of night! From this day forth will be your everlasting darkness!!"

Everypony from everywhere coward in fear. Screaming, running, confused of what to do, or what was happening. Chaos wreaked havoc over the world of Equestria.

The alicorn was satisfied by their fear. Energy flowed through her body from the fear that everypony had. She was eating up their fear. Feeding off of it.

Twilight flew down from her balcony, and slammed into the roads of Canterlot. Ponies were screeching, and running all around. More fear found its way to Twilight. Laughter filled her lungs, and it boomed all over Equestria. She walked the Canterlot streets, filling everypony with darkness, and changing things to her liking.

"It is better to be feared then loved." Twilight said to herself, as she wickedly smiled at all the terrified ponies cowering below her.

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy one by one popped their heads out from behind a red silk curtain. They heard Twilight's message, and saw that she was no longer in the throne room. They quickly jolted from hiding, and galloped over to where the princess was imprisoned.

"Princess Celestia! What are we going to do?!" Rainbow Dash took control, and was the first to speak. As she asked her question, she flew around every corner of the blackened cage trying to find a way to open it.

"It is unfortunate to say that I, or Luna cannot help you. This cage is made from black magic. The same magic that has taken over Twilight Sparkle. That is why I requested for you all to come see me as soon as possible. I knew, as soon as Twilight told me she had transformed herself into an alicorn that it was a dark, and evil magic that she unknowingly used. If a unicorn uses any magic of the dark arts, she will be corrupted, and evil will begin to take over her body. It is too late for me to save her, so it will have to be up to you five to save Twilight Sparkle!"

All five of the mares stared at the princess in shock. They had to save her? Was Princess Celestia crazy?! If Twilight was able to contain both princesses, how did she expect them to defeat her?!

"How will the elements work without Twilight?" Pinkie Pie spoke for the first time. Her mane was still straightened, and her cheeks were stained with tears from earlier. She had finally regained herself.

"That is the thing my little ponies. It won't work. That is why you will have to use another way to stop her."

"What other way is there?" Rarity spoke up. Her voice was shaky, and she was worried to her wits. Her blue eyes slightly twitched.

Princess Celestia looked up to the mares with reassurance. She could tell that they were all completely terrified, and confused. They had a reason to be.

"Equal magic." The ponies were all confused by what the princess meant. Equal magic? What was she talking about?

"What er ya' tryin' to get at, Princess?" Applejack's green eyes were full of questions. All of their eyes were. What did the princess want them to do?

"You all will have to have an equal amount of magic to be able to save Twilight Sparkle." Celestia grimaced as she spoke those words. Pain still inflicted her body.

"How? How? How?!" Rainbow Dash was starting to get frustrated. She wanted to know how to save her friend, and she didn't have much time to lose, she knew that.

Celestia's eyes traveled over to Rainbow. This made her uncomfortable, and Rainbow felt guilty for speaking to the princess that way. She gave her apologetic eyes, and they were accepted by Celestia.

"Alicorns." Celestia let out one word. She winced in pain, and clenched her eyes shut for a slight second, then released them, and looked upon the fearful ponies.

"You must become alicorns."

Alicorns? What?!

"But won't we become evil too....." Fluttershy meekly let out. She looked down at the ground, and closed her eyes with sadness.

"Not if it is done right. Twilight Sparkle used dark arts to preform the transformation spell, but there is another way to do it. It is a secret spell that only gods and goddesses know. I can cast it upon you. I must. But I will only have one shot, that is all my body can take. It must work the first time, or there will be no stopping the darkness!"

This made all the mares nervous. If the spell failed, then the princess wouldn't be able to cast it again! Then everything would be all over, and Twilight would stay evil forever!

The princess looked upon the five mares. Her eye lids lowered.

"Also I must tell you this one last thing before I begin the transformation spell. If you do not stop Twilight within twenty-four hours, the darkness that covers the real Twilight inside will completely suffocate her, and she will die, leaving the evil alicorn Twilight to reign forever."

Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all gasped. Almost three hours had already passed since Twilight first transformed herself! They only had twenty-one hours before Twilight would die! Time was running out with every second.

"Hurry then! Please hurry!!" Pinkie Pie screamed out, begging to the princess.

Celestia began. She concentrated all her strength into her magic. She knew she couldn't fail. For if she did, her kingdom, her subjects, her sister, and Twilight Sparkle would all be failed. A rainbow of colors surrounded the peak of her horn. Sparkles danced around in the air as the princess focused harder. She was using all of her strength, she could feel it leaving her body, and going up towards her horn.

The five mares began to levitate before the princess. Fluttershy fearfully glanced to Rainbow Dash, who smiled at her reassuring her that everything would be alright. Though in her mind, Rainbow was quite fearful herself.

Princess Celestia's magic began to circle around the ponies. They all closed their eyes tightly as they felt the magic hit their bodies. Was it working? Was it not?

Celestia used up the last of her strength. She sent out the last spark of magic, and once it had left her body completely, she fell over, and weakly watched as the ponies before her were starting to transform. Her magic had worked! Celestia tried to attempt a smile in triumph, but she was too weak to even do that. Therefore, she laid down, and tried to keep her eyes open.

Rarity was let down first. Then Applejack. Then Rainbow Dash. Then Fluttershy. Then Pinkie Pie. All five mares stood side by side. They examined themselves, and then examined each other.

Rainbow looked up at her friends with confidence, and pride. Everypony else exchanged looks, and began to feel the same confidence that Rainbow gave them.

Rarity turned to the door, which was wide open. She could see the darkness in the sky. She could hear the frantic screams of the Canterlot ponies. She lowered her eyes, and looked back over to her friends.

"Lets do this!"

The Mane 5

-The Mane 5

Hour 4

All of their wings spread widely. Tall, and beautiful mares ran down the streets of Canterlot. Their horns were long, and majestic. Golden plates were crafted delicately around each hoof. A rainbow of manes flowed with ease as the friends galloped passed terrified, and confused unicorns of Canterlot.

"I can barely see anything!" Rainbow cried out from the air. Black misty fogs were making it difficult to maneuver through the sky. The air was thick, and it was also harder to breath, but not so much that they would suffocate. It was just a very uncomfortable, and unpleasant feeling in their throats.

"Neither can any of us, but we gotta' find Twilight as soon as we can!" Applejack called from the ground. She felt strange having a horn, and wings. She never had either before so it was odd, but it was also quite interesting. She wasn't quite sure though how to use them though.

"I'm still not even sure what we are suppose to do when we do find Twilight... I'm worried we won't get there in time, wherever she is.." Rarity was now beginning to lift her wings. She was trying to search in the air like Rainbow Dash, quickly learning that Rainbow was right, it was very hard to see, even more so in the air.

Pinkie Pie was sulking as she ran. She couldn't quit thinking about what would happen to Twilight if they didn't find her in time. She couldn't bare losing her closest friend. Twilight was so special to her ever since the first time she saw her. Pinkie completely loved Twilight, and she was not ready to lose her. She just couldn't.

Applejack was now leading the five on hoof. She looked up, and saw Rainbow and Rarity. She mentally checked them off. She turned to her right, and there was Pinkie Pie. Depressed as ever, she checked her off. She looked over to her left. Nopony was there.

"Now who in the hay are we missing....?" Applejack quietly said to herself. Her mind was so crowded with thoughts about Twilight she almost forgot.

Fluttershy!

Applejack stopped quickly.

"What are you doing, Applejack?!" Rainbow shouted from overhead. Her voice was irritated, and she obviously didn't want to stop in the middle of their important mission.

"Where's Fluttershy?" Applejack looked all around. The thick fog was making it extremely hard to see. Her throat was tightening up. It felt as if they were closed in a small room that had no windows, or doors. The air was immensely thick, and it was almost unthinkable to breath.

Rainbow Dash quickly jolted to Applejack's hooves. Her heart was racing, and her head was spinning. Where was Fluttershy? How could she have not noticed she was missing?! Rainbow Dash started to panic. Applejack noticed that she was acting out of the norm.

"Where is she? Where is she?" Rainbow Dash asked as she ran around, searching ever nook, and cranny for her beloved. Rainbow Dash was in reverse. She went straight back to the castle, looking all about as she did so.

"Fluttershy!? Fluttershy where are you!?" Rainbow yelled at the top of her lungs. She was running out of breath, but she didn't stop. She kept running as fast as her hooves would take her.

Then she finally spotted her.

There was Fluttershy's bottom in the air, hiding behind a table at an outdoor restaurant. Her cutie mark was shaking along with her quivering body. Her long pink tale, was longer than usual. It flowed without any wind, or a breeze. Her lower half already looked like it belonged to a princess.

"Fluttershy....It's okay. It's me, Rainbow Dash. We have to go find Twilight. I promise everything will be okay. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. After all you're with me!" Rainbow motioned her hoof at her chest, and she forced a smile upon secretly scared face.

Fluttershy slowly popped her head out from under the table. She moved towards Rainbow Dash at a timid pace. Rainbow's hoof fell to the ground, and her mouth was left agape.

Fluttershy did look like a princess. It wasn't just her tale, but her pink mane flowed too. It looked so long, and soft. Rainbow just wanted to curl up next to her. She had a long yellow horn, and her long feathered wings were spread apart wide. Her hooves were protected by golden butterfly shaped plates, and her body was tall, and lean; quite similar to her own new body.

"Okay, Rainbow Dash. I-I think I'm ready now....lets go find....Twilight..." Fluttershy lowered her head. She could feel Rainbow's stares, and it embarrassed her deeply.

"Um...right..." Rainbow said as she began to turn back around. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were waiting off in the distance. She could hardly make out the outlines of their new, lean bodies as she started to run together with Fluttershy towards them.

The five ponies were back on their search together again. Rainbow Dash and Rarity took to the skies. Below them was Fluttershy on the left, Pinkie on the right, and Applejack leading in the center. It was starting to get harder, and harder to see as they kept moving forward. Less, and less bystander Canterlot citizens were in sight. It was as if they were the only five ponies there. The city was beginning to be hard to see too. The ground was blacking, and the buildings, and stores were darkening as well. Rainbow Dash, and Rarity kept flying into each other, and the alicorns below them kept stepping on each others hooves. The farther they went, the worse it got.

"What in tarnation? Where y'all at? I can't see a darn thing!" Applejack called out. It sounded as if she was now behind the four other mares.

"Where are you at? I can't see anypony!"

"Ouch! That was my hoof...."

"I-I'm sorry....."

"I wish Twilight were here..."

It was completely black now. There was nothing in front of them. There was nothing behind them. They couldn't even see themselves. All they could do was hear each other cry out to one another. It was dangerous to move around. They all knew this.

"Y'all just sit still, and don't move. We don't want to run into anything, now do we?"

"How are we suppose to find Twilight if we don't move, Applejack!?" Rainbow Dash snarled. All this was really getting on her nerves, and all she wanted to do was curl up on a cloud with Fluttershy, and go to sleep.

"How are we s'pose to find Twilight in the dark, Rainbow!?" Applejack gnashed back. She wasn't at all happy about this as much as anypony, she had just been cooping up her frustration, but she couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Oh, for goodness sake, quit arguing you two! We don't need to be quarreling between each other." Everypony turned their head in the direction of Rarity's voice.

"She's right! We need to get out of this mess, and find Twilight!" Pinkie Pie finally spoke up. It seemed every time she had spoken since they got to Canterlot, it was about Twilight.

A faint laugh was beginning to be heard by the five alicorns. It began to get louder, and louder as if the one laughing were getting closer to them. A blinding light began to appear. It was closing in on the fives mares. They could finally see where they all were, but they couldn't believe it.

The five were in a small, tight, white room. Nothing was in there except them. It was shaped like a very tiny cube. Four blank walls surrounded them. A white ceiling covered them, and a floor surfaced them. They were all slouching against each other in the very middle of the room now.

"What is going on!?"

"How did we all get in this here room?"

"Wh-where are we........?"

"Where's Twilight!?"

The laughing now ceased. Appearing in front of them in the small room was Twilight. She was smiling immensely. She was normal again! She was no longer an evil alicorn. She was just Twilight Sparkle the unicorn! It was their friend!

"Twilight darling! Thank goodness!" Rarity jumped up from their heap, and went over to her friend, glad to see her. She leaned over, and hugged Twilight around the neck, only to fall over. Nothing in her arms but air.

"Rarity!" Applejack got up to help up the confused white mare.

"Where did she go?" Rarity jumped up, and looked all around the room.

"Wh...Where did who go?" Applejack asked. The other three ponies looked at Rarity in confusion.

Rarity looked astounded. How did they not just see Twilight?

"Twilight! She was just there! She was normal! It was Twilight!!" Rarity's heart started to throb against her chest. Why are they acting as if they didn't see her?

"Noponies there, Rarity.." Applejack lifted Rarity's muzzle to look up into her eyes. Eyes of honesty struck Rarity's heart. Nopony was there......Twilight wasn't there...

"I....I must be seeing things..." Rarity sat down where she stood, completely embarrassed, but more saddened than anything.

Simultaneously, Pinkie Pie started to cry, and Fluttershy began to scream. Everypony turned in their direction. What was happening to them?

"Fluttershy! What's wrong!??" Rainbow began to shake Fluttershy's shoulders, which seemed to only make her scream even more.

"Pinkie, are y'all alright?" Applejack went over to sooth her pink friend.

The pink, and yellow alicorns continued to scream, and cry as if they couldn't hear, or see the other ponies around them. What was happening?!

"She killed me! She killed me!!!" Pinkie Pie started to scream, still crying. She thrashed her hooves in the air, and almost knocked Applejack in the face. Rarity ran over, and helped Applejack secure their delusional friend to the ground. They locked each of her arms in their hooves so she wouldn't hit anyone in her fit of rage. She was still screaming.

"She killed me!!! Why would she kill me??!!!?"

Beside Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy was screaming too at the top of her lungs. She had never screamed that loud ever, at least Rainbow had never seen her do it. Tears were rolling down her soft yellow cheeks, and Rainbow Dash was completely terrified. What was happening to her fillyfriend?

"It's so dark! Why won't you help me Rainbow!? You said you would protect me!! You're a liar! Why did you lie?!? She's going to get me! Why won't you save me?!"

Rainbow's eyes widened as Fluttershy spoke those words. She was starting to cry. She couldn't hold it back now. She just couldn't. Fluttershy was seeing things, and she thought that Rainbow had left her side. She couldn't bare hearing that Fluttershy was thinking those things.

All Rainbow could do was sit next to her lover, and hug her. Fluttershy didn't seem to notice. She continued wailing.

Rarity looked up from Pinkie Pie. She couldn't stand seeing her like that. Over in the corner of that tiny small white room, Twilight Sparkle was standing there. Rarity could see her. She was in hooves reach!

"Twilight!" Rarity called out. Applejack lifted her head, and turned to Rarity. She watched in horror as all of her friends were losing their minds. Why were they all seeing things!? Rainbow didn't seem to be seeing anything. She wasn't seeing anything. So why was the others? What was going on?

"Rainbow Dash! What is happening?" Applejack looked to her blue cyan friend. Tears were filling up her pink eyes as she looked to Applejack.

Her lips moved, but nothing came out. Applejack could see she had mouthed I don't know. Tears streamed down her blue face, as she looked back down to the yellow Fluttershy whom was still screaming in horror.

Applejack lowered her eyes back to Pinkie. She was continuing to struggle against her, as she held her down. Rarity was no longer helping her. She had went to the corner of the room. She was talking to Twilight.

Applejack lowered her eye lids. Her strength was leaving her body, as she held back Pinkie by herself. A single tear left her eye, and trickled down her face. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to help any of her friends. Time was running out. She wasn't even sure how much time she had left before Twilight would die. The fact that she didn't know was eating her up. It had already felt like they had been in that room for five hours. She wasn't sure if they really have, or it just seemed that way.

"Save me...." A voice called out. Applejack looked up. She could no longer hear her friends. She could see they were still crying, and they were still screaming, but she couldn't hear anything but that one familiar voice calling out to her.

"Save me...." It was the voice of Princess Cadence.

There she was standing before Applejack. Her head was lowered, and she looked awfully tired, and sick. What was she doing here? What had happened to her?

"Princess, y'all alright?" Applejack asked as her eyes were glued to Cadence's. Her mane was all tangled, and her wings were bleeding.

"She's taken him from me.....She's taken Shining Armor....and...." Princess Cadence stopped. Her eyes began to become red as she looked up at Applejack.

"It's all your fault!" Princess Cadence lifted up from the ground. Her wings were spread, and they began to rip even more. Blood started to drip from her head, all the way to her bottom hoof. Suddenly the princess melted away, all that was left was a giant puddle of blood that encircled Applejack.

"What....just...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!"

Applejack fell over, and herself too began to scream. Pinkie Pie was now released, and was thrusting her hooves about. Everypony had gone completely mad. What was happening to the friends? What were they going to do?

Rainbow Dash lifted her head to take one last glance at all of her friends. Her eyes were still filled with tears, and her nose was running from all her crying. She let her head fall over on Fluttershy. She lost consciousness.

How much time has already passed by?

Cadence's Armor

-Cadence's Armor

Hour 7

"Girls!? Girls! Girls!!!"

Rainbow could hear a voice breaking through her ears. It was calling to her. Her eyes slowly started to open. Her head started to spin as she got up, and she had to close her eyes until it stopped. Once she regained her balance she opened them once more. She could see around her now. Her friends were all on the ground. It was as if they were sleeping. Then she remembered what had happened.

"Oh no! Are you guys okay?!" She flew around all of her friends who didn't move a muscle. Rainbow nudged Applejack, and poked at Pinkie Pie. They didn't move. She looked over to Rarity. Then she turned to Fluttershy. What had really happened?

Then she noticed where she was.

They were all back in Canterlot. They were no longer locked up in that small white room. Were they ever in it to begin with? Rainbow wasn't quite sure of what had happened. How much time had passed while she was asleep?

"Girls!!!"

There was that voice again. Where was it coming from?

Rainbow looked up, and all around. She couldn't see anypony besides the four alicorns on the ground before her. Who was calling to her? Was it just her imagination too?

"Wh---who's there?" Rainbow meekly called out. She wasn't sure if she was loosing her mind like all the others, or if there really was somepony out there that wanted to help. She needed help. So she continued to talk.

"Who are you? Where are you?" Rainbow Dash lifted from the ground slowly, but quickly fell back down. She winced in pain. Her wings were really sore. Why?

"Rainbow Dash! Over here!" The voice was now clearly coming from Rainbow's left. She turned to it, and she could now make out the figure of a pony.

"Princess? Princess Cadence?" Rainbow squinted, straining her sight. Was it really her? How could she tell for sure?

"Is it really you?!" Rainbow was hoping it was so.

Princess Cadence, or at least what seemed to be, walked over to Rainbow Dash. Her eyes sunk in with horror as she was close enough to see the four alicorns spread about the ground. She lifted one hoof as she noticed that these alicorns were Twilight Sparkles friends, or at least they were.

"What has happened to you? Was it....her....?" Princess Cadence slightly turned her head downwards as those words left her lips. She dropped her lifted hoof, and walked in front of what used to be a small, cyan pegasus.

"I-I don't really know... We were all in this room...and they all started to cry, and scream.... They were all seeing things...and well now I have woken up, and they won't move! I tried to wake them up, but they don't seem to hear, or feel me!" Rainbow's heart was picking up speed. Her eyes were lowering with sorrow. Her pride was beginning to fall. This was all her fault. She could have helped them, but instead she was too weak...

"The evil that has taken over Twilight Sparkle has done this to you. We have to awaken them for it may be too late if we wait for them to awaken on their own. We must act now! The fate of Equestria is in our hooves now that Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia have been captivated. We must not loose any more time! I'm sure you're informed of the dangers that will come to dear Twilight if we are too late...." Princess Cadence's voice trailed off. She tried to avoid eye contact with Rainbow Dash. She could see tears forming in her pink eyes. She turned to the rest of the four.

"You must use your magic to awaken them..." Cadence lowered her horn to Applejack. A bright green light formed around her horn, and it was sinking down into Applejack's body. Her orange skin began to glow, and her eyes started to quiver. She was waking up!

"Ugh....what....what happened?" Applejack lifted herself from the ground while rubbing the back of her head with her hoof.

Rainbow ignored this, and went over to Fluttershy.

'Use my magic....I must use my magic.....uh....'

Rainbow wasn't exactly sure how. She closed her eyes, and concentrated hard at the horn that was sticking out from her forehead. She could feel her body become lighter. Princess Cadence observed Rainbow Dash. She really was putting her all into it. Cadence smiled as she recognized Rainbow's determination. It was something that she herself had experienced. Love.

Rainbow could see a light seeping through her lids. The blue light was coming from her horn. Her magic, or whatever it was, was working! She touched Fluttershy gently with her horn, and Fluttershy's body began to light up as well.

During this Applejack, and Cadence had awoken Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. They were all confused as to what had happened to them. Cadence had to fill them in on what Rainbow Dash had said happened. They were all shocked at this. Twilight had completely made them mad, and they didn't even realize it. She obviously had a lot of power, and they knew it was going to be awfully difficult to stop her.

Fluttershy was now awake, and was nuzzling Rainbow Dash.

"We must get to Twilight at once! She is at the Canterlot Castle, and she has control over all the ponies here. They attacked me when I was escaping the evil alicorn, but I was afraid to fight back. I'm sure you know that they don't know what they are doing. They have no control. Please be careful if one is to attack you as well."

And with that, the six alicorns set off.

"Stop moving around!!" Twilight's voice boomed throughout the entire castle. The thrown wobbled with the echo.

Shining Armor was standing next to Twilight. His neck was secured tight with an iron collar, and a heavy chain was connecting him to the ground. He had been trying for hours to loosen it, but it just wouldn't budge. Twilight had also made sure that he couldn't use his magic. She had already cast a spell upon him that had taken away his horn.

Shining Armor sighed as Twilight commanded him to sit still. It was hopeless to try, and move anyways, so he sat down.

'What has happened to my Twilie?' Shining Armor let his eyes linger over to those of Princess Celestia. She had been laying around in that cage ever since he got there.

Shining Armor, and Cadence had came to the castle earlier on Princess Celestia's request. They had been at the Crystal Empire when they received the letter. Princess Celestia had made it sound very urgent so they left as soon as they could. But what do they find on arrival? Princess Celestia caged up, no sight of Princess Luna, and Shining Armor's little sister all grown up. Cadence had escaped, but Shining Armor was left behind. He thought maybe he could talk some good sense into Twilight, but as he looked down at the chain that was restraining him, he had clearly been wrong.

Shining Armor could see Twilight through the corner of his blue eyes. She seemed more intimidating now than she seemed to be at first. She was sitting in the thrown that belonged to Princess Celestia, and she was watching in amusement at three fillies dancing in front of her. A black magical midst was surrounding them as they unwillingly moved about in a ludicrous manor.

Shining Armor couldn't help but feel sorry for them. It looked unbearable, and down right mortifying. The thing that was in Twilight's body disgusted him. She was smiling in a wicked way as she continued to force the pitiful unicorns to dance. Her eyebrows scrunched down, and her teeth were glowing. She was purely evil, and Shining Armor still didn't know why, or what had happened. Is this what Princess Celestia wanted them for? Could he have stopped this if he had came sooner? He didn't know.

"STOP! You bore me. Leave at once!!" Twilight struck the unicorns with her magic, and it sent them soaring through the air out the door, and dropped them atop each other once they were outside.

"Why don't you entertain me big brother? You know how much I like it when you do!" Twilight was now looking down at Shining Armor. Her eyes pierced through him, and her evil smile blinded his eyes. She slightly giggled as she saw his terrified face.

Shining Armor gulped loudly. He wasn't going to sit here, and do nothing. He had to do something!

"I'm not your big brother."

Twilight stood up at this. She towered over the white stallion. She spread her wings in a menacing way, and her eyes glared down into his eyes.

"What did you just say?!" Her voice was louder than ever. There was absolute anger within her words.

Shining Armor felt completely hopeless against her. He wasn't sure if he should just not say anything else, and beg for mercy. But instead he stood up, and repeated himself, much louder this time.

"I'm not your big brother!!" He was practically yelling. Twilight widened her eyes at this, and quickly rage built up within her body.

"Yes you ARE!!!!" Her horn began to glow with black magic. The room was now filling up with the dark mist. She turned down to Shining Armor, and let the blast of magic go in his direction. It hit him with a sudden jolt. He yelped loudly in pain, and fell over. The chain that was attached to him gripped him back, and the metal collar began to choke him.

He quickly crawled forward to where the chain was at the ground so he wouldn't choke, but he was jerked back by a magical force. Twilight was pulling him against the chain. The collar was gripping tightly against his neck, and he was trying to find air. It was too tight, he couldn't breath. He kicked against the magic, but to no avail.

Laughter began to fill the air. Twilight boomed with her sinister laugh. It shook the walls of the castle, and she could hear ponies from outside shrieking with fear, and screaming in pain as her laugh busted their eardrums. It was pure blissfulness to her ears.

As she turned her attention back to her choking brother, the doors of the thrown room slammed open. She stopped her magic, and Shining Armor filled his lungs with air as fast as he could.

"Who dares?!" Twilight flew off of Celestia's throw, and landed in front of Shining Armor who was now panting uncontrollably.

"It's all over for you now!" Princess Cadence stepped forth from the doors. Behind her followed Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash.

Twilight began to giggle.

"Tis only you! What pray tell are you going to do to stop me?!" Twilight's laughter once again boomed. Shining Armor shivered behind her. Applejack's attention went towards him.

"You were right Cadence...she did take him from you.." Applejack softly said. Cadence swiftly turned to Applejack, her eyes were perplexed.

"Huh?" Cadence mostly said this to herself, and she turned back towards Twilight. She had no time to understand what Applejack was talking about.

Twilight began to look irritated. She lifted one hoof, and slammed it against the ground. The sound made the earth shake under their hooves. Everypony tried to keep their balance.

"I asked you a question!!" Twilight roared. She was breaking the sound barrier with her extremely powerful voice.

"I'm sick of this already! It's time for some action!!" Rainbow Dash lifted above the five other alicorns, and zoomed straight for Twilight.

"No Rainbow!!" Fluttershy shouted. She weakly crouched behind Pinkie Pie.

"She's right! We have to do this now!!" Pinkie Pie shot up after Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy squealed as her coverage flew away too.

Twilight seemed half amused, half irritated by this. Nevertheless, she had an evil smile upon her muzzle.

Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash both flew towards Twilight. They crossed her on both sides, and went straight for her. Twilight merely lifted her head, and two black lightening bolts shot at the two air-born alicorns. Rainbow Dash dodged it quickly, and flew lower now. She plunged her head forward, and shot a magical surge towards Twilight. The purple alicorn looked directly at the magic that was coming her way. Her eyes began to glow, and suddenly Rainbow's magic stopped at mid-target. Twilight thrust her horn forward, and Rainbow's magic was sent back to her.

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes as she saw her own magic was being used against her. She tried to dodge it as much as possible. She jolted higher, and swirled around. The magic wouldn't stop following her!

"What is this!!??" She screamed as she flew all around the thrown room. Twilight smiled at this. She sent another magical surge Rainbow's way. Rainbow picked up her pace trying to get away from the now increased power that was chasing her. Her wings were becoming tired, and she knew it was hopeless running from something that wouldn't stop until it hit the target; her. She was just afraid of what would happen when it did.

"There is no use my little pony! It's hopeless!!" Twilight moved forward, and saw Pinkie Pie. What was she doing?

Pinkie Pie was flying straight for the magic that was after Rainbow Dash. The black glow was starting to devour Pinkie. Her body was glowing with the light that was suppose to attack Rainbow.

Rainbow quickly noticed this, and turned around swiftly.

"Pinkie Pie!!!!! What are you doing!!???!?!? Stop!!!" Rainbow was screaming now. She quickly started flying towards Pinkie. She couldn't let her take the fall. She just couldn't live with that.

It was too late. The magic had already made contact with Pinkie Pie's body. Smoke was rising in the air, and it was difficult to see where Pinkie Pie, or Rainbow Dash was. The air was filled with the black mist. Princess Cadence was shocked in horror, and Fluttershy was now cowering behind Rarity, and Applejack. They couldn't see what had happened.

Twilight began to laugh once more. Shining Armor lifted his head to Cadence. He tried to force a smile, but his muzzle was too weak, and his body was too limp. The smoke was now clearing away. Rainbow Dash was flapping her wings, coughing vigorously.

She opened her eyes. The four alicorns below all gasped in terror. Rainbow Dash felt as if her heart were just torn from her very chest. She screamed as loudly as she could.

Pinkie Pie was covered in blood. She had fallen on the ground before Twilight's hooves. Her hair was singed, her skin was ripped, and her body was completely still. She wasn't breathing. Her chest wasn't moving. There were no signs of her nostrils in motion. Pinkie Pie was....

"What did I tell you?! You should have given up long ago! Look what you have done now!!" Upon her purple muzzle sat a smile. A smile that ripped through Rainbow Dash's heart. A smile that made her want to kill. That smile.

"You killed her.....you....YOU KILLED HER!!!" Rainbow Dash wasn't going to stop now. She was already flying straight for Twilight, not that it would do anything, but Rainbow Dash was filled with rage. Pinkie Pie was her closest friend, and Pinkie Pie loved Twilight! Pinkie Pie loved Twilight Sparkle! And this monster that was in her body killed her!

"Stop it now Rainbow!! Y'all can't handle her by yourself!!" Applejack was now ready to attack. She lifted from the ground as her eyes glanced over at Pinkie's body. She then looked over at Shining Armor.

Applejack turned her eyes to Rarity.

"Get her."

Rarity looked appalled, but she didn't ask questions. She knew it had to be done. For Pinkie Pie. She lifted herself immediately, and she jolted for Twilight. At the same time Applejack jolted for Shining Armor. Fluttershy closed her eyes, and cowered behind Cadence now.

As Rarity charged Twilight, she looked over at Applejack who gave her a look of assurance. Rarity smiled as best she could, and turned back to Twilight. Rainbow Dash was blindly blasting magic everywhere. She was caught up in rage, and Rarity understood completely. She wanted to act irrational as well, but she knew that a battle like this could not be handled in that sort of manor. She held in her pain, and sorrow, and charged with a good head on her shoulders.

"Rainbow Dash! You have to get it together!" Rarity tried to calm her friend. At the same time she focused her magic. In all her years she had never actually used her horn for a fight, no less one such as this, but she had to now. She had to find it within herself to help no matter what.

Her horn began to glow. A spark, or two flew off as she continued to focus herself. A strip of light swirled around her in the air. It gracefully moved towards Twilight. The purple alicorn was too busy focusing her attention on Rainbow Dash, and hadn't even noticed Rarity was even there. This came to Rarity's advantage.

Her magic sneaked behind Twilight, and it swiftly wrapped around her. Twilight turned down to see what was happening. She then saw Rarity had performed a binding spell on her. She did not seem to be so impressed, and she insultingly laughed at Rarity's poor attempt.

Rarity simply grinned, as she noticed Rainbow Dash saw an opening. The blue alicorn sent a beam of magic at the bound Twilight. It hit right on target. The purple alicorn shouted. She was enraged now. She overpowered Rarity's binding spell, and sent her across the thrown room. She landed next to Princess Celestia's cage. She seemed to be sleeping.

Rainbow Dash retreated, and flew quickly over to Rarity, and made sure she was alright. She was.

"Y'all are in for it now!" Applejack called out to Twilight. She turned quickly to Applejack's voice. Her purple eyes widened.

"How did you...?" Standing before her was Applejack, and Shining Armor. He now was out of his captivation, and he had his horn back.

"Just a lil' bit ah magic!" Applejack snidely said.

"It's about time for you to stop this!"Shining Armor called out. He stepped in front of Applejack, and glared straight into what used to be his beloved sisters eyes, but now all he saw was hatred, and complete darkness.

"Haven't we been over this already!?" Twilight shouted. Her anger was boiling now. She was tired of all these pestering ponies.

Princess Cadence flew forward now. She stood in front of Twilight, her eyes were angered.

"It has been time!" Cadence glared at the evil alicorn.

Twilight took this to be amusing. She cackled, and a smile once again formed over her face.

"Speaking of time, why don't we speed things up a bit?!" With this Twilight turned her head up. Lights began to flash, and everypony could mentally hear a clock ticking in their heads. What was she doing?

The room seemed to be spinning, and they all began to feel dizzy. Twilight stopped her magic, and the alicorns, and Shining Armor began to feel normal again. Their heads stopped spinning, and they no longer felt dizzy.

"What in tarnation?!" Applejack let out.

"Time sure does fly by, doesn't it?" Twilight giggled. She glared upon the ponies in front of her.

"What have you done?" Rarity yelled out. Her blue eyes were quivering with fear.

"You didn't notice? Sixteen hours have went by just now, and you are too busy wasting time!" The purple alicorn grinned. Her laughing seemed to never cease.

"Sixteen hours!!?!?" Princess Cadence couldn't believe what she was hearing. Twilight had cast a time turning spell. They went forward sixteen hours, and didn't even feel a thing!

"That means we...."

"That is right! One more hour!! Just one!! What can you do in such little time?!" Her voice echoed throughout all of Equestria.

Only one more hour before the real Twilight would be gone forever, and the new Twilight would reign forever...

Insanity and Friendship

-Insanity and Friendship

Hour 23

"This can't be possible!" Cadence was beginning to feel weak. Her legs were crumbling beneath her, she could hardly stand.

Rainbow Dash watched as Princess Cadence fell to her haunches. How could Twilight possibly turn time? She never thought such magic was real. Her heart began to sink. She glanced over at Pinkie Pie. She couldn't help but want to cry. She wanted to burst into tears, and just cry, but she knew she couldn't do that. Not now.

Applejack and Shining Armor hadn't let Twilight out of their sight. They just stood there. Rainbow wondered if they would ever do something to help. Why were they just standing there?

"Given up already I see?" That voice crawled through Rainbow's ears. The very sound of it made her shiver. It was so cold, yet it was the voice of her dear friend. Rainbow Dash looked up into Twilight's dark purple eyes. She could almost see Twilight within those eyes. She wanted to. She wanted to picture Twilight there, happy as ever. She wanted to go home with her friends as if nothing had ever happened. She wanted Twilight Sparkle back. The real her.

"Twi--" Rainbow was interrupted.

"Twilight! Come let's go home!" Rarity was stepping towards the tall purple alicorn. Rainbow could sense no fear coming from Rarity as she approached the dark queen.

"Rarity!" Rainbow snarled between her teeth. What in the world was she thinking? She had no chance against Twilight!

"Twilight! Come!" Rarity was smiling with joy like she did when she was with her friends. She didn't look afraid. She didn't seem sad. She was happy! What was wrong with her?!

Twilight did nothing but stood there, and towered over the petite white alicorn. The corners of her muzzle turned up into the shape of a half smile. She leaned down onto her knees, and looked Rarity in the eyes.

"You are home. Here. With me."

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her ears. They were talking to one another as if nothing was wrong. As if Twilight wasn't completely evil. As if Twilight hadn't done anything wrong! Rainbow turned over to Applejack. She was standing there still, doing nothing! It seemed as if her, and Shining Armor were zombie ponies. They were completely zoned out.

"Can't be possible....can't be possible.....can't be possible...." Princess Cadence was continuing to repeat herself over, and over. Rainbow turned her attention to her.

Blood was resting on her face. Where did that come from?! Twilight didn't even touch her. How was she bleeding? Rainbow had no time to try and figure it out. She quickly glanced at Twilight who was still talking to Rarity. Seeing she had the opportunity she jolted for the princess.

"Princess Cadence! Princess Cadence! Are you okay?!" Rainbow nearly tripped over her excessively long mane. Catching herself with her wings she landed in front of Cadence. She hadn't seemed to notice her.

"Cadence? Cadence!?" Rainbow was practically shaking her now. She jerked her back, and forth trying to get her to snap out of it.

"Can't be possible...can't be possible..."

She was completely out of it. Rainbow looked all around. Shining Armor didn't even seem to care. His wife was going mad, and he didn't care!

"What is wrong with everypony?!" Her mind was going in circles. She couldn't make since of it all. Nothing was making since!

Blood continued to trickle down Cadence's face. Rainbow, with her hooves still formed around Cadence's front arms felt the blood drop on her own skin. One drop didn't seem to bother Rainbow, but then more came. It wouldn't stop. Cadence was completely disintegrating into a mass of blood.

Rainbow watched in complete terror as Cadence began to melt away into her hooves. Soon there was nothing left of her except a puddle of red liquid.

"Ca--- ....Wha---...." Rainbow couldn't even make out a word. Her ears were bludgeoned by the sound of screams. Her Fluttershy. She was screaming, and crying again. Rainbow looked over to her. Her pink eyes were completely sunk in.

"Why won't you help me Rainbow!? You're a liar!!! You said you would protect me!!!" Fluttershy was repeating what she had said earlier.

"Flu---" Rainbow tried to make out, but she was suddenly cut off by more screaming. But from somepony else this time.

"She killed me! She killed me!! Why would she kill me!!??"

Pinkie Pie was now screaming. She was alive!!! But wait, why was everypony acting this way again?! What was Twilight doing to them!?

"Stop this!!!" Rainbow clenched her eyes shut, and was covering her ears with her bloody hooves. She couldn't take it. She couldn't stand hearing them scream.

Twilight continued to talk to Rarity. Everypony seemed to not notice Rainbow Dash. They were all ignoring her cries. They didn't seem to care.

"What is happening!? Stop!!!! Stop it!!!!!" Rainbow was still wailing. She didn't know anything else to do. She couldn't do anything. Nothing would work. She couldn't stop Twilight. There was nothing she could do to save everypony.

Hour 7

Rainbow opened her eyes. White walls surrounded her. Screams, and cries rung in her throbbing ears. They were back in that small room. Her friends were all still being tortured by their imaginations. Rainbow had awoken from her false vision. None of those things had really happened. It was all a lie that Twilight made her experience.

"All that never happened...Pinkie Pie is still alive...we still have time!"

Rainbow faced her screaming friends. Their wails were unbearable. Rainbow had to do something.

'Use my magic...use my...uh...magic!'

Rainbow Dash concentrated on her horn, much like she had seen Twilight do in the past. She blocked out all of their sounds. She closed her eyes, and envisioned her friends normally. She could see her, and Fluttershy flying around. Applejack, and Pinkie were making apple cupcakes, and Twilight, and Rarity were enjoying their delicious deserts. They were all happy, like they used to be. Only hours before now that was them. Happy, and together.

Rainbow could feel her body begin to tingle. It felt as if all her strength was going upwards towards her horn. Was the magic working? She wasn't even sure what she was doing, she was following what her heart was telling her.

A glowing light began to fill the tiny room. It was definitely bright, and the light seeped through her closed eyes. She pulled her lids down harder, and pushed all her magic out of her. Her energy was leaving her body as well as the magic that flew out of her. The room was lit up completely, and the magical ball exploded. Rainbow turned her head away from the light, and sparks began to slowly drift onto her friends screaming bodies.

As soon as the magic touched them, they ceased their crying. Their minds were being filled with memories of each other, and of their friendship together. Rainbow had felt that spell before by Twilight herself. She hadn't given up on them when Discord hypnotized them, so they were not going to give up on her! Not now, not ever!

One by one, their colorful eyes began to open. Their minds began to think straight again, and their limbs were able to move.

"What in the wide world of Equestria happened?" Applejack stood up. She rubbed her forearm with one hoof, and gathered herself to stand.

"I feel utterly horrid." Rarity fluffed her mane, and fixed all her stray hairs.

Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy stood up as well, and the walked over to where the other three were. Rainbow had never been so happy in her life to see them awake. A weak smile formed over her blue muzzle.

"You guys! You're okay!" Rainbow threw her arms in the air.

"I had the worst dream..." Fluttershy's mane covered her turquoise eyes. Rainbow went over to her, and nuzzled her cheek. Fluttershy was glad to feel the warmth of her fillyfriend once again.

"As did I." Rarity said, as her eyes turned to Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. They both nodded in agreement.

"It was Twilight. She did this to us! We have to stop her, but I'm not sure how..." Rainbow trailed off. She didn't know anything comforting to say. She had no idea how they were going to escape this imprisonment. There were no exits, or any possible way of escaping.

"How are we s'pose to know if this here room is even real? She could be trickin' us again!" Applejack bucked at the walls with her back legs. They were harder than a rock.

"Oh stop trying Applejack, tis no use!"

A loud voice boomed throughout the room. It was her! They all recognized her sinister voice.

"Twilight! Show yourself!!" Rainbow yelled out to the air. She snarled as she stood in protection before Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie jumped up. She was longing to see Twilight. The real Twilight. She was tired of all this. She just wanted to go home normally with her friends.

"Twilight! Please! It's us! Your friends!!" Pinkie called out. Her voice was shaky, and her legs were wobbling beneath her.

"Friends? HA! Tis a lie!" Twilight cackled as she spoke. It broke through their ears. Rarity winced, and Applejack placed her hoof atop Rarity's.

"There ain't no use in tryin' to deny it! You may not be our friend, but Twilight Sparkle is! I know she is still in there! The real Twilight! Our Twilight Sparkle!!" Applejack felt her heart jump. Her voice cracked, as she held back her tears. She knew as good as everypony that Twilight was still there. They could feel it.

"She can't hear you! She never will ever again! Why won't you give up, and save your breath?" The voice was getting irritable.

"Because, she's our friend! And we are not stopping until we have her back!!" Pinkie Pie was beginning to rage inside. Her eye slightly twitched as she stomped one hoof against the cold white floor.

They could all hear the sound of metal clinking together. Shackles! Shackles were forming against their hooves. The chain secured them down tightly, and they couldn't move unless they wanted to jerk the pony next to them. They learned that it was best to stand still instead of cause discomfort to each other.

The white room around them began to turn to black. They couldn't tell if there were walls or if they were in another dimension. It was black, yet they could still see each other perfectly. They could see the chain that was connecting them to one another, and was attached to the ground on each sides.

That laugh began to pierce their ears once again. That horrid laugh. The evil purple alicorn was in their sight now. She stood before them all. Her dark eyes glaring at them with utter coldness, and her white toothy smile shined.

Applejack growled slightly, and Rainbow Dash crouched down low as if she were going to pounce on Twilight. Pinkie Pie's eyes became very small, and beady as they looked directly into what used to be Twilight's. Rarity gulped, her throat was dry, and scratchy, and Fluttershy let out one of her squeaks.

"Fools! Do you not see that you are hopeless?! I do not want you back!!" The voice of their friend broke through them. Was this really their friend? Did she really not want them? No. No. No! It's not Twilight! It can't be Twilight!

"I do not believe you." Pinkie Pie weakly said. Her heart was shattering inside, but she wasn't going to give up. She couldn't give up.

Pinkie's horn began to glow. The other alicorns saw this. Rainbow Dash knew exactly what she was trying to do. The memory spell. She was going to use the memory spell on Twilight!

Rainbow Dash looked at her friends. They all saw this. Their eyes glimmered at one another, and they nodded their heads. They knew exactly what they must do.

One by one their horns began to glow. A rainbow of colored lights appeared in front of them. Blue, orange, pink, yellow, purple. All of their magical surges were combining together. All of their memories were being put together. All of their friendships.

Twilight's eyes widened.

"What do you possibly think you're doing?!" She was outraged. She sent her own magical force towards them, but it deflected off. It didn't even touch them. Twilight's mouth was agape.

"What?!?!? How is my magic not working!!?"

Rainbow opened her eyes. A smile was on her face. She arched her eyebrow, as she looked the evil alicorn right in the eyes.

"Our friendship, your friendship is much stronger!"

With that, the five mares sent their magical beams towards Twilight. The light seeped down into her skin, and she let out a scream. Their memories flashed before her. They were all so familiar to her.

"Stop this!!"

The five alicorns watched as Twilight lowered herself. Her eyes were filled with anger, but deep within them, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy could see the reflection of their dear friend Twilight. She was in there, and they could physically see her now. She looked sorrowful.

The evil alicorn was fighting their magic. She wasn't going to give up. She wasn't going to let them win.

"Fight her Twilight!!!"

"Get that black magic out of ya!"

"You can do it, Twilight!"

She could hear them. She could hear her friends calling to her. She could feel their magic helping her. She could see all of their memories. She knew they were really there. She knew she could fight the darkness that was over her. She knew that she could win with the magic of friendship!

The Advantages of Being Yourself

-The Advantages of Being Yourself

Hour 8

"You shall not win! You can't!!" Alicorn Twilight was kicking, and thrusting her hooves forward. Her body was weakening, and she could barley stand anymore.

"Twilight! We believe in you!" Pinkies voice broke the evil alicorns weak shouts. Her eyes were looking straight into those deep purple eyes. She could see Twilight's face within.

"She isn't th--" The alicorn was cut off. Another voice seeped through her lips. The voice of their friend. Twilight Sparkle.

"Help me!"

Pinkie's muzzle began to quiver. Her eyes lit up, and her mane began to curl once more.

"She's there! She's really there!!" A huge smile formed over the pink ponies face. Her grin was contagious to her friends. The sound of Twilight's voice caused all of their scratched up faces to smile.

The large purple alicorn began to shake. Her eyes were bulging. She shook her head about, causing her mane to sway all around. Her eyebrows lowered in a look of anger.

"Do you really think you can stop me!? Fools!! Can you not see that you have no chance? You're weaklings! Common ponies that don't even know how to use your new found magic! Even Celestia could not stop me! So what makes you think that you can?!" Her voice was booming loud once again. The five alicorns could no longer see Twilight within her purple eyes. Her face had disappeared.

Applejack's face was filled with remorse. Rarity could sense that she was on the verge of giving up hope, and she was too beginning to feel hopeless. Rainbow Dash didn't even feel confident anymore. Her eyes lowered to the ground, and her head began to throb. Fluttershy could no longer feel hope either. Twilight was right. They couldn't defeat her. They didn't have enough strength or courage to take her on. Their time was running out, and they no longer felt the need to carry on their hopeless journey. What would ever come of it? Twilight would only cause them more harm. Maybe even worse. Was it really worth the chances of losing their lives?

"Because Twilight needs our help, and we will save her."

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash all looked up at the voice that had answered. Pinkie Pie, with her mane like cotton candy, and her eyes glaring directly into the face of evil, stood above them all. Her wings were spread far apart, and her legs were ready to sprint. They couldn't believe it. Pinkie Pie was the only one that still had hope. They all glanced at each other. Their eyes were regretful, and their hearts were too. How could they have given up on their dear friend? How could they have been so selfish? If risking their lives was what it takes, then they were ready to put them on the line.

"She is most certainly right!"

"Twilight needs us!"

"And we sure ain't gonna' let y'all get yer way!"

"Um...what they said...."

The four cowering alicorns all stood up together. They joined Pinkie Pie, and side by side they stood together as friends. All five pairs of eyes stared into Twilight's.

"What?! You still dare to challenge me?! You're foolish! Foolish indeed!" As she spoke, her horn lit up. Black magic began to swarm around them once more. Clouds of black smoke began to fill the air, and the friends were separated by the thick mist.

"Y'all okay?"

A blue light began to break through the darkness. Rainbow Dash was creating her own magic now. She spun her head in the direction of Twilight. The blue ball of light flew off towards her. Twilight lowered her head, and shot out another black mist. It struck Rainbow Dash's magic head on, and they both devoured each other.

"We will have to do this together if we want to defeat her!" Rainbow's voice echoed through the blackness. She could faintly hear the responses that was sent back to her by her friends. She took this as an agreement.

"On my count!" Rainbow shouted.

The purple alicorn was enraged. She was now blasting black lightening bolts all around in the darkness. The ponies were filled with fear, but they stood their ground. They were going to keep their word. They were going to save Twilight, and defeat the black magic that had indulged her.

"One!"

The five alicorns began to focus themselves. They could feel their bodies become lighter. They could feel their heart increase in speed. Their minds were completely cleared from all thoughts.

"Two!"

The purple alicorn was now thrusting herself about. She was aimlessly trying to attempt to strike one of the other alicorns, but even she could not see within her own darkness that she created. A light suddenly began to form. One by one a stream of colors began to fill up the blackness. The light was becoming so bright that it began to blind Twilight. She lifted one hoof over her eyes to protect them from the sudden colors that surrounded her.

"Three!!!" Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs. The countdown was over. It was time to free their friend.

The five alicorns lifted themselves in the air. All at once they unleashed their magical power upon the evil Twilight. An extreme gust of wind blew past them. Screams could be heard coming from the purple alicorn, but her words were not heard. A blinding light devoured the blackness, and the five friends had to shield their eyes with their own hooves.

The wind began to die down. The light was no longer blinding, and the alicorns let their hooves fall to the ground. The darkness was no longer surrounding them. They were back in the streets of Canterlot. Their eyes greeted each other, and they all smiled to one another.

Their manes were all tangled, and their faces were all scratched up, and dirty. But they hardly noticed this at all. Their eyes were drawn to the ground. Laying upon the grass was a small pony. A unicorn to be exact. A purple unicorn. Twilight Sparkle.

Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna greeted them all at the castle doors. When the black magic was defeated, everything that was caused by it disappeared along with it.

"Well done, my little ponies. You've succeeded in your journey. I congratulate you on your bravery, and persistence to save your friend." Celestia's eyes followed over to Twilight's. Her eyes were staring at the ground below her.

"We thank you for saving her, and saving us." Luna smiled graciously towards the five, now normal once more, ponies.

"It was an honor." Rainbow Dash saluted. Fluttershy gently nuzzled Rainbow, who warmly nuzzled her back.

Celestia, and Luna both turned to Twilight Sparkle. Her head was lowered, and they could sense sorrow.

"What is it that is troubling you, my most faithful student?" Celestia knelt down before Twilight, and met her eye to eye. Twilight had tears streaming down her face.

"It was all my fault...I should have never been so foolish!" Twilight clenched her eyes shut.

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all gathered by Twilight's side. She opened her eyes to see all of her best friends hugging her tightly. She could feel all of their warm bodies nudged against hers. She felt safe in their embrace.

"Could you guys ever forgive me?" Twilight's voice cracked as she looked deep into all of her friends eyes.

"Of course sugarcube." Applejack answered for them all.

Twilight's eyes filled with more tears. Tears of joy. She cuddled closer to her friends, but she could feel Pinkie's body the most. She was so warm, and caring, and she never gave up on her. She never had one doubt about her. She had been there for her the whole time when all hope appeared to be lost.

"It seems as if there was a great lesson on friendship that was learned today." Celestia smiled at the cuddling friends. Luna looked at her sister, and smiled.

"Yes there was, Princess..." Twilight meekly let out. Mere foolishness almost caused their friendship to be destroyed completely, but in the process there was still a lesson to be learned.

Celestia glanced a smile of approval. Knowing that their friendship withheld something this dark, and dangerous was knowing that there was nothing that could stop the love that they felt for one another. Twilight was surely beginning to fully understand the power that her friends possessed, and the power that she possesses too. The two princesses began to walk away back to their chambers, implying that the friends were free to go back home, but suddenly Celestia turned back around. She glanced one more time at the six friends. She had one more question to ask them.

"I do wonder how you managed to defeat the dark arts. Care to tell?" Mischief was twinkling in her eyes. Luna smirked at her sister.

"The magic of friendship, Princess." Pinkie Pie answered. Her smile was wider than ever, and her voice was happy, and giddy.

"That's good to know." Celestia smiled one last time, and then turned back around, and with Luna walked out of the throne room.

Spike was sleeping in his bed. He hadn't even known what had happened that day. He had been sleeping all day long apparently. Twilight made sure her baby dragon was tucked in nice, and cozily. It was dark out now, and the air was quite refreshing to her.

Twilight trotted down the stairs of her library, and walked over to her podium. An orange was sitting upon it, and a big black book.

Twilight lifted her hoof on the cover. She lined the sides of the book with her hooves, and studied the golden alicorn on the center of the old cover, and moved her hooves through every groove. She lightly brushed off the golden plates that lined it, and read the title.

She moved her hoof to the side of the book where the opening was. She slightly lifted the first page up, but then suddenly slammed the book shut.

A purple glow began to form around her horn as she lifted the book up with her magic. She dropped it into her fireplace, and with another flash of magic, fire began to burn inside the fireplace.

Twilight watched as the book was being devoured by the licks of the flames, and the crackles from the heat. The pages within began to instantly burn away, and the cover was slowly demolishing. The room was being filled with the smell of burnt leather, and heated metal.

The book was almost completely gone now. The last thing that Twilight saw before going to sleep for the night was the words, Dark Arts.

The End