Chapters

Beginnings
Travel
Ocean
Island
Mountain
Conflict
Survival
Finale

Beginnings
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Sealegs

Beginnings

The starry night sky blanketed all of Equestria.
Most ponies were already asleep.
Most.
Shining Armour quickly picked through the dark Canterlot streets
The night air was cool, and sweet.
But he had no time to waste.
Finally reaching his destination, Shining Armour knocked upon the door.
Three Strikes. Loud ones.
A light came on in the upper story window.
Hoofsteps could be heard down the stairs.
The door swung open, pouring light onto the street.

"Hey Shiny, What's up?"

Gold stepped back to allow Shining Armour entry
Pulling his cloak back, Shining eyed Gold with concern.

"Surely you've heard."

Gold looked solemn

"Yeah."

Princess Celestia had been hurt raising the sun earlier that day.
The strain of her injuries had left her bedridden.
And nobody could understand why.
She had raised the sun for them for thousands of years, of course.
Was she finally beginning to pass?

Shining Armour sat himself down on the sofa, as a dreary-eyed Braeburn crept down the stairs.

"She woke up earlier this evening."

Gold looked Curious.

"Did she say anything?"

Shining shot him a glance.

"Yes. She groaned, something about a 'Desert Ruby.'"

Gold remembered the incident in the desert.

"I think I get what you're getting at. The gem helped her raise the sun?"

Shining Armour nodded solemnly.

"It's more than possible. And seeing as you reported it had been destroyed, there may be no way to help the Princess now."

Gold hung his head

"Then why'd you come to see us? Do you have a lead? Anything? We can't just let her die!"

Shining Armour paused for a moment, and when he spoke, his voice was a low whisper

"There may be something."

The three stallions leaned into one another, as Shining Armour shared a secret that had been kept for thousands of years.

"So, It leaves an imprint on anyone bound to it?"

Shining Armour nodded

"That's right. And using the remnants, we may just be able to re-create the gem."

The next morning, the sun was risen by Princess Luna.
An Alarm rung out.
With trained expertise and precision, Gold whacked it from the bedside cabinet.
Braeburn stirred, reaching over to his own bedside cabinet to retrieve his hat and vest
Gold rolled his eyes

"It's a miracle I manged to stop you from sleeping with those on."

Braeburn donned a look of mock offence.

"Ah'll have you know that my pa gave these to me. They're precious, More so than a regular vest or hat."

Gold turned to see Braeburn in full pout mode.

"No. No stop it. That's not fair."

More pouting

"Ugh. Look, let's just get to work."

The stallions quickly ate, before heading out the door.
Things sure do go quickly without a mare around.
The two picked through the Canterlot streets, ignoring the typical indignant looks from the noble-ponies trotting about.
Colt-Cuddling was already frowned upon by the snobs of Canterlot.
Walking out of the front door with a bedhead probably didn't help.
It wasn't long until their destination was in sight.
Gold donned a mischievous grin, before taking off.

"Last one to Sombra's is the one who has to wake him up!"

Braeburn's eyes widened as he took off after the runaway colt.

"Hey, now that's What ah call unfair!"

Gold winked back

"Guess that makes us even!"

Sombra woke to a startlingly loud knock on the door.
Fluttershy was still asleep beside him.
Deciding not to wake her, he trotted down his small staircase, and down the hall to his front door.
He was going to kill whoever had woken him up...
Sombra groaned

"Not you."

Braeburn raised an eyebrow, and Gold trotted on into the house.

"Ah'd prefer a little hospitality next time."

Braeburn trotted past Sombra, flicking him in the face with his tail.
Sombra snarled, and turned to see Gold quite at home on the Sofa in the living room.
Knowing he was fighting a losing battle, he trotted back upstairs to wake Fluttershy
Preferably more gently than his own awakening.
He was halfway up the stairs, when a mighty crash was heard from the kitchen.
Accompanied by a startled Scream from the master bedroom.
He was going to kill those... What in the?

Pans and pots lay strewn out across the floor, with the two golden stallions hunched over the counter, trying desperately not to laugh.
Fluttershy descended the staircase, as delicately as a princess.

"Hello Gold, Hello Braeburn."

She didn't seem amused.
Sombra could relate
With a grunt, he trotted into the kitchen and began replacing the pots and pans.
Fluttershy lead Braeburn and Gold into the living room, sitting them back down on the Sofa.

"What can we do for you today?"

Her voice was bright and happy.
You really couldn't dampen that ponies spirits.

Gold and Braeburn began to explain the situation, with Fluttershy listening intently.
Sombra was listening not so intently from the kitchen.
When Gold and Braeburn were finished, Fluttershy spoke up.

"So um... What do you want us to do?"

The four ponies trotted towards Canterlot Castle with haste
Along the way, Gold relayed the information Shining had given him

"Our only hope to recreate the Crystal, is to re-extract the essence from a few host sources."

Sombra raised an eyebrow.

"How does this relate to us?"

Braeburn jumped in to explain

"Ah reckon when we were in that cavern, bein' baked like potatoes. It musta leaked into us a little."

Fluttershy looked concerned

"Are you sure there'll be enough to make a whole gem?"

Gold shook his head

"Shiny said we couldn't be sure. We can only wait and see."

The guards parted their lances to allow the company access to the grounds.
The main foyer of the Castle was mostly empty.
There was a solemn atmosphere, hanging off of the company's shoulders like a curtain.
Shining Armour appeared on the main landing, ushering the ponies toward one of the towers.

"So, We're doing this in the central tower?

Shining nodded

"Princess Celestia raises the sun from the top of that tower. We'll have better luck there than anywhere."

Sombra grunted.
Braeburns eyes narrowed.

"Y'all got somethin' you wanna say?"

Sombra was slightly taken aback, but relaxed nonetheless.

"I've got plenty that I want to say. Fluttershy just won't let me."

Shining stifled a chuckle.

"I can relate to you, there."

The five ponies arrived at the top of the Castle.
The winds whipped around them. The place was totally exposed.
Gold and Sombra trotted forward, Completely at ease with the heights.
The other two, not so much.

"I hear this is the highest tower in Equestria."

Shining nodded

"Yeah."

Gold felt something tugging at his hind legs.
He looked down to see Braeburn wrapped around his hooves, terrified.
Fluttershy had her wings firmly shut to her sides.
She probably wouldn't be able to use them, should she fall.
Sombra regarded the view, coolly.

"Quite a little view the princess has here."

Shining nodded.

"This is where she raises the sun. Take a look at this."

The company trotted towards a large, misty, mounted prism in the center of the tower.
Sombra peered through the prism.
He could see both the desert, and the sun.
Braeburn regarded the thing with curiousity.

"What is this?"

Shining turned away, staring out to the desert.

"This was a prism that allowed the Princess to link with both the Sun and Ruby at once, Giving her the strength to move the heavens. But when the Ruby was destroyed, her power ebbed. Now it's critically low. Princess Luna will suffer the same fate, Should she continue to move the sun without the Ruby."

Fluttershy frowned.

"That thing was really important... It's my fault that it was destroyed. I'm so sorry, Everyone!"

Sombra wrapped an arm around Fluttershy

"It's alright. It was out of our control."

Shining Chimed in again.

"Shall we begin, then?"

The company turned their attention to him.
Begin what?
Shining took the initiative, and explained.

"All we need to do is form a circle around the outer edges of this tower."

Fluttershy squeaked.

"We each stare into the prism, and just let the Ruby Essence escape our bodies. It'll be drawn into the prism, and given Physical form."

The ponies got into position, encircling the prism.
They all stared into its depths.

A small spark began to dance around the center of the prism.
Warm as the sun, it blossomed into a small flame.
The flame began to grow, as each pony contributed every piece of it that they had.
The flame halted
Shining Armour breathed sharply.

"Nobody Break your eye contact. Somebody must be holding back. This can't be all we have."

The ponies stared into the depths, but nothing more came.
The flame didn't grow, the flame didn't dance.
All it did, was begin to die out.
Shining panicked.

"NO! We can't let that flame go out!"

Too late.
As the flame died, It surged back into its hosts with a mighty wave of energy.
The ponies were thrown off of the tower, and sent plummeting towards the city below.
Shining Armour acted on instinct, making his way to Flutershy and Sombra before conjuring a protective shell.
Gold opened his wings, gliding towards Braeburn, and saving him from the fall.
The five descended into the courtyard. (With varying speeds.)
The crater was going to take some explaining.

Shining held his head in his hoof.

"We can't do it. We can't save the princess."

Sombra sat on a tree stump with Fluttershy, thoughtfully.
Gold and Braeburn mourned their failure.
Fluttershy and Sombra began whispering to each other.

"We think we know how to save the princess."

Shining Armour descended on them like a tonne of bricks.

"HOW?"

Fluttershy recoiled slightly, Sombra remained confident.

"We weren't the only ones in the cave that day."

Gold's eyes widened.

"You mean, we need to go after the changelings?"

Sombra nodded.

"It's possible.

Gold sighed.

"Aw nuts. We sent them away. Where could they have gone?"

Shining Armour stepped in.

"I'll have scouts search all of Equestria for them. We'll put up wanted posters. We'll find them.”

Travel
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Sealegs

Travel

The mood in Shining Armours office was a bleak one.
Sombra lay on the sofa, preening Fluttershy gently.
Gold stared out the window, with Braeburn nibbling his ear nervously.
Shining lay his head on the desk, heavy with failure.
There had been no reports of changeling sightings anywhere in Equestria.
There hadn't been any replies to the Wanted posters, either.
The room was sweltering hot, the summer day taking its toll on the elevated city.
Hoofsteps could be heard rushing outside.
A guard came bursting in through the door, panting heavily.

"N...News from the Eastern Seas!"

The five ponies walked east, past the large mountain Canterlot has built onto.
The trail was long, and the sun blared down.
Sweating, the ponies came to a large oak tree, Setting their saddlepacks down and resting in the shade.

"Hey Shiny, pass me some water."

Gold struggled to catch the canteen thrown his way.
Sombra looked up at the sun.

"It's not the same. It seems almost malevolent, now."

Fluttershy looked towards the daunting ball of fire.
Sombra was right. Something didn't seem right. The sunlight wasn't warm, it was harsh.
Shining passed out apples, and explained.

"Princess Celestia lost control of the sun. Princess Luna is having a hard time controlling it."

Unease spread throughout the company.
Was the sun going to crash into them?
The company quickly finished their lunch, before heading out once again.

It wasn't long before the sun was setting.

"Man. I think I managed to get sunburned through my fur."

Shining tenderly laid a hoof to the back of his neck, wincing at the pain.
He wasn't alone.
Had you shaved any of the other ponies, they would have been bright red.
The sun was getting out of control. And fast.
The company eventually arrived at the Eastern port town of Trottingham.
The sun was setting quickly.
Luna was clearly barely managing to control the suns motion.
This couldn't go on.
Dinner was quick, and everyone was asleep within the hour.
All except two...

Sombra and Fluttershy returned to their room.
Fluttershy was exhausted, but Sombra wasn't.
And he was in too foul a mood to be denied tonight.
Fluttershy plopped down onto the bed, sprawled out over the rough covers.
With a grunt, Sombra descended on her like a cloud of smoke.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Fluttershy moved onto her back to face him.
Sombra leaned in, and kissed her hungrily.
His hips began to grind, rubbing his member along her marehood.
With a kiss and a grunt, Sombra slipped into Fluttershy.
Her warm mare juices welcomed his pulsing member, as she shuddered with pleasure.
Slowly at first, Sombra began to grind, whilst snarling into her ear.

"Who do you belong to?"

Fluttershy went limp.

"I belong to you."

Sombra prodded at her sunburn, causing her to wince in pain.

"YOU WILL ADDRESS ME AS SIR, YOU USELESS MARE!"

Sombra's booming voice caused Fluttershy to recoil slightly.
Sombra snarled, beginning to speed up.
Fluttershy winced in pain and pleasure as Sombra struck her sunburn, time and time again.
When he was close, Sombra pulled out.

"Get down on your haunches."

Fluttershy complied.
She sat on her haunches, looking up at Sombra with wide eyes.
Sombra pointed at his member.

"Lick it clean. Your disgusting fluids are all over it."

Fluttershy recoiled, slightly offended by the harsh words.
Sombra raised his voice again, booming around the room.

"LICK IT CLEAN RIGHT NOW, YOU FILTHY BUCK!"

Fluttershy recoiled, before edging towards Sombra's pulsating member.
Slowly, she began to lick the precum and mare juices from the head.
Sombra stared down at her, menacing, the whole time.
As Fluttershy licked the last of the fluids from the base of Sombra's stallionhood, she looked up at him with those big eyes.

"Am I done, Sir?"

Sombra raised an eyebrow.

"You're done when I say you're done."

With that, Sombra grabbed Fluttershy by the back of the head, and forced his member down her throat.
Fluttershy endured.

Sombra began to thrust into Fluttershy's throat vigorously.
She gagged, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
Something stabbed Sombra's heart at the sight, but he continued nonetheless.
He became close again, his chest heaving under the intensity of the moment.
He pulled out of Fluttershy's mouth, and ran a masterful hoof along his shaft.
With Finality, he shot out and onto Fluttershy's face.
Without even bothering to clean up, Sombra lay back and fell asleep, leaving Fluttershy feeling very conflicted.

The group huddled around a table the following morning, Pouring over breakfast.
Shining Armour looked around the group, smiling.

"How did everyone sleep?"

Gold rubbed sleep from his eyes.

"With the ruckus Sombra was making, not very well."

Braeburn poked at Gold, trying to cheer him up, whilst Fluttershy stared into her cereal.
She wasn't okay with how Sombra had treated her.
But she wasn't sure about how to confront him about it.
Shining Armour finished first, determined to meet their tipster and learn of the Changeling's whereabouts.
Sombra noticed Fluttershy acting strangely, but decided to think nothing of it.
When everyone was ready, they paid their tab and left the Inn.
Shining took out a map, and tried to locate the shipyard.
Sombra put a hoof to his face.

"You can see it from here, you dolt."

Shining huffed, before stuffing the map into his saddlepack and taking point, trotting off towards the shipyard.
Fluttershy trailed behind the group, still very conflicted over what to do with Sombra.

The shipyard drew closer with every step.
Gold noticed Fluttershy, head hung low, at the back of the group.
Slowly, he fell back from Braeburn's side to talk with her.

"Hey Fluttershy, What's up?"

She jumped slightly at the sound of his voice.
That's not good. She'd been less jumpy since she'd been with Sombra.
A concerned look in his eyes, Gold decided to press the matter.

"You seem to be a little on edge today. What's up?"

Fluttershy looked at Sombra, then to Gold.
Tears began to well up in her eyes.
Gold put a hoof on her shoulder, staying her tears.
The two began to whisper to each other.
Braeburn caught snippets of their conversation, all the while firing dirty looks at Sombra.
Shining and Sombra lead the way, oblivious to the situation unfolding behind them.
Braeburn became more and more disgusted by what he heard, and the look on his face only got worse.
Gold eventually noticed, speeding up to try and console him.
Spread thinly, Gold frantically tried to stop both Fluttershy's fit of tears, and Braeburn's fit of rage.
By the time they finally got to the shipyard, he was already exhausted.
Shining Armour went straight to the shipyard manager, requesting the one who had sent the tip.
He hadn't needed to, however, As the tipster came to them.
A single, sea blue pony stood before them, a small grin on his face.

Ocean
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Sealegs

Ocean

The sea blue pony trotted up to Shining, collecting a large pouch of bits.
He turned to face the group, observing them carefully.
There was a dark-coated unicorn staring him down, oblivious to the situation behind him.
Looked like some Pegasus was trying to stop a tearful breakdown, and a violent outburst at the same time.
He always got stuck with weird groups.

"The names Sea Breeze, at your service. Follow me, I can take you to my captain."

Without looking back, the stallion turned and took off at a fast trot.
Shining signalled his companions to follow, before trotting off after him.
The piers were crowded, with sailorponies speaking to each other in strange accents everywhere.
Braeburn never once broke his angry gaze at the back of Sombra's head.
Fluttershy managed to dry her tears, before continuing to explain her worries to gold.

"I'm just not okay with him treating me that way anymore. But I don't have the courage to stand up to him..."

Fluttershy whimpered, thinking of Sombra's booming voice.
Gold looked up, deciding on what to do.

"D'you want me to get Shiny to talk to him? Shiny isn't afraid of anyone."

Fluttershy nodded, sniffling.
Gold patted her on the back, before increasing pace to trot at Braeburn's side again.

Sea Breeze stopped at an impressive looking vessel, turning to face the company with a look of pride on his face.

"I give you, The Equila! You won't find a finer ship on the eastern sea!"

Sombra Grunted.
Braeburn let out a whistle.
Shining began to trot aboard.
Sea Breeze followed close behind, seemingly interested in Shining.
Braeburn nudged Gold lightly in the side, whispering into his ear.

"Isn't young love cute?"

Gold struggled to hold back roaring laughter, and boarded the ship.
Sea Breeze lead them to the captains cabin, knocking on the door.

"Oi Green. The ponies are here."

The door swung open, revealing a muscular, light green pony.

"Ahoy there! The names Green Flash, pleasure to make your acquaintance!"

One by one, he grabbed each ponies hoof, shaking vigorously.
Sombra grunted, keeping his hoof far away from its attacker.
Green Flash ignored him, instead shaking Fluttershy's hoof.
Fluttershy struggled to keep balance with the shaking, a single tear flying off of her face and onto Sombra's.
Sombra turned to look at her, mild curiosity in his eyes.
He once again dismissed it, instead trotting below deck to check out the ships hull.
Green Flash showed the rest of the ponies to their cabins. 3 private cabins.
The company made themselves at home, before heading into the captains cabin to discuss their business.
Huddling around the captains desk, the ponies poured over a large map.

"A friend o' mine over on this island here sent a messenger back to me about sightin's o' strange bugponies in the caves. Yer changelings sound a lot like what he described."

Shining nodded slowly, his brow furrowed.
Gold and Braeburn stared at a tiny ship in a bottle, fascinated.
Fluttershy hung back near the door, Sombra giving her occasional looks of mild concern.
Green Flash trailed his hoof along the map, outlining the route they were to take.
"This tradin' route here will get you to the island quicker than any other routes. We can get you there in about 2 or 3 days."

Shining stood up in anger.

"2 OR 3 DAYS? WE DON'T HAVE THAT TIME TO SPARE!"

Green Flash stood up, not taking kindly to the outburst.

"WELL YER WELCOME TO TRY FIND ANOTHER WAY TO CROSS THE OCEAN, THEN."

Shining Armour stared for a moment, then sat down, defeated.
Gold patted his friend on the back, trying to console him.
Shining, his voice weak, spoke out.

"When's the soonest we can leave?"

"Right now, laddy."

The Equila left the port behind in a matter of hours.
The waves thrashed against it's strong hull, spraying foam all about.
Green Flash stood at the helm, the Sea wind flowing through his long, moss green mane.
Sea Breeze stood next to him, directing the ship with expertise born from many trips at sea.
Shining Armour leaned up against a barrel, fighting seasickness.
Sombra lingered around the entryway to the hull, Fluttershy distancing herself from him.
Gold stood at the head of the ship, wings unfolded, enjoying the cool wind.
Braeburn stood next to him, trying desperately not to lose his hat.
The sun bore down on them all, its burning heat weakening the ponies with every move they made.
Green Flash stared straight into it, his Blue eyes defiant.

"YE AIN'T GONNA STOP ME!"

His bellow thundered, splitting the silence.
Shining walked up to join Gold and Braeburn at the ships head.

"Did... Did he just yell at the sun?"

Gold shrugged.

"Maybe he's drank too much salt water?"

Braeburn chuckled, almost letting go of his hat.
Gold remembered Fluttershy's favor, leaning in to whisper to his best friend.

"Hey Shiny, you wouldn't mind talking to Sombra about the way he's treating Fluttershy, would ya? She's really upset."

Shining Armour furrowed his brow, and nodded, before leaning over the railing and throwing up.
A large tentacle erupted from the water, slapping down on the ships deck.
Green Flash bared his teeth in a savage grin.

"Aye, We've got company lads!"

Fluttershy squealed, as a large squid-like creature broke the surface of the water, tentacles raised.
Shining Armour reacted quickly, firing a magical bolt at the creature.
Besides tickling it, it didn't appear to do anything.
Sea Breeze buried his face in his hooves.

"That's not how you do it! Allow me!"

Sea Breeze's horn ignited with magic, beginning to envelop the ship with a deep blue bubble.
The giant squid had other plans, however.
With a screech, it struck down on the bubble, shattering it and knocking Sea Breeze back on his haunches.
Shining Armour raised an eyebrow, before raising his head high.
With a single blast of powerful magic, he enveloped the ship with a gigantic purple bubble.
The force of the energy knocked the squid backwards, enraging it.
It lunged forward again, striking the bubble several times with its tentacles.
Shining Armour's magic held strong, as he repelled the blows without so much as a flinch.
Sea Breeze regarded Shining with awe.
With a roar, Shining sent out another powerful pulse of magic, sending the squid skyward.
With a screech, it dove down into the depths once again, leaving the Equila without even a scratch.
Gold and Braeburn whooped, running over to Shining and showering him with praise.
Fluttershy was hyperventilating. Sombra put a hoof on her shoulder, but was shocked to find it made her breathing worse.
Green Flash roared down at Shining.

"Aye, that was impressive lad! Breezy here could stand to learn a thing or two from ye!"

Sea Breeze buried his head in his hooves, humiliated.
Shining saw, trotting towards him and placing a hoof on his shoulder.

"If you'd like, I can teach you about shield magic."

Sea Breeze looked up, shocked, and nodded.
Braeburn whispered in Gold's ear for a second time, chuckling
The two roared with laughter.

The sun disappeared over the horizon, night setting in.
Green Flash roared out.

"WAIT FOR IT!"

Raised eyebrows throughout the whole ship.

"WATCH THE HORIZON, LADS AND LASS!"

Everyone stared towards the horizon, as the sun slowly began to set.
Sombra trotted over to Fluttershy, attempting to enjoy the sunset with her.
He noticed as he got close, she tensed up.
She was afraid of him.
Sombra was hurt, but he hid it well.
With a grunt, he trotted over to the other side of the ship.
Braeburn snickered a little, and received a prod to the side by Gold.

"Jokes on you bud, Ah'm wearin' a vest."

Gold raised an eyebrow.

"Want me to hit you harder?"

Shining Armour ignored their playful banter, walking over to Sombra.

"You okay?"

Sombra grunted, turning away.

"I need to speak with you."

Sombra was motionless.
Shining began to speak in a hushed tone, with Gold and Braeburn looking their way, varying amounts of concern on their faces.
Green nodded to Sea, who pulled a small lever near the helm.
A stone slab was elevated out onto the deck.
Sea trotted down into the cabin area, returning with a brazier.
He set it on the concrete slab, filling it with wooden logs.
His horn ignited, and a magical flame began to dance around on the logs, setting them alight.
Green continued to stare towards the horizon, and as the sun finished disappearing, a huge flash erupted, filling the night sky with green.
Fluttershy squeaked in surprise, the rest of the company looking for the source.

"I TOLD YE LADS TO WATCH, THAT'S THE FLASH ME MOTHER NAMED ME FOR!"

Within minutes, the anchor had been laid down, and the company sat eating by the light of a large, magical flame.
Shining took a bowl of soup in his magical grasp, before sitting next to Sea Breeze.
He stared up at the stars, recognizing many formations that he and his sister had used to search for in the night sky.

"Hey Sea. D'you have any siblings?"

Sea looked down.

"Nope. Only child."

Shining Armour stared into the flame.

"You know, this is pretty impressive. You have talent."

Sea Breeze shrugged, bashful.

"Not really. You saw me fail earlier today."

Shining patted him on the back.

"Everyone starts out shaky. You just have to keep at it."

Gold looked up from his bowl, soup dripping from his muzzle.

"Hey, Fresh Meat! Don't get any ideas, that's MY best friend!"

Sea Breeze cast Gold a foul look.

"Whats his deal, anyway? I thought the cowpony was his best friend."

Shining chuckled.

"He's just a loud stallion. And that isn't his BEST friend, that's his COLT friend."

Green Flash bellowed

"WELL NOW, YE DON'T SEE THAT VERY OFTEN. STALLIONS IN LOVE, AYE."

Braeburn raised an eyebrow, wrapping an arm around Gold.

"And Ah wouldn't have it any other way."

Sombra stared at Fluttershy, remembering his conversation with Shining earlier.
He debated trying to talk to her, but was surprised to find he couldn't pluck up the courage.
So he sat there in silence, eating his meal slowly.
Green Flash bellowed out once more.

"MATEYS, GATHER ROUND, AND LET ME TELL YE A LITTLE ABOUT THE FINE VESSEL YER SITTING ON."

The night sky shimmered like silk, and the flame in the center of the group burned bright, and warm.
Green Flash held a pipe to his mouth, his eyes glazed over, his mind in the past.

"It was a long time ago, when I was a wee lad. This here ship, she belonged to me father. He was a good man, ol' Sea Salt. A fine upstanding stallion. Me mother loved him very much. He spent many of his days at sea, with this beauty of a vessel. He'd transport precious cargo, explore new islands, and even clear out pirates when they dared to rear their ugly 'eads. The cannons in the hull were among the first magically powered cannons on the eastern seas. But now, with the Bug-ponies being sighted around the Eastern Islands, everyones too scared to go out to sea. And so, this fine vessel doesn't get to see the ocean as much as she should."

Green Flash looked poignantly at the dancing flames.

"Me father was always such a fine man. I always wanted to be a sailor like him. I've seen my fair share of the ocean, but aye, I can't help but feel like something is missing."

Gold nodded.

"I know what it feels like to really want to be like someone."

Sombra snorted.

"You don't have an inkling of respect in your body. You expect me to believe you have a role model?"

Gold frowned.

"Yes. Yes I do. And he's sitting right there."

Gold raised a hoof to point at Shining, who blushed, ever so slightly.
Braeburn squeezed Gold tight, resting his chin atop Gold's head.

"Yer well on your way, Goldy."

Gold nuzzled up to Braeburn, as Fluttershy looked on sadly.
Sea Breeze looked on, admiring the bonds that the three shared.
Sombra looked on as well.
Determined, he pulled Fluttershy away from the fire, gently.

Green Flash nodded towards Gold.

"Aye, Yer a good lad."

Gold grinned.

"Thanks. I appreciate the compliment."

Sea Breeze scowled at Gold.

"Don't get any ideas. This is MY best friend."

Gold raised an eyebrow, before looking up at the stars.

"Hey, Shiny. Wanna go stargaze?"

Shining nodded.

"Sure. Why don't we all stargaze?"

Gold grinned.

"Fine by me. Should I put out this fire?"

Sea Breeze scoffed.

"You couldn't put it out if your life depended on it."

Gold raised an eyebrow, before spreading his wings and taking flight.
He flapped hard and fast, sending a gust of wind down into the flame.
It was out within seconds.
With the light extinguished, the night sky was easier to see.
Thousands upon thousands of stars littered the silky black expanse.
The ponies laid back, staring up at the beautiful stars.
Sombra and Fluttershy eventually returned the group, seemingly reconciled.
Lying back together, they joined in, pointing out the glittering constellations.
Several hours passed, with the company lying back on the deck, enjoying the crisp, cool sea air.
The daytime may be dangerous, but the night seemed more beautiful than ever.
Eventually, Sombra stood up.

"It's late. We should get some rest."

The company complied, each pony returning to their private cabins, and drifting off to sleep.

Island
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Sealegs

Island

That night, nobody got any sleep.
The ponies lay awake, each worried about the pressing situation.
Shining Armour worried for his princess' safety.
Fluttershy worried about Sombra's abrasive behavior.
Sombra worried about Fluttershy's views on him.
Gold worried about the strange newcomers.
Braeburn worried about the strange creature that had attacked.
The waves rocked the ship back and forth gently, but there was no solace for the company.

Sombra decided to take the initiative.
He rolled over, gently placing an arm over Fluttershy.
He pulled her gently towards him, a small, sly smile playing at the corner of his muzzle.
Fluttershy looked into his eyes, drinking in his lust.
Sombra leaned in, and began to kiss Fluttershy.
He trailed his hooves along her sides, resting and massaging the base of her wings.
Fluttershy let out a small moan of delight, rubbing up against Sombra sensually.
Sombra's hooves trailed down Fluttershy's hips and back, sending shudders through her small frame.
Sombra began to kiss, hungrier every second.
Fluttershy returned the hungry smooches, before flipping over, presenting her delicate underside to Sombra.
Sombra shifted himself to a crouch, his member hanging just above Fluttershy's marehood.

"Do you want it?"

Fluttershy looked up at him with those gigantic eyes.

"Yes sir."

Without any ado, Sombra slipped into Fluttershy, sending waves of pleasure rippling throughout her entire body.
Her wet marehood gratefully accepted Sombra's hard member.
Sombra's masterful hips began to pump with rigor, every thrust prompting a small squeak from Fluttershy.
Sombra began to pump faster.
Fluttershy's squeaks became moans.
The whole ship seemed to rock in rhythm with Sombra.
Sombra, getting close, pulled out and stroked his member for a moment.
He fired straight up, covering Fluttershy's muzzle with his fluids.
Taking heed to their discussion earlier, Sombra leaned down, and began to lick Fluttershy's marehood.
Fluttershy thrusted up, causing his tongue to slide deeper into her groin.
Sombra licked delicately, Fluttershy gasping for breath.
Fluttershy moaned loudly as she reached orgasm, before lying limp, spent, on her back.
Sombra flopped down beside her, and the two panted together in the darkness for a while.
Sombra eventually cracked a small, rare, genuine smile.

"Ready for round two?"

Five voices in unison could be heard from the other cabins.

"NO!"

Everyone assembled on the deck the next morning, with Sea Breeze hauling breakfast from below deck.
A large barrel slammed down in the middle of the group, where the brazier had been sitting the night before.
With no small amount of effort, Sea Breeze pried the lid from the barrel, revealing preserved, rancid looking oatmeal.
Gold gagged.

"You aren't getting me to eat that. No way, no how."

Braeburn chuckled, whilst Shining gave a small grin, before taking a deep breath.

"SOLDIER, YOU WILL EAT THIS OATMEAL AND YOU WILL ENJOY IT, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

The breath thundering from Shining's lungs was enough to blow Braeburn's hat askew.
Gold lifted a hoof to his head, knowing full well that an order here couldn't be disobeyed.

"You are one cruel and unusual pony, you know that Shiny?"

Shining chuckled as Sombra and Fluttershy walked up to the group.
Sombra snarled at the disgusting looking oatmeal.

"You don't honestly expect us to eat that, do you?"

Gold grinned triumphantly.

"You see? This pony gets it."

Shining shot Gold a look from the corner of his eye.
This prompted a salute from the young stallion, in an almost mocking display of respect.
Green Flash and Sea Breeze looked on.
These ponies had to be crazy.
Sea Breeze sat down next to Shining, levitating a bowl and scooping up some of the oatmeal.
It made a sickening squelching sound.
Gold and Sombra shuddered.
Braeburn stood and walked towards the bow, beckoning for Gold to follow.

Shining followed Sea's example, scooping some of the horrid oatmeal into a small wooden bowl.
He lifted it to his muzzle, taking a small bite.
It stuck to his teeth, tongue, everything.
He just about threw up in his mouth.
Sombra roared.

"THE RUNT HAS AN APPLE!"

The whole company turned to look at Gold and Braeburn, who were in the midst of splitting an apple in two.
Shining spat the oatmeal out onto the deck, prompting an angry growl from Green Flash.
He galloped towards Gold, full throttle.
Gold attempted to escape by flying up to the crows nest, but found his hind legs held back by a magical grasp.

"GET DOWN HERE AND SHARE!"

Gold looked down and returned the scream.

"NO, HAVE THE OATMEAL YOU LOVE SO MUCH."

Sea stood beside Shining, adding his magical force to the pull.
Gold's wings flapped, trying their best to break free.
It was a losing battle.
Eventually, Gold gave up, his wings failing.
The magical grasp pulled him down to the deck at extreme speeds.
He collided head on with Shining.
The Apple went flying.
Shining and Gold lay dazed in a heap, whilst Braeburn ran to catch the apple.
He caught it in his mouth, and quickly hid it within his vest.
Sombra galloped up behind him, giving him a foul look.

"Where'd you put the apple. I know you have it."

Sweat broke out on Braeburn's brow.
The Apple Family was no good at lying.
They never had been.very good at it.

"Ah uh...uh... dropped it overboard?"

Sombra wasn't having any of it.

"Just give me the apple. I'm not eating that muck."

Green let out a cry of protest, seemingly enjoying his bowl of the disgusting oatmeal.
Gold struggled to get up, but was held down by Shining.

"Ow! Owowow! ...I hate being so small..."

Fluttershy looked from fiasco to fiasco.
Shining held Gold down, a triumphant grin upon his face.
Sombra scowled at Braeburn, trying to intimidate the apple from him.
Fluttershy took a deep breath, before screaming out.

"EVERYONE BE QUIET!"

Instant silence.
Gold cracked a small grin.

"Funny, I wanted to yell the same thing last night."

Fluttershy was mortified
Sombra scowled at Shining.

"Aren't you going to hit him?"

Shining sighed.

"Nope. I totally agree with him on this one.

Fluttershy's blush only got worse.
Gold continued to struggle.

"Can you let me go now?"

Shining grinned down.

"Nope. Not until I get my hooves on some of that apple."

Gold groaned.

"Shiny, that sounds really gross."

Shining was left dumbfounded whilst Gold craned his neck to look at Braeburn.

"C'mon Brae. We aren't gonna get away with this apple anyway, we may as well share it."

Braeburn sighed, before pulling the apple from his vest.
With lightning speed, Green snatched and swallowed the apple whole.

"Now stop yer whinin' and eat yer oatmeal."

One thoroughly disgusting meal later, the company had set sail once again.
They were making a beeline toward's the island the changelings had been sighted on.
They'd be there before sunset.
The group spent most of the day mulling about.

The afternoon sun was burning once again.
Every day it seemed to be getting worse.
Luna was losing her grip.
The company tried their best to shield themselves from the burning heat, even going so far as to make forts out of barrels and blankets.
Shining, Gold, Braeburn, and Sea Breeze sat beneath one large fort, whilst Sombra had constructed his own to share with Fluttershy.
The malevolent silence was broken by a mighty bellow from Green Flash.

"LAAAAAAAAAAAND HOOOOOOOO!"

Gold raised an eyebrow.

"What, as opposed to a Sea ho?"

Shining whacked Gold on the back of the head.

"That joke was bad, and you should feel bad for making it."

Gold rubbed the back of his head tenderly, before getting up and leaving the fort to stare.
The island looked to be covered in a dense jungle.
He could only just make out a small port down, seemingly built in the treetops.
The sun began to set.
Shining furrowed his brow.

"Wait. It's too early for the sun to be setting."

Gold looked concerned.

"The princess must be losing her control. Maybe she can't keep the sun up anymore."

The company mulled over the possibility.
Tragic as it was, it was most likely true.

The ship was checked into the port without much trouble.
The company wandered about in awe at the concept of a whole town suspended in the trees.
The island's residents were mostly zebras, with the occasional Sailorpony from Trottingham.
Shining checked out rooms at the inn, whilst the rest of the ponies looked about.
They were supposed to be looking for changelings, but they seemed too enthralled in the local culture to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Gold stumbled across the store, imitating a zombie pony.
Braeburn chuckled.

"Ah'm pretty sure yer gonna offend someone if you keep that up."

Gold lifted the mask up to poke his tongue out at Braeburn, before continuing to mimic a zombie pony whilst wearing a wedding mask.

Sombra and Fluttershy stared at the strange, foreign jewelry.
There were strange totems, carved from equally strange and rare materials as far as the eye could see.
Fluttershy gave Sombra a wide eyed, pleading look.
Sombra Sighed, and readied his bit pouch.
Fluttershy eventually landed on a small, wooden bunny totem.
Sombra sighed again. He had gotten off easy this time.

Shining Armour wandered about the treetop town.
Something didn't feel right.
He felt as if he was being watched.
A chill went up his spine. These feelings of his were usually right.
A deathly cold breeze whistled past him.
Quite strange for a tropical climate.
He whirled around, and barely had time to scream...

Mountain
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Sealegs

Mountain

As the sun set unsteadily, the company re-assembled at the inn.
Strangely enough, Shining Armour wasn't there.
Minutes turned to hours as the six ponies waited for his return.
But the moon was well into the sky before it was decided he was missing.
The group had lost its leader, and the conflicts of the past few days were brought back into attention.
The apple, Fluttershy's abuse, even Braeburns distrust towards Sombra.
It all came rushing back as the company began to fight amoungst themselves.

Green Flash and Sea Breeze looked on, dismayed.

"That apple was mine! Ah wasn't obliged to share it with anyone but Gold!"

Sombra roared in disgust.

"You sneaky little whelp! Watch your mouth!"

Gold turned to Fluttershy.

"Really? You had to get intimate when you KNEW we could all hear. What's wrong with you?"

Fluttershy blushed and recoiled in fear and embarassment, prompting Sombra to launch a hoof towards Gold.
It hit its mark squarely, sending Gold crashing back into the Inn counter.

"Ah've had it with you, you creep!"

Braeburn turned and bucked Sombra with strength built up on his days at the orchard.
Sombra was sent careering backwards into a table, giving the couple sitting there a heart attack.
Gold wiped the blood from his muzzle.
Sea Breeze and Green Flash rushed in, with Green restraining Sombra, and Sea restraining Braeburn.
Gold wasn't crash hot on Sea laying a hoof on Braeburn.

"Back off, Map boy!"

Sea Breeze scowled.

"I'm only trying to help you."

Gold rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, just like how you've been crushing after my best pal. He's married, you know."

Sea Breeze was taken aback.

"Crushing after him? I admired his skills! Not that you'd know anything about that. Pegasi are boneheaded! All of em!"

This prompted a hoof to the face by Fluttershy, and a buck to the stomach by Gold.
Sea Breeze staggered back, holding his stomach where Gold's powerful hindlegs had struck.
Green Flash roared in rage, sending Gold flying back into the counter again with a single kick.
Braeburn turned and bucked Green, while Sombra headbutted him, breaking his restraint.
The ponies scrambled up, three separate sides.
Sombra and Fluttershy.
Gold and Braeburn.
Sea and Green.
The inn staff ushered each of them to their rooms, where each pair fumed over the nerve of their newfound foes.

Green tenderly poked at his backside with his hoof.

"I'm getting too old for this."

Sea Breeze chuckled, before trotting to the window and staring out to sea.

"Somethin' on yer mind, laddy?"

Sea Breeze sighed.

"I was just shocked to find that they all hated me so much."

Green Flash trotted over, and whacked Sea Breeze on the back of the head.

"Ye really took a shine to them, eh laddy?"

Sea Breeze nodded slowly.

"BWAHAHAHAH!"

Sea Breeze was startled by the sudden outbreak of laugher.

"Whats so funny?"

Green Flash wiped a tear from his eye, before patting Sea on the back.

"Ye've finally made some friends yer age, boy. Are ye going to let that go so easily?"

Sea Breeze stared out to sea.
It was true. He had found friends in every one of the strange ponies.
He had always tried, but was never able to make friends.
But now he had, and he wasn't about to lose them.
Nodding to Green in thanks, he left the room quickly.

Braeburn stared into the mirror, his eyes lit up with rage.

"Ah swear, when ah get mah hands on that creep stallion, ah'll wring his neck!"

Gold couldn't help but find Braeburn's protective rage alluring.

"Relax Brae. It'll pass. We can all talk this over in the morning."

The words had little effect.

"Ah ain't gonna talk anything out, Ah'm gonna put that blockhead back in the ice!"

Gold walked up to Braeburn, and nudged against him gently.

"You're cute when you're angry."

Braeburn immediately snapped out of his rage, going from fuming to seductive in mere seconds.

"Ah'm pretty sure ah'm the stallion in this relationship. Ah'm the one who's supposed to find YOU cute."

Gold raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin playing along his muzzle.

"How sure of that are you?"

Braeburn pushed Gold back onto the bed, leaning down over him.

"Real sure."

Sea Breeze burst through the door, and was quickly taken aback by the scene he was met with.
Gold made several attempts at speaking, before finally giving up.

"This is exactly what it looks like."

Braeburn and Gold sat in mild irritation while Sea Breeze explained and apologized.
As he finished, Gold perked up.

"Oh I get it. You were admiring his spells, not him. I'm sorry for thinking the worst of you."

Sea Breeze smiled.

"I'm sorry for everything I said."

Gold beamed.

"We are too."

Braeburn nodded grudgingly.

"Ah dun mean to be rude, but ah was in the middle of something here."

Sea Breeze gave a vacant stare.

"Yeeaah... I'm just gonna pretend I never saw anything."

Sea Breeze turned to leave, but was stopped by a murmur from Gold to Braeburn.

"We need to find Shiny first. Then we can have a tropical vacation."

Sea Breeze turned around, trotting towards Gold and Braeburn.

"I want to help. Green will help too."

Braeburn and Gold looked to each other, considering the option.

"Alright. We could use your talent with maps. The jungle's going to be difficult to get through, and If we get lost, we could be in real trouble."

Sea Breeze beamed, and rushed back to his room to alert Green and gather his things.

Within minutes, the four ponies were searching through the jungle undergrowth.

"Ah dun think we're gonna find anything like this."

Gold shook his head.

"You're probably right. I could try fly up for a clear view, but the canopy is blocking most of the jungle from view."

Sea Breeze checked a map curiously.

"Try flying up and looking towards the mountain on the far side of this island. See if you can find any signs of life there."

Not keen on following orders, but determined to find his friend, Gold flew up above the jungle canopy.
He squinted his eyes, making out a small line of yellow lights, marching along the side of the mountain.
They assembled near the top, and a sickly green glow began to envelop the mountain top.
All four perked their ears up, as they heard something floating on the wind.
Screams.
Shining Armour's screams.
A shudder went up the spines of the four as they heard the agony floating in the wind.
Gold made a start, flying towards the mountain, but was stopped by a yell from below.

"Laddy, ye won't be able to do much on yer own. We can make it there under the cover of the jungle."

With every ounce of his willpower, Gold descended back down into the thick jungle, and traipsing alongside Braeburn towards the large mountain.

The four put all of their strength into pressing forward, and it paid off.
Within the hour, they had reached the bottom of the mountain.
Now all that was left to do is climb it.
And not be detected.
The four slipped out under the edge of the jungle, making a beeline for the foot of the mountain.
All the while, praying to Celestia they weren't caught.
It was a long trek up the side of the mountain, a largely uneventful one.
Eventually, they made it to a rock formation along the side of the peak.
Strange chanting could be heard.
The four peered around the corner.
Gold was puzzled.
He was almost sure that it would have been changelings, but it seemed to be a group of Zebras in cloaks.
He peered towards Shining, and spotted a thin trail of magic emanating from his horn, being drawn into a pot at his feet.
Sea Breeze was the first to speak.

"This is terrible..."

All of the Zebras turned towards them at once, with disturbing single-mindedness.
Their eyes seemed to glow.
Gold retreated behind the rocks, whispering to the others.

"We have no choice. We've gotta fight them to get Shiny back."

Braeburn, Green, And Sea nodded in agreement, before rushing out from behind the rocks to engage their Zebra foes.

The four rushed out, to find several Zebras looking at them in an awkward fashion.
Shining was doing the same.
Gold looked around, flustered.
One of the Zebras was giving Shining a massage.
Two more were sitting around him, lighting incense.
Gold finally got up the courage to speak.

"W... What are you doing?"

Shining raised an eyebrow.

"Getting a massage, what does it look like?"

Gold looked around.
There were several other ponies around, all receiving massages, all staring them down awkwardly.

"Is this some sort of changeling trap?"

Shining chuckled, before raising a hoof and pointing.

"No. It's a natural spa. See? There's a hotspring over there."

Gold's mind raced.

"But... You were screaming!"

Shining buried his head in his hoof.

"Yeah, because I haven't had a massage in so long."

Gold continued to grasp at straws.

"But... I saw this green light!"

An elderly Zebra stepped forward.

"That light will have been from that large lantern, hung above us. It's a traditional incense lantern, It burns with a magical flame."

Gold hung his head, defeated.
He turned to the three ponies behind him.

"Uh... Oops. Sorry guys."

Braeburn trotted over, putting an arm around Gold.

"Aw shucks, it ain't a problem. We may as well unwind and relax a little now that we're here."

The four sighed in unison, before going to check out the various treatments.

The evening went by with little incident.
The group finally shed some of the burden that had been on their shoulders since day one.
They headed back along the Seashore, admiring the moon.
And remembering that should they fail - That the moon and sun would cease to exist.
Gold and Braeburn and Shining joked and laughed, Whilst Sea and Green hung back.

"Ye alright laddy?"

Sea nodded.

"Yeah, I was just shocked."

Green winked.

"Aye, but that shock was good for us all. Don't ye feel more awake, now?"

Sea tilted his head, curious as to what Green could have meant.

"Ah, nevermind boy. Ye'll understand eventually."

Sombra and Fluttershy were awake in the Inn's lobby when the company returned.
Sombra nodded, a snarl playing across his muzzle.

"So you've found him."

Braeburn just about stepped forward, but was stopped by Gold.
Shining took Sombra and Fluttershy to the side and began to speak with them, whilst the exhausted four trotted up to bed.

Conflict
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Sealegs

Conflict

The sun rose, jolting up and down, finding no clear pace.
The light dancing over his eyelids was enough to wake a sleepy Sombra.
He sat up, looking around the room.
The events of the previous night all came rushing back to him.
He slammed his hoof down on the bedside cabinet, frightening a sleeping Fluttershy.

"Sorry."

Sombra grunted, before climbing out of bed and trotting from the room.
He trotted down the hallway, into the main foyer of the inn.
Shining Armour was the only one there.
Sombra was quick to confront him, Looking to unload his bad mood on someone else.

"Do you have any idea of the trouble you've caused?"

Shining looked up from a map.

"Good morning to you too. And I apologize for any trouble I caused."

Sombra slammed his hoof down on the table.

"Is that all you have to say? Pathetic!"

Shining merely raised an eyebrow, before looking back down to his map again.
This Irritated Sombra to no end.
Sombra tore the map away, sending it floating down to the floor below the table.
Shining looked up again, a glint of anger in his eyes.

"What's your problem?"

Sombra snarled.

"You're my problem!"

Shining put a hoof to his head.

"Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Sombra roared again.

"How dare you turn this on me! You're the one who caused all of this!"

Shining stared.

"All I did was hit the Spa for a day. You should try it sometime, It might help you with your anger issues."

Shining had nothing more to say, as he stood up and trotted off, leaving a fuming Sombra glaring daggers at the back of his head.

Sea Breeze jolted up from his uncomfortable sleep.
Green had left him with nothing but a blanket and the floor to sleep on last night.
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, he went over the events of the previous night in his head.
Careful not to wake Green, he slipped from the room, trying to put his thoughts in order.

Sea Breeze heard an aggravated yell from the foyer.
Probably best not to go that way.
He turned and trotted in the opposite direction, until he found a large veranda, strewn with tables and chairs.
There was only one other pony there.
Shining Armour.
Sea Breeze weaved through the tables and chairs, eventually reaching Shining.
He climbed up onto the chair opposite Shining's, and waited to be acknowledged.
No good, the unicorn was completely engrossed in his map.

"Uhh... Hey."

Shining looked up.

"Oh good, I have a favor to ask you. Could you go get Gold and Braeburn for me?"

Sea Breeze pondered for a moment.

"Only If you teach me how to do that awesome shield magic."

Shining grinned.

"I think that's do-able."

Excited, Sea quickly darted through the chairss.
And through the hallways.
Eventually, he came to a stop.
He put a hoof on the doorknob, and swung the door open.

Braeburn and Gold were kissing, locked in an embrace.
Braeburn was the first to notice.

"NO!"

Sea was shocked, in more ways than one.
Braeburn wasn't having any of it.

"OUT! Ah ain't lettin' you derail this again. COME BACK LATER!"

With that, Braeburn trotted towards the door, pushed Sea Breeze from the room, and closed the door behind him.

"Well, now that's taken care of."

Braeburn trotted back toward's Gold, a sly smile creeping across his muzzle.
He slipped under the covers next to Gold, and the two embraced.
Braeburn acted on initiative, leaning down and kissing Gold tenderly.
Not having forgotten, his hooves trailed down to the base of Gold's wings.
He began to massage gently, sending shudders of pleasure through Gold's entire body.
He broke the kiss, flipping gold over, so that his soft underbelly was exposed.
Braeburn pinned Gold down with one hoof, clearly demonstrating his superior strength.
He began to tickle Gold with his free hoof, causing the stallion to giggle and struggle.
He leaned in and kissed Gold again, still holding him down.
He tickled Gold some more, teasing the poor stallion a little more.
With practiced accuracy, he then positioned himself over Gold, slipping into him with a smooth, masterful motion.
Braeburn began to pump slowly, leaning in and kissing Gold a little more.
Slowly but surely, his pumping sped up.
Each thrust prompted a small gasp from Gold, who was doing his best to hang onto his composure.
It was a losing battle, however, and Gold was soon moaning loudly in pleasure.
Braeburn leant in, nibbling on Gold's ear and whispering;

"Ah'm gonna make you scream mah name."

Gold couldn't speak, the thrusting was leaving him breathless.
Braeburn kept going, with amazing perseverance, determined to make good on his promise.
Eventually, even Braeburn was spent.
He pulled out, blowing his load all over the soft coat of Gold's underbelly.
Gold did the same, contributing to the mess.
Braeburn flopped down next to Gold, and the two lay arm and arm, panting.
Several minutes passed.
Gold was the first to speak.

"Think we should go see what Sea wanted?"

Sea Breeze made his way back to the table, sitting once again opposite Shining Armour.
Eyes still wide in shock, he stared at the floor.
Shining looked up, and noticed the startled colt.

"You walked in on them, didn't you?"

This prompted a small nod from Sea Breeze.

"You should learn to knock."

Another small nod.
Shining put a hoof to his forehead, before staring down Sea Breeze.

"Alright. First thing you need to know when casting defensive spells."

Sea Breeze snapped out of his stupor..

"You need to know what it is you're protecting."

Sea was taken aback.
He certainly hadn't expected anything like this.

"I can tell you don't quite understand. When casting defensive spells - You need something to protect. A close friend, a relative, or even a spouse."

Sea thought back to the incident on the Equila.
Supposedly, Gold and Shining were best friends.
So that's why Shining's shield was so strong.

"So... I need something worth protecting?"

Shining nodded.

"That's really all there is to it. Once you have something worth protecting, your instincts will do the rest. And If you don't have protective instincts - You'll find it hard to cast any defensive magic."

Sea was taken aback.
He had thought magic was all about study.
Not about feelings, or bonds.

"Everyone's magic is unique. No two ponies learn in the same way. If you can find something worth protecting - Something very dear to you, you'll be able to cast powerful shield spells before you know it."

Sea still didn't understand, but it was clear that that was all Shining had to say, as he was pouring over his map yet again.

Green trotted into the main foyer, spotting Sea Breeze sitting near a window.
With a beam on his face, he sat next to him.

"Aye, 'tis a fair morning laddy. Why so glum?"

Sea Breeze just looked out of the window, out to Sea.
Green knew something was wrong, but it seemed all too impossible to break the blue colt from his stupor.
Green decided that it was time.

"Aye laddy, I've got something for ye."

Sea Breeze looked away from the window, to see Green holding a pendant out in his hoof.
Sea Took the pendant, examining it.
He opened it up, to reveal a picture of the Equila.

"What's this for?"

Green roughly patted Sea on the back, just about sending him crashing into the table.

"That there's the sign of ownership for the Equila."

Sea Breeze looked up.

"Why are you giving this to me?"

Green Flash broke out into hearty laughter.

"Yer old man wanted me to leave ye the ship. Let's face it laddy, I'm not gettin' any younger! BWAHAHAH!"

Sea wasn't amused by the joke.
He was disturbed by it.

"You... You aren't dying anytime soon."

Green put an arm around Sea.

"Ye can never be sure laddy. Incase something should happen, It's best off with ye. Try to keep a smile on yer face, aye?"

Sea forced a small grin.

"That's better laddy! Come now, we have to go see where snowball wants to go next!"

Sea raised an eyebrow.

"Snowball?"

Green chortled.

"Aye, I've decided to call the white one snowball."

It wasn't long before the group was cramped back onto the Equila, heading for the next island.
None of them seemed to be too happy.
Gold was the most vocal, however.

"How long is this gonna take? I'm sick of eating that oatmeal!"

Shining whacked Gold on the back of the head.

"It'll take as long as it needs to. Quit whining."

Gold slumped down next to Braeburn, under the burning sun.
Suddenly, Green called out.

"Looks like a storm is heading our way, mateys!"

It wasn't long before the ship was right in the middle of a large storm.
The gigantic waves threatened to capsize the ship each time they crashed into it's hull.
Sea did his best to try and navigate through the storm, with Green desperately trying to keep the ship on course.
Sombra and Fluttershy took shelter in the hull, Whilst Braeburn, Gold, And Shining galloped about, taking orders from Green and trying to keep the ship afloat.

Gold screamed out.

"This is hopeless! We need to get out of this storm!"

Green was preoccupied with the strange lights under the water to the left of the ship.
With a mighty crack, lightning shot down into the water.
Sea jumped.
He had never been good with lightning.
Green stared at the spot where the lightning had struck.
There were strange lights dancing around it.
With another mighty crack, a huge whirlpool began to form.

Green knew what was happening.
And It wasn't good.

"GEDDOWN, MATEYS!"

As soon as he cried out, a gigantic tentacle erupted from the center of the whirlpool, sticking firmly on the side of the Equila.

"FIRE THE CANNONS! GET THAT BEASTY AWAY FROM THE SHIP!"

Sombra, down in the hull, opened the hatches and readied the cannons to the best of his ability.

"FIRE!"

Only two of eight cannons were successfully fired.
The tentacle began to wrap further around the ship, draging it closer and closer to the center of the whirlpool.
At the bottom of the torrent, a large mouth, rowed with vicious, hooked teeth, could be seen...

Gold let out a cry.

"We're being pulled under!"

Shining attempted to cast a shielding spell, but his focus was broken every time he tried.
The ship was nearing the center of the whirlpool.
Shining tried and tried again, but was unable to initiate a magical shield.
A gigantic torrent of water crashed against the ship.
Everyone held on for dear life, but Green was unable to hold on.
With a yell, he was thrown off of the ship, his tiny body crushed under the pressure of the torrent.
Sea Breeze watched in horror, whilst Shining finally managed to initiate a Shield spell.
With a tremendous amount of magical energy, He lifted the ship up and out of the whirlpool, and out of the storm.

But no magic in the world could change Green Flash's fate.

Survival
View Online

Sealegs

Survival

Sea Woke with a start.
A dream, please, let it be a dream.
He looked around, frantically.
He was on a beach.
The Equila lay in the shallows, turned on its side, badly damaged.
The other members of the company were strewn out over the sand.
Everyone except...

Sombra regained consciousness.
He sat up abruptly, seemingly unscathed.
He turned and looked for Fluttershy.
He spotted her yellow coat, almost blending into the sand.
He trotted over to her, becoming increasingly worried with each step.
He came to a stop.
His worries were confirmed.
One of Fluttershy's hind-legs was broken.

Shining woke with a start.
Immediately, he looked about.
He saw Gold and Braeburn, clinging to each other.
Sombra was cradling Fluttershy.
Sea Breeze, he was the worst off.
The colt sat there in shock, tears in his eyes.
Shining Couldn't blame him. If he had lost Gold or Braeburn in that storm, he would be the same way.
And he didn't even want to think about what would happen if he lost them both.
He got up, trotting over to the two stallions.

"You guys alright?"

Gold looked up.

"We're fine. Shaky, but fine."

Braeburn just held Gold closer.
Shining turned to look at Sea Breeze.
He trotted over, placing a hoof on the colt's shoulder.

"Hey."

Sea Breeze looked up, his eyes filled with tears.

"He's dead, isn't he?"

Shining shook his head.

"You know what? I really don't know."

A glimmer of hope danced about in the young ones eyes.

"Then we need to look for him. Or his body."

Shining nodded.

"We will. But first, We have to deal with the problems at hoof."

Sombra called out.

"Is somepony going to help us?"

He was clearly having a hard time getting Fluttershy up onto his back without hurting her.
Shining trotted towards them to help, leaving Sea staring at the sand, tracing patterns with his hoof.

The sun was setting as the group put together a fire.
The six remaining ponies sat shakily on logs, trying to keep warm.
They had no idea where they were. Or how they were going to move forward.
It was a night filled with the air of uncertainty.
Shining nodded towards Gold and Braeburn.

"Guys, I need you to go and find us some food. There should be fruit somewhere nearby."

Braeburn nodded.
Finally, Something he could do - Harvest fruit.
He trotted off at a rushed pace, Gold trailing along behind him.
Sombra was attempting to improvise a cast for Fluttershy's hind leg.
Shining trotted over.

"Want some help with that?"

Sombra glared.

"What would you know about medicine?"

Shining rolled his eyes.

"A lot. How else do you think Gold has survived so long under service?"

Sombra opened his mouth, but couldn't find a snappy remark.
Shining had a point.
Sombra sighed, and let Shining take control of the materials with his magic.
Within minutes, a sturdy cast was attached to Fluttershy's leg.
Sea Breeze stared into the dancing flames.
It was his fault that Green had died.
Green was a friend worth protecting. He could have used a shield.
But he hadn't. He couldn't.
He had failed.
If he had acted differently, Green would still be here...
His melancholy thoughts were interrupted by a firm hoof on his shoulder.
Shining patted him a few times, before turning to greet a returning Gold and Braeburn.
Thankfully, they had managed to find plenty of tropical fruit.
The group ate in silence.
Tomorrow, they would have to begin work on repairing the Equila.
It would be a difficult task, but they would have to perservere.
Before they knew it, everyone was drifting to sleep, staring up at the twinkling stars.

The next morning was an early start.
The ponies began salvaging parts, and repairing the hull of the Equila.
Sombra was still unable to use magic, but Shining's was more than enough.
He heaved gigantic planks of wood up, and nailed them in with ease.
Everyone was solemn in their work, but Gold.
He was talkative, laughing and working.
Sea trotted up to Shining, waiting for him to finish his current spell before prodding him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Hey uh.. Why is Gold acting all... happy?"

Shining smiled, just a small bit.

"When everyone around him is sad, he takes it upon himself to lift their spirits."

Shining went back to work immediately, clearly too determined to be distracted by chitchat.
Sea Looked up at Gold, who was bucking some rails back into place alongside Braeburn.
That stallion was a rare breed, alright.
Sea Breeze noticed something floating in the water.
It was a casket he knew well, one he kept dear to him.
It was his map collection.
Leaping down from the rocky outcrop, he splashed through the water.
The casket had held firm throughout the ordeal.
The maps inside were prestine.
Sea beamed, before bringing the casket back up to the rocky outcrop.
He began to study the maps, determined to play his part.

Sombra toiled, dragging felled trees back to shore.
If he had magic, this would be far easier.
He could just build a new ship from crystal.
But that wasn't his life anymore.
And journeying with everyone, he had come to accept it.
Fluttershy sat on the sand, watching with admiration.
Sombra had refused to let her work with her leg in such a state.
She had wanted to help, too.
But when Sombra makes his mind up, you can't really argue with him.
She looked back and forth, as Sombra brought more and more wood to the shore.
The repairs seemed to be going well.
The holes in the hull were being patched very quickly, thanks to the combined work of Sombra and Shining.
And the deck was taking shape once again, Gold and Braeburn's tireless bucking finally taking effect.

That afternoon, the sun burned with the same foreboding feeling as days past.
The heat caused everyone to sweat, but they didn't let up.
By nightfall, the hull was completely patched.
With a tremendous amount of magical energy, Shining managed to flip the ship back over.
It floated once more.
The group climbed aboard, and noted the repaired and patched deck that Gold and Braeburn had worked on.
The inside of the ships hull, cabins included, seemed to be mostly intact.
Greens cabin was destroyed, however.
A testament to the company's loss.
That night, everyone retired early, thoroughly exhausted.
The next day, they would repair the mast.
After that, It would be up to Sea to discover their location, and steer them back to civilization.

Gold and Braeburn were both restless.
They were sleeping in a real bed again, yet they couldn't relax.
Braeburn leaned towards Gold, whispering in his ear, and nibbling on it.
Gold's eyes darted to the door, before he slipped down underneath the covers, locating Braeburn's point of interest, and licking it gently.
Braeburn's member quickly rose to attention, and Gold took it in his mouth, licking its head with his tongue.
Braeburn sighed deeply, in utter bliss.
Gold took Braeburn's throbbing member deep into his mouth, again and again.
Braeburn began to gently thrust in rhythm with Gold, moaning in pleasure.
Eventually, he tapped Gold twice on the shoulder, pushing him up and off of his member.
Twirling a hoof, and Grinning slyly, Braeburn flipped Gold over, quickly sliding into him.
Braeburn took Gold's ear in his teeth and began to thrust.
The air escaped Gold's lungs with each powerful, masterful thrust.
Braeburn wrapped his arm around Gold, resting his head on Gold's shoulder.
Gold finished on the sheets, out of pure pleasure.
Braeburn decided to be cleaner about it, Finishing inside Gold, before flopping down next to him.
The two fell asleep, arm in arm, completely oblivious to the trauma they had just caused to all other inhabitants of the ship.

The next morning, the group was forced to eat more of the disgusting oatmeal.
The sooner the ship was repaired, the sooner they could get some real food.
They searched the ship, and managed to find some cloth in the brig.
Shining tore the cloth into neat squares, handing one to Gold, along with some thread and a needle.

"Sorry buddy. This is all we've got. You're gonna have to sew those patches onto the mast."

Gold groaned.

"What? Can't you just take the mast down?"

Shining shook his head.

"None of us know how to. You're just gonna have to patch it in midair."

Gold groaned again.

"That's the worst. You're the worst."

Shining whacked Gold on the back of the head.
Again.

"Just do it, Featherbrain."

Gold grinned.

"Whatever you say, buckethead."

The rest of the day was on Gold alone, being the only capable flier.
Sea Breeze looked up in awe, Wondering what it would be like to fly.
Sombra noticed, and trotted over.

"Aren't you supposed to be finding out where we are?"

Sea Breeze snapped out of his stupor, returning to his maps.

Several hours passed, and the mast was looking considerably better.
The vessel would soon be seaworthy.
As the days went on, Sea began to lose hope.
There was no way Green survived. He was crushed.
Sea Began to tear up again.
He felt a hoof on his shoulder, and was surprised to look up and find it was Sombra's.

"Keep your spirits high, runt. We need you."

Sombra trotted off, leaving Sea Breeze shocked at his sudden kindness.

By nightfall, the mast was completely patched.
And more disgusting oatmeal was their reward.
As the company choked down the horrific sludge, Sea Breeze yelled out.

"I've got it! I know where we are!"

Gold leapt up.

"Alright!"

Sombra trotted over to Sea Breeze, checking the map he was poured over.

"So. We should be heading west, then?"

Sea nodded.

"Yeap. That's the biggest island in this archipelago, and it's where the changeling sightings were reported."

The company took careful note of the map, before returning to eat.
Shining looked concerned.

"Sea, Can you sail this thing?"

Sea nodded.

"Yeah, Green taught me..."

Sea trailed off, and made a choking noise.
Shining pat him on the shoulder, trying to console him.

"We're counting on you. It's your time to shine."

Sea Breeze choked back tears.

"I wont let you down."

Dawn of the next day, the group had set sail.
Their destination was a large volcanic island to the west.
Where changelings had been sighted.
The goal of their journey once again seemed to be in reach.
But something didn't seem right.
There was uncertainty in the air.
Nobody could put a hoof on it, but they all knew that something was wrong.
They soon realized what was wrong.
The Sun was setting at midday.
Luna couldn't maintain the astral cycle for much longer.
They were running out of time.
Even if they managed to reach the changelings, they might not make it back in time.
Time was of the essence.
The group continued to sail, even in the unnatural dark of night.
Thankfully, they managed to spot a lighthouse in the distance.
They had reached their destination.

They docked at the small port town, as quickly as possible.
Everyone was in a panic, the unnatural night had brought chaos.
The last time the night had overtaken the day, it had been the omen of Nightmare Moon's return.
If only the ponies knew of the omen carried by this night.
Shining left his whole bit pouch with the port-master in a frantic hurry.
He turned to face the other five ponies.

"Alright Everyone, It's do or die time. We don't much time left. We can't fail. We just can't."

Finale
View Online

Sealegs

Finale

The group swept over the small port town in a panicked haste.
Eventually, Sombra managed to dig up information on the changelings whereabouts.
The Six ponies met at a fountain in the middle of town, where they shared their findings.
"They've been spotted in a cave complex not far from here."
Sombra explained.
"Then lets get moving!"
Shining bellowed, before taking point and leading the party into the forest.
The forest was quiet.
All life had been silenced by the unnatural night.
They had been galloping through the undergrowth for a good few minutes before Gold stopped.
"Hey, does anyone else feel a little...funny?"
Shining rolled his eyes.
"I appreciate you trying to lighten the mood, but now really isn't the time!"
Gold shook his head.
"No, Not THAT kind of funny. I mean..."
Gold never managed to finish his sentence, as he disappeared into thin air.
Braeburn and Shining both looked around, hurriedly.
Sombra shook his head.
"We don't have time to look for him. We have to go, Now!"
Shining looked about.
"Wait. Where did Braeburn go?"
Sombra yelled out.
"We don't have time to waste! We need to find the Changeling queen, and we need to find her now!"
Shining looked back once more, before following the remaining Three through the jungle.

The four remaining ponies thundered through the undergrowth, until they came to a large pit.
"What the...?"
Shining leaped backwards, shocked by what he saw.
It seemed as if the world was tearing apart right in front of him.
"Oh no... It's happening!"
Fluttershy squeaked.
"W-w-whats happening?"
Sombra grimaced.
"The Astral forces have broken free of Luna's will. They'll tear this world apart if they aren't contained and focused again."
Shining raised a hoof to his chest in salute.
Sea Breeze noticed, and was confused.
"What are you doing?"
Shining closed his eyes.
"The world is being torn apart by the inbalance between the sun and moon. That means, Ponies are slowly, but gradually, being wiped out of existence."
Sombra shook his head, and spoke out.
"That means the runt and the cowpony have been wiped from existence, right?"
Sea Breeze could hardly make it out, but he was sure he saw a tear roll down Shining's face.
"Yeah. They're gone. And If we don't hurry, We'll be gone soon too. Let's move."

The company headed further into the jungle.
The cave complex was meant to be near the heart of the jungle.
Crashing through the undergrowth, the party eventually came to a river.
Sea examined the water carefully.
"It's flowing too fast. We can't cross here."
Shining stamped a hoof.
"Well We've gotta cross here! We don't have a choice!"
Sombra smacked Shining on the back of the head.
"Don't be a fool. If we try, We'll die."
Shining took a moment to think about it, before falling silent.
Fluttershy and Sea stood, agape.
Both of them tried, but none of them could summon the words.
It was... It was....

"YE LOOK LIKE YE NEED A HOOF THERE, BREEZY!"
It was Green, at the helm of the Equila.
Wasting no time, he threw down the gangplank, allowing the group aboard.
Sea Breeze was stunned.
"But how...! I saw you die!"
Green winked.
"It'll take more than an overgrown squid to do me in, laddy."
Sea Breeze was overwhelmed with pride in his friend.
Turning his attention to his maps, he traced the flow of the river.
"Just up here, Green. It'll take us straight where we need to go."
Green looked about.
"Where's the little Golden lad and the Cowpony?"
Silence.
"Ah. I see. Sorry for askin' mateys. Chin up! We've got work to do!"

It wasn't long before the Equila hit the rocky riverbank.
The caves were in sight.
Shining took the opportunity to explain the situation.
"Our only hope is to get Chrysalis back to Canterlot. The world is disappearing fast, So we don't have much time. We abduct her if we have to."
Sombra was liking this plan.
"Fluttershy, you stay with the ship."
Fluttershy looked at the floor, before looking up, straight into Shining's eyes.
"I'm going with you."
Shining layered his voice with sympathy, trying not to snap.
"Fluttershy, We need someone to take care of the ship. Green is coming with us, so that leaves you."
Fluttershy shook her head, again.
"Why don't you stay with the ship?"
Shining snapped.
"BECAUSE IF I FAIL HERE, I'M NEVER GOING TO SEE TWO OF MY BEST FRIENDS AGAIN."
Sombra immediately stood between Shining and Fluttershy, turning to comfort a frightened Fluttershy.
Sombra seriously considered striking Shining, but in the end decided against it.
Green stepped in.
"Yer all hopeless without me. Aye, I'll stay with the ship. Breezy will as well. We'll be ready to go when you three get back. Now get goin', mateys!"
Not waiting a second, Shining Galloped from the ship, heading into the darkness of the caves.
Sombra and Fluttershy were close behind him.

Shining galloped down the dark corridors, full haste.
Sweat formed on his brow.
All he could do was run, His horn lighting the way.
Parts of the cave were crumbling away into nothingness already.
The Astral distortion was getting worse and worse.
All He knew was that he couldn't give up hope.
He could hear Fluttershy and Sombra, galloping as best they could to keep up with him.
Eventually, he came to a large antechamber.
Sure enough, Chrysalis was cowering on her throne.
All around her, changelings blinked from existence with horrifying shrieks.
She noticed the white unicorn, and put on her best threatening face.
"What do YOU want?"
Shining ignored it.
"We need you to come with us. You hold the only way we can stop this!"
Chrysalis thought for a moment.
She had nothing to lose.
And Everything to gain.
"I'll help you... If you promise to turn control of Equestria and its subjects to me!"
Shining had a dangerous look in his eye.
"You don't seem to understand. You WILL help us. You ARE coming with us. And as many of your changelings as possible, too..."

Shining fired a bolt of magic forwards, hitting Chrysalis straight between the eyes.
She was under his spell instantly.
He had learned a few things, the last time she had manipulated him.
And now the tables were turned.
Chrysalis spoke out, her voice dull and lifeless.
"Come my Subjects. We must go with him."
A swarm of changelings rushed past the three, heading out of the cave complex.
Chrysalis lurched down, flying unsteadily, to meet eye to eye with Shining.
Sombra raised an eyebrow.
"So When I do it to an entire empire, I'm villain of the millennia. But when you do it, You're the heroic captain of the royal guard?"
Shining shook his head.
"Let's just go."

Sea Breeze and Green Flash were shocked and disgusted by the huge number of changelings pouring from the tunnel, and attaching themselves to the ship.
Shining and Co. Came soon after, immediately heading to the helm to give Green the Green light.
Chrysalis stood mindlessly beside Shining.
Fluttershy had an idea, stretching her wings and whispering in Shining's ear.
Sombra eyed them wearily.
Sombra turned to Chrysalis.
"Have your changelings fly this ship, HONEY."
He grimaced slightly at the last word, and Chrysalis let out a lifeless yell.
"Everyone flap their wings. Everyone make this vessel fly."
Green Flash grinned in excitement, Whilst Sea Breeze hung on for dear life.
He wasn't good with heights.
As the reality below it began to tear apart, The Equila rose into the air, riding on the many changeling wings.
Green Flash let out a bellow of happiness.
"I NE'ER WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IT, MATEYS! WE'RE FLYIN' THROUGH THE AIR!"
Shining prayed that they would make it in time.
Within minutes, the ship had risen high into the clouds.
Shining couldn't help but feel the thrill of flying.
He now understood why Gold loved it so much.
Loved...
Shining fought back more tears.
There would be plenty of time for crying once the world was safe.
It was at that moment that the night sky split open.
Fluttershy screamed.
Sombra yelled.
"It's getting worse! We don't have much time left!"
Shining galloped back to the helm.
"Sea Breeze. It's up to you. Get us back, the quickest way possible!"
Sea Breeze saluted.
"Aye Aye, sir!"

Shining looked around.
"Where are Sombra and Fluttershy?"
Sea and Green looked around.
Surely enough, the two had disappeared.
Shining was about to break.
"No... Not them too."
Sea Breeze let out a yell.
"There's Trottingham! And there're the mountains of Canterlot!"
Shining whirled around.
Sure enough, his home was now within sight.
Right down to the last tower.
"Aim for the top tower of the royal castle!"

Shining looked down.
It was horrible.
Canterlot was being torn apart, ponies blinking from existence.
Everything was coming apart.
If he could just get the changelings to the tower...

Sea Breeze looked around.
"Where Did Shining go?"
The changeling queen snapped from her trance.
"What.. Where... TRICKERY!"
Sea jumped.
Green tapped him on the shoulder.
"Laddy, They'll be escapin' if you don't do something quickly."
Sea Breeze stood and thought.
What Could he do?
What could he possibly do?
He turned to look at Green.
He looked around for Sombra and Fluttershy, but found them all gone too.
There was only one way he could prevent the changeling escape.
He dug deep, and with a gigantic flash from his horn, He ignited a huge shield around the perimeter of the ship.
The changelings were disoriented long enough, and the ship landed square on the tower.
The Jewel in the center of the tower lit up, reacting to all the energy that had been brought together.
An almighty flash lit up the sky.

Celestia woke with a start.
Instantly, she analyzed her surroundings.
Her horn lit up with magic, as she dug deep down...

A gigantic beam of pure energy erupted from the heart of Canterlot Castle.
The beam spiralled upwards, before splitting and hitting both the sun and moon at once.
An almighty flash lit up the sky, as the splits in the world began to return to normal.
Celestia, Her eyes alight with magic, spread her wings and took off through her window.
She flew upwards toward the central tower, the beam of magic never breaking.
She landed upon the cobbled floor, before lifting her head to deliver one final burst of magic to the heavens.
With a final flash, the Sun and Moon began to part, returning to their original places.
Twinkling lights floated down from the heavens, eventually re-forming the ponies that had been wiped from existence

And the sun rose to the center of the sky, bathing the land in light.

Sea Breeze awoke atop the tower.
The Equila was nowhere to be seen.

"It's alright, little one. I've moved it back to where it belongs."

Sea Breeze turned around.
Standing, Regally, behind him, was none other than Princess Celestia.
He looked about.
Everyone was there, on the tower.
The changelings were being escorted away by the royal guard.

Shining was the next to wake up.
Dazed, he surveyed his surroundings.
Eventually, his eyes came upon Braeburn and Gold, lying next to each other.
With a yell of joy, He bound towards them, waking them both up with a tackle hug.
"Ow, Owowow! Shiny, Chill out!"
Sombra was the next to wake. He quickly crawled over to Fluttershy, waking her gently.
Green was the last to wake up.
He trotted towards Sea, regarding the view with melancholy interest.
Their journey was over.

They could do anything now. The world was safe.

The end.