Lazy Bones

Chapters

Prologue
1: A Well Deserved Break
2: Tension Rising
3: Getting Back On Track
4: Escalation
5: Searching For Solutions
6: To The Rescue
7: Final Words
Epilogue

Prologue

~Prologue~

The world snapped into focus as light faded around the unicorn, he swayed on the spot threatening to collapse, but quickly felt two pairs of hooves take his weight.

“Clearly, that long ranged teleport needs a little refinement,” he said glancing up at his rescuers. The elder of the two just smirked before letting go, satisfied that if he could make jokes, he could also stand on his own four hooves.

“My apologies for the delay,” he said stifling a yawn, “I was in the middle of some tedious business when your message arrived.”

“Not at all,” the older of the two pegasi assured him, “we appreciate the effort it took you to come here at all on such short notice.”

With that said, all three silently agreed it was time to start walking, and so the elderly unicorn followed his two escorts down the cobblestone street as they explained the situation.

“It was actually junior here who discovered the anomaly,” the older continued, gesturing at his younger and somewhat unsure partner, “normally this kind of thing could wait until morning, but in this case… well you’ll understand when we get there.”

“No, no, of course, I trust your judgement Mason,” the unicorn said before turning his attention to the younger Pegasus who so far hadn’t uttered a word, “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, Glyph, at your service.”

The young Pegasus seemed taken aback at the sudden address, “oh… uh… pleasure, of course,” he stammered hurriedly, “I mean… Feather Duster, at your service.”

Mason and Glyph both laughed at this, only increasing the colt’s anxieties. “Oh my boy,” Glyph said in a fatherly tone, “there’s no need to be nervous, your among friends here. I take it you’re a new recruit them?”

Feather Duster looked briefly up at Mason, as if hoping he would answer for him, when it was apparent he wasn’t he looked back at Glyph, “first month on the job.”

“Don’t worry, it gets easier I assure you,” Glyph said offering him a comforting smile, “I remember I was once in your horse shoes myself.”

“You… you were a guard?” Feather Duster asked in disbelief.

“Yes, I was in the same garrison as Mason back in Canterlot, this was before I became a high wizard of course,” Glyph explained, Feather Duster stared in awe at Glyph and Mason as they began reminiscing about their time in the guard together.

“Oh Celestia, do you remember Back Bone?”

“Do I? I don’t remember feeling more glad to be on solid ground after flying with him.” The pair laughed together, before Mason suddenly realised they had arrived at their destination. The three stood outside what looked to be an abandoned mill, Feather Duster hurriedly dashed forward and began fiddling with the padlock on the door.

“Odd place to find a disturbance like the one you described,” Glyph commented, Mason just nodded in agreement as Feather Duster stepped back from the door.

The inside of the building didn’t look any more inviting than the outside. Lighting his horn, Glyph followed Mason closely, Feather Duster shutting the door behind them. Together they navigated the dilapidated corridors until they arrived in a wide room, Glyph presumed it was once used for production, but what really caught his attention was what lay in the centre of the room. Approaching it cautiously Glyph cocked his head slightly, examining what lay before him. It looked almost like a rip in the floor, a tear which was emitting an eerie red glow.

“What do you think?” Mason asked at his side. Glyph wasn’t sure what to think, he was a high wizard in Celestia’s court, in charge of all research into natural magical disturbances, and he could fathom a guess at what he was looking at now.

“How did you come across this?” he asked over his shoulder at Feather Duster who remained a few feet back.

“I received a tip off a thief was hiding out here,” he began to explain, “When I came to investigate I found this, but… it was smaller then, not as wide.”

“Hmm…” Glyph thought about this, “how long ago was that?”

“Um… it couldn’t have been more than six hours,” he responded unsure.

“Well there’s no doubt that whatever this is, it’s expanding, and at a fast rate by the sounds of it,” Glyph confirmed turning back to the other two who were watching him expectantly, “you were definitely right to alert me to this.”

“Could it be dangerous?” Mason asked a hint of worry in his voice.

“Unfortunately I can’t answer that,” Glyph admitted, “I don’t have enough data to make any solid presumptions yet.”

Glyph considered the matter more, he wasn’t satisfied it was urgent enough to alert the princess or any other higher authority, it might be wise to request the aid of a few other unicorns from the castle, at the very least send word of this discovery, but…

“I’m confident that whatever this is, I can analyse it fully myself,” he announced at last turning back to the rip in the floor boards. Crouching down he lowered his horn until it was mere inches away from the… thing. He could feel the power it was emitting, strange; it was completely unfamiliar to him.

Again he considered backing away and requesting help before proceeding, but again he dismissed it and continued to focus his magic. For the next several minutes Mason and Feather Duster stood silently, waiting with baited breath for something, anything to happen. Then, without warning, a faint click echoed through the room causing all three to glance up quickly.

“What was…” Mason began, but before he could finish, the rip burst open. Mason snapped his eyes shut as the room was flooded with the strange light that had previously been sealed rip on the ground. The last thing he saw before shutting his eyes was Glyph being hurled away from where he sat.

He didn’t remember falling to the ground, but sure enough, as he opened his eyes, he found himself in a crumpled heap in the corner of the room. His vision swam before him, the light was gone, but now something else stood in the room with them. He must have hit his head because whatever it was he was seeing double… no, triple… what was he seeing? Rubbing his eyes he stared up at the room, and the things that now surrounded him.

“Wakey wakey,” came a voice and Mason shuddered, that voice… it was unlike anything he’d ever heard before, it sounded neither male nor female, instead it was some kind of twisted mockery of the two. His vision finally clearly he made out what was speaking, leering down over him was… something, it was nightmarish, it had the body of a pony, a pony whose limbs had been twisted and warped, a pony whose skin was a translucent ooze dripping slowly to the floor, a pony that looked like it had been moulded from clay by someone who was blind… and a little bit demented.

But the worst part was the face, the eyes were out of proportion with one another, and stretched comically wide, and instead of a mouth there was simply a wide gash literally stretching from ear to ear. Mason shook in revulsion and barely disguised terror at what stood over him, he tried to form words but found his mouth was too dry, he tried to stand up but found his limbs were too weak. The creature observed his struggling and laughed again.

“Lazy bones,” it mocked, “you don’t deserve to be called captain.”

With that it bent down, it mouth stretching wide and wrapping across his head. Before he could even comprehend what was going on he felt its jaw compressing, felt the slate grey helmet upon his head shatter and his whole skull vibrating, threatening to shatter under the force of the things mouth. But surprisingly death didn’t come; instead the creature reared up and spat him back out, his body flailing to the floor again. All around him was laughter, twisted demonic laughter, and looking back up he realised in horror that what he’d seen earlier wasn’t the result of hitting his head.

Standing all around him were six identical creatures, all leering down at him with their identical wide eyes, and their identical smiles. As he stared up at the horrific faces looming over him, he felt the last of his courage slip away; tears welled up in his eyes as he thought desperately of his friends in the guard, his parents in Manehattan, his marefriend waiting back at home. The creature watched this, their smiles growing impossibly wider, and then one broke the silence, whether it was the same one as before or if the all sounded identical as well Mason would never know.

“This… will be fun.”

Sometime later, how long exactly these creatures didn’t know, to them the passage of time was a nuisance they chose to ignore. Looking down at the three bloody heaps of the guards and the wizard they laughed again, deriving great pleasure from the time spent with their new friends. It was only when they heard gently clopping of hooves on the wooden floor that they all fell silent and turned to face the seventh member of their group. It walked slowly between them; they parted respectfully to allow it to pass unhindered to the body of the unicorn. While this one too was identical to the others, anyone looking in from the outside could tell there was a difference in this one that ran deeper than mere physical appearance.

As it reached the unicorn it crouched low, examining the body. He was still breathing, good, that would make things easier. Reaching forward with a hoof it placed it between the unicorn's eyes, which were fluttering gently. Taking a few seconds to gather itself the creature pushed forward, its hoof sinking through the unicorn's skull, whose eyes shot open in agony as the creature pushed itself further and further into his mind. And as it did it began to feel things, it felt itself walking the streets of Canterlot, felt itself sitting in the library studying, felt as the unicorn had felt.

Then when the creature was satisfied it was wearing the unicorns mind like a glove it began shuffling through the archives of knowledge stored there, glancing briefly at one, dismissing it and moving on to the next. The creature felt after a while it was getting nowhere when at last it arrived at a memory that made it stop for some reason. Nothing about this memory seemed significant at first; the unicorn was just standing in a crowd in the Canterlot castle, staring up at a raised alter where six mares stood gathered in front of Celestia… CELESTIA! Back in the real world the creature clutched it’s chest in undisguised anguish with its free foreleg as suddenly it could feel its fury bubbling to the surface and for a brief moment was about to liquefy the unicorns mind there and then, but then something caught its attention, something about the way Celestia looked down at one of the six mares in particular.

After gazing over a few other memories to confirm what the creature suspected, it finally pulled out of the unicorn and turned to its six siblings who were waiting expectantly for it to finish. Then one stepped forward and addressed it.

“Did you get what you needed brother? Is it time to kill Celestia?” it asked, while they may all appear identical and above all gender neutral, they knew each other intimately.

“No… we’re not going to kill Celestia,” he announced causing the other six to exchange confused glances, but he just smiled, his grin cutting his face in half as he thought of that purple unicorn Celestia had looked at so fondly, “we’re going to destroy her!”

1: A Well Deserved Break

~1: A Well Deserved Break~

“Hey Twilight, you in there?”

Twilight Sparkle snapped out of her trance and snapped her head around to see who was talking to her. The little purple dragon stood with his arms folded, a concerned look on his face.

“Oh Spike, yeah I’m fine,” she confirmed before staring back out at the vast ocean beneath them.

“Twilight, the whole point of a vacation is that you take time to relax,” Spike reminded her, “instead of worrying about every little thing like if you forgot to pack your telescope or some equally trivial thing.”

“It’s not that Spike it’s just…” she began before her heart missed a beat, “wait, we didn’t forget the telescope did we?”

Spike buried his face in his claws and sighed, “No we didn’t forget it, and I’m not doing this with you, just relax.”

With that Spike turned and walked across the deck to wear Rarity stood giving ‘come hither’ looks to other passengers and flicking her head so her perfectly styled mane caught the light.

Twilight tapped her hoof impatiently trying to occupy her mind, but it was no good. So she set about seeking a distraction from her thoughts. Walking the in the opposite direction of Spike eyeballing Rarity she arrived in time to catch the tail end of Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s argument.

“Ah didn’t say air travel didn’t work,” Applejack insisted, “ah just said, I trust mah own four hooves more.”

“Says the cowgirl standing on an airship,” Rainbow Dash retorted.

“And until ah learn ta walk on water ah’ll keep standin’ on it,” Applejack suddenly noticed Twilight approaching and calmed down noticeable, “hey there sugarcube, you still frettin’ about that nice wizard in Canterlot?”

“No, I know he’ll be fine,” Twilight said hurriedly, though she knew she was just trying to convince herself… and she wasn’t succeeding.

“Well maybe to take your mind off of it, you could educate AJ on the merits of air travel,” Dash proposed causing Applejack to roll her eyes.

“No I think you’ve got that covered,” Twilight said, suppressing a giggle at Applejack’s annoyance, “any thoughts about all this?”

“What about it Hun?” Applejack asked unsure, “ah know ah wasn’t mighty pleased leavin’ the farm, but ah guess the princess is right and all.”

“Yeah, we deserve a break,” Dash cut in, “after all how many ponies can claim they single hoofedly saved all of Equestria.”

“Single hoofedly?” Applejack questioned raising an eyebrow, Dash didn’t push the subject.

“I still think we should have gone to Las Pegasus though,” she continued, “you don’t know a good time till you’ve hit the clubs there.”

“Sorry Rainbow but you the cloud walking spell is temporary,” Twilight explained apologetically, “and I wouldn’t have it in me to keep casting it.”

“I know, I know,” Dash groaned, not sounding any happier about it. Twilight however brightened slightly.

“But think about where we’re going,” she began excitedly, “we’re not just travelling to the other end of Equestria; we’re going to an entirely new continent.”

“That will be pretty cool I guess,” Dash admitted, “but we’re still staying in some backwater town.”

“Backwater town!” Applejack exclaimed, “Do yah have any idea how much heritage we got in this place?”

“Applejack, I had no idea you were so proud of Equestria’s roots,” Twilight said astounded.

“Course ah am Twi, growin up we heard plentay of stories about the three tribes.”

“So this Hamlet,” Rainbow Dash began, “what makes it so special?”

“It was town established as the result of a treaty between the three tribes some time before the discovery of Equestria,” Twilight explained, “it was the first major attempt to merge all three societies and have members of all tribes living side by side.”

“Trust an egghead like you to know all that, but you AJ?” Dash exclaimed.

“You should be more proud of your roots,” Applejack challenged.

“Hey I have plenty of pride,” Dash argued back.

“Ah couldn’t agree with yah more,” Applejack murmured forcing Twilight to stifle another giggle.

“Hey everypony, come quick!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie from the edge of the deck, who was bouncing excitedly.

Twilight, Dash and Applejack walked over where they were joined by Spike, Rarity and Fluttershy. Together they all looked across the lapping waves to what Pinkie had seen. Just peeking above the horizon, was a small sliver of shoreline, and as the seven friends looked on in awe at the land of their ancestors, the airship began its descent.

Twilight turned the key of the empty house, and the heavy wooden door swung open allowing its seven new occupants to enter. The journey to Hamlet had taken the whole night, and so it was early morning by the time they finally arrived at the building adjacent to the town square that would serve as their home away from home for the next month. No sooner had Twilight opened the door, than she was sent flying by Dash and Pinkie who rushed in ahead of the rest to call dibs on the rooms. Leaving her luggage in the entrance hall Twilight began to ascend the stairs, all the while examining the impressive house around her.

The princess hadn’t spared any expense at obtaining this house that was for sure, everything from the walls to the furniture was expertly crafted. The manor was comprised of three floors, the ground floor holding the usual rooms like the kitchen and the lounge, the second floor was almost entirely comprised of bedrooms and en suites, and the last floor was simply an attic bedroom and study, which without having to discuss it, had been assigned as Twilight’s bedroom. As soon as they were all settled in they assembled in the dining room to discuss the day ahead of them.

“You do what you want,” Spike said grumpily, “but I’m gonna take a nap, I barely got any sleep on that carriage ride it was so bumpy.”

“Of course Spike, you are a baby dragon after all,” Twilight said reminding herself.

“well I for one would quite like to take a walk through the town, perhaps do a little shopping,” Rarity announced, “you girls are of course welcome to join me.”

“That sounds nice,” Fluttershy said quietly and Twilight nodded in agreement.

“That sounds good an all, but not really mah thing,” Applejack said scratching her head awkwardly.

“That’s okay you can hang with Dashie and me,” Pinkie chipped in.

“Sorry Pinkie,” Dash said with a yawn, “I’m with Spike on this one, I think I’m gonna try and catch a few zees.”

“Okie dokie loki, guess it’s just you and me Applejack.” Applejack didn’t look thrilled.

“Alright everypony, we’ll meet back hear at five and we’ll all head out for dinner,” Twilight announced and was met with murmurs of agreement.

“It does look wonderful Rarity, but let’s save something for another day, we’re here for a month remember.” Rarity turned away reluctantly from the doors of the spa and together she, Twilight and Fluttershy continued down the street, the latter carrying Rarity’s shopping bags in her mouth.

“Now that I can’t wait for,” she said brightening up, “and we simply must revisit that crafts shop, I have a funny feeling that shop assistant doesn’t know the value of the fabric she’s selling and we’ll very soon see it in a reduced to clear section.”

Fluttershy mumbled something but neither of them could make it out through the shopping bags in her mouth.

“What was that dear?” Rarity asked oblivious to the problem. Fluttershy adjusted the bags to one side of her mouth so she could talk.

“I said…” what she said they’d never know, because at the point they rounded a corner and Fluttershy walked headlong into an approaching guards pony. She screamed as she fell to the ground, the shopping bags spilling everywhere causing Rarity to scream even louder. Twilight barely had time to react, and when she did, all she could do was help Fluttershy back onto her hooves.

“Oh I’m so sorry…” she began sounding terrified, but the unicorn she had collided with cut across her.

“No, no, it’s my fault, I should have looked where I was going,” he said gathering the fallen bags with a blue aura; he then looked up and met the eyes of the three mares. “Twilight Sparkle?”

Rarity and Fluttershy froze looking over to Twilight who was completely still for a second trying to remember who this was, and then it dawned on her.

“Iron Heart!” she exclaimed.

“Wow it’s been a long time,” he said in disbelief.

“Yeah, look at you,” Twilight said noticing his slate grey armour, “I didn’t even know you had been transferred.”

“Yeah a few years now,” he said, Twilight felt a pang of guilt for not knowing that, “how’s Shinning doing? I haven’t seen him since the wedding.”

“You were at the wedding?” Twilight asked surprised.

“Yeah, but I suppose you wouldn’t have had time to check the guest list, what with saving the day and all,” he said laughing, Twilight joined in before she felt herself being gently nudged in the ribs and turned to see Rarity staring expectantly.

“Oh of course, Iron Heart these are my friends Rarity and Fluttershy, we’re staying in Hamlet for a while,” she explained, “and girls this is Iron Heart, he was a friend of my brothers in the Royal guard.”

There was a quick exchange of greetings before Iron Heart remembered he was on duty.

“Sorry again about walking into you,” he said to Fluttershy who was about to dismiss it, “here’s your bags back anyway.”

Rarity took them gratefully in her own magical aura before Iron Heart turned back to Twilight, “sorry I gotta go but duty calls and all that, but it was nice seeing you again, and if you guys are in Hamlet for a while I wouldn’t mind getting together some time to catch up.”

“I’d like that,” Twilight said simply, and with one last friendly nod Iron Heart continued on his patrol. Twilight turned back to the other two who both had strange looks on their faces. Rarity’s was excited and suggestive while Fluttershy… was harder to read.

“Well, well, well,” Rarity said nudging up against Twilight, “he seemed nice.”

“Don’t get any ideas,” Twilight said, “we’re just old friends.”

“Of course dear and I’m sure that how he sees it as well,” Rarity said slyly, “though he might get the wrong impression considering how much you were blushing during that conversation.”

“W… what,” Twilight spluttered staring at her reflection in a shop window, her cheeks were very pink. Rarity was giggling to herself; Twilight just snorted and continued walking with the other two trailing behind. In a vain attempt to change the subject Twilight addressed Fluttershy, “what were you saying before all that?”

But Fluttershy didn’t answer her; in fact Fluttershy looked like she was miles away.

Applejack and Pinkie left the bakery after having noticed the time and began walking back towards the house.

“Wow that was delicious!” Pinkie exclaimed bouncing happily, “and I know bakers are friendly but wow! Mr Cookie has to be one of the nicest ponies I’ve ever met, and I’ve met a lot of ponies…”

Applejack simply nodded as Pinkie continued in her tangent, the day had been fun and the ponies were indeed nice, but they weren’t used to Pinkie and she was scaring them off without even knowing it.

“I wonder if he’ll let me throw him a party to officially announce us becoming the bestest of…” but she came to a screeching halt and gasped, seemingly horrified with something.

“Something wrong sugarcube?” Applejack asked warily.

“Yes there most certainly is something wrong,” the words came tumbling out of Pinkie’s mouth, “I was friends with everypony and I mean everypony back in Ponyville, but we don’t know anypony here, which means I have to become friends with all of them in just one month.”

“Beg your pardon,” Applejack said, completely oblivious to half the things Pinkie had said she was talking so fast.

But it was too late, Pinkie had already sped off down the street and Applejack turned to see her running towards the only pony in sight, a gruff looking stallion carrying some kind of porcelain ornament on his back. Too late did Applejack realise what was going to happen and she pulled her hat down over her eyes and cringed as she heard something shatter.

“Hi! My name’s Pinkie Pie, what’s your…”

“What the…” the stallion bellowed, his eyes wide with fury, he was about to open his mouth while stepping menacingly towards Pinkie before Applejack chose that moment to intervene.

“Whoa there pardner,” she said quickly stepping between the two of them.

“This bitch just destroyed my hard work!” he yelled into Applejack’s face.

“And ah’m real sorry bout that, but she didn’t know any better, so hear…” she reached back and fished out a mouthful of bits and handed them over to the stallion, “ah hope that can cover it.”

The stallion seemed pacified, and calming down slightly he accepted the bits, “at least one of you has some manners.”

With that he turned and walked away, still muttering under his breath.

“Pinkie, what were you thinking?” Applejack asked slowly, like she was addressing a filly.

“Oh Applejack I’m so sorry I just got excited, you didn’t have to give him your bits,” Pinkie said looking hurt.

“Don’t worry bout the money,” Applejack assured her, “what ah mean is you coulda gotten hurt.”

“Oh AJ I’m sure he wouldn’t hit a girl no matter how angry he was,” Pinkie stated, but Applejack shook her head.

“Trust me Pinkie, ah know his type, they’re just lookin for an excuse to lash out, don’t matter who’s on the other end,” Applejack explained, “places like Appleloosa and Dodge are full of em, guess ah just know how to spot em better than you.”

Pinkie looked like she was going to continue talking but Applejack just cut her off, and silently they started walking back to the house. It only took the five minutes to reach the town square where they saw the other five gathered outside the front door of the house.

“Hey Pink, you alright?” Dash asked noticing her sullen expression.

“I’m fine Dashie,” she said at a manageable attempt at her usual cheery self. Dash looked at Applejack who just shook her head before addressing Twilight.

“So where we headin?”

“We passed this nice looking place on the way back here; you don’t mind a fancy atmosphere do you?” Twilight asked sounding unsure.

“Not at all,” Applejack said straightening her hat as the party began to walk.

“Yes a restaurant, should be nice,” Rarity said, but Applejack could tell from her voice she had something on her mind, something which she found greatly amusing at Twilight’s expense judging by the look on her face. “Perhaps some other evening we can have a nice home cooked meal, if one of us were to become better acquainted with certain locals.”

“What do you…” Dash began, but was cut off by Twilight picking up her pace and Rarity trying to hold in a laugh

The meal passed by without incident, thank Celestia, and the seven were now sitting around there table exchanging stories of their day.

“Rarity please just drop it for five minutes,” Twilight begged in a low whisper so the others at the table wouldn’t hear.

“I don’t see why you’re getting so touchy about it dear,” Rarity said sounding genuinely bewildered.

“I don’t see why you’re so interested,” Twilight snapped back causing both her and Rarity to jump in surprise. “Oh Rarity I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…”

“No it’s quite alright,” Rarity assured her taking a sip from her glass, “I crossed a line, and I’m sorry.”

“Pinkie, is that your stomach?” Fluttershy enquired tentatively.

“Yup! I’m starving,” Pinkie announced.

“But you just ate,” Fluttershy reasoned, “and you had the most out of all of us.”

“Huh, weird, I also ate loads when AJ and I were at the bakery earlier,” this seemed to bother Pinkie for a while before she shrugged it off, “oh well; I’m going to see what’s on the dessert menu.”

“Oh yeah,” Dash exclaimed drawing all their attention, “how much do you want to bet on it cowgirl?”

“Ah aint bettin nothing with you,” Applejack said meeting Dash’s stare.

“That’s just because you know you’re wrong,” Dash said looking at her reflection in the back of a spoon.

“Fine then, fifty bits!” Dash dropped the spoon at this, “what? A little out of your budget?”

“No, fifty bits sounds perfect,” Dash responded, returning to glaring at Applejack.

Immediately they both spat into their hooves and bumped on it. Rarity dropped her glass in disbelief while Twilight groaned and tried to hide under her napkin. The two then began fishing into their saddle bags, each counting out their bits.

“Hey Rare, you mind holding onto these for us?” Applejack asked Rarity.

“Why can’t you hold onto your own money?” Rarity asked still not wanting to look up for fear somepony else was watching them.

“Ah don’t want her spendin mah fifty bits,” Applejack stated, getting a snort in response from Rainbow Dash.

“Fine just stop making a scene the both of you,” Rarity demanded, “I’d like to come back here sometime during our stay here.”

They both passed their money across which Rarity stored in her own saddlebag.

“Um excuse me, but, what are you even betting on?” asked Fluttershy, speaking up for the first time since Pinkie had left the table.

“Applejack thinks that when we get back to Ponyville some big disaster will have happened while we were gone,” Dash explained, “whereas I know it’ll be some huge disaster that affects all of Equestria.”

“But what if there’s no disaster at all?” Twilight asked, she wasn’t sure why she expected it to be anything less trivial than that.

“Like that’ll happen!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash said in unison. They looked like they were about to get at each other’s throats again, but at that moment Pinkie returned to the table carrying a huge platter of desserts.

“Wow Pinkie those look delicious,” Twilight said as she looked at the plate trying to decide which one she wanted.

“Doesn’t it just,” Pinkie said delighted, “you should also ask for everything when you order your dessert.”

Twilight had been about to reach forward to take something, but stopped dead at what Pinkie said. She knew Pinkie didn’t realise she’d given a false impression to the others by carrying multiple dessert down to the table, but still… she couldn’t help but feel, somewhat, bitter.

Upon their arrival back at the house, Twilight floated Spike up the stairs and placed him in the cot in the attic that was acting as his bed for the trip. Strange, even after sleeping all day he still fell asleep at the restaurant, he didn’t even finish his own meal which was unlike him. But Twilight figured it was just fatigued from all the travelling, he’d be feeling better in the morning. In the mean while Twilight busied herself by unpacking the rest of her belongings, filling the shelves with all the reading material she thought she might need, and as she looked at the room, filled with book, she knew… it wouldn’t be enough.

Rarity weighed the bag of bits she’d received from Applejack and Rainbow Dash in her hoof. It was just like them to put so much money on something so juvenile. Opening her bedside cabinet she placed the pouch inside, one thing was for sure, she didn’t want to be the one responsible for losing either of their money let alone both of them. With that out of the way she entered her bathroom and began her evening rituals before to bed, after all beauty sleep doesn’t just happen, it takes years of practice and a great amount of effort.

Rainbow Dash sucked in her gut as she observed herself in the full length mirror; she liked what she saw, everything from her flowing mane to her delicately preened feathers. She stretched her wings briefly, it was a shame she hadn’t gotten out to do any flying today, but she would definitely do it tomorrow, after all, who was she to deny the good ponies of Hamlet the honour of watching the greatest flyer in Equestria do her stuff. Grinning one last time at her reflection she turned and collapsed onto her bed, and was out like bulb in minutes.

Fluttershy stood in the bath tub fiddling with the shower dials, the one in her room hadn’t been working so she was instead using the downstairs one. After half an hour, twenty minutes of which had been spent trying to figure out how to change the temperature of the water, she finally turned it all off and stood in the tub briefly and let the water drain off her. She sighed contently, about to shake herself off and step out from behind the curtain, when she heard the door open and hooves marching through the bathroom.

She had been so surprised she hadn’t even thought to alert whoever it was to her presence, and now that she hadn’t down so immediately she began to feel about doing so.

“Buckin toilets, I swear if this one aint workin.” It was Applejack, and she didn’t sound happy, which made Fluttershy even less keen on making herself known. Trying to hold as still as possible she glanced at the shower curtain keeping her hidden, it was only translucent so she could see Applejack silhouette walking across the room towards the toilet. Then to her shock she saw Applejack mount the toilet seat clearly through a gap in the curtains.

She quickly glanced away, adjusting herself so she couldn’t see Applejack through the gap. But then as she began to hear the unmistakable sound of liquid slashing into the toilet she found herself inexorably drawn to looking back through the gap. It was strange she had that same racing sensation in her chest, the one she’d felt earlier that day when they met Twilight’s guard friend. Tentatively she moved her head so that she once again able to see Applejack through the gap in the curtain.

While ponies didn’t usually wear clothes it was just common courtesy not to go out of your way to looking where you shouldn’t, but in this case Fluttershy couldn’t help herself from straining her neck to get a better look. She felt her wings perk up behind her, but Applejack’s leg was still in the way, if she could just get a little… then she felt her hoof slip beneath her, she squealed as she went tumbling headfirst through the shower curtain, and fell sprawled in the middle of the bathroom floor.

“What in Tarnation!” Applejack exclaimed leaping off the toilet, then Fluttershy managed to pull the curtain off her head and she met Applejack’s gaze. “Fluttershy! What in the hay are you doing?!”

“I… I…” she stammered, what had she been doing? She looked again at Applejack who was staring at her with unmistakable fury. Fluttershy began to tear up and before anything else could be said, she sprinted from the room, hurrying for her bedroom and hiding herself under the sheets.

Applejack stormed upstairs, her first thought had been to confront Fluttershy, but then she decided she didn’t want to hear what she had to say. She was furious, disgusted. As she entered her own room she slammed the door behind her and lashed out at a wardrobe. Her years of bucking apple trees made it all too easy, and all too unsatisfying. The door of the wardrobe shattered in half, buckling into itself, but still she was angry. Trotting up to the vanity she drove a hoof into the mirror, causing it to shatter. At last she was beginning to feel satisfaction from her destruction, but as she stared at her fragmented reflection, she also began to feel regret.

Pinkie could swear she heard shouting and breaking from the other rooms in the house, but that was ridiculous, her friends wouldn’t do that. Maybe the house was haunted, and these were violent spirits that only Pinkie could hear. The thought made her feel excited, and a little bit hungry. She sat up in bed and stared at the clock, only eleven O’clock. It hadn’t been three hours since she finished gobbling up all those desserts, but here she was, unmistakably hungry. After a gruelling ten minutes she finally accepted she couldn’t get to sleep without eating something, so pulling herself from bed she ambled quietly down the stairs to the kitchen. They hadn’t had time to go grocery shopping properly, but inside the fridge were the provisions they made themselves before leaving Ponyville. She’d eaten all hers on the trip over here, but the others still had some.

She reached out before hesitating briefly, it wasn’t right to steal her friend's food. But on the other hoof she knew they would let her eat just a little of it if she asked, but since they were all probably asleep, it would be rude for her to wake them up just for that. No she knew she would be allowed, that was enough for her. Reaching out again she lifted out a box labelled ‘RD’. Inside were sandwiches and crisps. Just a nibble to stave off hunger so she could sleep… and hour later she climbed the stairs again, collapsing into bed and passing out, the fridge was picked clean.

2: Tension Rising

~2: Tension Rising~

“My apologies my faithful student, ”Celestia said looking up from her paper work, “I’ve been a little distracted with a troubling matter, but that’s no excuse for not coming to greet you and your friends.”

“Not at all princess,” Twilight stressed, she didn’t want the princess to feel guilty on her behalf, “if you’re having trouble maybe I could help.”

Celestia smiled, “I have no doubt you could help, but you deserve time off for everything you and your friends have done.”

“But…” Twilight began.

“No buts, now I’ve arranged for you to travel to Panchea by airship, once there you’ll continue by carriage to where you’ll be staying in Hamlet,” she explained walking around her desk and leading Twilight out of her study.

“Thank you again princess,” Twilight said for (easily but not really) thousandth time, “but this troubling matter…”

Celestia sighed, she knew Twilight wasn’t going to let it go, “I assure you, I’m more than capable of dealing with it, it’s just one of the high wizards went missing a few days ago.”

“Missing?” Twilight asked shocked.

“yes, he was studying in the archives when he was suddenly called away on an urgent matter,” Celestia continued as they walked through the castle, “he simply told his apprentice ‘he was required urgently’ and that was the last he’s been seen.”

Twilight thought about this, she knew this vacation had been in the works for some months and all her friends were looking forward to it, but she didn’t feel right walking away in the middle of something like this.

“Don’t worry Twilight; I have every faith in Glyph.” Too late did Celestia realise her mistake as Twilight came to a sudden definite halt.

“Glyph! Glyph is missing!” Celestia sighed at Twilight’s panicked expression.

Twilight remembered as she lay in her bed in Hamlet. The sun had risen and was now shining light thorough her thin curtains. She trusted Celestia’s judgement, and she trusted Glyph not to get himself into a situation he could get out of, but still… she thought back fondly of the old unicorn who had so often snuck restricted books out of the Canterlot library for her to read, he’d always encouraged her desire to learn, even areas which other unicorns argued she was too young or inexperienced for. She smiled at this thought; he’d always stuck up for her.

Pulled back to reality by Spike’s yawning, she pulled herself out of bed and went about getting washed up. Stepping out of the bathroom she wasn’t surprised to see Spike still snoring away in his cot, but enough was enough. Summoning her magical energy she reached out to Spike, lifting him from under the covers and floating him with her down stairs. He woke up as she stepped onto the second floor.

“Uh, Twilight, put me back in bed,” he moaned, Twilight was about to respond when they heard a shout from downstairs.

They rushed down the last flight of stairs into the kitchen where Rainbow Dash stood at the open fridge. Curious Twilight and Spike both walked over and immediately saw what had shocked and angered Dash, all the food they’d brought was gone, all that was left was empty containers and crumbs. Hearing hoofsteps Twilight looked up to see Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie walk in.

“What in the hay’s goin on in here?” Applejack demanded, looking more irritable than usual.

“Someone ate all the food,” Spike said, now looking properly awake.

Applejack marched over to examine for herself, followed closely by Rarity. Twilight however noticed that Pinkie hung back, and meeting her eye Twilight saw the guilt.

“Pinkie, how could you?” she exclaimed causing the others to look up.

“I… I got hungry, I only meant to have a little but…” she began, she didn’t look like the happy go lucky Pinkie Twilight knew so well, she looked ashamed and scared.

Applejack stormed up to her causing her to cower in fear, “do you ever think about anypony sides yourself?” she demanded.

“Yeah, think about me for a change,” Dash exclaimed still standing at the open fridge. Pinkie was now blubbering pathetically, still stammering out her explanation.

“But… but I… couldn’t help myself, and I’m… I’m… still hungry!” with that she burst into a fresh wave of tears and curled up on the floor clutching her stomach in obvious agony.

Applejack began mouthing wordlessly before turning and leaving the sobbing pink heap. Rarity rushed over and cradled Pinkie in her lap, whispering assurances.

“It’s alright everypony,” Twilight said desperately to the room, “we’ll go shopping, this isn’t a big deal.”

Applejack looked murderous at her but at that moment Fluttershy walked into the kitchen.

“What’s going on…” she began, but then she caught Applejack’s eye and both stared at their own hooves.

Twilight stared in utter confusion at the scene, what was going on? Applejack was furious, Pinkie had an eating disorder, Spike was already leaning against the wall, his eyes lolling shut, Fluttershy was trying not to make eye contact with Applejack, and Dash was… examining herself in a mirror so nothing out of the ordinary there. It seemed the only normal one in the room was Rarity, but as Twilight looked down at her she felt a familiar feeling, and couldn’t stop herself from thinking ‘perfect normal Rarity’, the bitterness apparent to herself.

Pinkie sniffed in Spike’s cot as Twilight went through book after book, Spike was supposed to be helping her but he’d dozed off on her bed and she’d long since given up trying to keep him awake. She looked out the window of the attic and not for the first time found herself thinking this vacation wasn’t turning out to be the break any of them needed.

“Twilight,” Pinkie whispered, but Twilight hadn’t heard her, she was staring out the window at a couple walking through the town square, holding hooves.

“Twilight,” Pinkie said again, louder this time, but Twilight was so entranced by the couple she’d never met before that again she ignored her. When at last she turned around, Pinkie was gone.

Nopony spoke as they walked down the street to the market, Rarity considered briefly making a joke to try and lighten the mood, but decided against it. They reached the Saturday market and found it bustling with life, easily the most ponies they’d seen gathered in Hamlet at any one time. Rarity began sweeping the stalls checking for things they needed to get. When at last she found a green grocer stall a few aisles in, she turned to address her friends.

“Alright we’ll start with…” she began, but realised she was talking to thin air. She wasn’t sure when but at some point the other three had walked off to do their own thing.

“fine!” she exclaimed to herself causing passing ponies to look at her in confusion, “I’ll just get the shopping done myself.”

As she browsed through the stalls and began packing bags of various food items she began to have a feeling of déjà vu. Looking around she realised she was in the same street her, Twilight and Fluttershy had walked along the day before, and sure enough, there was the craft store.

It couldn’t hurt to take another look inside, after all everypony else had gone off to do their own thing, why shouldn’t she? Handing over the bits for the few groceries she’ already gathered she left the market and entered the cramped store. The sales assistant she’d met the day before glanced up upon hearing the bell above the door.

“Oh, it’s you,” she said sounding delighted, “I didn’t expect to see you back so soon.”

“Well I had some free time and thought I might have another browse,” Rarity explained looking across the stacks of materials.

Of course nothing had changed since yesterday, but as she walked her ears pricked up at the sound of bits rattling in her saddle bags. She had the money, why shouldn’t she buy something if she wanted it? Settling on some rolls of silk she approached the counter, she could easily make a nice shawl from these.

“Will that be all?” the assistant asked sounding as friendly as she could.

“Yes that should be…” Rarity began, but then her eyes landed upon an impressive antique sewing machine behind the counter.

She didn’t need one, but… she really wanted it. Leaving the craft store with considerably more random items than actual groceries, she began walking towards the market again.

“No more distractions,” she told herself, but no sooner had the words left her mouth than something glinting in the sunlight caught her attention. Turning her head she recognised the jewellery store they had passed the day before but had not entered. She could take a quick look.

Fluttershy had been examining a natural remedies stall before realising the others had walked on without her. By the time she realised this they were already swallowed up by the crowd. She gulped looking at the throngs of ponies, it might be better if she waited outside the market for them. Turning she walked towards a deserted street corner and perched herself on a public bench. It was a glorious day, for all that had gone wrong so far, the weather seemed to be on their side for the time being.

Basking in the warmth of the sunlight, Fluttershy closed her eyes and leaned back. She hadn’t even realised she had dozed off until she was being shaken awake. Blinking rapidly she looked up at the stallion leaning over her. She squealed in surprise and leapt off the bench. The figure just laughed slightly.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said walking over to help her up, “it’s Fluttershy right?”

Hearing this Fluttershy looked up and recognised the guard Twilight introduced them to the day before, what was his name again? Iron Head?

“It’s okay I shouldn’t have been sleeping there I know,” Fluttershy said trying to hide behind her pink curtains.

“Really? I don’t know of any law that states you can’t rest on a public bench.” Fluttershy looked up and noticed him smiling at her; she couldn’t help but smile back, and knew she was blushing heavily. They began talking casually about their vacation and Iron’s work, all the while Fluttershy’s eyes occasionally swept over his toned body and his exquisite armour.

“That’s really interesting,” he said sounding genuine, “my brother is really into animals, you probably wouldn’t know him, he lives in Van Hoover.”

“No I probably wouldn’t then,” Fluttershy admitted. They stood in silence for a brief minute, neither of them sure what to say. But then Iron broke the silence, causing Fluttershy’s heart to sink slightly.

“So how’s Twilight doing?” she was about to answer, when they heard a scream from the market. They both snapped around, Fluttershy ducking behind the bench for safety, Iron didn’t notice however, he was already running in to see what the commotion was about.

Applejack still wasn’t talking to Fluttershy, while she had calmed down since the actual incident; she still remained uncomfortable around her. All morning the logical half of her brain had insisted there would be a perfectly reasonable explanation for it if she’d just ask, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so, afraid she’d only have her fears confirmed. So when she noticed Fluttershy lagging behind, she foolishly decided not to inform the others and instead follow Rarity and Rainbow Dash. The market was so busy that morning they it was easy for Applejack who was taking up the rear to see how they got separated, but she easily spotted Rainbow’s mane through the crowd and made her way over to her.

Dash was bored senseless of their trip already, and now she was angry at her best friend on top of that. It’s like none of the others stopped to even think about her when planning this vacation. At least she was alone now though, Rarity hadn’t even noticed herself separating from the others. At least this gave her an excuse to do a little flying. Weaving through the crowd until she found an open area, she stood and did a couple stretches. She didn’t normally bother with this, but she noticed the looks she was getting from passer-by’s, and couldn’t help giving a complementary flick of her mane, savouring the ‘ohhs’ from ponies who’d stopped walking and taken an interest in her.

Without further ado, she spread her wings and shot into the air like a missile. This was her element, the wind, the adrenaline, it made her feel more alive than ever, but this time it just wasn’t enough. Glancing back down to earth she noticed many more ponies had stopped to see what she was doing. Taking the attention in her stride she dived, causing some ponies to gasp in horror, but at the last second she pulled expertly up firing into the air once more, immediately following it up with as many of her best moves she could tie into together. By the time she slowed down enough so the wind wasn’t whistling in her ears as much she could make out the unmistakable sound of cheering coming from the crowd of ponies who’d gathered to watch her.

Deciding it was time to soak up the glory she drifted back to the ground, blowing kisses to her adoring fans.

“Thank you everypony,” she announced to the crowd, “but don’t feel bad that none of you could ever hope to be as incredible as me, after all, be honest, I am the one and only Rain…”

She was cut short as she felt something yank her tail, and was dragged into a heap on the ground.

“What in the hay do ya think your doin?” Applejack demanded leaning over her, not looking the slightest amused.

“Hey it’s not my fault if these ponies know talent when they see it,” Dash said hopping gracefully to her hooves and taking a little bow to the audience.

“Ah outta knock you upside the head,” Applejack fumed, “then everypony’ll see how amazing you are.”

“whoa AJ,” Dash said backing away slightly, but then regaining her cool she marched forwards and pulled Applejack into a one hoofed hug, “I see what the problem is.”

“Do ya now?” Applejack said menacingly.

“It must be hard being friends with somepony as awesome as me, knowing you’ll only ever be second best,” Dash said, loud enough so everypony could hear.

“Dash,” Applejack whispered, venom dripping from her voice, “get your hoof off me, right now…”

Iron Heart arrived just in time to see Rainbow Dash smashing head first into a fruit stall. Quickly regaining her composure she dived into Applejack, ramming her off her hooves. Applejack didn’t hesitate in flipping around and driving her powerful apple bucking legs squarely into Dash’s shoulder. The resulting crack made everypony gathered cringe. Iron Heart had seen enough, as Dash and Applejack charged head long into each other they were both grasped in a blue aura and forcibly restrained some distance apart.

Fluttershy just arrived to see Iron Heart putting both the bruised and bloody ponies in shackles. Running forward she desperately asked what was going on.

“It’s alright Fluttershy, just some hooligans brawling,” he explained dismissively.

“But… but… they’re my friends,” she tried to explain desperately.

“Really,” he said, not even attempting to hide his surprise, “well in that case you’d better come with me to the barracks to discuss the charges.”

Fluttershy looked like she wanted to say more but at that moment Twilight ran into the scene.

She quickly took in everything before her, shook her head to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, and deciding she wasn’t ran forward to them.

“Sorry Twilight, your friends got in a bit of a scrap,” Iron Heart informed her.

“I can see, but that’s not what I’m here about,” she explained sounding panicked.

“Something wrong?” Iron Heart asked sounding concerned.

“Another one of our friends has gone missing.”

Pinkie wandered the streets, weak with hunger. It was so hard to put one hoof in front of the other; it was so hard to think straight. She was nearly crying from the pain in her stomach. She was so distracted she didn’t even see the building she had arrived next to, but as luck would have it, the shop keeper saw her as he was adjusting the sign outside.

“Oh, hello again Pinkie,” he said causing her to look up, it was Mr Cookie, the owner of the bakery, and he could see something was terribly wrong with her. “My dear, what’s happened to you?”

“I’m… really hungry,” she said weakly through her tears. She felt the baker take a hold of her and lead her through the door.

“This will not do at all, wait here and I’ll fetch you something immediately,” he said sitting her down at one of the tables inside. No sooner had he left than he was back carrying a tray of éclairs.

“I don’t have any money,” Pinkie said miserably, remembering she left her saddle bag back at the house.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said waving it away, “you eat as much as you need to, my treat.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, something glinted in Pinkie’s eyes, and the insatiable hunger in her gut became stronger than ever.

Mr Cookie lived a normal life; everyday was the same as the day before. He would open his shop, and he would spend the next several hours either attending the customers or working in the kitchen. He liked his normal, ordinary life, and he definitely was not used to anything strange happening. But after an hour, maybe two, he found himself pressed against the wall of his shop, watching in horror as the pink demon finished the last scraps of anything that could be considered food, and still licking the crumbs off every plate.

“I… I…” he stammered, completely at a loss for words. Pinkie looked over at him smiling.

“That was all really great,” she said sounding again like the mare he met yesterday; he smiled politely at her, “so what else have you got? I’m starved.”

Mr. Cookie’s eyes widened in shock at this, starved! How could she possibly be hungry?

“I… don’t have anything else,” he admitted, “You ate everything.”

Pinkie looked like she was about to cry again, she fell to the floor and pouted, “But I’m still hungry…”

Then she looked up at Mr. Cookie, a sudden idea in her head, whatever it was, he didn’t like the way she was looking at him…

3: Getting Back On Track

~3: Getting Back On Track~

Twilight cradled her head in her forehooves as her and Fluttershy sat in front of Iron Heart’s desk in the barracks. Looking up she saw he looked as stressed as she felt, and looking around she saw the four cells lining the walls, their occupants looking deeply ashamed with themselves. At last Iron Heart broke the silence drawing Twilight and Fluttershy’s attention back to him.

“I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, Twilight couldn’t blame him, “it's bad enough having to deal with this stuff, but we’re already in the middle of a small crisis without having to deal with brawls and petty theft.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry,” Twilight said pleadingly, “I don’t know what’s going on, they aren’t usually like this.”

“It’s not my fault,” Dash called over from her cell, “AJ started it.”

“An ah wouldna had to if you could keep a lid on that ego of yours,” Applejack retorted.

“Enough!” Iron Heart shouted, silencing them both, “it’s fine that you don’t want to press charges against each other, but you still have to spend a night in the cells for causing a disturbance.”

Both of them groaned at this but didn’t argue.

“eh-hem,” Rarity said quietly, drawing Iron Hearts attention, “I can understand why these ruffians are in here, but surely you can see it in your heart to forgive little old me, I promise I won’t do it again.”

Iron Heart just shook his head, not looking impressed or swayed by Rarity’s pleading, “you’ll be fined for the damage you caused to that jewellers, all the stolen goods will be returned, and you will also spend a night in the cells as punishment.”

Rarity flopped down on her bunk, pouting. Finally Iron Heart turned to the last cell which contained Pinkie Pie.

“This is a very serious matter Miss. Pie,” he said sternly, “you’re going to have to attend a formal trial and you may potentially be made to serve jail time.”

Pinkie didn’t respond, she just curled up in the corner of her cell, her straight mane hiding her face from view. Twilight was most horrified by Pinkie, street fighting and robbery were trivial compared to attempted acts of cannibalism.

“With that settled, could the two of you follow me,” he requested standing up from behind the desk and leading Twilight and Fluttershy away.

“Like I said Twilight,” he said turning to them once they left the room, “we really can’t be taking time out of our search for matters like these.”

“I understand but…” twilight began, but then what Iron Heart had said dawned on her, “search? Search for what?”

“About a week ago two guards went missing, it’s nothing for you to worry about but taking up a lot of our time and effort.”

This struck Twilight as interesting, but before she could follow up on it, Iron Heart was already continuing.

“If you come back tomorrow at midday you can pick up your friends, we’ll even let the pink one out on bail, but she’ll be expected to report back regularly until the trial.”

“We will, thank you for all your effort,” Fluttershy said politely, Iron Heart sighed removing his helmet, letting his blonde mane flow free briefly.

“I really hope we get a chance to hang out without crazy stuff like this happening,” he said sounding exasperated.

“So do I,” Twilight and Fluttershy said at the same time. They looked at each other in surprise, and again Twilight felt that knot in her chest tighten. With nothing more to say they left the barracks and made their way to the house in silence. Twilight was carrying the few groceries Rarity had actually paid for in her own purple grip, and when they arrived in she set about making a simple dinner for Spike, Fluttershy and herself.

The four ponies had been moved to different cells where they couldn’t communicate with one another overnight, and Dash was beginning to get agitated with the whole ordeal. It was hard to think that before all this happened she was basking in the admiration of dozens of strangers, as she deserved. It was Applejack’s fault, she was just angry she could never hope to live up to the legend that is Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in all of Equestria, the winner of the best young flyer competition, and the only pony to successfully perform a sonic rainboom. Yup, the more she thought about it, the more she knew it was true; she was unmatched in every way imaginable.

Applejack paced her own cell, she was exhausted but she’d already kicked the bunk until it was unrecognisable as a bed, the toilet had followed, she even tried to smash the window of her cell, but couldn’t reach it through the metal grill barring it from her. She was furious, at Dash for being a show off, at Fluttershy for being a creep, at Pinkie for being selfish, even at Twilight for just leaving her in here. The more she thought about her friends the greater her anger grew, until she was bucking furiously at the door, trying with all her strength to knock it off its hinges. She only stopped when the night guard had threatened to give her a smack with has baton, but she didn’t feel any less angry, the only difference was now she was angry at the guard on top of everypony else.

Rarity held the diamond up to the moonlight shining through her cell window. She knew if she was caught with it she’d be in even more trouble than she already was, but she wasn’t about to give it up, they’d already taken everything else from her, they weren’t getting this too. Good thing the guard who brought her in didn’t know the first thing about searching, so now here she lay, with her extracted diamond, it was hers, all hers, but still… she wanted more. She was only brought out of her thoughts by the low moaning she could here through the wall of her cell. Pressing an ear up against it she could faintly make out a voice she recognised as Pinkie’s.

“So… hungry.”

Twilight woke up quite suddenly the next morning, what had woken her up? Spike was snoring away as usual, it couldn’t be that. The sun shining through the curtains? No that hadn’t bothered her too much yesterday. Still, she had the creeping feeling something had woken her up. Frowning, she stepped out of bed and looked around, everything seemed normal, just as it had ben when she went to bed the night before, except…

She could swear she had shut the door last night. Had Spike gotten up in the middle of the night for something? Not likely, he’d barely moved since they’d arrived.

“Lazy bones,” Twilight muttered as she left the room. The only other pony in the house that morning was Fluttershy, but as Twilight peeked into her bedroom, Fluttershy was still fast asleep, lucky her.

“You’re just being paranoid Twilight,” she told herself as she went downstairs and began making herself breakfast.

Fluttershy heard Twilight leave her room, and sighed with relief. She massaged her stiff wings as she thought back to the sleeping form of her best friend. She had been so enthralled watching Twilight as she slept; she almost hadn’t gotten out of her room in time as she began to stir. After another few minutes of blissful imagining, Fluttershy pulled the covers off her, and drifted down the stairs to greet Twilight.

The journey back to the barracks that afternoon was just as silent as the journey from it the previous evening. Twilight had managed to drag Spike out with them this time but she could tell the whole time he wasn’t happy about it. Twilight had thought when they first arrived in Hamlet, it was a lot like Ponyville, but only three days in she was already beginning to feel home sick, this wasn’t the vacation they had in mind. Upon arriving at the barracks they encountered Iron Heart giving orders to the other guards for that day.

Noticing them enter, he raised a hoof indicating he’d be with them in a minute, so the three sat themselves on some uncomfortable chairs in the waiting area. After several minutes Iron Heart finally got detached from the group and came over to them.

“Sorry about that girls,” he apologised, then he noticed Spike, “hey Spike, long time no see.”

Spike just grunted and rolled over trying to get back to sleep on the chair.

“Anyway if you’d like to follow me, you just need to sign some stuff and I can let your friends go.” They didn’t argue, except Spike, they just followed back to the room they had spoken in before. Their four friends were waiting there, they weren’t in the cells any longer but they remained shackled. Fluttershy went over to check on them all as Twilight approached Iron Heart’s desk where she was handed a series of forms. Spike lagged behind at the door, looking as eager to leave as the four who’d been there all night.

Iron Heart sat opposite Twilight and as she signed away he leaned in and spoke softly so the others wouldn’t hear them.

“Are you alright?” he asked looking concerned.

“All things considered…” Twilight thought about it for a moment, “not really, no.”

“Not much of a vacation,” he said, Twilight just nodded so he continued, “look I getting off work in a few hours, I wondered, would you fancy meeting up later for dinner or something.”

Twilight was taken aback, with all that had happened she barely had time to contemplate the things Rarity had hinted at on their first day.

“I just think it would be a nice break for both of us,” he explained quickly noticing her hesitation, “after everything, you could do with some time to yourself.”

“Yeah, I think, I think I’d like that,” she said at last smiling at him. After quickly arranging a time and place Iron Heart gathered the now signed forms and scanned over them briefly before nodding in approval.

“Alright, you’re free to go,” he said walking over and unshackling them all individually, “I doubt I need to tell you to stay out of trouble from now on.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash grimaced, and Iron Heart turned his attention to Pinkie after uncuffing them all. “As for you, you’re to report here Tuesday and Thursday, failure to do so will only make matters worse.”

Pinkie nodded and sniffed, and then to everypony in the room’s horror, her stomach began rumbling. Looking up at the room, Pinkie uttered weakly, “I’m hungry.”

Back at the house Twilight still had an hour before she had to begin getting ready for her meal with Iron Heart, and she was determined to find a cure for Pinkie in her collection of books. Though by now it was beginning to look like a lost cause, she couldn’t find anything that sounded vaguely like what Pinkie was suffering, or for that matter, anything that could explain any of the other weird moods they were feeling. Behind her she could hear Pinkie sniffling away inside her magical prison, they had tried feeding her, but when it became apparent she wasn’t getting any less hungry, Applejack refused to keep wasting food on her.

Applejack was in the back garden at the time, taking her frustration out on anything and everything she could lay her hooves at. By the time she was done, the garden was devastated. Rarity had at one point poked her head through a second floor window and ordered her to stop, but when Applejack gave her a look that could easily be interpreted as ‘its them or you’ she backed away and let Applejack continue her furious exercises. When she finally finished and there was nothing left in the garden she could attack for any sort of satisfaction, she kicked the dirt and strutted off into town, she needed a drink.

Rarity was losing all semblance of patience with her friend’s behaviour, and so after retreating from Applejack she exited through the front door without so much as a goodbye to anypony and wandered into town. As she walked she heard the rattling of bits in her saddlebags, it made her feel comfortable. A tiny part of her felt guilty for the source of the bits, but her desire for gems and jewels outweighed her guilt, and she pranced proudly into town, making for the shopping district.

“But Twilight, I need your help,” Pinkie whined, “I’m still hungry.”

“Pinkie I’ve tried,” Twilight said, starting to get frustrated now, “I can’t find any way of helping you with these books so I’m not going to waste my time.”

“But… can’t you at least let me go so I can get something to eat?” she begged scratching the inside of the violet bubble that encased her.

“You know I can’t do that,” Twilight said refusing to meet her eye, “now sit tight and wait until I get back.”

With that Twilight shut the attic door behind her and left the house, on her way out she passed Fluttershy who was walking up the first flight of stairs carrying some first aid equipment. She couldn’t help but feel smug at Fluttershy’s expense. Fluttershy on the other hand had no idea Twilight was even leaving the house let alone heading out to dinner with Iron Heart, she was too focused on Rainbow Dash. She re-entered the Pegasus’s bedroom where she lay huffing on her bed.

“You took your time,” Dash snapped, sitting up as Fluttershy opened the medical box and began pulling out various ointments.

Applejack had just stormed away from her when she offered to patch up her injuries from her fight, but Rainbow Dash had been more than willing to accept the favour. As Fluttershy cleaned and disinfected the cuts Dash began giving off about Applejack.

“I mean, How. Dare. She.” She exclaimed, “Look at me, I’m a mess, and it’s all her fault.”

Fluttershy didn’t know how to answer so she just remained silent as Dash pulled a mirror off her bedside cabinet and began examining her reflection.

“Look at me, my perfect face, ruined by what that damn farmer did to me.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s ruined,” Fluttershy said glancing up.

“Well yeah,” Dash admitted grinning, “even when I’m at my worst I’m still times better looking than anypony else.”

Dash looked at Fluttershy in surprise; she had stopped treating her wounds and was now staring blatantly at Dash.

“Can’t take your eyes off me? I don’t blame you,” Dash said with a laugh, “be honest, I am perfection.”

“You really are,” Fluttershy said in response. Dash began nodding then suddenly froze, had she heard that right? Was somepony else finally seeing her for how amazing she actually was?

Dash turned again to Fluttershy about to speak, but before she could Fluttershy leapt forward locking lips with her. Dash had been so surprised she didn’t even react, but Fluttershy didn’t stop there, as Dash’s body became limp she felt Fluttershy push her down onto the bed, pressing their bodies together. A million thoughts were rushing through Dash’s mind, what’s going on? Do I want this? But the loudest, most prominent thought drowned out all the rest, Aw Hay Yes!

4: Escalation

~4: Escalation~

“If you’re interested, I keep some books that might be of relevance,” Iron heart offered to Twilight as they walked along the street.

“You do?” she asked in surprise.

“Well yeah,” he said tapping his horn, “magic may not be my special talent but I still take an interest in it.”

Twilight could see his Cutie Mark clearly for the first time without his armour on, it was hard to describe, it looked like a sword with a heart shaped blade. An iron heart… Twilight always wondered how ponies were so conveniently named.

They reached the restaurant in good time, it was smaller than the one Twilight and her friends had visited on their first day, but it had no less of a fancy atmosphere. Upon taking their seats Twilight picked up where they left off.

“Well yes, I’d like that very much,” Iron Heart smiled in response as he glance over the menu, “I’ve been through everything I have and I can’t find anything that explains Pinkie’s behaviour.”

“I feel bad having to press charges against her when it’s obvious she’s under some kind of enchantment,” he said, sounding genuinely disheartened by it, “but what she did was too much to let slide.”

They sat in silence for a moment while they read the menu in more detail, and once they placed their orders Twilight started asking Iron Heart about the days since he’d moved away from Canterlot. Time went by far too quickly for Twilight’s liking, she was really beginning to enjoy the night when Iron Heart noticed the time.

“Maybe we should head out soon, how about I get us one more drink each then we’ll head on?” he suggested, Twilight nodded her approval finished the last sip of her own drink.

She sat in peace for a moment while Iron Heart walked up to the bar. He was taking a surprisingly long time, so standing up Twilight made her way in between the other tables until she could see the bar. There Iron Heart stood; locked in conversation with a mare Twilight had never seen before. For the last few days Twilight had been feeling inescapable emotions, but now it was worse than ever watching him talk to that other unicorn, while he was supposed to be here with her no less. She didn’t know who that unicorn was but Twilight hated her.

Just then she saw the two exchange farewells and Iron Heart picked up their drinks. Twilight skipped over and met him before he lifted them off the counter.

“Oh thanks,” she said snatching up her own drink, Iron Heart was surprised to see her but looked pleased none the less, “so who was that? Friend of yours?”

Twilight could barely keep the scorn in her voice concealed, but luckily Iron Heart didn’t seem to notice. “Yeah, she works with me in the guard; we just got a lead on those missing guards.”

Twilight forgot all about her moment of annoyance hearing this.

“Really, do you want to follow it up?” she asked sounding excited now.

“Twilight I’m off duty, and besides I wouldn’t walk out on you, what kind of stallion would I be?” Twilight returned his smile but wasn’t about to drop it.

“I’ll come with you, it might be fun,” she insisted. He looked as if he wanted to argue but seeing the enthusiasm in her eyes he decided to give in, so finishing their drinks they left the restaurant and Twilight followed Iron Heart as he headed off to the mill his protégé had mentioned.

Applejack slammed her glass on the bar, indicating to the barcolt she was ready for another glass. He walked over looking disgruntled.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” he asked not attempting to hide his annoyance.

“Ah’ll decide when ah’m done mister,” Applejack slurred.

“Do you even have the bits to pay for all this?” the colt demanded.

“Hold your horses, ah got your darn bits right ear,” Applejack said throwing a handful of gold coins onto the bar.

The colt scooped them up and counted them, then scowled turning to get another bottle for the already heavily intoxicated Earth pony. Applejack swayed on her stool and turned to see a pair of stallions watching her intently.

“Wha’chu lookin at?” she demanded.

“Why don’t I pay for that drink girl,” the closer one said leaving his friend and waking over to Applejack.

“Ah can pay fer my own bleedin drinks,” Applejack shouted trying to wave the stallion away, but he wasn’t deterred.

“Names Patches,” he said trying to sound friendly, his friend had left the bar, “what’s yours, pretty thing?”

Applejack glared at Patches, but when he wasn’t going to back away she shrugged and replied, “AJ.”

“Can I ask what that stands for?” he asked making Applejack’s blood boil.

“No yah may not,” she spat as the bartender turned around at last with a bottle of brown liquid and began pouring it into a glass.

“Just leave the bottle,” Patches said throwing another few bits over the counter. The bartender shrugged and walked away to serve somepony else.

Applejack was about to reach for the glass but Patches took it out from under her. She turned ready to yell in his face but saw he was just pouring more of the drink into the glass before sliding it back to her.

“Oh, well thanks ah guess,” Applejack said with a shrug.

“You’ve got quite the temper on you,” Patches commented, Applejack didn’t credit that with a response, just took another long gulp.

Setting the glass down she coughed heavily, it was like something got stuck in her throat, but she swallowed hard and found whatever it was, wasn’t bothering her anymore. She looked back at Patches who was still looking at her and was smiling wider than before.

“So what you want?” she tried to say, but knew it only came out half as legible as that.

“I just want to talk to a nice mare,” he said, sounding wrong in so many to Applejack, something about this guy gave her the creeps.

She was about to say something but began swaying dangerously on her stool.

“You alright?” Patches asked not sounding concerned at all.

“Ah’ll be fine,” but she tumbled off the stool only to be caught by Patches who heaved her to her feet.

“You look like you’re gonna be sick,” he commented, why was she still smiling, “don’t worry I’ll help you to the toilets.

With that Applejack didn’t struggle as she felt the stallion lead her out of the main bar area into the toilets. She did feel sick but as soon as they entered that small room, she felt something else, wary. She couldn’t shake the incident with Fluttershy out of her head, it gave her chills. Without even realising it Patches was leading her across to one of the cubicles, he really was smiling way too much to be normal, but Applejack couldn’t contemplate it as she felt her body about to collapse again. That was also weird, she prided herself on being able to hold her liqueur, she shouldn’t be in this state.

It was only as she heard the lock of the cubicle door slide shut that the pieces fell into place. Ever since Applejack and her friends had arrived in Hamlet she’s been feeling unusually angry, but now faced with her current situation, it was like the last docile part of her was snuffed out and her wrath was let free. Without hesitating she heaved her hindlegs up, and with all her might powered through, connecting with Patches torso and sending him crashing through the cubicle, sprawling onto the bathroom floor.

As she looked down at him curled up her mind thought of Fluttershy, and her anger just grew stronger. Without even trying to resist she walked over and began kicking the stallion with as much force as she could muster. Again and again, she felt his bones crack, heard him cry out in agony, saw him writhe in anguish, but she didn’t stop, not until he was completely still and even then she stomped on his head for good measure.

Stumbling out of the bathroom she was thankful for the loud music in the bar, she was sure nopony had heard Patches screams. Without even going to retrieve her drink from the bar, Applejack rushed from the building heading for the nearest cluster off bushed which she immediately began vomiting into. She saw a pair of mares avert their gazes in disgust, she didn’t care though. Straightening her hat she wandered away from the bar, she needed to lie down; she couldn’t resist the drug forever. Noticing an iron archway she passed through and found herself in a public park. It was peaceful here, reminded her of home, and as she collapse of the freshly cut grass her eyelids began to shut, and she smiled knowing her dreams would be of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Spike,” Pinkie whined for the hundredth time, Spike had finally had enough. He dragged himself up and slouched over to the bubble with contained Pinkie.

“I am trying to sleep,” he said gruffly, “and it’s kind of difficult with your annoying whining.”

“The just let me go,” she begged, “You must know how.”

Spike sighed and massaged his temples, “if I get you out of there will you leave me alone?”

Pinkie nodded rapidly and Spike drifted off to the bookcase looking for a familiar title.

Pinkie bounced happily down the stairs, her stomach was growling louder than ever, she needed food. Reaching the kitchen she was happy to see the others had done a small shopping, this should be enough to sustain her. And without waiting for permission, she dived in… again. The food didn’t last nearly as long as she’d hoped, so reluctantly she left the house in search of her next meal. It was pretty late, she didn’t think anywhere would be open… but that wasn’t going to stop her.

Rainbow Dash perked her head up as she heard the slamming of the front door.

“What was that?” she asked, momentarily distracted from her own situation.

“Does it matter?” Fluttershy asked, sitting on top of her.

“Course not, now where were we?” Dash said, herself satisfied smile returning. Fluttershy thought loudly about it for a few seconds as she looked around the room, her eyes widened as they they caught sight of Dash’s souvenir Wonderbolt flight suit.

“Hey Dash, do you like roll playing games?” Fluttershy asked playfully.

Rarity pressed her face up to the shop window momentarily; she examined the shop’s interior, just as it had been when she looked through earlier. Pulling back she reached into her new saddle bags and emerged with a rather peculiar looking tool, she couldn’t remember its name but the shady looking unicorn in the pawn shop had been kind enough to demonstrate how it worked. Placing the circular end on the window she twisted the dial feeling the suction cup stick to the glass. She then measured out the length of the arm and used it to draw a circle in the glass.

With that stage complete she pulled the whole device back along with the circular pane of glass she had just cut out using the tool. Placing it on the pavement and looking around to make sure there were no ponies who might stumble upon her, she delicately lifting one hoof into hole, angled her head through, and followed through with the rest of her body. Once she was inside she reached back into her saddle bags and produced four black leather hoof covers, not only were they stylish and they prevented her from leaving hoof prints over the shop. Scowering the shop she began gathering any and all things that grabbed her fancy, stuffing her saddlebags full of the stuff.

Once she’d gathered everything in plain sight, she moved over to the display cabinets, the hard part. She removed her last tool and using her magic she adjusted the thin piece of metal until it was embedded in the lock, once it was she immediately began wiggling it in the way described by the same unicorn who sold her the window cutter thing. Listening carefully for any slight noise, her ears picked up faint clicks, and to her great pleasure the lock sprang open.

Without any further delay she stashed the real treasures hidden in the cases, and standing up once more to survey the now bare shop she was satisfied her work here was down. Climbing back out the way she came she continued down the street. One shop down, many more to go.

Twilight stared at the abandoned mill, unsure of what to make of it. When Iron Heart had explained on their way over that a witness had stepped forward admitting to have seen the missing guards enter this building she began getting her hopes up that what they were going to find was something mysterious and adventurous. However from the outside the mill looked as ordinary as every other building, sure it was more run down but it was still made of the same generic stone that every other building in the town was constructed from.

Iron Heart opened the padlock with his magic, and together they entered the dark entrance room. Both instinctively lit their horns before continuing further in. Twilight had to admit now she was here she hadn’t the first notion what she was supposed to be looking for, but Iron Heart seemed interested in the floor. Approaching him she could make out what appeared to be tracks.

“Somepony was definitely here not long ago,” he confirmed beginning to follow the tracks in the dust.

Twilight remained inches behind, intrigued by his methods and admiring of his professionalism. After navigating a number of corridors and taking a few wrong turns which required they double back, they made it into a large open room. Even with the light of their horns it was difficult to make out the entirety of the room, but Twilight had an eerie feeling she had been here before, it just seemed so familiar. This room was badly ruined, rock fragments lay scattered over the floor, and sections of the wall were heavily battered as if something was thrown at them at high speed.

However the thing that appeared most significant about the room was the gaping rip in the centre of the floor. Twilight approached it cautiously and looked inside, it appeared empty. Nudging a stone over the edge she listened to hear how far it descended, but it never made a sound, it was like it went on forever. As she examined it she felt something tingling in the tip of her horn, noticing this she crouched down and lowered her horn so it was just over the hole. While she didn’t recognise what she was feeling, she was definitely detecting some residual magic.

“Whatever was here,” Twilight said over her shoulder to Iron Heart, “I think it’s long gone.”

“Hey Twilight, you might want to see this,” the voice responded from behind her. Twilight turned to see Iron Heart examining the floor boards close to one of the walls. Walking carefully so as not to disturb anything she reached where Iron was crouched and looked carefully. There were dried streaks of something on the floor, and Twilight gulped as she realised it was unmistakably blood, vast amounts of the stuff.

Several minutes later after accepting they weren’t about to make any other major discoveries or breakthroughs, Iron Heart lead the way out. Once outside Twilight became aware of just how late it was, and subsequently how cold it was. She shivered briefly but forced herself to stop as she didn’t want to concern Iron with it.

“Well that wasn’t the positive discovery I wanted to make,” he said moodily.

“But at least it’s a discovery none the less,” Twilight pointed out, provoking a laugh.

“I didn’t take you for the optimistic type Twilight,” he said still laughing, “but yeah, I suppose you’re right. Anyway it really is late, do you want me to walk you home?”

“That… would be nice,” twilight said after a brief hesitation, she was still concerned that she hadn’t told any of her friends where she was going tonight and still wasn’t keen on them finding out. But she put that thought to the back of her mind and walked with Iron Heart in silence through the streets, staring up at the clear night sky.

Fluttershy rolled of Rainbow Dash’s bed; she was feeling pretty good about herself, even if Dash was snoring loud enough to give her a migraine. Walking over to the window she opened it and leaned out, breathing in the fresh night air. As she did so however she heard voices just below her, and looking down she was surprised to see Twilight standing out the front door with Iron Heart. Fluttershy narrowed her eyes, she couldn’t make out what they were saying but she could guess. As she watched Iron Heart jotted something down on a scrap of paper and gave it to Twilight.

That was all there was to it, they said their goodbyes and Iron Heart began walking away, Fluttershy’s eyes glued to the swish of his tail as he did. She left the sleeping Rainbow Dash and made her way down stairs. She found Twilight in the lounge in front of the fire place.

“Oh, hello Twilight,” she said casually, feigning surprise to see her; “you’re up late.”

“Oh hey Fluttershy,” Twilight said, a little too convincingly, “I was just out having a walk on my own, why are you up?”

“Oh I just couldn’t sleep,” she lied, coming to sit next to Twilight. She saw the scrap of paper sitting on the arm of the sofa.

“After everything that’s happened I’m not surprised,” Twilight said leaning back with her eyes shut. Fluttershy watched calmly, she was here for a reason but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a little fun.

“Do you think I’m ugly?” Fluttershy asked, causing Twilight to blink a little in confusion.

“Ugly? No, what would give you that idea?” Twilight asked, but Fluttershy noticed there was an edge in her voice. She slide across the gap between them and leaned in slightly.

“It’s just something Rainbow Dash said,” she lied, trying to sound hurt, “I mean, maybe she’s right, after all who could ever love me?”

Twilight was looking immensely uncomfortable, but that didn’t stop Fluttershy leaning even closer.

“I know you wouldn’t,” she said making Twilight’s eyes grow wide, she reached out with a hoof and stroked Twilight’s cheek, she was too stunned to resist, “after all, somepony as smart, and beautiful as you, you could have anypony you wanted, least of all timid, little me.”

Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but all that came out was a croaking noise as words failed her. Fluttershy closed the gap, bringing her lips to meet Twilight’s, just as she had done with Rainbow Dash earlier that day. However unlike Rainbow Dash Twilight didn’t just sit back and take it, she turned her head away and rolled off the sofa putting as much distance between the two of them as she could.

“Fluttershy… what… I…” she stammered, “I’m going to pretend that didn’t happen.”

With that she turned and left the room, Fluttershy heard her run up the stairs.

“Suit yourself,” she said with a shrug, and with that she reached out and claimed the scrap of paper. Her suspicions were right, written in neat letter was an address. She quickly memorised it before replacing it on the arm of the chair. With that she yawned and decided it was time to hit the hay, she was going to need her energy for tomorrow.

When Fluttershy asked Twilight if she thought she was ugly, Twilight immediately felt the urge to slap her. How dare she be so smug, Twilight would sell Spike to be half as pretty as her, the stuck up… but swallowing her retort she answered half honestly, but what came next was so far left field Twilight genuinely couldn’t do anything other than ramble a bit before retreating as fast as she could. What in Equestria was going on with everypony?

Reaching the door to the attic bedroom she grimaced remembering she left Pinkie Pie imprisoned, and she knew she wouldn’t be happy about that. But as she was about to turn the handle she thought, would it be so bad to ask if she could sleep in Rarity’s room tonight, she really didn’t want Pinkie pestering her all night about how hungry she thought she was. Making her decision Twilight turned back the way she came and walked down to the second floor.

As she reached the landing she saw Fluttershy’s pink tail swish away and her bedroom door close and she began to feel light headed, recalling the events that had just taken place. Walking up to Rarity’s room she knocked a few times and called in.

“Rarity, do you mind if I sleep in here tonight?” she immediately heard a series of loud clanging and rattling noises, followed shortly by a panicked Rarity calling back.

“What? In here? Tonight?” she exclaimed, Twilight raised an eyebrow, confused by the panic in her friend’s voice.

“Yeah, if it’s not too much trouble,” she said pressing an ear against the door as the and various banging continued.

“Oh, I’m afraid you can’t,” she replied hurriedly, “I’m… I’m very sick.”

She began coughing loudly, but Twilight wasn’t fooled, and she wasn’t having any of it tonight. She opened the door and walked in.

“Honestly Rarity what could be so bad that you…” she froze as her eyes fell upon the room, “Rarity! What is going on here?”

“Twilight, I can explain everything,” Rarity said, sitting atop her hoard and stolen objects

5: Searching For Solutions

~5: Searching For Solutions~

Twilight paced attic, her mind was racing, Applejack was missing, Pinkie had escaped (after eating all their food again), Spike was still asleep, Fluttershy was being very un-Fluttershy, Twilight didn’t want to think what was wrong with Rainbow Dash, and now Rarity had robbed the entire Hamlet shopping district. She screamed in frustration, none of this made any sense!

She sat down at the desk and began furiously scribbling out a letter to the princess, whatever was going on Twilight had faith the princess could deal with it.

But Celestia will just take all the credit.

Twilight stopped writing suddenly, she had definitely just thought that, but the thought seemed alien, like somepony else had whispered in her ear.

I know it’s true.

Twilight shrugged it off and continued writing, but as she did she began thinking about what exactly she’d thought, would Celestia really just claim credit for something? What was she thinking… of course she would! Celestia was always taking the glory for the things Twilight and her friends… no just Twilight, did.

Celestia is always holding me back.

She is isn’t she? After all these years she still treats Twilight like a foal, refusing to let her study advanced magics.

I don’t need Celestia.

I don’t need her.

I can do this on my.

“I can do this on my own,” Twilight stated out loud. With that she stood up and threw the half-finished letter into the trash can next to the desk and stormed out of the room, leaving it empty bar a still snoring Spike.

Applejack awoke with a splitting headache, just another thing to add to the list of things that was annoying her. Next to add was finding herself in an unfamiliar room; her first thoughts were of the stallion from the night before. She was surprised she remembered it so clearly. Finally she found herself lying in a bed without her hat and hair bobbles. She looked around wildly, making her head spin but she didn’t care, they were nowhere in sight and she felt naked without them; well, more naked than usual.

Getting to her hooves she swayed slightly, but remained standing. With that first barrier crossed she made for the door of the room she was in. she still didn’t know where she was, but something about the building itself seemed familiar to her. Opening the door she found herself in a hallway, as this provided no indication as to what had happened to her she continued forward until she came to a flight of stairs. Descending the stairs proved to be the hardest part of her morning so far, as every step felt like a trial in of itself.

When at last she reached the bottom she took a minute to steady herself, and she heard a voice call out behind her.

“You’re up, good; I was starting to get worried.”

She turned around to face the source of the voice and was surprised to discover where she was. It was the bar from the previous night, the only difference being it was silent and completely deserted besides Applejack and the bartender who was cleaning tables.

“how in the hay did ah get here?” she demanded, normally finding herself granted shelter wouldn’t bother her but after what that stallion Patches tried to pull yesterday…

“I brought you here,” he replied simply, “found you lying in the park, not in great shape mind you.”

Applejack marched forward until she was face to face with the bartender, he didn’t even blink.

“First things first,” Applejack said in as threatening a manner as possible, “where’s my hat?”

“The Stetson? It’s over on the bar,” he said gesturing over his shoulder, “you threw up over it, figured I’d get it cleaned for you.”

Applejack was taken aback, backing away from the bartender who was still going about cleaning regardless of her attempts at intimidating, she crossed to the bar were her hat was indeed sitting, looking good as new.

“Thanks,” she said honestly.

“Don’t mention it,” he replied in a neutral tone, “your hair things were ruined though, hope you don’t mind, I threw em out.”

Applejack was about to shout at him, but found she didn’t mind. Dawning her hat she examined her reflection in the mirror behind the bar. While having her hair down was entirely impractical for working, she had to admit, it looked pretty good. She turned back to the bartender who was still paying her zero attention.

“How did you find me?”

“I searched,” he responded, but before Applejack could complain he elaborated, “After I found Patches in the restroom, I put two and two together and figured I should see if you were alright.”

Applejack froze, “you… found him huh?”

“Sure did,” then noticing the panicked look on Applejack’s face he continued, “don’t worry, he’ll live, not well but he will live. Of course there were questions but I wasn’t about to tell them the truth.”

“Why not?” Applejack asked incredulously, “you don even know me.”

“No, but I know a pony who’s having a hard time when I see one,” he said bluntly, Applejack felt strange talking to this stranger who saved her. “And I know that bloke Patches was sitting with before he spoke to you, supplies very questionable substances, no doubt where he got the drug he slipped you.”

“So he did!” Applejack exclaimed, she knew already, but hearing it confirmed out loud was another thing entirely.

“Afraid so, I’d feel sorry for you, but by the looks of things you were more than capable of handling yourself.”

“Well ah wasn’t bout to roll over an give in.” the bartender nodded approvingly at Applejack’s response.

“Well, unless you have any other questions, I’m just getting ready to open up; you can rest here as long as you want.”

Applejack just stared, after what had happened here just a few hours ago, she found it amazing that such kindness could exist.

“What’s your name?” she asked, noticing that her voice had softened great deal.

“MacArthur,” he replied.

“Well then MacArthur, thank you,” she said tilting her hat, “the name’s Applejack by the way.”

The first smile passed across MacArthur’s face at that but he didn’t say anything else, so Applejack excused herself and returned to the room where she had woken up. As she entered she saw a couple things she hadn’t picked up on last time she was here. At the foot of the bed was an empty bucket, and on the dresser lay a still damp cloth. Applejack suddenly had a mental image of MacArthur sitting at her bedside watching over her as she slept, the thought made her feel… contented. Smiling, she climbed back into bed and fell steadily to sleep.

Rarity fidgeted nervously in her bedroom, still terrified that at any moment her fears that Twilight alerted the guards would be confirmed by the sound of breaking of doors. But hour after hour passed and so far there had been no indication Twilight had reported her. Still, she couldn’t wait here any longer; she needed to move her loot somewhere it couldn’t be found. Looking down at her trove she frowned… that was a lot of loot.

Rainbow Dash woke up very late in the morning, she tried to remember how she slept so well again, then she remembered last night’s events. At first she had a very smug face, but that quickly faded away as she begun to think about it properly. Fluttershy was her oldest friend, one of her dearest friends, was last night right? Of course it was, there was nothing wrong with granting Fluttershy a small piece of her awesomeness. But deep down she knew she was just fooling herself. She hated feeling bad about herself, she didn’t deserve that, she was amazing, wasn’t she? She yelled out in frustration before leaping into the air. She needed to fly, and with that one goal in mind she zoomed out the open window into the bright morning sky.

Fluttershy stroked Spike as he slept. She smiled at just how peaceful he looked; she had also had an amazing sleep. But now that was behind her, and she needed to know where Twilight was.

“Spike,” she cooed gently, “Spike.”

The baby dragon stirred and looked lazily up at her; he mumbled something that could have been her name.

“Spike, I’m looking for Twilight, do you know where she is?” she asked in her sweetest voice.

“Sorry Fluttershy,” he murmured, “I’ve been sleeping, can’t help you.”

“Spike this is very important,” Fluttershy said a little more agitated now, “where is Twilight?”

“I told you I don’t know,” he said trying to turn away from her, but she grabbed him and forced him to turn to face her.

“And I don’t believe you, now…” her eyes opened wide and she felt herself drawing on the mysterious power she possessed, “where. Is. Twilight?”

“I don’t know,” he exclaimed sounding more awake and honest than before, “I was asleep.”

Asleep? He may be a baby dragon but surely even he doesn’t need to sleep that much. Softening slightly she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek before letting him go and exiting the room. It hadn’t escaped her notice Pinkie was also missing, shame, Fluttershy was sure she would have been game. Entering the lounge she looked to the sofa and wasn’t surprised to see the scrap of paper with Iron Heart’s address was gone. Shame, she had planned on waiting until tonight, but now it appeared she would have to advance her engagement, she didn’t want Twilight beating her to the prize.

Pinkie Pie licked her lips, that had been delicious. But now there were some angry gardener’s shouting at her, but she guessed if somepony had come along and eaten all her plants, she’d be annoyed as well. Not sticking around to receive another telling off she bounced away to find her next meal. As she hopped through the street she noticed Rarity hauling a heavy looking bag, maybe there were snacks inside. With that thought in her mind she rushed towards Rarity, surely her friend wouldn’t mind if she had a nibble.

Twilight Sparkle hadn’t had a good night’s sleep. After overcoming her desire to consult the princess she left the house and travelled to the town library. She didn’t usually use her position as the Princesses student as a form of authority, but in this case it had proved necessary to gain access to the library so late at night. Luckily for her the librarian suffered from severe insomnia and so was available all night to help her find books.

However as yet more hours passed she found herself hitting dead end after dead end. Nothing seemed to explain what was happening to her friends, it was almost like they were suffering from a never before seen illness, but Twilight refused to believe this was anything books couldn’t help her with. After the sun had risen and Twilight was at her wits ends she was approached by the librarian, Ms. Papyrus.

“Excuse me dearie,” she said making Twilight jump in surprise, “you’ve been reading for some time, do you need help finding something in particular.”

“Yes!” Twilight exclaimed,” I need to know what could drive ponies to steal anything, eat everything, sleep constantly, kill anything that looks at them funny and puts out like it’s going out of fashion.”

Twilight was so exasperated with her situation she didn’t even realise the elderly librarian was sniggering; clearly she thought Twilight was joking.

“That does sound very familiar yes.” Her response made Twilight sit up straight and spin around.

“Really?” she asked excitedly, at last she might get somewhere.

She followed Ms. Papyrus to an aisle where she pulled out a newish looking book.

“Here we are, ‘Myths and Legends of Panchea’.” Twilight frowned, a book of fairy tales, that’s what she thought this was. Twilight was so angry she just turned and stormed out of the library, ignoring the old librarian’s calls. Once outside she thought again what she was expected to do, then the thought struck her, Iron Heart had mentioned having books that might help in this matter. Whipping out the address she tried to think where that was. Other side of town if she correct, it would take her a while but hopefully it would be worth it.

Fluttershy rang the doorbell, as she waited she ran a hoof through her hair, making sure she looked just right. The door opened and Iron Heart stood at the threshold looking surprised but not annoyed to see her.

“Oh hey Fluttershy,” he said sounding more pleased to see her after getting over the initial shock, “have your friends got themselves arrested again?”

“Oh nothing like that, I just wondered if you’d like to hang out?” she asked as innocently as she could.

“Sure, come on in,” he said leading her into the house, “would you like a drink?”

“That would be nice,” she said following him into a kitchen she found to be considerably fuller than their own. He poured them both glasses of lemonade and they sat at the kitchen table making small talk. After a short while Fluttershy casually suggested moving somewhere more comfortable which Iron Heart was only too glad to oblige to.

Now in the living room Fluttershy sat next to him on the sofa.

“So is your friend Pinkie feeling any better? She knows she has to report into the barracks tomorrow right?”

“Oh I know that’s not what you’re interested in,” Fluttershy said edging steadily closer to him, he smiled though he didn’t seem to notice her advance.

“Really then what am I interested in?” he sounded genuinely oblivious to what was coming.

“Me,” Fluttershy said simply pressing up against him.

He looked shocked, but after second or two he just smiled again.

“You read my mind,” he said, Fluttershy had to stop herself from laughing at how easy this was, stallions are so predictable, even Rainbow Dash was more challenging. Not hesitating any longer Fluttershy leaned in and their lips met. And now hooves, do your thing.

Twilight reached his house in good time, turned out it wasn’t as far as she thought. Knocking on the door she waited patiently. She hoped she looked all right, hopefully he wouldn’t notice she had been up all night. She knocked again, louder this time. Still nothing, could he be out? Twilight didn’t think so, there was smoke rising from the chimney, he must be in. after knocking once more and getting no reply she tried the handle.

The door opened, he must be home then. Entering the hall she looked around, she spotted glasses on the kitchen table, another hint he was still about, though she hadn’t picked up on the fact there were two or what significance that might hold. After searching downstairs and finding no signs of him she moved cautiously upstairs. She felt weird about entering somepony’s home without being invited, but surely Iron Heart wouldn’t mind.

Now she was on the upstairs landing she could hear faint noises coming from one of the rooms, sounded like he was doing some work, she remembered he mentioned he was into DIY. Crossing the hall she reached the room where the noises were coming from, and without hesitation she opened the door. Time froze. Twilight stood with her jaw hanging open, staring at the bed where Fluttershy sat on all fours with Iron Heart directly behind her, what they were doing was unmistakable, and they’d seen her come in.

“Oh hey Twilight,” Fluttershy said, sounding tired but happy none the less, “come to join in?”

6: To The Rescue

~6: To The Rescue~

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am writing to you in regards to a possible link between the disappearance of a high wizard by the name of Glyph, and two guards from my barracks by the names Mason and Feather Duster. During my search for these missing individuals we came across an old mill believed to be the location in which they vanished. Within this mill there is a peculiar hole which carries residues of an unknown magical energy. Your student, Twilight Sparkle, pointed out to me that it might be possible the missing guards had requested your high wizards presence upon discovering something magical like this, as she fathomed they all disappeared around the same time. While this is a theory, I believe it may be wise to request your guidance on this matter.

Faithfully, Captain of the Hamlet Guard, Iron Heart

P.s. Twilight Sparkle has also expressed concerns regarding strange behaviour exhibited by some of her friends, while I have no doubt she will inform you of this herself, I feel the need to mention it.

Celestia read the letter, then re-read it, then read it again, this time analysing every word carefully. But as much as she tried there was not denying what was going on, and to make matters worse her faithful student and her friends were caught in the middle of it. Celestia sat in her study waiting for Luna to finish reading the letter. After another moment Luna looked up to address her older sister.

“When did this arrive?”

“Early this morning,” Celestia responded, waiting for Luna to continue.

“And has Twilight Sparkle informed you of this?” she asked, her face remaining passive. Celestia shook her head, failing to disguise her worry. “You know what happening, don’t you?”

“Sometimes I forget how much you missed during your years…” she drifted off but Luna knew she was referring to the years of her imprisonment. “Several centuries ago I travelled to Hamlet and sealed away seven spirits, from what this letter says, it is clear to me, those spirits are now free.”

“What is so dangerous about these spirits?” Luna asked, Celestia thought for a moment before answering, Luna knew she was trying to think of a way of explaining this to her without giving away all she knew, her sister could be very frustrating in those regards.

“They are the embodiment of natural desires taken to the extreme,” she explained, “Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Pride, Sloth, Wrath…”

“And the seventh?” Luna asked, Celestia just looked at her, and Luna began to understand. “you should have told me about this before sister, I had a right to know.”

“I know, and I apologise, but right now I need you on my side, for the sake of Twilight and her friends.”

Luna wasn’t about to argue, she would never have hesitated in following her sister in order to save them, regardless of what Celestia was hiding from her, even if she believed it was to protect her.

“When shall we depart?” Luna asked.

“Right now.”

The urgency of the matter at hoof lent speed to the alicorn sister as they soared through the sky, side by side. It was late afternoon by the time they reached Hamlet; Celestia only hoped they weren’t too late. They had already agreed to check the house Celestia fixed them up with first, and upon descending in the town square, as well as catching the attention a quite a few on lookers, they entered the house. It was eerily quiet, Celestia didn’t need to cast her soul detect spell to know there was nopony there, but as she did she detected a faint presence coming from the attic, it was weak but unarguably present.

Having no time to spare Celestia and Luna teleported up through the house arriving in the attic bedroom, to find it littered with books. They were all upturned and thrown in every direction, to anypony else it would look like the house had been burgled, but Celestia recognised the symptoms of her Twilight’s infamous study marathons. It also didn’t take long to find the source of life she had detected, curled up on foal’s cot, lay a snoring dragon.

“Spike, you must wake up,” Celestia announced walking across to him, he began to stir at the sound of her words, “dark matters are afoot and we must locate Twilight.”

Spike yawned and blinked momentarily, then looking up he saw who had addressed him, however he didn’t react, there was no panic or desperation for approval, if anything he looked annoyed at her, this disturbed Celestia.

“How should I know where she is?” he snapped at them both, Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise at this, “she’s your student, you should know. Now go away, I’m trying to sleep.”

Celestia was rarely spoken to like that, and never from someone she considered to be a friend. Luna looked furious at the dragon’s insolence, and looked like she was about to scorn him with the traditional Canterlot voice, but Celestia held up a hoof. Something wasn’t right here, and she had a funny feeling she knew what.

“You look starved Spike, have you really been so tired you couldn’t even feed yourself?” she asked, an edge creeping into her voice.

“Eating takes too much effort,” he groaned, rolling to face away from them, “I’d rather sleep.”

“It seems we got here just in time,” Celestia said in a neutral tone, “shall we do this the easy way, or the hard way, Sloth?”

Spike lay perfectly still, and Celestia could feel Luna bracing herself next to her. After a moment that seemed to stretch out into hours Spike rolled back over, but he didn’t look annoyed any more.

“Nothing goes past you, Celestia,” he spoke, his voice horribly off key, like it was being distorted. He smiled up at them both, his both stretching impossibly wide, his fangs unusually long.

Celestia unfolded her left wing and lowered the object she was hiding under it to the floor. Spike (or more accurately Sloth) stared at it suspiciously.

“What is that, another of your toys Celestia?” he asked, this time there was no hint of mocking friendliness.

“Something like that, I’d go into details but we’re on a tight schedule.” With that Celestia raised her head allowing her magic to flow freely from her horn down onto the black cube that rested between her and Luna.

But Sloth wasn’t having any of it; before either of them could react he leapt of the bed and sent a spout of emerald green fire in their direction. The surprise attack broke Celestia’s concentration and her and Luna were forced to abandon the cube and leap for cover.

“That’s an awful lot of fire power for a baby dragon,” Luna shouted from behind the study desk Sloth laughed.

“You forget, we are the very nature of living beings taken to the extreme,” he explained smugly, “I use my power to make Spikey Wikey feel sleepy, and the more he sleeps the stronger my powers become. So much so that I take even his natural abilities further than he ever could.”

Celestia wanted to retort but she couldn’t think of anything appropriate or clever, and she was vaguely aware of time ticking away. With further hesitation her and Luna both leapt from their covers and began sending a barrage of attacks at Sloth from either direction. Spike’s scales protected him but he was still thrown off balance, in the confusion he let out another bout of dragon fire. The study was now a raging inferno and the princesses were forced to raise shields to protect themselves. Sloth ran from the room just as the floor began to give way, Luna took chase as Celestia rescued the cube before it could become lost in the rubble.

Following after her sister she left the house in time to see Luna tackle Sloth and encase him in her own midnight blue aura.

“Lazy bones,” Luna mocked dragging the dragon over to Celestia where she waited by the burning building, once again gripping the black cube in her own field of magic. All around the town square, ponies came out of their homes to look in horror at what was taking place, Celestia briefly wondered about the political ramifications of two princesses charging into a town outside their rule and burning down a house, but she shook the thought away, she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

Sloth was now screaming obsanities at them, its voice now resembling nothing of the dragon it was possessing. Not wanting to cause Spike any further discomfort Celestia raised the now fully charged cube to the struggling dragon. Before he could say or do anything more, the cube a dark wave, enveloping the surrounding area. It was like Celestia was submerged in water, curious feeling indeed, but as she thought about it the cube began drawing the bubble of energy it released. As Spike was released from it he stopped kicking and scream and just hung there completely oblivious as to what was going on. When at last all the energy was stored in the cube Celestia could now see a single ball of light floating in the dark object.

“Oh Princess, please forgive, I didn’t mean to do it, honest. Oh please don’t banish me, please, please, please…” Spike was blubbering away in Celestia’s lap; she gently stroked his head and whispered assurings in his ear. They sat by the fountain in the town square as Luna put out the fire, a difficult task having been started by dragon fire, but she was more than capable of it. When Celestia finally managed to calm Spike down and made him realise he wasn’t going to be punished she decided it was time to find out what he knew.

“Spike, while you were being possessed by Sloth do you remember anything that happened?” he nodded, whipping his eyes.

“mhmm, I remember everything,” he admitted, “I don’t understand any of it though, at the time it felt like I was in control, but looking back none of it makes any sense.”

“It’s alright now Spike, but we need your help, Twilight and her friends are still in danger and we need to find them,” she informed him, urgency creeping into her voice.

“I’m sorry, they all left at different time, I was sleeping mostly so I don’t know what was going on really,” he said, clearly thinking back hard for anything that might be useful to the princess, “there was some trouble where Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were arrested, we had to pick them up from the barracks.”

Arrested! Perhaps they didn’t arrive just in time after all. This gave them somewhere to start she guessed, and maybe she could identify which spirits were possessing which mares, it would certainly give them a heads up of what to expect.

“Alright Spike, you’ve been very helpful,” she told him honestly, “but we can’t keep an eye on you while we rescue the others so I’m going to teleport you back to Canterlot, you’ll be looked after there and we’ll see you when all this is done.”

Spike nodded, putting his faith in the Princess, with that she focused her powers through her horn and into the baby dragon she was nursing.

Luna walked over just as he vanished, the house was now a smouldering ruin, but at least the fire hadn’t spread to any of the other buildings.

“Do you have any leads sister?” Luna asked, Celestia picked up the cube again, cradling it under her wing.

“Yes, we need to head to the barracks.”

“The pink one is due to report in tomorrow your majesty,” the guard on duty informed them, “you can understand why what with the charges that we need to keep track of her.”

“I understand,” Celestia said, hiding her shock at everything she’d been told, Pinkie Pie, guilty of attempted cannibalism? That one was easy, Gluttony. Rarity had stolen jewels, sounded like Greed. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been in a fight, she guessed one of them was probably Wrath, but had no idea which or what that made the other.

These weren’t really leads but they could probably guess where their desires would drive them. Departing from the barracks they turned to face one another.

“Cannibalism?” Luna said horrified, “this is getting more out of hoof by the minute.”

“No doubts sister, we can’t afford to…” she began but at that moment they were both blown off their feet by a mighty explosion. Regaining her composure Celestia looked up to see a very familiar multi-coloured ring spreading out across the sky. Without a need to communicate both sisters spread their wings and took off to find Rainbow Dash

It hadn’t taken them long to spot the rainbow manned Pegasus after that; after all she was leaving a brightly coloured trail for them to follow. Picking up speed they reached to just metre behind her. Celestia held the cube in front of her using her magic; they needed to land Rainbow Dash if they were to trap the spirit.

“Luna,” she shouted over the wind, “we need to convince her to land.”

“Already on it sister,” she shouted back, and then to Celestia’s horror, she fired a black streak of lightening from her horn, striking Rainbow Dash in the flank.

As she plummeted to the ground both princesses dived, each combining their magic to slow and hold the Pegasus as she neared the ground. Celestia would lecture her sister later about the use of dangerous methods in apprehending ponies, but right now she couldn’t deny it was effective. Landing softly they both looked up at the Pegasus who was flailing in her purple prison.

“Let me go, I can’t be seen like this,” she whined, “I have a reputation to uphold.”

That sounded like… well Rainbow Dash to be perfectly honest.

“Rainbow Dash, cease your struggling and submit to our questioning,” Luna commanded. Rainbow Dash stopped and looked down at them, Celestia could see the distain in her eyes.

“Oh, if it isn’t the princesses,” she said in a mock baby voice, “oh so special and amazing, pfft…”

She began flexing her wings and preening her mane, “they should make me a princess, I am so much better than either of you in every way imaginable.”

Pride, Celestia grunted in slight annoyance before addressing Rainbow Dash, “Rainbow Dash is that really what you think?

“Duh, why wouldn’t I?” she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “is there any doubt after I single hoofedly beat discord.”

“Single hoofedly?” Luna repeated sceptically, “forgive me, but I recall you had help from five other mares in that case.”

“I dint need them,” she said waving a hoof and flicking her a strand of hair with the other, “I could have done it on my own, I was just feeling generous with the glory.”

“Enough,” Celestia said raising the cube as she began power her magic into it.

“What is that thing?” Rainbow Dash asked, Celestia smiled up at her.

“Don’t get the wrong impression Pride, I do learn from my mistakes,” Rainbow Dash’s face fell, “the last time we fought I led you into a trap, the unfortunate side effect is that you had to remain here where I couldn’t keep watch over you, but this time I’m bringing the trap to you.”

Pride didn’t try to fight the hold over her, it knew from past experience it couldn’t be broken with physical force, so it just smiled down at them with Rainbow Dash’s mouth.

“trust you to be a pain in the flank as always Celestia,” it said in its natural, skin crawling voice, “go ahead and use your little trinket on me, it doesn’t matter.”

“And why doesn’t it matter?” Luna demanded as the cube began to emit the dark wave again.

“We wanted revenge,” it said as the wave washed over it, “and we’re going to get it.”

Nothing more was said, as soon as the words left Rainbow Dash’s mouth, the wave was sucked back into the cube, dragging Pride with it.

As the three flew over Hamlet, Celestia noticed the stony look of determinism emblazoned on Rainbow Dash’s face. She had taken being possessed very personally, but under all that Celestia also saw the regret etched in her features, she wanted to make amends for how Pride made her act. Celestia wasn’t about to turn away a willing and capable fighter, after all the others might not give in so easily.

As they glided over the streets, Celestia noticed a large commotion ensuing in one of the towns districts. Alerting the others the descended to investigate. It didn’t take a detective to see what was causing so many ponies, so much grief. They appeared to be in a shopping district, and every shop on the street had an identical hole in their front windows, and their interiors ransacked. Celestia immediately recalled the charge Rarity had been brought into the barracks for, and by the looks of things she was now carrying considerably more than several hoof fulls of jewellery.

Where would she hide that much loot? The house was already out, so then… her thoughts were interrupted however as she overheard a pair of guards ponies talking urgently to one another.

“We just got word, they tracked the suspect to the caves outside town,” one informed the other, “they need all the help they can get, apparently some psycho’s loose on top of everything.”

Celestia turned to the other two, they had both heard it as well, so simultaneously they each spread their wings again and took off for the edge of town.

Celestia was familiar with this land, and she knew exactly what caves the guard had referred to. They were just west of the city boundaries and were primarily a tourist attraction. But as they approached they could make out the crowds of heavily armoured and armed guards clustered around the entrance. It seemed none of them were entering however, could it have something to do with the ‘psycho’ the guard had mentioned earlier. Regardless of the circumstances they couldn’t let the ponies be arrested, Celestia knew they weren’t responsible for their actions but she’d have a hard time convincing them that.

Circling around they approached a back entrance Celestia knew of, thankfully it was deserted so it appeared she was the only one. Landing together they entered the narrow gap, Celesta took the lead, lighting their way a spell so powerful it was like the sun itself was shining through the caverns, she was followed by Rainbow Dash and Luna took the rear. As they walked they began to hear noise up ahead, from the sound of it, a high pitched argument. Turning the corner they emerged into a deep cavern lit by cracks in the ceiling. At the bottom of the giant pit before them lay a glittering mould of treasures.

But as Celestia looked closer she found very few of the objects had enough monetary value to be considered treasures, in fact, for the most part it was just random and in some cases useless junk, she even saw the kitchen sink. No doubt this was the work of Greed, and to confirm her thoughts about who might be carrying out this, she saw Rarity laying spread eagle at the top of the pile, trying desperately to scoop it all up out of the reach of… Pinkie Pie?

“Get your filthy hooves off my... uh, things.” Rarity screamed, but Pinkie just hopped wildly around picking up random item after random item and (causing Celestia, Luna and Rainbow Dash’s eyes to become as wide as dinner plates) proceeded to eat them. This was taking Gluttony to a whole new level. Not wasting any more time they leapt down from their perch, gliding silently to the cave floor. Rarity who was still trying fruitlessly to protect her ill-gotten goods didn’t see them, Pinkie however did.

“Hey Dashie,” she exclaimed waving at them, Rarity also looked over, her eyes widening in horror as she saw the princesses, “did you bring any snacks for me?”

“No I didn’t,” Rainbow Dash replied coolly, Pinkie just shrugged a swallowed the pocket watch she was holding in one mouth full. Exchanging a quick glance with Luna, Celestia began to arm the cube; hopefully they were too distracted with their activities they wouldn’t resist. Apparently that was hoping too much.

As both Rarity and Pinkie Pie saw what Celestia was doing their expression darkened.

“Not so fast Celestia,” Greed said from Rarity’s body, “you dint think it would be that easy did you?”

“Well actually your friend didn’t even try to fight back,” Luna said gesturing at Dash, Pinkie rolled her eyes.

“And I thought Sloth was the lazy one,” Gluttony moaned, “none the less…”

And before any of the could react Gluttony leapt across to Celestia and snatched the cube away from her. She raised it into the air over her gaping mouth.

“No!” Celestia screamed, and she fired a small burst of magical energy squarely into Gluttony’s stomach, sending her flying, and the cube to become lodged in the pile of stolen objects. Greed laughed, and with a swish of Rarity’s horn, the entire trove was thrown into a tornado, scattering everywhere. The cube was buried somewhere, and Celestia had no way of finding it quickly.

“Leave them to us princess,” Rainbow Dash said flying off towards Pinkie Pie, while Luna leapt up to face Rarity, “you find that thing.”

Celestia obeyed and dived into the pile, roughly where she hoped the cube had landed.it was easily the most un-royal she’d felt in over a thousand years, buried to her knees in stolen goods while desperately flailing her forehooves in what was becoming an increasingly vain attempt at finding a powerful magical object. With a sigh she reflected on how old she was getting.

The noise around her was deafening on top of everything else, what with Rarity and Luna casting a vast array of spells in every direction, neither making much progress at actually hitting the other, and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie locked in a constant struggle, bouncing throughout the cavern like they were part of a giant game of pinball. Celestia barely had time to fathom how Rarity managed to steal so much in a single night, and even more curiously how she managed to move it across town without being stopped, but then as she saw Pinkie leap inside an urn and reappear above Rainbow Dash’s head she mentally accepted there would always be things she didn’t understand.

Her searches were proving futile as she heard a scream from behind her, and turned to see Gluttony with its mouth wrapped over Rainbow Dash’s head. She spread her wings ready to rush to her rescue, when her flailing hoof caught hold of something which she swung up, smacking across Gluttony’s head, forcing it off. Celestia blinked in disbelief, so did Dash as she realised what she was holding. Gluttony leapt forward once more but Rainbow Dash was already gone, soaring across to Celestia, the cube clutched to her chest.

Without waiting for Dash to reach her, Celestia began charging her magic, so as Rainbow Dash reached her, Gluttony clambering behind, she was able to send it all powering into the waiting cube, releasing its wave even faster than previous occasions. Gluttony screamed in frustration, but Greed who was still locked in combat didn’t even realise what was happening until it was too late. Both Pinkie Pie and Rarity fell unconscious into the pile as the spirits were wrenched from their bodies and sealed kin the cube.

They all fell to their knees, fighting to get their breath back, it was getting harder to charge the cube, each time it was taking more of her strength to see it through. Alas they weren’t permitted to rest as they had hoped, as at that moment they could hear guards pouring into the caverns, with a single nod to Luna they grabbed the unconscious ponies and all three of them fled the way they came, leaving the stolen items and the oncoming guards behind.

Celestia, Luna, Rarity and Pinkie Pie lay in a ditch, several miles outside Hamlet, much to the displeasure of the former three. As Rainbow Dash scouted ahead for any signs of the remaining three, Celestia filled in Rarity and Pinkie Pie on the truth behind their behaviours. Rarity was not surprisingly outright ashamed at her behaviour, quickly regaining her old flair for drama, Pinkie however was strangely upbeat about the whole thing. Celestia knew she was the element of laughter, but for her to show no remorse or even that she understood what had transpired disturbed Celestia, she always was a peculiar one.

After a short break of twenty minutes, most of which Celestia had spent anxiously pacing, Rainbow Dash returned with news.

“I saw Applejack,” she announced breathlessly. Celestia had already surmised Applejack was harbouring Wrath, so when she heard this she was prepared for the worst.

“Where is she? What is she doing?” she requested hurriedly, signally the others to get ready to leave.

“She’s in a park,” she replied, she sounded hesitant, “and she’s… not doing anything.”

Celestia thought about this as they flew, Rarity’s hooves wrapped around her neck, could it be she was wrong? Was Applejack perhaps not possessed by Wrath? She didn’t have long to ponder thins however as she very quickly made out the solitary figure standing in the park. Landing gently behind her, Rarity dismounting, the five began walking forward, remaining cautious none the less.

“Applejack,” Celestia said calmly, when they were only several metres away.

Applejack turned to face them, a slight look of surprise passed her face, but vanished just as quickly.

“Princess,” she replied tilting her hat respectfully, “ah figured you’d come.”

“Applejack… are you feeling alright?” Celestia asked warily, something seemed off about the mare standing in front of her, but it was different from the way the others had felt to her.

“That’s a tricky question princess,” she said, doing nothing to ease Celestia’s concerns, “ah’d be lyin if ah said ah was walkin on sunshine.”

She stalled a moment before continuing, “These last few days, ah’ve been so… angry, all the time.”

Celestia was right, but then what was going on?

“Ah still am, sort of,” she admitted, “deep down ah mean, but it’s different now, ah can’t rightly explain it…”

“Applejack…” Rainbow Dash whispered taking a step forward. Celestia unfolded her wing and lowered the cube in front of her.

“Ah know something wrong,” she said after a moment of silence, “you do what yah have to, ah… ah’m just sorry for what happened.”

Celestia just stared, could Wrath have vacated her? It wouldn’t be like it, and it would serve no purpose, going to the effort of corrupting her only to leave before finishing the job. Luna nudged her, she knew she couldn’t take the chance, kneeling down once more; she touched the tip of her horn to the cube, and began to let her magic flow.

The whole process was over quickly, Applejack barely flinched, and when it was over Celestia stared back into the cube, and saw five lights floating where once there had only been four. Pinkie rushed forward and embraced Applejack tightly, and was soon joined by Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“She managed to resist it,” Luna said, Celestia looked over and saw she was just as bewildered as herself.

“I didn’t think it was possible,” Celestia confessed.

“thank you princess,” Applejack said breaking away from her friends and stepping over to her, “but ah can see we’re two short, what can ah do ta help?”

Celestia couldn’t help but beam down at the orange mare, “anything you can provide I would appreciate,” she said, “however we are at an impasse, we still have no hint as to where Fluttershy or Twilight is.”

“Hmm,” Celestia turned to see Rarity deep in thought, “perhaps… there was a guard, Twilight was friendly with him, he might know where she is.”

Celestia knew who she referred to, the guard captain who had alerted her to the situation, Iron Heart. It was a perfect lead, turning to Luna she saw she had already taken the initiative and summoned Iron Heart’s personal files.

“We have an address,” she informed the group.

“Then let us waste no more time,” Celestia said, everything was looking up for them.

Iron Heart’s house was not in a pleasant state by the time they arrived. It was a burnt out husk, a smouldering shell, ripped apart from the inside. Perhaps the situation was still as grim as they had first appeared. They all entered the house, and to nopony’s surprise it appeared completely deserted.

“Back to square one,” Rainbow Dash muttered angrily.

“Don’t lose all hope,” Celestia encouraged her; “there may be something here which can provide us with an insight as to what took place here.”

Without needing to agree on anything, the party split up, making for different rooms of the surprisingly large house. Celestia, Rarity and Pinkie Pie ascended the stairs together. While the house was ruined, it remained relatively intact and stable; it was not as Celestia had first assumed a completely lost cause. As Pinkie and Rarity both disappeared into separate rooms Celestia walked across the hallway for the only room whose door was already open. Walking inside she found herself in Iron Heart’s bedroom, the evidence being the large bed in the centre of the room.

As she passed through the door way she felt some eerie, like an unpleasant presence. She only realised when she heard the door close gently behind her, and she turned to see Fluttershy, grinning wickedly at her.

“So nice of you to finally drop by Celestia,” the creature inside her said, making her skin crawl. It rested Fluttershy’s hoof on the door the whole room was bathed in a red tint, “now we won’t be disturbed.”

“Fluttershy can’t use magic,” Celestia said, but she already knew what this meant, and she braced herself.

“No, but I can,” it said placing all four hooves back on the ground, “and the more Fluttershy gives into her desires the stronger I become… and she’s given in , a lot!”

“You disgust me,” Celestia said, understanding the hint the creature was giving her, “to corrupt an innocent being like her.”

The creature laughed maniacally, “Celestia you prude, all we do is take what’s already there, and let it bloom. Fluttershy already had those desires; all I had to do was give her a push down the right path.”

Fluttershy started walking across the room, she limped noticeable.

“You’re injured,” Celestia pointed out.

“It doesn’t matter, a minor sacrifice for bringing our plan to fruition,” it said trying to laugh again, but it was too weak.

“I think I can understand what happened here,” Celestia said coldly, Fluttershy grinned even wider, ignoring her pain.

“Then you know you’re already too late,” she said, still approaching Celestia, “will you continue to fight pointlessly? Go ahead, bring out your little box and lock me away.”

Celestia flinched, and judging from the way the creature said that last line it knew.

“But you can’t can you?” it mocked, “using it has made you weak, so you passed it on to your dear sister, who of course, can’t reach us.”

“How did you know?” Celestia demanded, she was worried now; this one was displaying more power and now more knowledge than any of the previous ones.

“Wrath,” she said simply, “you’re puppet might have conquered her anger, but in its last moments, Wrath gave us the information we needed.”

“Enough!” Celestia bellowed, “you will not succeed, I beat you once before and I’ll do it again.”

“Loosen up Celestia,” it said stopping just short of her, “thousand years must be pretty lonely.”

She reached up with a hoof to stroke Celestia’s mane, but she slapped it away.

“Not in your existence Lust,” Celestia spoke venomously. The smile was gone from Fluttershy’s face, and before Celestia could react, she felt pain explode through her whole body.

She fell to her haunches, unable to breathe. No sooner did Lust pull Fluttershy’s hoof from her gut than she sent another hit straight to her jaw. Celestia was sent smashing to the floor, she had no doubt if not for Lust’s spell, she would have been punched straight through the floor. She didn’t need to be a doctor to know that in two hits Lust had broken her jaw and probably a few ribs, but she didn’t stop there. Lust stepped down on her outstretched leg and began to apply even amounts of pressure; she felt the bone snap and would have screamed out in agony if not for her mouth filling rapidly with blood.

Lust was strong; Celestia shuddered to think what it had driven Fluttershy to do in order to gain such strength. She felt Lust grasp her mane and had her head wrenched back so she was staring straight up into the now unrecognisable face. Fluttershy’s eyes were gaping holes, and her mouth was stretched wide, filled with fangs, and dripping saliva.

“We were told not to kill you,” Lust said, “that we were to let you live so that you might see what had become of your faithful student.”

Celestia felt a void open up inside of her, she felt powerless.

“But… I just can’t resist.” Lust dived down, mouth open as wide as it could possible go… then the room exploded. Celestia was tossed away, Lust having lost its grip on her mane. She lay crippled in a heap on the floor, her vision was blurry, her ears were ringing. But she felt something, six figures. Straining her eyes she could make out Lust barely standing in front of her, but it was facing away, facing the figures that now stood where the bedroom wall had been.

“Time to join your brethren,” Luna cried out, and as Celestia’s vision cleared she saw her Sister wearing a golden crown, adorned with a six pointed star cut from an amethyst. Around her stood Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack, all wearing their own respective elements of harmony. And there at Luna’s heels, was Spike, wearing the element of kindness. Lust screamed in protest as the six elements lit up and transferred their power to the cube rotating over Luna’s head. The resulting wave was awesome, not black as it had been all the times before, but pure white light.

It was the last thing Celestia saw, as she slipped out of consciousness.

When at last her eyes flickered open, she could see it was night-time through the hole in the ceiling. Around her sat her sister, Spike, the four elements they had already saved… and Fluttershy, whose eyes were bloodshot and puffy, her face streaked with dry tears.

“Sister…” Luna said, the relief unmasked in her voice.

“Princess, I…” Fluttershy began as a fresh wave of tears filled her eyes.

“Hush now,” Celestia whispered, it only occurred to her then that she was once again able to talk. Feeling her limbs were now fully healed although still aching, she raised a hoof and wiped a tear off Fluttershy’s cheek. “it wasn’t your fault.”

“You were badly injured sister, I am sorry we could not arrive to your aid sooner,” Luna said, sounding thoroughly ashamed of herself, Celestia just shook her head.

“You came, that’s all that matters,” she murmured, she wanted nothing more than to continue lying there with her friends around her and rest… but they weren’t finished yet. Six had been defeated, one remained, her faithful student was still in danger. “Fluttershy, there will be time to talk about the things that have passed, but that time is not now. It is more important than ever that you remember, do you know where Twilight Sparkle is?”

There was a moment of silence before Fluttershy answered, her voice barely more than a whisper, “… yes.”

7: Final Words

~7: Final Words~

Celestia limped towards the old mill, her sister and her student’s friends close behind. The now marble white cube rested on Luna’s back, within floated six black spirits. The door opened as they neared, clearly they were expected. Without hesitation they passed through, whatever Celestia had been expecting to see, it wasn’t this. Rather than an ancient run down building, they stood together in a vast, ornate hallway, Celestia recognised it instantly.

They walked down the hall, the sounds of their hooves echoing through the empty castle. As they walked Celestia glanced up at the pillars, adorned with gargoyles, the stained glass windows depicting ponies engaging in various activities that would be considered sinful to a moral and just pony. Reaching the end they stopped at the tall doors, this was it, the last spirit, the last fight. Celestia put another hoof forward, and as if she triggered an invisible pressure pad, the doors began creaking slowly open.

“I’ve been waiting,” a voice called out through the open door. The group continued forward, emerging into a room of similar scale to the hallway the just left, the two major differences being a giant tear in middle of the stone floor, and a raised dieses at the opposite end of the room, upon which stood a throne not unlike Celestia’s own. Sitting upon it, was Twilight Sparkle.

“I was running out of good ways to entertain myself,” she said gesturing at the figure to her left. Celestia guessed the unicorn stallion was Iron Heart, but his skin was pale, his face sunken, and his eyes empty.

“What happened to him?” Luna asked stiffly.

“I wanted him, but he didn’t want me,” twilight said giving Fluttershy a look of pure hatred, “So I altered him until he did.”

“Twilight, please, let’s talk about…” Celestia attempted to say but Twilight cut across her.

“Silence Celestia,” she screeched, “I won’t let you trick me any longer, that’s right I’ve seen through your lies. You saw my power when I was just a filly, you knew I was better than you, so you lied to me, told me you cared about me, told me I meant something to you, all so you could hold me back.

“But not anymore,” she said, her voice remained that of her own, but it carried nothing but spite, “I’m better than you, I’m better than everypony, and now I’ll take everything I deserve.”

“Twilight, listen to yourself,” Celestia beseeched her, “this isn’t you talking.”

“Oh, and who is talking for me?” Twilight demanded.

“Yes Celestia, do share with the class,” an unearthly voice spoke, but not from Twilight’s mouth, “You don’t mean to say you actually thought I was possessing her did you? After everything we’ve been through, you still haven’t learned how I work.”

The creature emerged from behind the throne; it was shaped like a pony, but one that been twisted and tortured beyond recognition. Its skin was a translucent ooze, stained the colour of dark blood. However its eyes were shut, and its mouth barely more than a slit.

“Envy!” Celestia spat.

“Long time no see Celestia,” Envy said, “surely you know by now that I do not intervene directly, I simply work in the shadows, pulling the strings. Or have you forgotten, that I was merely whispering in your sister’s ear when jealous took her over? I was not living in her heart.”

Luna bristled next to Celestia, “so it’s true, you turned me into that monster!”

“You were already a monster, I just showed you a mirror,” Envy stated matter-of-factly, “and by the time Celestia even learned of my involvement, she had already sealed you away.”

“Let Twilight go, your fight is with me Envy, she has nothing to do with this,” Celestia commanded.

“I’m afraid not Celestia,” it said, the first hint of a smile playing on its face, “you’re right, my fight is with you, and it is for that reason I have chosen Twilight to suffer for what you did to me.

“You know my powers, I saw through your wizards eyes, saw the way you cherished and loved this pony,” it continued, stroking Twilight’s mane with one of its rancid limbs, “I want you to suffer, and this is how I’ll make you suffer.”

“That’s enough!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, her and the other element bearers assuming an aggressive stance, “as long as we’re still here you’ll never take Twilight away from us.”

“Oh of course, thank you for reminding me,” Envy said raising a hoof.

A vortex surrounded Envy’s raised hoof and immediately six identical, smaller vortexes appeared around each of the elements of harmony, sucking them away from their owners.

“What? No!” they all exclaimed together, as the elements reappeared hovering over Envy’s hoof.

“Let’s just lock these away for now,” it said, and with that they all shrank and disappeared, “can’t have you ruining everything now can we.”

“That’s enough Envy!” Luna shouted raising the white cube with her magic.

“Please don’t waste our time,” Envy said sounded completely bored, “your trap may have worked on my lesser siblings, but don’t embarrass yourselves by even attempting to seal me with it.”

“It’s true sister,” Celestia said as Luna was about to begin charging it, “the last time I sealed them away I had to weaken Envy first, it’s too powerful otherwise.”

As she said that Envy gripped its chest with a hoof, its face twisting in pain, “I remember that part very well.”

Celestia swept her eyes over the room once more.

“So you recognise the place Celestia,” Envy stated, “the castle of Hamlet.”

“Hamlet never had a castle,” Applejack argued.

“oh but it did, it was where Celestia first sealed us,” Envy explained, “and in doing so she reduced this place to ash, as well as… the ponies who didn’t get out in time.”

“That’s a lie!” Rarity shouted up at Envy.

“Princess Celestia would never let innocent ponies die,” Fluttershy said, quietly but angry none the less.

“Really? My mistake then,” Envy said sarcastically, “go ahead Celestia, deny it, prove me wrong.”

But Celestia said nothing; Luna looked at her unable to believe it, “sister…”

“I… was so angry after I lost you, they tricked us into turning against one another, and I was left all alone,” Celestia responded quietly.

“And you would never have known Applejack,” Envy said turning its attention back to the work horse, “because the winners write the history books.”

There was a moment of silence, in which Envy smiled properly for the first time.

“So?” Celestia looked around surprised to hear Pinkie speak.

“She lost somepony close to her,” Fluttershy said.

“Why wouldn’t she flip out?” Dash chipped in.

“We know the princess, we’ve seen the goodness in her,” Rarity piped up.

“And even if there’s some bad in there too…” Applejack said.

“We’ll never lose faith in her to do the right thing,” Spike finished.

Celestia bowed her head, a tear ran down her cheek, “thank you my little ponies.”

Luna placed a hoof on her shoulder, and she turned to see an understanding smile on her face. Envy wasn’t smiling anymore.

“How sickly sweet,” it said, its voice dripping with malice, “but I’ve had enough, time for the student to surpass the teacher.”

Twilight, who’d been strangely subdued the whole time now stood up taking a few steps forward.

Celestia was about to speak, but before she could Applejack walked out in front of her.

“Twi, listen to me sugarcube.” Twilight didn’t respond, she just kept walking, “ah know there’s pain inside you, we’ve all experienced it. Those things brought out the worst in us. But even if what they say is true, that we had those things inside us all along, I know what really changed us, is that we lost sight of what was really important to us.”

Twilight stopped walking as she reached the edge of the tear in the floor, Envy frowned.

“Ah was so angry,” Applejack continued, “ah forgot what it was like to feel love or happiness, all ah knew was hate… but somepony showed me, that no matter how much hate there is in the world, there’ll always be good, always be a light to shine through the darkest of times.”

Applejack turned to look at the others, “there’ll always be bad times, there’ll always be hurt and sadness, but as long as you never forget what’s really important to you, like your friends…”

Applejack’s eyes rested on Spike, “or a brother…”

She then looked at Celestia, “or somepony who loves like a mother…”

She then looked back at Twilight, who was trembling slightly where she stood, “as long as you never forget us, as long as you always hold us your heart, like we hold you in ours, then there ain’t no amount of hate or jealousy that can overcome you.”

Twilight’s eyes shone with tears and her lip trembled as she spoke, “Applejack…”

“Oh for…!” Envy bellowed, fury burning in it’s now wide eyes, “after all this effort, you’re really going to beat me with the magic of friendship!”

“it’s like you and your siblin’s said,” Applejack retorted, “pride, greed, jealousy… they’re all parts of what make us ponies, but you’re forgetting love is just as much a part of us as any of them, and it’s a might bit more powerful than anything you can throw at us!”

“Then let me show you just how worthless your love truly is!”

With that Envy’s body began warp into an indistinguishable red mass which hurtled through the air, latching onto Twilight. She screamed as her body began to absorb the invader.

“Twilight!” they all screamed in unison. There was a moment of silence as Twilight stood with her head hung down, then she began to shake with quite laughter.

“I’m so sick… of listening to you all preach about love and friendship…” Envy spoke through Twilight’s mouth, “they won’t save you… when I tear the skin from your bones!”

Envy leapt forward descending upon Applejack, Twilight’s mouth was stretched open ready to engulf her whole, packed full of jagged teeth. It happened so quickly, nopony could react; Applejack stared up, and knew in her gut she wasn’t going to be saved by anypony this time, this time she was going to die…

… When all of a sudden, the air ripped burst open behind the falling Twilight who was held still as if frozen in time. The throne room was bathed in a brilliant light which enveloped everypony. Only Celestia was able to see through it, and there she saw something even she, an alicorn who had lived for over a thousand years, could not begin to understand.

A hole had opened up through time and space, and there on the other side, stood two figures, staring straight back at her. Who were they? They seemed so familiar. Celestia would never know as at that moment she saw Envy, the true Envy, begin to rip away from Twilight’s body, getting dragged through the door. It screamed and fought, but it couldn’t resist, the pull was too immense, too… unnatural. Just before Envy crossed over the threshold, and the portal began to shut, it looked down one last time at Celestia.

“I don’t understand…”

And with those final words, the hole was shut, and Envy was sealed away.

Epilogue

~Epilogue~

Who would have thought that defeating seven ancient spirits of pure evil was the easy part? But that’s exactly what it was when the time came for Celestia to try and have Twilight and her friends extradited back to Equestria. She knew the government of Panchea would feel the need to press charges, and she also knew they would never accept possession as an acceptable defence. What she didn’t expect was the sheer list of charges that were presented to her during her discussions with numerous ambassadors.

There was of course Pinkie Pie’s original charge of attempted cannibalism, and added to that was the large sum of theft and burglary charges for Rarity, Criminal damage charges and attempted murder for Applejack, arson for Spike, conspiring to corrupt public morals for Fluttershy, and murder and treason for Twilight (Iron Heart didn’t survive, in actually fact he had been dead ever since Twilight walked in on him with Fluttershy, and she’d been stringing him along as a puppet since then). In fact the only one was all in the clear was Rainbow Dash… or at least she would have been, if she didn’t attack politician who proposed bringing back the death penalty.

However after a great deal of political manoeuvring and ‘behind closed doors’ deals, Celestia managed to have all charges dropped… well she agreed to charge them for their crimes in Equestria as they were Equestrian citizens, but she immediately dropped them without feeling the need to tell them that. Luna took personal charge of ensuring the cube was securely locked away, while Envy’s fate remained to be discovered, it was still of the utmost importance, that the remaining six spirits never be allowed to escape, perhaps even more so than before as without Envy’s guidance they would be more chaotic and unpredictable.

Besides that the Hamlet castle vanished along with Envy, it appeared it was only ever an illusion created by it, not that there was ever any doubt, after all what kind of building is bigger on the inside than it was on the outside, and lastly the old tear in the floor was also sealed up, leaving no traces it had ever been there.

Once back in Canterlot Castle, Twilight and her friends were free to be exactly what the last few weeks had stopped them from being, just friends.

“I’m mighty sorry about the way ah put you down RD, hope you can forgive me,” Applejack said, scratching her head nervously.

“Are you kidding, you were right to tell me off, I needed somepony to punch me back to earth,” she replied.

“Can’t believe we argued over something as meaningless as whether jus Ponyville or all of Equestria would be in trouble,” Applejack added laughing, Rainbow joined in.

“I know, what a stupid thing to bet fifty bits on,” she agreed, “which by the way, can we get those back Rarity?”

Rarity’s eyes opened wide, “oh yes, about that, well I, um, I kind of spent that on burglary tools.”

“You did what!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash shouted at the same time. Then at once, they all fell to the ground, rolling with laughter. It was just so… ridiculous, they couldn’t help but laugh. When they stopped Fluttershy was the first to speak up.

“I’m so sorry as well,” she announced to the group, “I didn’t mean to spy on you while you were using the toilet Applejack. And I’m sorry for using you Rainbow. And… I’m sorry I betrayed you Twilight.”

“Darlin ah already forgave you for that,” Applejack stated proudly.

“Yeah, I don’t mind, I mean it was weird but… I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it,” Rainbow Dash chipped in, then blushed heavily, “but obviously, I just want to be friends.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy said relieved, then she became nervous again as she looked at Twilight, “Twilight?”

“Did you actually like him?” she asked, Fluttershy hesitated.

“I… really don’t know,” she said honestly, Twilight nodded.

“Yeah, me too,” she said sadly, “but it’s behind us now, friends?”

Fluttershy beamed at her, “friends.”

“Well I think you both would have made lovely couples,” Rarity said sounding disappointed, then she turned suddenly to Applejack, “oh and I forgot to mention, your hair… it’s absolutely stunning!”

Applejack blushed, ever since she lost her hair bobbles, she had decided to keep it down, and now that Rarity brought it up, she once again found herself thinking that she had a point, it really did look good.

“Well thank ya Rarity,” she replied, flattered.

“Yeah it really suits you,” Twilight agreed, “also… your speech back at the castle… I never knew you could speak from the heart like that.”

“Yeah, it was beautiful,” Fluttershy added, “even Rainbow Dash cried a little.”

Rainbow Dash choked as the others broke into a fresh wave of laughter. When they were done it was Pinkie Pie who spoke up, who had been surprisingly quiet throughout the conversation.

“Hey everypony, you know what this calls for?” she asked, Twilight smiled, it was obvious to all of them but she didn’t want to deprive of the chance to say it. “A party!”